With the preliminaries over, it’s about to get real and the TriCitiesSports.com Pickin’ Panel is as real as it gets.
Several rivalry showdowns dot the region-opening schedule in week three and the somewhat bruised, but still esteemed crew is back to prognosticate the winners.
In somewhat of a surprise, the crew is unanimous for Science Hill on the road at Jefferson County and nearly unanimous for David Crockett in the Musket Bowl over Daniel Boone.
Dobyns-Bennett is a 10-4 pick to keep its streak intact against Sullivan County schools with a win over West Ridge while Volunteer is a 9-5 selection to get its first win of the season and keep Sullivan East winless on the campaign.
In the college ranks, it’s all Vols in the Duke’s Mayor Classic.
It was a good week for the rookies in week two as WCYB’s Cole Johnson and WEMB’s Voice of the Blue Devils Clay Ramsey both led the way at 9-3.
Another from WCYB, Heather Williams, passed last week’s leader, WCYB news man Casey Goetz, on the backstretch to take over first place in the standings by one game over Goetz and the vacationing master of production and ESPN talking head Tood Freeman.
Here are this week’s selections:
HEATHER WILLIAMS – Sports Director, WCYB (8-4, 18-6)
West Ridge 28, Dobyns-Bennett 24 -- I think this has the makings of a great game. The Wolves come in with a ton of confidence an their best chance to final take down the Indians.
High School Games
Science Hill 21, Jefferson County14
David Crockett 28, Daniel Boone 7
Tennessee High 28, Morristown West 21
Volunteer 15, Sullivan East 0
Elizabethton 28, Grainger 7
Greeneville 42, Cherokee 7
Unicoi County 20, Pigeon Forge 8
Johnson County 35, Claiborne 14
Chuckey-Doak 28, West Greene 13
College Games
Tennessee 35, North Carolina State 10
Texas 42, Michigan 14
Oklahoma State 10, Arkansas 2
Iowa State 14, Iowa 7
South Carolina 21, Kentucky 7
Alabama 42, South Florida 0
Nebraska 35, Colorado 7
Mississippi State 28, Arizona State 10
TODD FREEMAN – Freeman Productions, ESPN Tri-Cities (8-4, 17-7)
This will be brief due to my vacation.
High School Games
Dobyns Bennett over West Ridge
Science Hill Over Jefferson County
David Crockett over Daniel Boone
Morristown West Over Tennessee High
Sullivan East over Volunteer
Elizabethton over Grainger
Greeneville over Cherokee
Unicoi County over Pigeon Forge
Johnson County over Claiborne
West Greene at Chuckey-Doak
College Games
Tennessee over North Carolina State
Texas over Michigan
Oklahoma State over Arkansas
Iowa over Iowa State
Kentucky over South Carolina
Alabama over South Florida
Nebraska over Colorado
Mississippi State over Arizona State
CASEY GOETZ – News Director, WCYB (6-6, 17-7)
Dobyns-Bennett 27, West Ridge 17 -- I’m not going to overreact to Dobyns-Bennett losing to Greeneville 35-0. West Ridge is 2-0, but the teams they beat are a combined 0-4. Plus, the Wolves have yet to beat DB or Science Hill in football. I think this is a close game but I’ll take the Indians at home.
Science Hill 28, Jefferson County 21 -- Science Hill lost to Jeff County last year and it ended up costing them the region title. The Toppers are better than they were a year ago and the Patriots aren’t as good. Give me Science Hill on the road.
David Crockett 24, Daniel Boone 13 -- Daniel Boone has won three straight in the Musket Bowl series. The Pioneers will end that streak this week and send the Trailblazers to 0-3 this season.
Morristown West 20, Tennessee High 17 -- Mo West has only played one game and it was a loss to Mo East. The Vikings have played two games and have two very different outcomes, losing 54-7 to Greeneville and beating Sullivan East 36-3. This is a coin-flip game but I’ll take the home team by a field goal.
