Most people look forward to Christmas or New Year's as it gives them a chance to raise a cheer with all their good friends and family members. I, on the other hand, am completely dysfunctional and my greatest moment every year is the start of the College Football season. That's when the excitement of kicks off. The 2006 season is right at our doorstep and will begin Thursday at 6:00 pm EST when the Central Michigan Chippewas host ACC powerhouse, Boston College. The visitors are favored by 13 1/2 but they have their minds on Clemson coming to their house the following week.

Emotional game in Oxford, Ohio as Northwestern faces Miami of Ohio. Thirty one-year old Pat Fitzgerald begins his coaching career on the road as he replaces Randy Walker who passed away suddenly this year. Miami of Ohio has some game breakers and I would be careful laying -4 with a road favorite at my favorite !

Year two of the Steve Spurrier reign in South Carolina begins on the road at Mississippi State. SC is favored by 6 and word has it that the Gamecocks are loaded with speed and you know they will have some gimmicks in their trick bag.

Very interesting spread in San Diego as it looks like the bookmakers are begging you to take UTEP. The Aztecs introduce their new coach, Chuck Long, who comes over from Oklahoma. The Miners have Carson Palmer's brother, Jordan, heaving the football and coach Mike Price who is one of the best in the business. UTEP has been a darling of the sports bettors the past two years, with outstanding cover percentage!

In North Carolina on Saturday the Tar Heels welcome Rutgers to their den and this line of NC - 5 1/2 is rather low. The Scarlet Knights are a very good team and they gave Arizona State a tough go in the bowl game last year. I have to lean with the dog!

Everyone is touting the Cal Golden Bears as a BCS contender, yet you can get them at +2 against the underachieving Tennessee Volunteers. Phil Fulmer's crew has been burning bettor's cabbage the past few years and they will have their hands full. Can they handle the 100,000 folks in the stands?

What about Pittsburgh -4 1/2 against ACC Virginia? Former Bear and Dolphin coach Dave Wannstedt is in year two and word has it that the Panthers are a much improved team. They have not been kind to the bettors lately, but I plan on laying the points.

Bob Acton