The Dawning of a New (Game) Day

My, my, my, how long has it been? Too long indeed....before I begin - school is back on, football is on, but it's still 102 freaking degrees. Something is not right in the universe, I'm just saying...

I've got my thoughts on the upcoming season in the pros as well as the amateurs, and of course if Texas has any chance on God's green earth to make any significant noise on the national level. But before we get to that puppet show, let's start with in the college ranks.

Thoughts, Predictions, and Just Plain Guessing on the 2013 Season. 

• Let me start with my usual preface I've made before every college football season I've been doing this - pre-season polls are completely meaningless and useless. I think they are part of the problem that is college football, but that's neither here nor there. 
• I don't think anyone is going undefeated this year. 
• I think it's amazing how the NCAA can continue to just wallow in incompetence and inconsistency and still maintain it's "power". Look, I don't know that the Manziel kid took money, but I'm guessing he probably did - it's not like he's proven he's a sharp cookie, or makes solid decisions. But frankly I don't care. I know it's a rule, and it's a stupid one, but it's not like he's cheating or betting on his games. I don't want to get into the whole "should players be paid thing" here and now, so I won't. But, this is a new low for the NCAA. What in the world can possibly come of this other than increased frustration and eroding credibility for them? A half a game? What in the world is the point? What a circus. I wonder how much money was spent on that whole thing???
• I have a feeling Manziel and his family are kind of scum bags....but obviously I've never met them and can't say for sure. Could be the nicest folks in the world - but I haven't heard anyone ever say that. 
• With all of that said, I still think the Aggies have a solid year - but not as good as last year. The problem is will 9-3 be disappointing for them? I think 'Bama beats them by 3 touchdowns, I can see them losing at Arkansas or Ole Miss, and then at LSU towards end of year. I can't imagine Manziel has the same or better numbers as last year - he'll still be solid, but those were crazy numbers last year. I know they have 2-3 other O-line starters coming back, but you don't lose an All-American, top draft pick left tackle and just "move someone over". They'll be fine, but don't underestimate the loss of Joekel. Give me Aggies going 9-3. 
• What's the over/under on number of controversial "targeting" in big games this year? I'm putting it at 5. 
• Stanford has lost like 2 or 3 games in the last 3 years. I didn't realize this, but they are going for a fourth straight season with 11+ wins. Impressive. I wonder who may come calling if they have another 9+ win season? 
• Same question for Kevin Sumlin should they have another season like last one. 
• Right now I have the Big 12 as a 5-team race with 1 of those teams getting it on recent reputation and faith. 
• Kansas State: Like most teams in the Big 12, the Wildcats are breaking in a new QB, but if there's anyone who can throw together at least 6 wins by throwing some JUCO players together, it's Old Man Snyder. At the end of the day, it's faith in Snyder that's forcing me to put them in the conference hunt. They've lost their entire defense so we'll see what the old man has up his sleeve.
• Aaaand, they lost the opener tonight to North Dakota State at home. Kudos to SI's Stewart Mandel who called that one. But that's not a good way to start the season. Although, NDSU has won the D2 title the last two years....so there's that. 
• TCU: By far the scariest team in the conference in my opinion. I'm a big believer in Gary Patterson and I think they will have a solid defense (Gary's bread and butter). The offense has Pachall back (for better or worse) which brings experience, although with a little rust. Offensive line will be a question mark.
• Oklahoma: Ahhhhh...I just don't know. Stoops always seems to pull pretty solid teams together, but this would understandibly be a rebuilding year. Sounds like Bell can't hit dirt with his arm, so they're going with a redshirt freshman, Trevor Knight (also a runner). Sounds like he is capable of making big plays, but I think they've got a year of gelling and experience before they get back to the top.
• Oklahoma State: Like TCU, very dangerous team, primarily because of their style, and they have their signal caller returning. They did lose over half their offensive line, and their star back (now in Dallas if I remember correctly). They have a new defensive coach who should bring a new intensity, but it's been an inconsistent bunch to say the least. TCU, Okie State, and....are my "any of these 3 can win it and it wouldn't shock me". That third is...
• Texas: I can't believe I'm saying this. I really can't. Call it buying into the hype, drinking the kool aid, whatever you want, but it comes down to 2 key things: 1) On paper (pausing for jokes), they are set up to make a big jump. TONS of returning talent, 2 deep in many cases, and an experience QB who's surrounded by 4 starting RBs. And 2) The Big 12 is likely going to be a bit down this year, if only because there were so many key players lost to graduation/draft last year. Everyone not named Texas and Okie State will be breaking in a new QB. My concern is in 2 areas. First, big question mark on our offensive line. They're experienced, but they haven't been good. Experience is better, but they need a HUGE jump in effectiveness and consistency. Secondly, the safety position. I'm confident the corners will be solid, but I worry about deep balls in the middle of the field. I think running back and pass rushing is where this team will get the most love and attention. I don't expect to see a whole lot of pizzazz against New Mexico State, but after, shit gets real with this schedule. At BYU, followed by Ole Miss and Kansas State. That's a good early test for this team. If they head into that buy week 4-0, they'll be brimming with confidence and rightfully so. Of course, we all know what's looming in October. I've said a lot lately I'll believe Texas will beat OU when I see it. Well, I still feel that way...for now. Texas has the talent to run away with the Big 12 at anywhere from 10-2 to 12-0. I guess we'll see if that coaching staff has gotten some things figured out...

Quick Look at This Weekend's Games.

• Okie State and Miss State will be an interesting game...for about a half. I think the Cowboys eventually run away with this. 
• I think Clemson is going to work Georgia. Don't believe in Georgia, especially early in the season. 
• Texas 42 - New Mexico State 13
• I'd like to think that VaTech has a shot against Alabama, but I don't. Bama by 20 points. 
• TCU/LSU - that's where it's at this weekend. Tough game to pick, so many question on both. LSU lost a lot, but are typically good a simply plugging and playing. As-is Gary Patterson. I give the Tigers a slight edge here, but it wouldn't shock me if TCU pulled this one out. Winner won't win by more than 3 points.

I'm going to save my thoughts on the Pros until next week. Enjoy the holiday weekend.