SEC+3: Week One Picks

I think I speak for all that are currently reading this post with a little poem that I wrote:

Please Lord, let the temperature drop.
Like the leaves from the trees, please, make the heat stop.
Because it's time for the fans to be happy and sad.
With plenty of food from tailgates to be had.
And last but not least, the most important of all.
Dear Lord, thank you!
IT'S TIME FOR FOOTBALL!

Thanks for joining us for another season of the SEC+3! Here are our week one picks:

Appalachian State vs. (9) Tennessee

Keister: Opening night in Neyland proves to be a tune-up task for Butch Jones and the Volunteers, with reserves and new additions getting plenty of work in Knoxville Thursday.

The Pick: Tennessee 45 Appalachian State 13

Godsey: The Vols will start the year off with a target on their backs, as this group starts ranked in the top 10. To me, preseason rankings don't mean much during the first two weeks. Are they a top team? I'm not so sure yet, so let's focus on what we do know for sure. The Vols were a young and talented team last year and ended the season playing to their potential. This year, we have an experienced and talented group taking the field. Knoxville won't be "upset city," and Tennessee will handle Appalachian State this week.

The Pick: Tennessee 48 Appalachian State 17

Griff: Tennessee and its fan base are "Atlanta or Bust" this season. Anything shy of a SEC East title will be disappointing to the Knoxville faithful. I'm not sure just yet that the Vols will be the team that will emerge from the East, but I am sure that Tennessee will start strong with a heavy dose of Jalen Hurd early in this game.

The Pick: Tennessee 38 Appalachian State 10

South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt 

Keister: In what will be a low-scoring defensive affair, a costly turnover or two by the Commodores will give the Gamecocks the slight edge needed to usher in the Will Muschamp era. Ball control and several long, sustained drives give Carolina the "W" in Nashville.

The Pick: South Carolina 17 Vanderbilt 13

Godsey: Both of these teams will be looking for drastic improvement this season. Vanderbilt's offensive production was near the bottom among all FBS teams, while South Carolina will begin a new era with head coach Will Muschamp. Both teams' quarterback situations are murky, but things seem to be looking up for South Carolina. I'll take the Gamecocks in this one.

The Pick: South Carolina 24 Vanderbilt 21

Griff: An interesting SEC game to start 2016 conference play. A lot of question marks need to be answered for both of these teams, and this game will come down to who can take care of the football better. The Gamecocks' magic number will be 21. I believe if this offense, that will be featuring a bunch of new faces, can score over 21 points then the Gamecocks will pull out a win. I believe that we'll see a much more aggressive South Carolina defense that will help the Gamecocks create a couple key turnovers that will allow for extra possessions to get to that magic number of 21.

The Pick: South Carolina 27 Vanderbilt 26

South Alabama vs. Mississippi State

Keister: The Bulldogs wear out the Jaguars in a one-sided offensive display.

The Pick: Mississippi State 42 South Alabama 7

Godsey: I can't see a reason why the Bulldogs won't take advantage of this proverbial "tune-up" game and absolutely stick it to South Alabama. It will, however, be interesting to see how Dan Mullen's offensive scheme works without Dak Prescott.

The Pick: Mississippi State 41 South Alabama 13

Griff: Life without Dak begins for Bulldogs' fans this weekend. Mississippi State fans, however, don't need to worry. They'll still have plenty of reasons to utilize the cow bells in Starkville.

The Pick: Mississippi State 45 South Alabama 10

Missouri vs. West Virginia

Keister: Coach Holgerson will have his high-octane offense ready to roll in the opener in Morgantown. Mountaineers will build a lead early and be able to cruise throughout the second half.

The Pick: West Virginia 41 Missouri 17

Godsey: These two teams were polar opposites at the end of last season, with Missouri having a rough finish and the Mountaineers winning four of their last five games. Sophomore Drew Lock will try to lead the Tigers offense, but I think Missouri is in for a rough start.

The Pick: West Virginia 31 Missouri 24

Griff: Missouri will have to be able to create a lot of turnovers and use a lot of creativity on offense. I just don't see the Tigers being able to outscore a West Virginia team that always has weapons on the offensive side of the ball.