Volunteer 34, Sullivan East 18 -- Someone will get their first win of the season and I will take the Falcons
Elizabethton 42, Grainger 14 -- The Cyclones didn’t get to play last week, so two weeks of built up anger will be bad news for Grainger.
Greeneville 42, Cherokee 7 -- Both teams are 2-0. Cherokee has the look of a playoff team this year, but they won’t be able to hang with the Greene Devils.
Pigeon Forge 29, Unicoi County 21 -- Both teams have beaten Northview Academy this year by a similar margin. Give me the home team in this one.
Johnson County 33, Claiborne 13 -- The Longhorns run the triple option to another win
Chuckey-Doak 34, West Greene 21 -- The Black Knights bounce back in this battle of Greene County
College Games
Tennessee 31, NC State 24 -- The Vols get tested in Charlotte but come out with a win
Texas 30, Michigan 20 -- Marquee win for the Longhorns
Oklahoma State 28, Arkansas 24 -- Mullet man wins a close one
Iowa 17, Iowa State 13 -- Lots of punting in this one
Kentucky 26, South Carolina 17 -- early SEC game goes to Mark Stoops
Alabama 38, South Florida 13 _- Alabama will have a few big tests this season but this isn’t one of them.
Nebraska 31, Colorado 23 -- I imagine this will be a wild atmosphere in Lincoln
Arizona State 33, Mississippi State 27 -- SEC team goes west and comes up short
LAUREN BRADFORD – Sports Reporter, WCYB (7-5, 16-8)
Dobyns-Bennett 36, West Ridge 24 - I think West Ridge faces a real challenge this week after two easy wins and it gets the best of them.
High School Games
Science Hill 27, Jefferson County 21
David Crockett 26, Daniel Boone 14
Morristown West 35, Tennessee High 23
Volunteer 17, Sullivan East 7
Elizabethton 35, Grainger 26
Greeneville 38, Cherokee 14
Unicoi County 27, Pigeon Forge 24
Johnson County 38, Claiborne 27
Chuckey-Doak 45, West Greene 17
College Games
Tennessee 42, North Carolina State 28 - Vols fast paced offense will have the Wolfpack on their heels all night
Texas 26, Michigan 17
Oklahoma State 35, Arkansas 24
Iowa State 24, Iowa 10
Kentucky 33, South Carolina 18
Alabama 55, South Florida 14
Nebraska 36, Colorado 12
Mississippi State 25, Arizona State 18
TRAVIS LEMING – Owner, Rocky Top Storage (8-4, 16-8)
Thank you Mr. Wilmoth, how did I know this would be your game of the week lol. Let me start by saying this is going to be a game to remember. DB has played 2 good teams, and West Ridge has played well 2 teams I am not sure will win a game this entire season. Indians have won the first 3 contests over the Wolves and too many to count over South and Central in the years before West Ridge. This is a rival game but is it a rival when only one team has won. With all that being said anyone in their right mind should pick the Indians right…….. but this streak must end sometime why not this Friday night in J Fred so give me the Wolves to pull this out in the end 28-27 over the Indians. GO WOLVES
High School Games
Science Hill 38, Jefferson County 28 -- I thought this would be for the 1, 2 seed in Region 1 but after Jeff Co showing last week, I think The Hill is the top of the class in Region 1.
David Crockett 10, Daniel Boone 7 -- The Musket Bowl that no one will want to remember after Friday night.
Tennessee High 24, Morristown West 10 -- Hey the 2-0 Vikings on riding that winning way all the way to Morristown. (Yes, I know one was forfeit so we don’t need an email about their record LOL)
Sullivan East 7, Volunteer 6 -- Give this one to home team, I guess.
Elizabethton 24, Grainger 7 -- No way Betsy isn’t ready to play after not playing last week due to weather.
