College Football Picks Week 1 - Weekday Games: How big is Thursday ESPN televised game between 14th ranked Boise State and No. 16 Oregon? The game is so big it's billed as the biggest home game in Boise State Broncos history. Not only are the Ducks a quality opponent but they are highly regarded in preseason expectations in the PAC 10. If the 14th ranked Bronco's are to compete for a national championship then this game is a must win. And the same goes for Oregon. Last year Oregon had quarterback issues when it lost to the Broncos at Autzen Stadium. For the Bronco's to lay claim to any BCS venue they must beat this fully loaded Ducks team at home.

Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com currently list BSU as 4-chalk favorites over Oregon with a 64 total.

We say: Fade the home team and go with the Ducks +4 in this game. Not only does Oregon have more talent they have revenge motif.

South Carolina at North Carolina State: This game is the first part of the Thursday night ESPN double-header to be played at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh. This is another revenge game football fans are looking forward too. In 2008 the Wolfpack went down to Columbia, SC and got spanked to the tune of 34-0 at the hands of the Gamecocks. Early in 2008 the Wolfpack was trying to find its way. They found it ending the season on a roll.

Sportsbook.com has installed the Wolfpack as 5-chalk favorites versus the Gamecocks with a 46 total.

We say: Vengence is mine howls the Wolves - the Pack is back.

Troy at Bowling Green: The reaction of the uninformed might be to jump on the Falcons in this one but you had better think before you act. Troy is a prohibitive favorite to win the Sun Belt in 2009. The MAC isn't what it used to be and is not superior to the league down south. Troy has better, more athletic athletes and is becoming a threat to any team on its schedule including those from BCS leagues.

Sportsbook.com lists the Trojans as 7-chalk favorites over the Falcons with a 56.5-total.

We say: Troy wins on the road and covers -7.

Utah State at Utah: Sportsbook.com lists the Utes as 20.5-chalk favorites in this Thursday game. We wonder why? Take the Utes and the three touchdowns.

North Texas at Ball State: Believe it or not, ESPNU is carrying this game. Is there anybody left in Muncie after last years mass exodus including the coaching staff? North Texas is nothing to write home about but we will call the bluff as +16.5 dogs.

Friday's game.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Tulane Green Wave: Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have installed Tulsa as 13.5-chalk favs in this one. Don't worry about the spread. The Hurricane will do to Tulane what all Hurricanes do down there. Tulsa wins big.