The Pick: West Virginia 35 Missouri 14

(16) UCLA vs. Texas A&M

Keister: Despite a quarterback carousel the last couple seasons, Coach Sumlin's team will open up strong and overwhelm the visitors from Los Angeles with an early surge. Both defenses will struggle and when the dust settles, the Aggies leave Kyle Field with strong week one victory.

The Pick: Texas A&M 31 UCLA 23

Godsey: The Aggies have a lot of talent returning on defense this season. Like usual, Kevin Sumlin's team is pretty stacked at the skill positions, despite starting a new quarterback in Trevor Knight. Jim Mora's UCLA team will have to play better defense than it did against Nebraska. The Aggies are fast, athletic and shifty, and I think they pull out a win at Kyle Field this weekend.

The Pick: Texas A&M 35 UCLA 27

Griff: A lot of attention will be on Trevor Knight, as he makes his SEC debut with the support of the 12th Man in College Station. This game is basically a coin flip, and I think whichever team has the ball last will pull out the win. For picking purposes, give me the Aggies at home.

The Pick: Texas A&M 31 UCLA 30

(5) LSU vs. Wisconsin

Keister: The Badgers take center stage in Green Bay and will provide a great hostile atmosphere for Wisconsin, keeping them in the contest the entire way. Leonard Fournette will put the Bayou Bengals on his back late in this game and give LSU a big win in a fantastic opening week contest.

The Pick: LSU 27 Wisconsin 23

Godsey: The LSU offense will be its usual self with Leonard Fournette. The defense will also be stout as usual. The Badgers aren't going to be a pushover, though, and Wisconsin is one of the toughest teams in the Big 10. Wisconsin does face a very difficult schedule, and that schedule will start with a week one loss against Les Miles' squad.

The Pick: LSU 34 Wisconsin 21

Griff: I really wish I could go to this game just for the food. Like I said in the podcast earlier in the week, I can only imagine what a cajun style brat would taste like, and it sounds pretty amazing. I'm curious to see how the quarterback play will look for LSU, and I think they'll be able to lean on Leonard Fournette to get them the win in this opener. If they want to take things to the next level this season, though, Les Miles will have to find a way to create some balance to keep opposing defenses from stacking the box every play. That being said, if I was coaching against LSU that's exactly what I would do, and let the Tigers try to beat me by throwing the football. Fournette goes over 150 in this one and will be a Heisman frontrunner as long as LSU wins games.

The Pick: LSU 35 Wisconsin 24

Louisiana Tech vs. Arkansas

Keister: The Razorbacks will overwhelm their week one opponent with a dominating performance by pounding the football behind that enormous offensive line.

The Pick: Arkansas 38 Louisiana Tech 6

Godsey: If Arkansas can start this season the way they finished last season, we could see the Razorbacks as a contender in the SEC West. The Razorbacks will have an Allen under center this year, but it will be Austin Allen, Brandon Allen's younger brother. Arkansas returns nine starters on defense, but they can't overlook Louisiana Tech like they did with Toledo early last season.

The Pick: Arkansas 34 Louisiana Tech 24

Griff: Arkansas won't have their 1,500-yard rusher Alex Collins back this season, but the Razorbacks are very good at reloading the talent that comprises their rushing attack. I believe that Arkansas' fans will be very satisfied with how the Razorbacks play on the defensive side of the ball this season, and I see the Hogs blowing out Louisiana Tech at home in week one.

The Pick: Arkansas 48 Louisiana Tech 20

(18) Georgia vs. (22) North Carolina

Keister: The start of the Kirby Smart era will be a good contest between two quality teams in Atlanta. I look for the use of depth and mismatches in the trenches on both sides of the ball to be the difference maker for the Bulldogs pulling away late in this game by pounding away at the Tarheels defense with their rushing attack.

The Pick: Georgia 33 North Carolina 20

Godsey: Georgia finished strong at the end of last season and will look to keep that momentum going with Kirby Smart now at the helm. North Carolina will be a tough opponent to open up against for the Bulldogs, but in the end, I think Georgia's rushing attack will be too much for North Carolina's defense. This one will be close, though.

