Now THIS is what I call a preseason classic! Two teams with great teams (on paper) and real MNC aspirations. The masterful preparation of Paterno vs. the two-headed quarterback of the Wildcats. Talk about a must watch. About the only thing I can think of that would be better would be if one of the teams was Virginia Tech. The thing is, of course, I've not actually seen either team play yet. All my analysis is based on what other people have seen and written about. PSU is supposed to be a mack-daddy of a team this year, with a mediocre offense supported by a dominating defense (déjà vu?). Arizona was one heartbreak short of perfection last year, and returns most everyone of any consequence. Something in my gut is telling me that 'Zona takes this one, don't ask me why.

Pick: Arizona

We're Notre Dame, so we want to play in a preseason game. Great money, and the exposure never hurts. But we don't want to play anyone that might give us too much of a challenge. Nope, life as an independent means wins are very important. Can't afford to let this extra game hurt our BcS chances. Nope, if we're going to come play in your game you're just going to have to go find someone we think we can beat easily.

Ole' Eddie must just be bustin with pride at this matchup…

Chew on this one. All Florida State did last year was come up just seven points short in their bid for a National Title. Good thing they lost lots of players to graduation and early entry to the NFL. Wrong! F$U returns 18 starters from their '98 campaign. Put this team up against the St. Louis Rams and I'd be hard pressed to pick against them. If they can avoid the quarterback problems they suffered last year, only Seminole mistakes should stand in the way of 12-0.

Ah yes…Louisiana Tech. Not to be confused with Auburn, the fighting Bulldogs of LaTech are not afraid to take on anyone, anywhere, anywhen. Troy Edwards has gone on to the greener pastures of pro football, but QB Tim Rattay is back for his senior season, and the offensive fireworks should continue. The bookies did this last year too. They set a huge line against LaTech, and promptly got burned. Actually, Nebraska's secondary got burned. All that happened to the bookies is that they looked a bit silly.

35 points is simply too much. Florida State doesn't even have to RUTS and they could still win by less than 35. LaTech's offense won't go down quietly, and while F$U will win easily, I doubt they win by more than 5 touchdowns.

Texas RB Ricky Williams is arguably the best back ever in college football. NCSU wideout Torry Holt is one of the best receviers in the game today. Talk about your dynamite matchups ! What? They've both gone on to the NFL? Oh…then why would I want to watch?

Is Miami back? We'll find out here. One thing is for sure, however, and that's that OSU never left. The buckeyes come fully loaded and ready to play…on both sides of the ball. No one is really doubting Miami's offensive talent, even with a new signal caller in Kenny Kelly. The defense is a question mark, however, no matter what Canes fans try to tell you. They're returning lots of starters, but the defense was simply not all that good last year. A new defensive coordinator means a newer system, and this will be its first test.