Greeneville 56, Cherokee 14 -- Great start to season for Cherokee but this is Greeneville
Pigeon Forge 31, Unicoi County 28 -- Great game in Pigeon Forge but give the home team the advantage in this one.
Johnson County 42, Claiborne 6 -- Ok last week I was on the Longhorn train all way to Mountain City. Well, this week I am moving up to the conductor of the Longhorn train are you kidding me.
Chuckey-Doak 21, West Greene 20 -- Should be a great game in Afton so let’s give this one to the home team again.
College Games
Tennessee 48, North Carolina State 17 -- I don’t think Josh will need billboard material, but the Wolfpack defensive player today gave it him. Nico is the real deal and this offense will show its power against this Power 5 school so blow out city in the Queen City.
Texas 35, Michigan 21 -- To bad they can’t tie in this game because I hate both teams but I guess give me the other ut.
Oklahoma State 38, Arkansas 24
Iowa 24, Iowa State 17
Kentucky 35, South Carolina 14
Alabama 48, South Florida 10
Nebraska 28, Colorado 21
Mississippi State 35, Arizona State 21
BRIAN OWENS – Local Sports Enthusiast (8-4, 16-8)
Dobyns-Bennett 21, West Ridge 18 -- In the short history of this rivalry series, the Indians have dominated. However, this year's Tribe look to be vulnerable. Watching last week's beatdown at the hands of Greeneville, the Indians looked lost at times. This will be the Wolves' best chance yet to knock down their storied foe, but since the Tribe is at home, I will go with them in a nailbiter.
Science Hill 42, Jefferson County 21 -- This is probably for the Region 1-6A title even though we're only in week 3. Toppers look to be the real deal and Patriots are coming off a lopsided loss to the Smoky Bears. The game is in Dandridge, but the Toppers will be too much in the end.
David Crockett 7, Daniel Boone 6 -- I picked the Pioneers last week and got burned for my troubles. Trailblazers have looked lethargic over the first two contests in two blowout defeats. Only thing I know for sure, is it's way too early to play one of the premier rivalry games in the area.
Tennessee High 25, Morristown West 18 -- Vikings look to have finally found their rhythm after winning the Battle of Weaver Pike last week in a beatdown.
Volunteer 14, Sullivan East 3 -- Someone has to win this one. I'll go with the Falcons.
Elizabethton 42, Grainger 14 -- Grizzlies getting more votes than the Cyclones in the 4A poll this week. Don't think that the boys from Rutledge will leave Carter County without tasting defeat though.
Greeneville 56, Cherokee 0 -- Sorry Chiefs... One of the early feel good stories so far in the area, the 2-0 Chiefs meet the area's best team on Friday night in Big Red Valley. After these next two weeks, it should be a breeze the remainder of the season for the boys from Rogersville though.
Unicoi County 28, Pigeon Forge 26 -- Two top 10 teams in the state in 3A. Clay Ramsey should see a classic in Dolly World on Friday night. The dual threat QB Kolby Jones makes the difference for the Devils.
Johnson County 48, Claiborne 6 -- Longhorns are rolling right now.
Chuckey-Doak 36, West Greene 6 -- A Greene County battle will go to the Knights.
Tennessee 35, North Carolina State 16 -- One of the few games where you'll see me pull for the Vols. Hope they crush the hated Wolfpack.
Texas 28, Michigan 24 -- I think the Longhorns are clearly the better team, but being in the Big House the Wolverines may have a chance.
Oklahoma State 28, Arkansas 17
Iowa 16, Iowa State 14 -- Battle for the Cy-Hawk trophy goes to the Hawkeyes.
Kentucky 34, South Carolina 17 -- Gameco*cks nearly went down to those Hokie killers, Old Dominion last week in Williams-Brice. Give me the 'Cats at the Grocery Store.
Alabama 42, South Florida 7
Nebraska 28, Colorado 24 -- Taking the Huskers at home.
