SEC + 3: Week One

It's that glorious time of the year when the leaves fall, and SEC Football begins. Let's go straight to the picks for week one:

Thursday Aug. 28

(21) Texas A&M vs. (9) South Carolina

This is the game that will be the first broadcast on the new SEC Network. It will be interesting to see how Kenny Hill fills the void left by Johnny Manziel, but Mike Davis will hush the doubters.

The Pick: South Carolina 38 Texas A&M 28

Boise State vs. (18) Ole Miss

In a game that will be played in the Georgia Dome, this will be a match-up of two teams that have potential to turn a lot of heads this season. I'll take the Rebels by a touchdown.

The Pick: Ole Miss 31 Boise State 24

Temple vs. Vanderbilt

Derek Mason will begin a new-era in Nashville with a win over the Owls, but it'll be much closer than people think.

The Pick: Vanderbilt 27 Temple 21

Saturday Aug. 30

UT-Martin vs. Kentucky

Mark Stoops has done some recruiting that will improve the Wildcats, and this will be a nice tune-up to start Kentucky's season.

The Pick: Kentucky 38 UT-Martin 13

South Dakota State vs. (24) Missouri

Missouri lost some talent from last season, but you can expect for Gary Pinkel's team to be tough as usual on every team's schedule. Maty Mauk will take the reigns of the Tiger offense and provide Mizzou some firepower.

The Pick: Missouri 42 South Dakota State 24

West Virginia vs. (2) Alabama

Jacob Coker will end up being the best quarterback at Alabama during the Nick Saban era, and I feel very sorry for the Mountaineers in this game.

The Pick: Alabama 38 West Virginia 7

Arkansas vs. (6) Auburn

Nick Marshall won't be the starting quarterback for the Tigers, but it's not going to matter much, as the Razorbacks will end up being the worst team in the SEC West.

The Pick: Auburn 31 Arkansas 17

(16) Clemson vs. (12) Georgia

Dabo Swinney always does a great job preparing and playing teams that aren't from South Carolina in the SEC. This game, however, the Tigers' defense will have to contain one of the best running backs in the country in Todd Gurley. This game has all the potential to be the best matchup of week one, and Georgia will split the home-and-home series with the Tigers.

The Pick: Georgia 27 Clemson 24

Idaho vs. Florida

The Vandals travel to Gainesville to play in the harshest environment that they will see all season. The Gators' defense will be able to control Idaho, and Florida fans hope to see an overhaul of the offense.

The Pick: Florida 28 Idaho 6

Southern Mississippi vs. Mississippi State

Dan Mullen has his best squad since he's been the coach of the Bulldogs, and quarterback Dak Prescott will be able to implement the system that provided Mullen much success while he coached Tim Tebow at Florida.

The Pick: Mississippi State 42 Southern Mississippi 16

(14) Wisconsin vs. (13) LSU

Wisconsin will be able to make some noise in the Big Ten this season, but LSU's powerful offensive line will give the Tigers a rushing attack that will be too much for the Badgers. Wisconsin will be replacing all seven players on the defensive front from last season, and Les Miles' team will be able to exploit this weakness.

The Pick: LSU 31 Wisconsin 21

Sunday Aug. 31

Utah State vs. Tennessee

The Vols will have a lot of youth on offense going into this season, and that will make things tough against Utah State's stout defense. Nonetheless, Tennessee is playing in Neyland Stadium, and the home field advantage will be too much for the Aggies.

The Pick: Tennessee 24 Utah State 23

Plus 3:

(1) Florida State vs. Oklahoma State

Jimbo Fisher and Jameis Winston will look to pick up right where they left off last season, seeking another National Championship. Oklahoma State might be able to play with the Seminoles early, but this game will get ugly at some point or another.

The Pick: Florida State 52 Oklahoma State 27

(5) Ohio State vs. Navy

Despite losing their dynamic quarterback Braxton Miller due to a season-ending shoulder injury, the Buckeyes' favorable schedule and stingy defense will keep them in every game on their schedule.

The Pick: Ohio State 38 Navy 21

(25) Washington vs. Hawaii

The Huskies are a team that are heavily underrated, and they make my picks this week because I think they will be able to make some noise in the PAC-12 this season. Expect a big win in week one to start Washington off strong.

The Pick: Washington 45 Hawaii 16

So, there you have it with the picks for week one. Disagree with me? Let me know on twitter @griffaldo . We hope you enjoy week one as much as I enjoyed this picture of Steve Spurrier, thanks for reading!