The Pick: Georgia 28 North Carolina 24

Griff: This game is one that wouldn't surprise me if the result goes either way. North Carolina finished strong last year and gave eventual runner-up Clemson a good game in the ACC Championship. This weekend will be one of, if not THE, best opening weekends in college football history. This will be one of several pivotal first week games that will be a nice barometer to indicate whether or not teams are the real deal. Like both of the gentlemen above me, I do believe it will come down to Georgia's ability to run the football, and I think with Nick Chubb that they'll be just fine. If North Carolina can create some points of some early turnovers, however, the Bulldogs aren't designed to play from behind.

The Pick: Georgia 31 North Carolina 30

Southern Miss vs. Kentucky

Keister: Coach Stoops will have his Wildcats looking impressive offensively in the season opener against the Golden Eagles. Kentucky will wear down their opponent throughout this game.

The Pick: Kentucky 48 Southern Miss 17

Godsey: Kentucky's Drew Barker was one of the highest-recruited quarterbacks in the country, and he will take command of the offense this season. I think that Southern Miss will give the new quarterback a hard time, and that this game is a toss up. Give me Southern Miss in a close one.

The Pick: Southern Miss 28 Kentucky 24

Griff: Mark Stoops really has something to prove with Kentucky this season. I think that will start with a solid week one win over Southern Miss.

The Pick: Kentucky 31 Southern Miss 17

UMass vs. (25) Florida

Keister: The Gators will score early and often in a nice warm-up game in the Swamp. A lot of mismatches all around prove to be far too much for the Minutemen.

The Pick: Florida 42 UMass 10

Godsey: Florida had a brutal ending to their season last year, getting outscored by opponents 97-24 at the end of the season. The defense should shape up to be improved this year, as the Gators return a lot of talent. This opener will be a great opportunity for Florida to fine tune their offense for the rest of their schedule.

The Pick: Florida 34 UMass 17

Griff: Luke Del Rio will make his debut as the Gators quarterback, and the Florida defense will be have the Swamp shaking with the Florida fight song. I see Florida creating a lot of havoc on the Minutemen offense, and though the Gators offense might experience some growing pains, this week one game won't be close.

The Pick: Florida 33 UMass 6

(20) Southern Cal vs. (1) Alabama

Keister: Coach Saban's record in season openers speaks for itself, and while some of the individual match ups will be interesting to watch, the game itself will be out of the Trojans reach sooner than most expect.

The Pick: Alabama 41 Southern Cal 20

Godsey: This is a game that we've all been waiting for since it was announced. Everybody knows Alabama and Nick Saban will put together a great team on the field that's stacked with depth. I'm calling another 10-plus wins for the Tide this season, which isn't much of a gamble. Alabama will likely end up returning to the playoff, which also isn't much of a gamble. Nick Saban is one of the best in the country at preparing his team to play, and that's what will win Alabama this game.

The Pick: Alabama 27 Southern Cal 17

Griff: While I think that Southern Cal is headed back towards the days where they ruled the world of the PAC-12, Alabama is still positioned to make another championship run. It will be fun to see which talent emerges from the Tide's roster this season, and after what will appear to be a slow and competitive first half, the Tide will do what they do best: win the fourth quarter.

The Pick: Alabama 38 Southern Cal 20

(2) Clemson vs. Auburn

Keister: Auburn will come out going for the aggressive big plays early and often, and the No. 2 Tigers will have a tougher fight on their hands than many anticipate. The abundance of returning skill players and weapons at Clemson's disposal will prove to be too much in the end, though, with Clemson pulling away shortly into the second half.

The Pick: Clemson 38 Auburn 23

Godsey: This game is a huge opening week match up with a lot on the line. Auburn can set the tone for their entire season with a win, and a win for Clemson will allow them to clear a big first hurdle. The quarterback situation for Auburn will be interesting with Gus Malzahn naming Sean White the starter at quarterback. While White will be the starter, I do believe we'll see some of Jeremy Johnson and John Franklin III.