Arizona State 35, Mississippi State 30
CLAY RAMSEY – WEMB Voice of the Unicoi County Blue Devils (9-3, 16-8)
Dobyns-Bennett 28, West Ridge 17 -- Both teams have injuries they have contended with at the start of the season. West Ridge has had better sailing the last couple weeks than Dobyns-Bennett, but winning at J. Fred is never easy and last week was ugly for Dobyns-Bennett in Greeneville. All of this calculates a Dobyns-Bennett win for me.
Science Hill 35, Jefferson County 28 -- Two weeks ago, Science Hill played an Elizabethton team on the road that had dominated them for the last few years and they took it to the Cyclones. The same situation is in play for the Hilltoppers here as Jefferson County has been very successful against Science Hill lately. I won't make the same mistake twice. Science Hill is the pick.
David Crockett 30, Daniel Boone 10 -- The ugly season for Boone will continue. Crockett may have work to do after losing to Cherokee last week, but they are the better team in this year's Musket Bowl.
Morristown West 21, Tennessee High 20 -- This one could go either way for me. West was cancelled last week while Tennessee High cruised to a win over Sullivan East. Tennessee High hasn't won a road game over Morristown West since the 2012 State Playoffs. I'll use history to back me here, but Tennessee High is definitely capable of winning this game.
Sullivan East 31, Volunteer 13 -- It's not pretty at Sullivan East right now, but it's even less pretty for Volunteer. Mike Cox's return to the headset is a win for his Patriots.
Elizabethton 42, Grainger 14 -- I was the lone person on the panel to take Grainger over Chuckey-Doak last Friday, a risk that paid off. Elizabethton is a different beast, though. A lot of the time, impressive, perhaps emotional wins are followed up by a letdown. Given the success of the Betsy program, I wouldn't call this result a letdown for the Grizzlies, but the Cyclones get the win off an extra week of rest.
Greeneville 34, Cherokee 7 -- Cherokee has proven me wrong twice so far this season, so props to them. But much as is the case for Grainger against Elizabethton, the Greene Devils are just a bigger beast to deal with. I have to go with Greeneville in this one.
Unicoi County 31, Pigeon Forge 28 -- This is a really tough pick. Kolby Jones' Unicoi County legacy began in this game last year as he orchestrated the Blue Devils to a come-from-behind 11-6 win; Unicoi County's first ever win over the Tigers. What also must be considered is that Pigeon Forge had one of their worst seasons in recent memory last year. This one, too, could go either way, but I'm not betting against a quarterback who's already proven he can get it done against Pigeon Forge.
Johnson County 42, Claiborne 0 -- Johnson County has all kinds of momentum after dominant efforts against Sullivan East and Hampton, while Claiborne has a close loss to Grainger and a close win over a not-so-great Union County team. Quite frankly, the Longhorns should run away with this one against the home Mountain City crowd.
Chuckey-Doak 35, West Greene 17 -- West Greene really let me down in a loss at home to Cloudland last Friday, while Chuckey-Doak's defense continued to struggle in a loss to Grainger. I just get the sense that Billy Kaylor's squad is too good to lose to West Greene at home.
Tennessee 38, NC State 28 -- I know some might overreact from Week 1's results for both teams and have the spread on this game higher, but I'm not predicting a Tennessee blowout. I still expect that Nico Iamaleava is the star of the show. The secondaries for both teams will be the positional group to watch, but the Vols are just too much for the Wolfpack.
Texas 27, Michigan 21 -- Yeah, I have this one as a close finish too. Texas blanked Colorado State (to my surprise) with no real struggle, while Michigan struggled with Fresno State. Michigan has to figure out the quarterback and running back positions, as Davis Warren wasn't all that impressive as the signal caller, and Donovan Edwards had a dud of a game. Assuming, though, that Michigan turns to Kalel Mullings as the lead back and Davis Warren has a better game, and factoring in the difficulty of playing in the Big House, I feel that Michigan hangs in with the Longhorns.
