This ACC encounter starts week two of the college football campaign and it has the potential to be a good one. If history is any indication, bettors should be loading up on Clemson, as underdogs have dominated the head-to-head series between the Tigers and Yellow Jackets. Currently, Sportsbook.com has Clemson as 5 ½ point dogs.

In week 1, Georgia Tech manhandled Jacksonville State 37-17, while Clemson covered the spread against Middle Tennessee State 37-14. The Yellow Jackets are getting love in Southern circles with their 16 returning starters.

Forget any talk about coach Paul Johnson’s triple option offense won’t work against better athletes. It’s not as if Johnson is recruiting the same level of player he could at Navy. Georgia Tech should be plenty explosive in its second year of this offense, with Josh Nesbitt running the show. The offensive backfield will be as good as any in the ACC and if Nesbitt becomes a better passer, watch out! The Jackets however are just 6-5 ATS as ACC home favorites the last three years.

Dabo Swinney got on the job training last season as interim head coach and his enthusiasm ignited Clemson to win four of their last five regular season games. Coach Swinney hopes Kyle Parker steps up as his choice at quarterback. Parker has a good arm and is fairly mobile, with his backup Willy Korn the more elusive runner with a weaker arm. If the offensive line produces as expected, running back C.J. Spiller should have a huge season. Spiller is a constant home run threat, but will stick his helmet into the pile to pick up a few yards for a club that is 16-8 ATS as ACC single digit dog.

Sportsbook.com has Georgia Tech as 5.5-point favorite with total at 42. This will be a “Whiteout” contest for the Yellow Jackets, with fans in white t-shirts at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Nesbitt will have to do a better job of hanging onto the ball after a pair of fumbles last week. The Jackets are 16-5 ATS in the first two weeks of the season and 18-5 UNDER when playing on a Thursday. Clemson is 6-1 ATS as road underdogs and is 7-1 UNDER playing on the day before Friday.

This is a wacky series, with the underdog 17-3 against the spread. Clemson is in a revenge spot, losing 21-17 at home as 2.5-point favorites last season in what was coach Swinney’s first game as Tigers coach. The road team is 7-3 ATS in this hotly contested series.

ESPN will televise this frantic ACC encounter, with kickoff set for around 7:45 Eastern.

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Miami is 4-1 ATS at Tallahassee and has new coordinators on both sides of the ball to work with 16 returning starters. The Hurricanes will feature a pro-style attack, with sophomore Jacory Harris running the show solo, Robert Marve having transferred. Graig Cooper leads a rushing attack that should be improved, with a greater commitment after averaging only 129 yards per game a season ago. This is key area for Miami since they are 22-8 ATS in road games when they rush for 150 to 200 yards.

Defensively, a number of real solid players are available, though not the typical All-American studs normally seen on the Coral Gables campus. The Hurricanes were last in run defense in the ACC a year ago and defensive packs managed only two interceptions. Linebacker is the best position at the “U”, with Sean Spence the ringleader.

Most of the off-season talk on the Florida State campus has centered on legendary Bobby Bowden losing 14 wins in 2006-07 for rules infractions. As Florida State continues the fight to reinstate those victories, Bowden will work on something he can control, this year’s team.

The Seminoles regained their strength up front on offense, averaging 177 yards rushing per game in 2008. All five starters from that contingent are back and will be leaned on heavily, while new receivers are discovered for sophomore signal caller Christian Ponder. Last season, Ponder played like a talented freshman, showing glimpses of good and bad, he’ll be expected to improve if Florida State expects to be ACC Atlantic champs. Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, in his 26th season, will have work to do with just five starters back. How quickly Andrews can make this cohesive unit will set the tone.

Sportsbook.com has the Seminoles as 6-1/2-point favorites with a total of 48. Florida State is only 12-19 ATS as an ACC home favorite since 2001 and will be playing in Doak Campbell Stadium at well below capacity. The Canes are 6-3 ATS as conference road underdogs the last five years in this competitive series.

This Florida battle has been dominated by the underdog, covering eight of the last 10 times. That has usually been the road team, who is 8-3 ATS in these gatherings. Keep an eye on the first team to score, with this squad emerging as straight up winner 80 percent of the time in last 20 encounters.

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On Sunday, highly touted Ole Miss visits Memphis as a 16.5-point road favorite, and Colorado hosts Colorado State, also as double-digit chalk. Bettors are backing both favorites at last checked on Sportsbook.com.

