A special  that we hope becomes a weekly feature from SLV:

Wow! Was that a long spring and summer or what? It seemed like CFB would never arrive, but man am I glad we are here. Finally, something to talk about other than Michael Vick and cheating NBA refs. This is the 3rd year of the Locks, and I have included a few more people on the distribution list. If you think this sucks or do not want to receive this e-mail every Friday, let me know and I’ll take you off the list. If you know of anyone who wants to be added, I’ll do that as well.

The old regulars to this e-mail will recall last year’s debate on the whole flawed BCS system and how CFB chooses its NC. Well, it looks like we are stuck with this system for a long while (possible plus 1, but doubtful) and there will be no playoff. So, it’s time for a different topic. In watching and reading as much pre-season CFB shows and mags as I could, I realized that a ton of these so called “experts” are clueless. Not that I am an expert, but if I was getting paid to give my take on CFB, at least I would do my homework. Tons of these guys don’t know diddly and they have research staffs at their disposal. It’s mind-boggling, really.

Let’s start at the top: Lou Holtz (a.k.a. Granny Clampett). Is it just me or is Holtz the worst TV analyst ever in the history of the world? He is a poor man’s Lee Corso. He has a terrible lisp that makes him almost inaudible, he is biased and a professed ND homer, and he forgets his lines. This same guy left the last two universities he coached for in a shambles (NCAA and otherwise) yet there he is every weekend mispronouncing players names, spitting all over the set, and generally fumbling all over the place. Plus, he is not even funny. How in the world he get paid hundreds of thousands of dollars as a motivational speaker and a CFB analyst is beyond me. Because of my utter distaste for Granny, I will institute a new theory in making my picks this year, the “Holtz Fade” (for the non-gamblers on here a “fade” is where you go against the trend).

I’ll track the results and post them weekly. Ok, enough of that, on to the Locks.

1. GA TECH +2 @ ND The “Holtz Fade” right out of the box. Granny thinks the Irish walk in this game, me thinks different. ND in the Weiss Era has been one of the most over rated teams in CFB. They lose their 3 best players on O (Quinn, Samardza and Walker), do not have a clear starter at QB and have a suspect secondary. On the other hand, this may be the best Ga Tech team under Chan Gailey. The Yellow Jackets have a very good D (DC J. Tenuta is one of best in CFB) that is big and athletic, a veteran OL, an upgrade at QB in T. Bennett and a great RB in T. Choice. The only thing that worries me is that it is in South Bend where the Irish get all the calls, but it still will not matter, Ga. Tech wins outright. Jackets 24 Irish 16.

2. TROY +23.5 @ ARK The only two people with worse off seasons than Houston Nutt were Michael Vick and Tim Doneghy. As if living in Arkansas is not bad enough for Razorback fans, they have also had to endure the hasty departure of the Springdale Posse, the rumors about Nutt’s numerous text messages with a female TV reporter, the injury to leading WR M. Monk, the arrest of starting DE A. Robinson, and replacing 3 starting OL. No doubt, Arkansas has the 2 best RBs in the SEC in D. McFadden (I hope everyone got to see the pics. that made the rounds of DMac’s pimped out ride with the Razorbacks on both back fenders ……… sweeeeeeet!) and F. Jones, but little to no passing threat. Meanwhile, Troy has a salty D (held the mighty Rice Owls and offensive guru M. Applewhite to 14 points in bowl game last year) and a veteran QB in O. Haugabrook. HC L. Blakeny is an old school Pat Dye disciple, so he will have Troy ready. Arkansas wins but will not cover the number. ARK 24 TROY 10.

3. OK ST +6.5 @ UGA This is going to be one of the best games of the weekend, in my opinion. The Cowboys have speed and athleticism and will not be wowed by playing a team from the SEC. The Bulldogs are trying to replace a ton on both the OL and DL. The Georgia OL will have a RS Frosh, a JUCO and a true Frosh starting. The DL will have 3 new starters and they lost their best DB (Oliver) to academics. Ok State has two very good RBs in D. Savage(avg. 6.5 yds/carry last year) and K. Toston, and good QB in B. Reid, and a potential AA at WR in A. Bowman. While Ok. State’s D is nothing to write home about, I think they can score with UGA. Expect a bunch of points (over the total) and a very close game. UGA 31 OK St. 30.

Good Luck!

DISCLAIMER

THE PICKS AND OPINIONS OF THE AUTHOR ARE STRICTLY MEANT FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND RELIANCE ON THESE PROGNOSTICATIONS IS DONE AT YOUR OWN PERIL.