CK: For as close of a game as people are making this out to be, I honestly don’t think the Spartans are going to have that much trouble with the Golden Bears. Forget about Cal’s quarterback issue — who is going to catch the ball for them? Meanwhile, the Spartans have a host of offensive playmakers in Javon Ringer, Brian Hoyer, Mark Dell and B.J. Cunningham, as well as a defensive unit that is strong at every position. MSU starts off the season with a win.

MSU 31, Cal 21

JC: If I honestly knew the answer to whether MSU or Cal would win this, or any other football game for that matter, I wouldn’t be telling you. I’d be sitting in Vegas right now, sipping on Mai Tais by a pool and counting my money while my bookie places bets. But I don’t know, so here’s an educated guess. The Spartans run away from stud linebacker Zack Follett for more than 150 yards, but Cal quarterback Kevin Riley gets time in the pocket from center Alex Mack (no relation to the Nickelodeon character) and company during a late fourth-quarter rally to push the Bears ahead.

Cal 21, MSU 17

AA: Both teams lost a lot of talent this off-season, but when you look at returning talent, MSU has California dominated. Replacing their top three wide receivers and best running back will take weeks, if not an entire season, for the Bears. The Spartans have more stability and experience across the field, as well as a bona fide superstar in tailback Javon Ringer. Ringer will run rampant and the Spartans will enjoy the ride.

MSU 31, Cal 28

GP: The Spartans are going out to California to play a night game and they’re going to be ready for this one and play very hard. It’s going to be a close game.

MSU 21, Cal 17

No. 20 Illinois at No. 6 Missouri

8:30 p.m. Saturday
TV: ESPN

CK: Last year, the Missouri Tigers’ strength was their offense, but this is a new year and it’s time for the defense to shine. The Tigers have plenty of defensive playmakers coming back, as well as a Heisman Trophy candidate in quarterback Chase Daniel on offense. I’d love to show the Big Ten some love, but the outcome won’t be nearly as close as last year’s 40-34 Missouri win.

Missouri 38, Illinois 20

JC: Already in week one, we get what will probably be the best wide receiver-cornerback matchup of the season. Multi-threat receiver Jeremy Maclin duels Illinois’ lockdown cornerback Vontae Davis at a neutral site (St. Louis) in a matchup between two of last year’s three most surprising teams (here’s a nod to Kansas). Chase Daniel squeezes out Juice Williams and Missouri’s run game edges the Rashard Mendelhall-less Illini.

Missouri 38, Illinois 24

AA: Both teams return explosive offenses this season, particularly Missouri, which brings back Heisman candidate Chase Daniel at quarterback and sophomore sensation Jeremy Maclin at receiver. Despite having a shutdown cornerback in Vontae Davis, Illinois’ secondary will be overmatched, and Illinois quarterback Juice Williams will fizzle in his first game without star running back Rashard Mendenhall.

Missouri 35, Illinois 17

GP: That’s going to be a good one. One team, Missouri, is coming off a great year. The other, Illinois, is predicted to have a great year. I’m going to go with Illinois because they’ve gone through a tough time and they’re ready to make their mark.

Illinois 27, Missouri 21