Hi there, again.  I wanted to do the picks today to cover the opening of the NFL season tonight.  We'll return to our normal Friday next week.

Before we get going, I wanted to wish the Fat Dog a happy birthday.  He turns four tomorrow.  Happy birthday, pal.  You aren't getting older, you're getting fatter. And now your age is four points above your IQ!

I'm kind of slow coming out of the gate this year, going only 3-2 last week.  I was really disappointed in both Oregon and Georgia.  I thought Oregon was a much better team and I was very impressed with the LSU defense and how their offense did without their starting quarterback.  I was also very surprised how easily Boise State handled Georgia.  That tells me that either Boise is for real or Georgia may be so bad that they could get smoked by Vanderbilt. In either case, I hope Mark Richt has stopped by the Athens Piggly Wiggly to pick up some boxes, because he'll need them to clean out his office.  He may not even make it until the end of the year.

As always, we're doing five college, five pro straight up.  Let's raise our leg and get to work:

College

• Oregon State vs. Wisconsin: The team that impressed me the most last weekend was Wisconsin.  Russell Wilson is the real deal and he brings a dimension to the Badger offense that they haven't had in a while.  They may lose a game this year, but it won't be to the Beavers.  Take Wisconsin.
• Mississippi State vs. Auburn: I think Mississippi State could be the most underrated team in the SEC.  Auburn on the other hand barely survived Utah State.  I think Mississippi State is a much better team than Utah State and will take down the Tigers Saturday.  Take Mississippi State.
• South Carolina vs. Georgia: This could be a watershed game in the career of Georgia coach Mark Richt.  After getting hammered by Boise State, Georgia plays an important SEC East game against pre-season division favorite South Carolina.  A win by the Bulldogs would ease some of the hot breath on the back of Richt's neck, but the Ol' Ball Coach and his Gamecocks are no pushover.  In fact, I think it gets hotter for Richt after this week.  Take South Carolina
• Alabama vs. Penn State:  While the final score was impressive last week, Alabama played an inconsistent game against Kent State.  They were strong in the beginning, slogged through the middle and then finished on a high note.  AJ McCarron totally outplayed Phillip Sims at quarterback and even though Nick Saban hasn't named a starter, you have to think McCarron will get the majority of the snaps.  Penn State also has two quarterbacks and will be playing them in different situations.  This game comes down to two areas: skill players and line play, both of which Alabama has an edge.  This game is on the road against a tough opponent, but the Tide can and will handle it.  Take Alabama.
• Notre Dame vs. Michigan: The big thing in this game will be watching Notre Dame coach Brain Kelly on the sideline to see if explodes.  Seriously, this is a game that is more name and tradition than actual quality.  Both of these teams will probably make it to a bowl game, but it probably won't be played on New Year's day.  That said, Notre Dame is coming off an embarrassing loss to South Florida while Michigan is coming off a lighting shortened win over Western Michigan.  While I think Michigan is capable of pulling an upset, I'll stick with the Irish.  Take Notre Dame.

Pro

• New Orleans vs. Green Bay: This is a heck of an opener.  While the Saints have reloaded a bit and are a lot hungrier than they were last year, this game is being played at Lambeau Field in front of thousands of adoring and inebriated Cheeseheads. The Packers are poised for another deep run this season and I think the home field advantage will give them the lift they need to get through this one.  Take Green Bay.
• Atlanta vs. Chicago: The problem with the Bears is that there are so many questions.  Can their O-Line keep Jay Cutler from getting killed like he did in the NFC Championship Game?  Can Cutler cut down on his picks?  Can Mike Martz scheme an offense that works for everybody?  And, can the Bears secondary be effective?  The answer is maybe, but not against a talented Falcons team.  Take Atlanta.
• Detroit vs. Tampa Bay:  This is a battle of two up and coming teams.  While Tampa is good, I really like Detroit's defense.  I think the Lions have enough to sit down the Bucs.  I know Detroit is horrible on the road, but I think this year could be different. Take Detroit.
• Minnesota vs. San Diego: The Vikings are coming off an awful year, and despite some changes, it may not be much better.  The Chargers are a sleeper for the Super Bowl. Take San Diego.
• NY J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets vs. Dallas: One of the things you will notice in the beginning of the season is that the teams that changed coaches or coordinators are going to have a tough time early.  Without OTAs and mini camps, they've had to install and teach new offenses and defenses and it will take more than four pre-season games to figure them out.  Dallas has a new D-corr in Rob Ryan and his defense is very complex (I mean, come on, he's Buddy's son!) His brother Rex has kept the Jets staff in tact and that should be enough to take down the Boys in the house that Jerry built. Take the Jets.