(205) OLE MISS at (206) MEMPHIS

This will be the sixth straight time these teams that are separated by a mere 85 miles will start a new campaign matched against one another. Ole Miss is the sexy SEC West pick, led by QB Jevan Snead. Going from trendy underdog to flashy front-runner has sidetracked more than one team in the past. Mississippi is 29-11 ATS in non-SEC action. Coach Tommy West has found success in Memphis, but wants to play in the C-USA title game this season. Pulling a massive upset would get people talking about a team that is 17-9 ATS as home dog and 18-12-1 ATS vs. the SEC.

(207) COLORADO ST at (208) COLORADO

Even if you include last year’s 38-17 drubbing by Colorado, the last seven matchups in this in-state rivalry have been decided by 6.5 points per game. Coach Dan Hawkins believes his team could compete for Big 12 North, if injured players return and the offense gels. This is a meaningful year for coach Hawkins, who is 13-24 (14-21 ATS) at Boulder. Colorado State had surprising 7-6 campaign with a bowl victory and looks to build on solid season. Easier said than done without established QB and only 5 starters back on defense. This rivalry returns back to campuses with the Buffs 17-4 in home openers, however, they have dropped their last seven ATS.

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Alabama played in the SEC title game and made a BCS bowl game, are greater things on the horizon for Nick Saban’s (19-8, 12-13-1 ATS) third year in Tuscaloosa? It depends and the answer won’t really be known until later in the season. Where the tricky part is the offense, junior Greg McElroy has waited his turn and is now the big man on campus for the Crimson Tide. McElroy has professed to be ready and sophomore sensation Julio Jones will be one of his favorite targets to pass to. The offensive line has to be reworked with three outstanding starters gone and running back Glen Coffee leaving early. On defense, there are zero question marks with nine starters back and improving depth in support. All-American nose tackle Terrance “Mount” Cody is poised for a colossal campaign and is reportedly leaner and meaner than ever. Rolando McClain is a headache at linebacker and the secondary has aggressive ball-hawks. The Tide have won last five of six as favorites.

Does it seem possible that Virginia Tech was ever bad under coach Frank Beamer? You have to go back to 1992 to find the last losing season in Blacksburg. The Hokies have won 10 or more games eight times in the last decade including five in a row (38-24-1 ATS). With 14 starters back in the fold, this opening game could determine if Virginia Tech is national contender or one of the best in the ACC. Junior Tyrod Taylor in the undisputed leader of the offense. He’s worked diligently to become better passer and expects to see the results. With Darren Evans out with an ACL tear an unproven yet versatile running core will have to step up, running behind an offensive line that came into its own late last season.

Jason Worilds might be just 6’2 240 pound defensive end; however he’s up field before the tackle is even out of his stance pressuring the quarterback, leading another stern Hokies defense.

The Hokies are 12-4 ATS in their first road game of the season.

Odds-makers have made their case about this matchup. Bama opened as a six-point choice despite a new quarterback and just four returning offensive starters. That speaks volumes about what they think about the difference between SEC and ACC. This is a special opening matchup and Virginia Tech is 17-6 ATS in September road encounters. The Tide is 16-1 SU in opening tilts since 1992, but just 5-10 ATS during that time.

It won’t be a simple task, since Graham has to replace a quarterback and five other offensive starters. Junior Jacob Bower has earned the inside track at quarterback, after being an understudy last season. The offensive line has to be rebuilt in order for Bower to succeed. If these elements come together quickly, Tulsa can build on its 8-3 ATS September record.

Defensively, eight players return, however, according to the coach they need to play with more conviction, after conceding 30 points or more six times last season. “Defensively, we have to get back to doing what we’ve done in the past of being successful, and that’s a relentless attitude to run to the ball and get back to a hard edge mentality defensively,” Graham said. “What we have to improve on defense is not giving away too many one play drives.”

Sportsbook.com has Tulsa as 13.5-point road favorites with total of 64 and they are just 4-7 ATS in that role under Graham.

Tulane has won six games in two years under coach Bob Toledo and everyone associated with the program understands this has to be the year to start showing positive signs. “We feel like we’ve really got to turn this thing around,” receiver Jeremy Williams told the Times-Picayune. “We’re not waiting on the future. We’ve got to do it now.”

The Green Wave welcome back seven offensive starters and redshirt sophomore Joe Kemp who won the quarterback derby. Tulane will be helped by the return of RB Andre Anderson, who was fourth in the nation in rushing and all-purpose yards when he went down to injury in game seven. They will need to score points to hang with Tulsa, however, they are just 4-10-1 ATS when getting points at home.

Tulane comes into this season with misleading defensive statistics. The Green Wave was 14^th in the country in pass defense, allowing 173 yards per game. That was at least in part to surrendering 218 (5.7 yards per carry) yards per game on the ground. Senior DE Logan Kelley anchors a very experienced defensive line that must upgrade its game in 2009. Tulane is 7-23-1 ATS in its last 31 conference matchups.