Oklahoma State 38, Arkansas 21 -- No real questions here. My mind hasn't changed on Arkansas after their 70-0 beatdown of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, regardless of their 10 touchdowns on 10 drives. Oklahoma State, meanwhile, had a pretty impressive win over a perennially solid South Dakota State team from the FCS level. This feels like a patented pound the rock with Ollie Gordon type of game, and Oklahoma State takes the win.
Iowa 24, Iowa State 14 -- I saw Iowa play in the Citrus Bowl against Tennessee in January and Iowa was porous at best on both sides of the ball. Changes have been made to the Iowa coaching staff, particularly on offense. That change saw the Hawkeyes drop 40 on Illinois State last week. Still plenty of work to do for Iowa, but given they are at home, and given that Iowa State can become overly reliant on Rocco Becht for success at times, I'll still take the Hawkeyes in the battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy.
Kentucky 28, South Carolina 17 -- This one really pains me. I can't stand Kentucky, so I want to see South Carolina win this game, but South Carolina struggled mightily at home with Old Dominion and Kentucky looked much more impressive (albeit in just 2 quarters and change) against Southern Miss. It stings, but give me the Wildcats at home.
Alabama 44, South Florida 24 -- This isn't last year. South Florida gave Alabama a real wake up call in 2023, taking the Tide to the wire, though Alabama ultimately survived. The Bulls are still strong this year and will have an outside shot at the CFP as the Group of 5 representative. I just cannot take a Group of 5 team to beat Alabama in Bryant-Denny, but don't expect Alabama to blow USF out.
Nebraska 34, Colorado 28 (OT) -- Everyone is talking about the Shedeur Sanders to Travis Hunter connection, and they should. Both are special players. Here's a connection you might not be as familiar with, however. Dylan Raiola to Isaiah Neyor. That is your winning connection as Cornhuskers fans are treated to an instant classic in Lincoln.
Arizona State 31, Mississippi State 28 -- For me, this is the hardest college game to pick this weekend. Two programs that haven't had a ton going for them recently, with very similar coaching situations. The only real separator for me here is location. Mississippi State went to Tucson and beat Arizona in 2022. While that may have happened, it's still an unfamiliar location and this Mississippi State team is in a much different place than the 2022 team. The Sun Devils win this one.
STEVE WILMOTH – ESPN Tri-Cities, TriCitiesSports.com (6-6, 16-8)
Feature Game - Dobyns-Bennett 22, West Ridge 21 – Tribe gets late two-point conversion to deny Wolves.
High School Games
Science Hill 28, Jefferson County 20 - winner of this game the last three years has won the Region 1-6A title.
David Crockett 16, Daniel Boone 12 - Blazers have scored only seven points in two games. Pioneers haven’t exactly lit things up offensively but with quarterback A.J. Wynn and wideout Lamarkus Dunn, Crockett would seem to have a few more playmakers.
Morristown West 24, Tennessee High 18 – Trojans get a leg up in Region 1-5A race.
Volunteer 28, Sullivan East 21 – The Patriots have put only ten points on the board in two weeks while the Falcons maybe found their offensive identity with running back Keelin Releford.
Elizabethton 35, Grainger 6 - Grizzlies actually received more votes than Cyclones in this week’s TSWA state rankings.
Greeneville 42, Cherokee 7 - Greene Devils cool off red-hot Chiefs
Unicoi County 31, Pigeon Forge 27 - Blue Devil offense takes down Tigers.
Johnson County 49, Claiborne 0 - Juan Mejia with another 200-yard night.
Chuckey-Doak 49, West Greene 7 - Buffs were 1-1 against 1-1A teams the first two weeks.
College Games
Tennessee 45, North Carolina State 28 - Congrats to those of you who busted that early money line this week…get ready to cash your tickets.
