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SEC to start strong, but ACC offers doozies

Alabama head coach Nick Saban gives directions from the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban gives directions from the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Normally this prediction column would run Friday, but with games tonight and Friday night, this seems the best time to kick off the football season.

The SEC has one conference game and four more of national interest, and it should make a good showing except against the ACC, as Auburn and Ole Miss play the best of that conference. These picks are not against the spread, just what happens on the field.

Louisiana Tech at Arkansas

A year ago, this might have been a different game, but the Bulldogs lost 13 starters. But it could be competitive until the fourth quarter as the Razorbacks look to answer several questions, especially on the offensive line. Arkansas 35-17.

Toledo at ASU (Friday)

The Rockets' red glare of last year, when they knocked off the Hogs, may not be as bright with seven defensive starters gone. The Red Wolves are going with a quarterback by committee, for now. Running back Warren Wand is fun to watch. ASU 24-21.

USC-Alabama (Arlington, Texas)

The Trojans return 15 starters for second-year coach Clay Helton, and this is their Super Bowl, but the Crimson Tide are very comfortable with a target on their back. Alabama 30-21.

Clemson at Auburn

In a battle of Tigers, Auburn has to find a way to slow quarterback Deshaun Watson. Gus Malzahn will have a few tricks up his sleeve, but not enough for the upset. Clemson 35-24.

UMass at Florida

Minutemen may be more like Minute Maid in Gainesville. Florida 38-10.

North Carolina at Georgia (Atlanta)

Quarterback is the biggest question for the Tar Heels. Georgia Coach Kirby Smart starts his career in a positive way after a tough fight. Georgia 42-38.

Southern Miss at Kentucky

Jay Hopson has some big shoes to fill for the Golden Eagles, after former Coach Todd Monken took the offensive coordinator job of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Wildcats believe this is their breakout season. Kentucky 35-21.

LSU at Wisconsin (Green Bay, Wis.)

The Badgers return 12 starters from a 10-win season but will need everyone they have to stop Leonard Fournette. This is a chance for Brandon Harris to make a statement about his quarterbacking abilities for the Tigers. LSU 35-27.

South Alabama at Mississippi St.

It won't be as obvious this week that Dak Prescott is in Dallas, not Starkville. Barring a miracle, the Bulldogs should have this one sewn up before the half. Mississippi State 42-10.

Missouri at W. Virginia

The Tigers will rely heavily on their defense with eight returning starters. The Tigers did lose everything from their head coach to the chancellor all the way to the president, and the school's freshman enrollment was down more than 20 percent. They need a win like they need air. Missouri 14-13.

Ole Miss at Florida State (Orlando, Fla., Monday)

Chad Kelly will need Heisman-type numbers for the Rebels to have a chance against a team that has its entire offense back and six on defense. Florida State 31-24.

South Carolina at Vanderbilt (tonight)

Will Muschamp released his two-deep for this game with three possible starting quarterbacks. If you don't have one quarterback, you don't have a quarterback. Derek Mason gets his first season-opening victory. Vanderbilt 28-20.

Appalachian State at Tennessee (tonight)

The Vols will wear helmet stickers to honor Pat Summitt, the legendary women's basketball coach, but they had better be focused on a very good Sun Belt team that returns nine defensive starters from an 11-win season. Tennessee 31-24.

UCLA at Texas A&M

The Bruins will try to ride the arm of Josh Rosen, and the Aggies are looking for help from transfer Trevor Knight. It could come down to the final drive. Texas A&M 31-28.

Sports on 09/01/2016

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