Tulsa plays four of their first five games on the road, including the first three. It should be noted that they have failed to cover their last four road games.

Tulane is 0-4 SU and ATS versus the Golden Hurricane in C-USA action, losing by 33 points per game.

This conference clash starts at 8 Eastern on ESPN, with Tulsa 7-2-1 OVER as road chalk.

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Consider the track record of Boise State coming into the season.

Boise State has had three unbeaten regular seasons in the last five years and is 55-9 in all games since 2004. Faced with oddsmakers’ numbers just begging the sports bettor to play the other side, the Broncos are 33-25-1 against the spread in that time period.

In games played on the “Smurf Turf” blue carpet at Bronco Stadium, Boise State is 64-2 and 40-17 ATS the last decade, which includes 49 in a row during the regular season. Boise State returns a dozen starters, including quarterback Kellen Moore, who broke onto the scene last year as a freshman. In truth, Coach Chris Peterson might have a team equal to or better than the 2006 squad, which was 13-0 and knocked off Oklahoma in Fiesta Bowl.

The Oregon Ducks are not to be taken for granted just because they have a new coach in Chip Kelly. With just ten returning starters from last year’s surprising 10-3 squad, the ranking appears a trifle inflated, however three components help justify the number.

Oregon might not average 41.9 points per game this upcoming season, however, will still have ample firepower with Jeremiah Masoli at the controls. The junior quarterback is far from classic passer, but he’s accurate and is powerful runner and is listed as All-Pac 10 QB in several preseason publications. Speaking of powerful, 240-pound LeGarrette Blount is one blunt object in the open field. The architect of this high-powered offense is coach Kelly, whose been the Oregon offense coordinator. The Ducks are 27-5 ATS in first road game, including covering nine of last 10.

Sportsbook.com has Boise State listed as 3.5-point home favorite, down from opening number of 5.5, with the total having risen to 64.

This is the second game on ESPN Thursday night, which will start at 10:15 Eastern. Oregon has revenge on their minds after last year’s 37-32 home upset as 10.5-point favorites to the Broncos. Masoli told a Eugene television station during the offseason that the loss was “embarrassing” and that this year he and his team would “take it to (Boise State).”

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With the College Football season just about a month away, it’s time for Sportsbook.com to release their preseason Top 25.

1. FLORIDA – Along with one of the nation’s best coaches in Urban Meyer and one of college football’s all-time greats in Tim Tebow, the Gators have 18 starters back in the fold. Nagging questions: Will the Gators stay hungry? If you don’t come ready to play each and every Saturday in the SEC, then you’ll get your teeth knocked in because this conference is chock-full of future pros. Odds to win the BCS Championship: +200; Over/Under Wins 11

2. OKLAHOMA – With the reigning Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback (Sam Bradford), two tailbacks who rushed for a combined 2,222 yards and 34 scores (Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray) and a battle-tested defense that returns nine starters, the Sooners have the horses to return to the BCS title game. Bradford (4,720 yards, 50 TD’s) is as accurate a passer as there is in college. But with four new starters along the offensive line, there will be more pressure on him in ‘09. Odds to win the BCS Championship: +600; Over/Under Wins 10

3. TEXAS – Eight starters return on offense, paced by the pass-catch combo of Colt McCoy (3,859 passing yards, 34 touchdowns) and Jordan Shipley (88 receptions, 1,060 yards, 11 scores). Mack Brown has moved linebacker Sergio Kindle (10 sacks) to end to help ease the loss of Brian Orakpo to NFL riches. It’s worth the gamble because Kindle doesn’t need a GPS system to find his way into enemy backfields and the Longhorns’ linebacking corps still features an All-American candidate in Roddrick Muckelrot (team-best 112 tackles). Odds to win the National Championship: +400; Over/Under Wins 10.5

4. USC – Each year, head coach Pete Carroll (88-15 record at USC) loses truckloads of talent to the NFL, but continues to keep on winning. Sophomore Aaron Corp and true freshman Matt Barkley will compete to replace Mark Sanchez at quarterback. Look for Carroll to lean on his tailbacks (C.J. Gable, Stafon Johnson and Joe McKnight) and his Taylor Mays led defense a little heavier in the early part of the season. Odds to win the BCS Championship: +700; Over/Under Wins 10

5. VIRGINIA TECH – Frank Beamer is one of the best X-and-O men in the college ranks, something he illustrated last fall by leading the young Hokies to 10 wins and their fourth ACC title in six years. With 16 starters back, most notably tailback Darren Evans and defensive playmakers Jason Worilds, Stephan Virgil and Kam Chancellor, the Hokies will once again be the class of the ACC. Odds to win the BCS Championship: +2500; Over/Under Wins 9

