Smith Named Tigers QB, QB Trouble In Oxford, Football Kicks Off This Weekend,

Is anyone really surprised that Canon Smith was named the Memphis starting quarterback? Many will say it was his father's influence, but  the truth is he is just a bit ahead of true freshman Ryan Williams. Smith, now a 23-year-old redshirt junior, is older and wiser, but not the best quarterback on the Tigers' staff. Williams has all of tools and ability, but he is obviously young and needs to gain a little experience. My guess is that Williams will eventually be the starter for Larry Porter's team this season, probably sooner than later.

In somewhat breaking news, the NCAA will not grant a waiver allowing Oregon transfer Jeremiah Masoli to play football at Mississippi this season. The ruling will prevent Masoli from playing football until the 2011 season.  This is obviously bad news for Houston Nutt and Rebel fans. Masoli was brought in to be the savior at quarterback this season with the Rebels being very thin at the position. Mississippi plans to appeal the decision. The NCAA could rule on the appeal as soon as Friday of this week, but no later than Tuesday of next week. The Rebels should win with or without Masoli this week against FCS member Jacksonville State and most likely the following two weeks at Tulane and home against Vanderbilt. By the fourth game of the season, whoever is taking the snaps should be comfortable running the offense against Fresno State. If not, it could be a long season for the Rebels.


College football's regular season kicks off Thursday night with a handful of games including Southern Miss at South Carolina. This game will be featured on ESPN. Other big games this weekend include Memphis at Mississippi State, LSU vs North Carolina and Boise State vs Virginia Tech.

Just like last year I'll have weekly football picks. Pretty proud of my 72% record last season.