Prediction Time for 2014

By this time next week, I will be writing about the first weekend of college football in Utah.  It's an exciting time.  There is optimism in town especially with the three FBS schools.  It may all be tempered or the fans of fortune may further build the flames of optimism by the end of next week.  In the meantime, here is what I think will happen next week.

Thursday Night.

Michigan at Utah

This may be the most evenly matched teams playing during the first week of college football.  And it may just be the game of the week nationwide.  So much in unknown about Michigan right now because Jim Harbaugh likes to play with his cards close to his chest.  But Utah has two things going for them.  They are playing at home, and they have the leg of Andy Phillips.  If the game comes down to a kick, I want Phillips on my team.

Prediction.  Utah 24 Michigan 21

Saturday

BYU at Nebraska

I know that a lot of people in Provo expect the Cougars to come away with a win on Saturday.  But I think my expectations are realistic.  The Huskers have a new head coach and are learning a new system.  That is the only thing in their favor.  That usually means the defense will rule the day.  And you don't wager against the Cornhusker defense at Memorial Stadium.  I really don't expect BYU to make that much of a game of it unless they can get someone in the backfield to step up and have a big game and take the pressure off of Taysom Hill.  If BYU can't get Nebraska to respect the run, it won't be much of a game.

Prediction: Nebraska 35 BYU 10

Southern Utah at Utah State

OK guys, go out there have fun and don't get hurt.  We won't learn much about either team at this game unless Chuckie Keeton is still playing in the 2nd half.  I don't expect that to happen.

Prediction: Utah State 45 Southern Utah 10

Weber State at Oregon State

2011 was the last time that Weber State played against Gary Anderson.  The score was 54-17.  This game may be that close, except Weber State doesn't have Ron McBride on their sideline.  Darn!  We'll here is hoping for some early season jitters.  Again, don't expect to learn much about the Wildcats in this game, unless OSU still has the bulk of their starting lineup in the game in the second half.

Prediction: Oregon State 63 Weber State 5