The Return of the Tailgate

It's been a long time since we've done one of these, so bear with us as we get our feet wet a bit here. Just to refresh your memory, we'll pick all the games involving the Top 25 teams for the weekend. Thursday night games will be omitted since, well, they're being played while I'm writing the Tailgate. But, just to get reacquainted, I'm having a couple Budweisers and grilled some bratwurst and were watching some football. If Obama or McCain are looking for a real campaign idea, there it is - Beer. Brats. Football. McCain. America.

Ok, let's dive right in. Since there are a lot of games, I'll try to keep each "pick" brief. And as always, if you use these picks to help you gamble, you're an idiot and deserve to lose your money.

#1 Georgia vs. Georgia Southern - Georgia Southern did beat App State last year...no. Just no. This game will be a blowout and Georgia Southern better hope that no one important gets hurt. UGA 56 - 7.

#2 Ohio St vs. Youngstown St. - Jim Tressell coached Youngstown State (nickname: Penguins. Because there are so many penguins in Ohio...) to 4 national championships in 1AA football. He's coached Ohio State to 1, possibly a second this year. He'll get the win, but go easy on his former team. 42-3.

#3 USC @ Virginia - Cavalier fans are fired up for the arrival of the Trojans in Charlottesville, as noted by Hangover contributor Preston's stretch job on realfootball365.com. UVA is rebuilding, and it's not going to be a good start to the rebuilding job for the Hoos. USC wins 38-10.

#4 Oklahoma vs. Chattanooga - Everyone loves the Mocs, but the Sooners have too much talent. This game won't be close or interesting. OU wins 49-7. And yes, these scores are completely random.

#5 Florida vs. Hawaii - Colt Brennan isn't walking through that door. Florida wins 52-21.

#6 Missouri vs. #20 Illinois - This could very well be the best game of the weekend, but no one's really talking about it. Illinois gave Missouri one of its two losses last year, so I'm taking Mizzou to exact some revenge in a great game. Mizzou 31, Illinois 27

#7 LSU vs. App State - Here are my thoughts on this game.

#8 WVU vs. Villanova - Brian Westbrook isn't walking through that door. But Pat White and Noel Devine are. WVU 35, Nova 7

#9 Clemson vs. #24 Alabama - All the pressure is on Clemson not only to win this game, but win the ACC. Clemson doesn't perform well under pressure. Bama with the upset, 24-21.

#10 Auburn vs. Louisiana-Monroe - Auburn installed the spread in the offseason. No better way to work the kinks out than against a random school from Louisiana. 41-7 Tigers.

#11 Texas vs. Florida Atlantic - FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger called Texas soft a couple weeks ago. Bad idea when you coach Florida Atlantic. UT wins 56-21.

#12 Texas Tech vs. Eastern Washington - I mean, how does this game even happen? Red Raiders win 62-7.

#13 Wisconsin vs. Akron - The Zips aren't going to be able to hang with the Badgers at Camp Randall for very long. Badgers win 31-14.

#14 Kansas vs. FIU - I think Kansas is overrated, but it won't show against Florida International. KU wins 35-7.

#15 Arizona State vs. Northern Arizona - I'm pretty sure Northern Arizona made news last year because the backup punter stabbed the starter, but I don't know. Frankly, I don't care. ASU wins 24-10.

#16 BYU vs. Northern Iowa - BYU is one of the teams expected to be a possible "BCS Buster" but we won't know after this game. BYU 27-7.

#17 Virginia Tech vs. ECU - This game is being played in Charlotte and I'm just glad I'm getting out of town before all the rednecks show up for this one. I'm taking ECU as the Hokies are trying to figure who's actually eligible and who's in prison. ECU wins 17-14.

#18 Tennessee @ UCLA - The Hangover's brother will give us a live report from the Rose Bowl, but despite the ads UCLA is taking out in the paper out in LA, this won't be much of a game. UT wins 28-7.

# 19 South Florida vs. Tennessee-Martin - I don't know where Martin is in Tennessee, and I'm confident I still won't know after this game is over. South Florida 34, UT-M 7.

#21 Oregon vs. Washington - I'm tempted to take the upset here since Oregon's starting QB is out for the year, but I'm not picking against the Ducks in Autzen. This should be a good one though, Oregon wins 21-20.

#22 Penn State vs. Coastal Carolina - I didn't realize the Chanticleers had a football program. I'm confident they are going to lose, but at least there are some good strip clubs to drown their sorrows at after the game is over in Myrtle Beach. Or so I've heard. PSU 34-13.

#25 Pitt vs. Bowling Green - Pitt is getting a lot of play from their win over WVU last year. I don't have any idea why they are ranked. But they won't be after this week. Bowling Green in the upset, 14-13.

Well, there you have it. Enjoy the games and the long weekend. You've worked hard, why don't you take Monday off? We'll be back next week, but in the mean time, try not to be too jealous that Brooklyn Decker is a UNC fan. Bartender!