DJC College Football Picks Week 1: Ohio State Buckeyes Upset Alert
By Tony Fischer
Apr 12, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Scarlet Team wide receiver Corey Smith (84) runs with the ball as Ohio State Gray Team defensive back Ron Tanner (20) defends during the Ohio State Buckeyes Spring Game at Ohio Stadium. The Scarlet team won 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
This season the Detroit Jock City staff will square off in a battle of wits to determine who is the absolute best at picking football games. Our intrepid staff will pick from 10 college and pro football games each week. Included in the ten game slate will be all the games from the Michigan based schools in addition to some specially selected by our editorial staff.
Staff was also asked to select a lock of the week that highlights the team they would bet the farm on to win. Those football picks and the reasoning behind them are included in the post.
This weeks slate is all about college football as the season kicks off this weekend. The Michigan schools are all hosting FCS schools with the exception of the Broncos who open on the road against the Purdue Boilermakers. The USC Trojans and Ohio State Buckeyes open the season against teams that could give them problems facing some early season adversity.
So which of our staff members got it right? Let us know by commenting at the end of the post and be sure to check back in on Monday when we publish the standings.
DJC Staff Week 1 Football Picks, Locks and Upset Alert
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Joel Greer’s Lock of the week
Texas over N Texas
The atmosphere in Austin will be electric as Longhorn fans welcome new coach Charlie Strong from Louisville. The matchup with “rival” North Texas will be nothing more than a glorified scrimmage. Texas will simply run the ball down the throats of a green Mean Green defense. North Texas must replace seven defensive starters from a year ago. The Longhorns off-season suspensions and dismissals will be forgotten by halftime. Texas 49, North Texas 13.
Zach Zibby’s Lock of the week
Michigan over Appalachian State
Last meeting between these two teams back in 2007 resulted in arguably the biggest upset in FBS history at the Big House. However, the Mountaineers are coming off of a 4-8 season and no question their talent is less than stellar compared to the their former FCS national championship squad. Fifth-year senior quarterback Devin Gardner and freshman phenom Jabrill Pepper will roll over App. St to give the Wolverines their first win of the season.
Nate Williams Lock of the week
Michigan over Appalachian State
Lightning never strikes the same spot twice!
Tony Fischer’s Lock of the week
#3 Oregon over South Dakota
This is the tune up game for the Ducks before their big clash with the Spartans in week 2. The Ducks should be dialed in and looking to prove they should have been ranked preseason #1.
Upset Alert
Navy over Ohio State
Without Braxton Miller running the offense, Navy could give Ohio State all they can handle in week 1. Navy’s offensive ability is unquestioned and if their defense can stop Buckeye true freshman TJ Barrett; the Midshipmen just might be able to pull the upset.