A little change of format as we arrive at Labor Day weekend and the college football season kicks off:

Here are my picks for the college football games involving State of Florida College teams.

Florida State (-17) vs Oklahoma State

Some people are looking at this like a good test.  I’m not.  The Seminoles are loaded.  Florida State in a romp.  

Miami @ Louisville (-4)

True freshman QB Brad Kaaya is in charge of the offense, which revolves around RB Duke Johnson and a group of very talented receivers, including Philip Dorsett.  The question here is whether Miami’s defense is good enough to stop Louisville’s offensive attack, even with a new QB.  I’m thinking the Canes can and will outscore them.  I’ll take Miami plus the points.  

Idaho @ Florida (-34 ½ )

The spread for this game should be a dead giveaway.  I don’t normally even consider games with a huge spread like this, but Florida will romp in this “tuneup” game.

Central Florida (-1 ½ ) vs Penn State (in Ireland)

Central Florida lost Blake Bortles to the NFL, but their defense is  very strong, with eight returning starters on a unit that was 17th ranked in the country.  The Knights will have freshman QB Pete DiNovo running the offense, so that is a question mark.  Penn State has their star QB Christian Hackenberg back, but depth will be a problem once again this season for the Nittany Lions due to loss of scholarships due to sanctions.  UCF won last year 34-31.  I’m leaning towards Central Florida in this one, giving the points.

FAU @ Nebraska (-21)

The Cornhuskers are a three-touchdown favorite at home.  I’m wondering why the spread isn’t bigger.  I will take Nebraska minus the points.

Bethune Cookman (-3) @ FIU

FIU is ranked #127 of 128 Division One schools.  Bethune Cookman is not a Division One program.  Bethune Cookman is favored by 3 over FIU.  Last year, Bethune Cookman beat FIU 34-13.  What is wrong with this picture?  Is FIU this bad? Are they improved?  I will take Bethune Cookman minus the 3 points, knowing full well that the Panthers have earned the #127 ranking.