The Pick: Clemson 31 Auburn 21

Griff: Clemson goes into to Jordan-Hare looking to avenge a tough loss that came by the hands of the eventual Heisman Trophy winner, Cam Newton in 2010. Gus Malzahn is going to pull out all stops early, and this game could be close going into the half. I'm curious to see how Clemson's defense will respond if they experience some adversity in this game. That being said, DeShaun Watson is a legitimate Heisman Trophy caliber quarterback and is an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. Pair that with Clemson's receiving corps and running game, and the second-ranked Tigers will come out of Jordan-Hare with their revenge from that overtime defeat in 2010.

The Pick: Clemson 36 Auburn 27  

(11) Ole Miss vs. (4) Florida State

Keister: In what I find to be the most interesting match up of the weekend, I look for Florida State redshirt freshman Deondre Francois to impress people with his composure and playmaking ability. There will be plenty of offensive fireworks on both sides with the running game of the Seminoles and Dalvin Cook being the x-factor in a hard-fought victory for the Seminoles.

The Pick: Florida State 31 Ole Miss 27

Godsey: This is another monster game that will set the tone for both team's seasons. The Rebels lost some big names on offense, but still have Chad Kelly running the offense. I'm going to have to side with the Seminoles, though. Florida State is extremely talented, and a big win will give them a needed boost to start the 2016 season.

The Pick: Florida State 31 Ole Miss 28

Griff: I would pick the LSU/Wisconsin game for the tailgating, but this is the game I would pick to watch the football. There's going to be so much talent on the field at all times between these two teams. Ole Miss lost some players on defense heading into this season, but this isn't the first time that the Rebels have faced a big time running back like Dalvin Cook. If the Rebels can contain Cook and Deondre Francois along with Chad Kelly taking care of the football, the Rebels have a shot at gaining some huge momentum to start the season.

The Pick: Ole Miss 28 Florida State 26

Kansas State vs. (8) Stanford

Keister: Christian McCaffrey will begin his 2016 Heisman Trophy campaign with a strong showing in a Cardinal offensive showcase.

The Pick: Stanford 48 Kansas State 20

Godsey: Even though Kansas State returns a lot of players this season, it simply won't be enough to contain Christian McCaffrey and the Cardinal on their home field.

The Pick: Stanford 41 Kansas State 30

Griff: Like the guys said, this is going to be our first look at the Christian McCaffrey show. I'm more curious as to how many big plays he'll account for versus what the score of the game will actually be.

The Pick: Stanford 35 Kansas State 13

(3) Oklahoma vs. (15) Houston

Keister: This will be an exciting track meet with two elite quarterbacks putting on a show. Look for the depth and power on both sides of the line for the Sooners to be the difference in what will be an exciting game.

The Pick: Oklahoma 34 Houston 28

Godsey: This is a huge chance for Houston, and this is a must win game for any chance at the Cougars making the playoff. Unfortunately, the Cougars will have to square off against Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield, who will be a Heisman Finalist barring any sort of injury.

The Pick: Oklahoma 42 Houston 31

Griff: The Cougars insulted me the last time that I picked against them during bowl season last year. Tom Herman will have his guys amped up to play, and this game could serve as a huge resume-builder for the Cougars to get a potential berth into the Big 12. Houston finds a way to score fast and create some all-important turnovers and comes out of week one with the upset of the week.

The Pick: Houston 36 Oklahoma 31

(10) Notre Dame vs. Texas

Keister: While The Irish will go on to have a successful year, the lack of returning starters hurts them with a Longhorns defense that returns a lot of players on both sides of the ball. In a hostile atmosphere in Austin, first half mistakes prove to be too much for Coach Kelly to overcome, allowing the Longhorns to kick off the 2016 season with a signature win.

The Pick: Texas 23 Notre Dame 20

Godsey: This game could feature up to four quarterbacks between these two teams. This is one of the most difficult games to call, but Notre Dame's success in Austin will prove itself again. Brian Kelly's team escapes Austin with a 1-0 record.

The Pick: Notre Dame 34 Texas 20

Griff: The pressure is increasing on Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong, and Texas fans are ready to see the old days of Texas football return in full swing. Notre Dame's suspensions are going to play a key factor in this game, and I think Texas has a chance to be one of the most improved teams in college football this season. Give me the Longhorns in an absolute thriller!

The Pick: Texas 24 Notre Dame 23

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