Get used to it. Greatest ever football season is in store. We nail Towson covering by a billion on Thursday. Friday we swept. North Dakota wins outright as a nearly two TD underdog. We told you one of the worst defenses in the country would be “greatly improved” and while every sucker and their brother had Northern Arizona…and we do mean sucker, we has Arizona winning in shutout.
Of course we will head into NFL season on a 4-0 NFL beginning of a great year-long extravaganza. Did you lock in yet?
CFB
Major
NORTH DAKOTA STATE +13.5 Kansas State
Two-time defending FCS champion and preseason No. 1 North Dakota State is the first team in league history to win a game against an FBS foe in three consecutive years (Kansas in 2010, Minnesota in 2011 and Colorado State last season).
North Dakota State also returns Brock Jensen at quarterback, a four-year starter who threw for 2,331 yards last season and played a part in 29 touchdowns. He will be the most experienced quarterback the Wildcats will see all season. He has started 37 games, including several in the Division I-AA playoffs. Coming off back-to-back seasons in which they played 15 games, the Bison are experienced across the board.
Bill Snyder has watched the Wildcats grind out victories in their last four openers. They beat Massachusetts 21-17 his first year back, took out UCLA 31-22 in 2010, struggled mightily in a 10-7 victory over Eastern Kentucky in 2011 and led Missouri State by three at halftime before pulling away last season.
ARIZONA -33.5 Northern Arizona
The Wildcats defense should be greatly improved. Because of injuries, a bunch of players were thrown into the mix last year before they were ready. But the baptism by fire made them better for the wear. Also they struggled learning a complicated defense under Jeff Casteel, the defensive coordinator. But they have a year under their belt, plus a nice infusion of new talent.
The Cats are more motivated for a blowout than many will think. The Wildcats should be pretty excited, too. Not only is it their opening game, it is their first chance to play in renovated Arizona Stadium.
After years of playing in mediocre-at-best facilities, the Wildcats have a gleaming new place they can call their own. And they certainly do not want to lose in their first game there. Consensus All-American KaDeem Carey led the nation with 1,929 yards and is expected to have another big season under Rodriguez quick-hitting offense. The junior running back might feel like he still has something to prove after a difficult off-season that included domestic assault charges that were eventually dropped.
Quarterback battles are great laying a ton of points, because the high-powered offense has a built in excuse to keep throwing the ball. With it also being a statement game for the defense, look for a blowout.