6. PENN STATE – Quarterback Daryll Clark can beat opposing defenses with his arm and feet, while tailback Evan Royster might be the most underrated player in the Big Ten. The healthy return of linebacker Sean Lee, who missed all of last season with a bum knee, gives “Linebacker U” one of those tough-as-a-$2 steak linebackers that all great Penn State teams have. Odds to win the BCS Championship: +3000; Over/Under Wins 9.5

7. ALABAMA – No college team in America has a better sideline boss than Nick Saban. His defense, a unit that returns nine starters and has a future pro at each level (tackle Terrance Cody, linebacker Roalndo McClain and cornerback Javier Arenas), should be lights out. Some feel the Tide should be ranked higher, but there will be new starters at quarterback and left tackle. Odds to win the BCS Championship: +2000; Over/Under Wins 9.5

8. OREGON – Thanks to the return of eight starters, including quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and running back LeGarrette Blount, first-year head coach Chip Kelly has the makings of another explosive offense. The linebacking corps of Spencer Paysinger, Casey Matthews and Eddie Pleasant is also top shelf. Odds to win the BCS Championship: +10000; Over/Under Wins 7.5

9. OHIO STATE – Sure, a bevy of stars are gone, but sophomore signal-caller Terrelle Pryor is back to terrorize opposing Big Ten defenses with his feet and his arm. Speaking of terrors, the defensive line features two all-league caliber players in Cameron Heyward and Lawrence Wilson. Odds to win the BCS Championship: +1200; Over/Under Wins 9.5

10. OLE MISS – Surprised? Don’t be. Mississippi will be the chic accessory in everybody’s top 10—and with good reason. In Houston Nutt’s first season at the helm, the Rebels beat Florida and LSU during the regular season and Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Jevan Snead doesn’t get a fraction of the ink that Tebow does, but he’s a big-time quarterback. Leading rusher Dexter McCluster returns, as does sackmaster Greg Hardy. Odds to win the BCS Championship: +1500; Over/Under Wins 9

11. OKLAHOMA STATE – The three-headed monster of quarterback Zac Robinson (3,064 yards, 25 touchdowns), wideout Dez Bryant (87 receptions, 1,480 yards, 19 scores) and tailback Kendall Hunter (119.6 yards rushing per game) ensures that scoring points won’t be a problem for the Cowboys. Bryant will be on most Heisman short lists entering the season. Odds to win the BCS Championship: +4000; Over/Under Wins 9

12. BOISE STATE – Quarterback Kellen Moore (3,486 yards, 25 touchdowns) is the nation’s best quarterback that you’ve never heard of. He’ll headline a potent offense, along with tailback Jeremy Avery (614 yards). The defense has a lock-down corner in first-team All-WAC player Kyle Wilson, a pass-rushing demon in Ryan Winterswyk and a hard-hitting safety in Jeron Johnson (98 tackles). Odds to win the BCS Championship: +10000; Over/Under Wins 11

13. LSU – Sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson looked like a world-beater in the Tigers’ 38-3 rout of Georgia Tech in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. If he’s a star-in-the-making and former Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis can solidify LSU’s defense, then the 2007 National Champs could ascend back into the top 10. Odds to win the BCS Championship: +2500; Over/Under Wins 9

14. GEORGIA TECH – The Yellow Jackets return all 11 starters on offense, so they should be able to run Paul Johnson’s triple-option offensive attack with more aplomb in 2009. Tailback Jonathan Dwyer (1,395 yards, 12 scores) is one of the best runners in the country. Odds to win the BCS Championship: +7500; Over/Under Wins 8

15. EAST CAROLINA – Head coach Skip Holtz welcomes back 16 starters; eight on each side of the ball. He has a budding star under center in quarterback Patrick Pinkney. If Kentucky transfer Brandon Jackson can be an every-down back, the Pirates will score points. East Carolina’s defense features a proven playmaker at each tier: tackle Linval Joseph, linebacker Nick Johnson and safety Van Eskridge. Can a Conference USA team be a BCS buster for the first time? To do so, East Carolina must negotiate two rugged road trips—West Virginia (Sept. 12) and Virginia Tech (Nov. 5).

THE REMAINING TOP 25

16. GEORGIA

17. IOWA

18. CALIFORNIA

19. BYU

20. MICHIGAN STATE

21. FLORIDA STATE

22. NEBRASKA

23. NOTRE DAME

24. CINCINNATI

25. UTAH

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