David Just

Sports Editor

Illinois vs. Missouri

The Illini are four-point underdogs playing in front of a crowd that will be largely Illinois-friendly. I’ll take those odds.

Winner: Illinois 24-21

Washington State vs. Wisconsin

Wisconsin won’t be the surprise it was a year ago, returning running back P.J. Hill and most pieces of its stellar defense. This could get ugly.

Winner: Wisconsin 31-10

OK State vs. Georgia

Oklahoma State’s marketing department labels the team “the most powerful offense in the world.” That may be, but it won’t win.

Winner: Georgia 24-17

Tennessee vs. California

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe? Inka-dink? How about flip a coin? I’ll take Cal at home with revenge from last season’s opener on its mind.

Winner: Cal 27-24

Florida State vs. Clemson

Tommy Bowden has won three of the last four Bowden Bowls, but Bobby is the one bronzed at Doak Campbell Stadium. Who’s your daddy?

Winner: FSU 21-17

Daniel Johnson

Football columnist

Illinois vs. Missouri

Unless the Illini defense can shut down Chase Daniel, it will be hard to go punch-for-punch with the Tigers. Missouri just has too many offensive weapons for the Illini to deal with at this point.

Winner: Missouri 28-24

OK State vs. Georgia

Both teams have great offenses to light up the scoreboard, but Georgia’s defense will be able to get stops when it needs them. OK State may not be as lucky.

Winner: Georgia 35-28

Tennessee vs. California

The best matchup of opening weekend, but Cal should be able to win. Erik Ainge has a broken pinky on his throwing hand. The Bears have DeSean Jackson. Cal wins.

Winner: Cal 31-28

Florida State vs. Clemson

Clemson beat Florida State last year, in Tallahassee. Although Florida State is ranked No. 19, Clemson can come up at home with the upset.

Winner: Clemson 24-21

Jason Grodsky

Football writer

Illinois vs. Missouri

Illinois’ defense will keep the game close but the lack of experience on offense for the Illini won’t be able to overcome the Tigers and the electric atmosphere in St. Louis.

Winner: Missouri 21-17

Washington State vs. Wisconsin

Badgers’ coach Bret Bielema heads into second season with high expectations around Madison and with sophomore running back P.J. Hill at his side the Badgers should rumble over the Cougars.

Winner: Wisconsin 35-20

OK State vs Georgia

Oklahoma’s offense should have enough firepower to stay with the Bulldogs, but its defense won’t be able to hold Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Bulldogs’ offense in check.

Winner: Georgia 38-28

Tennessee vs. California

Tennessee put a whooping on Cal last year in Knoxville, but the Golden Bears will get their revenge this year in their own backyard behind the arm of quarterback Nate Longshore.

Winner: Cal 28-24

Florida State vs. Clemson

With a big question mark at quarterback for Florida State, the ‘Noles won’t be able to escape Death Valley with a victory as Clemson’s running back duo of James Davis and C.J. Spiller lead the Tigers to an upset in the Bowden Bowl.

Winner: Clemson 20-17

Mike Theodore

Football writer

Illinois vs. Missouri

The Illini defense shows its strength and another late Jason Reda field goal improves Zook to a perfect 3-0 in Illini season openers.

Winner: Illinois 23-21

Tennessee vs. California

Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge has a sore pinkie. Seriously. California is looking for revenge from last season’s 35-18 loss against the Volunteers and showed last year it can defend the home turf.

Winner: Cal 24-13

Washington State vs. Wisconsin

Badger running back P.J. Hill is too much for the Cougars. Wisconsin takes the season opener to win its tenth straight game.

Winner: Wisconsin 27-13

Florida State vs. Clemson

Tommy beats his dad and proves his brother was not the only reason FSU was absent from the end-of-season poll for the first time in 20 years.

Winner: Clemson 31-13

OK State vs. Georgia

Bulldog quarterback Matthew Stafford leads Georgia and continues its momentum from the end of last season when it won its last three games.

Winner: Georgia 17-10

Steve Contorno

Deputy Sports Editor

Illinois vs. Missouri

Call me in October and I think our young team will have enough experience for close games. But week one? I hope the Illini prove me wrong.

Winner: Missouri 41-33

Washington State vs. Wisconsin

Wisconsin is too good and they’re planning at Camp Randall. No contest.

Winner: Wisconsin 38-10

OK State vs. Georgia

OK State is proving to be more than a basketball school, but it’ll be no match for the Bulldogs.

Winner: Georgia 35-21

Tennessee vs. California

Which Tennessee will we see? The chokers or the team that rises to the challenge? The latter, but it still won’t be enough.

Winner: Cal 31-27

Florida State vs. Clemson

This game is more Bobby vs. Tommy than Seminoles vs. Tigers. Looks like daddy’s goin’ down.

Winner: Clemson 27-24