For those of you playing in an ESPN College Pick ‘Em League, here are some quick thoughts and analysis to give you an edge in the week’s match-ups:

Illinois @ Missouri

Heading into this years “Arch Rivalry,” Missouri looks strong. The Tigers are 16-7 all-time versus the Fighting Illini including their lopsided 37-9 victory in last years “Arch Rivalry” game. Illinois should perform better this year, especially after the off-season acquisition of former Arkansas offensive coordinator, Paul Petrino. However, regardless of an improved offense, the defense, which gave up a deplorable 248.8 ypg last season, just lost starting safety, Supo Sanni, for the entire year. Translation, that 248.8 ypg is only going to go up. Missouri is a solid pick here and as such make for a safe 10 ranking.

Colorado @ Colorado State

This may be the last time, at least for a while, that these two teams face each other in this historic in-state rivalry game. As of earlier in the week, the two schools are still at an impasse in negotiations to continue the rivalry past this season. Regarding this years match-up, Colorado is the default favorite. The Buffalos are 58-19 all-time against the Rams, in a series dating back to 1893. Even though it took overtime last year for the Buffalos to pull out the victory, this years game will not be that close. Colorado State must replace its starting quarterback and three starting receivers. Basically, too much talent lost from a not so talented team does not bode well for the Rams. Make the smart choice and go with CU. After all, at least they’ve improved since last season!

Connecticut @ Michigan

Michigan desperately needs to win this game! The coaches, the players, the fans, the alumni, they are all feeling the pressure; and with an Ann Arbor crowd expected to surpass the current CFB record of 112,118, the perfect stage has been set for a reawakening of the Wolverines. Yes, the Huskies were impressive last season, and yes they did upset Notre Dame, but this game simply means too much to the Wolverine nation. Failure is not an option. Tread cautiously here but expect Michigan to find a way to win.

Purdue @ Notre Dame

Do not buy into the hype; Purdue is not going to beat Notre Dame at home! Ironically, a team historically known for not being able to win the “big game” or against big opponents is suddenly the sexy pick against a revitalized and inspired Notre Dame. A single victory last season over Ohio State is to blame here and while it was an impressive victory, do not forget that earlier that year a subpar Irish team dominated the Boilermakers. While I am in no way drinking the Notre Dame cool-aid, I do expect a statement victory at home in Brian Kelly’s début. Notre Dame retains the Shillelagh Trophy.

Kentucky @ Louisville

The Battle of the Blue Grass has quickly turned into the Battle of the Former Assistants. Both Louisville head coach Charlie Strong and Kentucky head coach Joker Phillips were assistant coaches just last year and both desperately want to start strong. Louisville will be a much faster team this year. Strong has focused on bringing in speedy, athletic players much like those recruited during his tenure at Florida. Faster they may be, but not SEC fast! Louisville is a project much bigger than one offseason can cover. On the other side, Phillips much like Jimbo Fisher at FSU has waited far too long for the limelight. He’s hungry and excited and so is his team. A Wildcat victory hinges on the performance of three players: Matt Hartline, Randall Cobb, and Martavius Neloms. If Hartline and Cobb can move the football and if new starter Neloms can cover in the secondary Kentucky should retain the Governors Cup for a forth-straight year.

LSU @ North Carolina

This is going to be a great game! Both teams are ranked in the top 25 and both teams boast solid rosters. Basically, it will come down to whether or not the Tar Heels stout defense can stop LSU’s suspect but unquestionably talented offense. This is a classic ACC/SEC matchup that is sure to have Prime Time viewers on the edge of their seats! For me this game comes down to the fact that if LSU pulls out the victory they can make a legitimate run both in the SEC and up the national rankings. Also, The “Mad Hatter” Les Miles is in a position were he needs to impress this year to keep his job; hopefully he still has the trust of his players. North Carolina will be tough, especially at home, but by the forth quarter the ACC defense will simply not have the gas to hold off the Tigers.

Cincinnati @ Fresno State

Despite key losses on offense for both teams to the NFL, this is sure to be a shootout. Brian Kelly may have left Cincinnati on bad terms but he also left them with a great replacement for Tony Pike. Zach Collaros looked terrific in limited action last season backing up Pike and with new coach Butch Jones running a very similar spread style offense, Collaros is set-up for success. Also, Cincinnati boast on of the strongest receiver cores in the country which makes the transition that much easier for Collaros. Fresno State on the other hand has not faired as well in attempts to replace Ryan Matthews. Matthews was the key to the success of the Bulldogs last season and he will be heavily missed. In the end the Bearcat offense is going to be too much for the rebuilding Bulldogs, but it will be close.

Oregon State @ TCU

I like Oregon State this year but not in this game. TCU is simply too strong and too deep. Along with the fact that TCU has won seven straight season openers, they are returning 27 seniors. That’s a lot kids! As long as the Horned Frogs defense can slow Jacquizz Rogers they should be in great shape, especially playing in Cowboy Stadium.

UCLA @ Kansas State

Following USC’s fall from grace, UCLA is looking to make a run in the PAC-10. The Bruins would be the heavy favorites in this game were it not for several key injuries resulting in the loss of quarterback Kevin Prince and Center Kai Maiava. However, the Wildcats are not exactly in a position to take advantage of these losses as they are returning only five starters on offense and are rather uncertain at quarterback. This is going to be a miserable game. The score will be low, not because of stellar defensive play, but rather because of offensive ineptitude. UCLA pulls out a close one and nobody will know it until SportsCenter the next morning…

Washington @ BYU

This game will serve, as a much needed reality check for the newly independent Cougars. Washington loves playing the spoiler and they get that opportunity yet again to start this year’s season. Not to mention a chance at revenge for last years controversial defeat by BYU. Steve Sarkasian has the Huskies believing and poised to be legitimate contenders in the PAC-10 this year. BYU on the other hand has much to prove, and lose. They recently declared themselves as an independent and have numerous questions concerning their depth, following the loss of numerous players from last season’s team. BYU has historically struggled against mobile quarterbacks, and Washington has a good one in Jake Locker. Lockers running and passing ability will be complemented by Jermain Kearse, a 1000+ yard rusher last year. The Cougars lack of depth will cancel out any home field advantage they have and the Huskies leave LaVell Edwards Stadium with the win.