There are several games on the docket this opening weekend of that will wet the appetite of the NCAA fan that is looking to get started on the winning track. The whole nation will have their eyes on Georgia where the Irish of Notre Dame look to avoid being stung by the Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech.

Others will look towards Tennessee where the dysfunctional Volunteers host a very talented California team and the line is just -2 for the home squad. The SEC is known for tough defense which is why Cal coach Jeff Tedford has a very explosive offense.

With all this in mind, the game that keeps begging for me to play the home favorite is in the desert of Tucson, Arizona where the Wildcats will spar with the Cougars of BYU. Arizona had an awful year last season going 3-8 for Mike Stoops and invites a BYU team that gave talented California a tough battle in the season ending Bowl game. They have a stud at QB in John Beck and a 1,000 yard rusher in Curtis Brown.

For Arizona, you would not think that optimism is high considering their running back Mike Bell is now starting in the NFL for the Broncos, but they invite 8 starters back on offense. Willie Tuitama was a wet behind the ears freshman last year, but did have over 1,100 yards and 9 touchdowns against only 5 picks. The Cats are loaded at the wide receiver spot and they will rack up some numbers. Check out the lines at you favorite for a winning opportunity.

The Arizona secondary may be the best in the business with Michael Johnson at safety sure to be a high draft pick in the NFL. Cornerbacks Antoine Cason and Wilrey Fontenot are considered among the best nationally with their lock-down ability. All three starting linebackers are healthy after not having started a game together within the past year. The defensive front, lacking pressure on the quarterback with only 24 sacks in ?05, has added depth and been emphasized to instill more toughness in the trenches.

The Cougars will start a 17 year old at defensive end in Ian Dulan and are relying on McKay Jacobson, a freshman at wide receiver, and lost their starting center Tom Sorenson early at training camp.

The weather will be scorching in Arizona and the sold out crowd will lead to a slaughter of the Cougars! Think you know more about ? Then place you bet today.

Bob Acton