ZC: Okay, time for the first homer pick of the year (as if you didn’t know this was coming). After last year’s opening day squeaker against the football behemoths that are the Idaho Vandals (formerly the Potatoes), I’ll be a little conservative with the score. The Spartans’ smashmouth running style might have the Blazers looking into root canal surgery after Saturday, but that won’t be reflected in the score. Rest assured, though, the Spartans will control the game.

MSU 27, UAB 10

JS: The UAB defense will be the lab rats of MSU’s new offensive style, and the Spartans will be looking to make a statement. The Blazers have the fun job of wrangling Javon Ringer and getting run over by the Mack truck that is Jehuu Caulcrick. It’s a new squad with a new attitude this year, and this will be the first stop on Dantonio’s road to bringing respect back to Spartan football.

MSU 31, UAB 23

EF: I fully expect the Spartans to do some damage when they play the Blazers this weekend, but for some reason, I think the game will be much closer than a lot of people are anticipating. Look for the score to be pretty tight at halftime, but be prepared to watch the dynamic rushing duo of Jehuu Caulcrick and Javon Ringer eventually wear the Blazers down.

MSU 27, UAB 17

CK: The Spartans are finally going to start playing football the right way this season by pounding the ball on the ground over and over again. After all the hype surrounding the new system and new coach (along with the questions of just how many “300” references will be used this season), MSU will start the season out with a win courtesy of the Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick show.

#15 Tennessee at #12 California 8 p.m. Saturday TV: ABC

California 28, Tennessee 14

ZC: It will certainly be interesting to see how California does post-Marshawn Lynch. Noting that their star running back is now gone, the Golden Bears should opt to go airborne, where they will torch the Tennessee secondary.

California 31, Tennessee 24

JS: This is easily the most interesting opening weekend match-up. Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge broke his pinky during Monday’s practice, and that may affect his ability to fire the ball downfield. Even if Ainge endures his injury, California’s high-powered offense will still win this one.

Tennessee 24, California 10

EF: There comes a time in every prog season where a coin flip needs to be made, and no questions need to be asked. Heads, California. Tails, Tennessee. It’s tails.

California 24, Tennessee 17

CK: The Golden Bears have revenge on their mind following last year’s 35-18 loss to Tennessee in last year’s season opener. With that hunger, as well as junior quarterback Nate Longshore and his trio of wide receivers playing in front of the home crowd, I see California starting their season on a high note with the victory.

Appalachian State at #5 Michigan Noon Saturday TV: Big Ten Network

U-M 49, Appalachian State 7

ZC: Can you spell U-P-S-E-T? Good, you’re not an idiot. You would be an idiot, however, if you thought I was going to pick Appalachian State to win this one. Michigan runs away with it.

U-M 52, Appalachian State 3

JS: The increased lung capacity the Appalachian State players developed in the mountains of North Carolina will prove useful when they’re trying to keep up with Mario Manningham and Mike Hart.

U-M 56, Appalachian State 3

EF: Good to see Michigan still enjoys playing talent caliber of a Division III school as a warm up for their much anticipated Big Ten, and possible national championship, season. Maize and blue faithful will already be talking about Big Ten glory when U-M tears Appalachian State a new one.

U-M 42, Appalachian State 10

CK: Michigan has one of the most potent offenses in the country, and Appalachian State will get the distinct pleasure of seeing it firsthand tomorrow. Just think of this game as a chance for Chad Henne to pad his stats before he undoubtedly chokes against Ohio State.

Northeastern at Northwestern Noon Saturday TV: Big Ten Network

Northwestern 34, Northeastern 13

ZC: In case you’re wondering, Northwestern is that purple school from Illinois and Northeastern is from that blue state called Massachusetts. In this battle of East meets West, West survives with a victory. I’m sure 2pac is smiling somewhere (possibly Jamaica).

Northwestern 20, Northeastern 10

JS: Somehow it doesn’t surprise me that the Big Ten Network was able to pick up this marquee match-up. West siiiiiiideeeee.

Northwestern 23, Northeastern 14

EF: Wow, there really must not have been a lot of good football games to prog this week if this one somehow made the list. Not to beat around the bush here, but I couldn’t care less about this game. I’m just going to go with Northwestern for Big Ten purposes.

Northwestern 21, Northeastern 7

CK: Well, Northeastern looks to have a pretty solid running back in Maurice Murray, who scored 11 touchdowns last season, but not much else. Still, Big Ten doormats need to stick together, so this Spartan is going with Northwestern.