Texas 31, Michigan 30
Oklahoma State 27, Arkansas 20
Iowa State 23, Iowa 22 - Cyclones could rep Big 12 in playoffs.
Kentucky 29, South Carolina 15
Alabama 37, South Florida 26
Nebraska 31, Colorado 29
Mississippi State 33, Arizona State 26
COLE JOHNSON - Sports Report, WCYB (9-3, 15-9)
Dobyns-Bennett 31, West Ridge 14 — The Ridge has looked good through two weeks, but have done it against Volunteer and Daniel Boone. This is where the buck likely stops as region play commences. Dobyns-Bennett is coming off being blanked in Greeneville and they'll be ready for blood on their home field.
Science Hill 27, Jefferson County 21 — The Toppers got robbed of a good test last week and may have gotten an extra day or two to look the reigning 6A Region 1 champs. This was a tight one last year and I'll take Science Hill to pull out a tight one this time around.
David Crockett 26, Daniel Boone 16 — Boone has taken three straight Musket Bowls, but wouldn't count on a fourth. Crockett has a lot to offer with their young roster and Boone hasn't been able to stop anyone through two games being outscored 98-7.
Tennessee High 28, Morristown West 20 — Vikings go on the road get the win and miraculously improve to 3-0 after getting the forfeited win from Greeneville.
Volunteer 20, Sullivan East 14 — Battle at the bottom of 4A Region 1. Might be the best chance either team has at winning a game.
Elizabethton 29, Grainger 13 — Grainger may have doubled up on Chuckey-Doak, but won't come close against a Fighting Cyclones team on two weeks rest trying to recuperate from the Science Hill loss in the opener.
Unicoi County 32, Pigeon Forge 30 — Hopefully we don't see the 11-6 final from a year ago. Both teams are better and seem to be able to score a little more. Give me the Blue Devils in a high scoring, last second thriller.
Johnson County 38, Claiborne 10 — Johnson County has taken both of their opponents to school, scoring 94 points in two games. They took Claiborne to school last year, and probably will again.
Chuckey-Doak 40, West Greene 8 — Black Knights got doubled up last week, but we saw what they can do to the 1A or 2A schools. West Greene is beat up bad already. Shouldn't be close.
Tennessee 38, North Carolina State 17 — NC State struggled to beat FCS Western Carolina. Tennessee beat the same caliber opponent by 66. Easy.
Texas 35, Michigan 14 — I'm riding all the Longhorns this weekend. Texas is at a different level than the reigning champs right now. Will be a wake up call to the Wolverines that Jim Harbaugh is no longer there.
Oklahoma State 31, Arkansas 10 — Cowboys have a shot at the Big 12 title this year with Texas and Oklahoma gone. Should have an easy road in their first power five game of the season.
Iowa 23, Iowa State 20 — Hawkeyes at home in the Iowa battle.
Kentucky 24, South Carolina 16 — Wildcats have the advantage. Tough seeing South Carolina move the ball much after only scoring 23 against Old Dominion.
Alabama 34, South Florida 17 — USF got the best of the Tide a year ago in the midst of a quarterback kerfuffle. None of that this year. Alabama by a bunch.
Nebraska 27, Colorado 24 — Cornhuskers put up over 20 for the first time since October of last year and quiet the Deion crowd early again.
Mississippi State 31, Arizona State 27 — Toss up in this one. Rolling SEC school on the road.
WADE LITTLETON – TriCitiesSports.com (7-5, 15-9)
Dobyns- Bennett 28, West Ridge 21 -- Wolves have an improved team, but D-B is, D-B. At the J. Fred, D-B is unbeatable against district competition. As much as I'd like to pick the Wolves, D-B has the homefield advantage. Also, the Wolves are catching the Tribe at a bad time...after a loss to Greeneville.
Preps
Science Hill 29, Jefferson County 28 -- 'Toppers look like the real deal this year. Patriots will keep it close, but SHHS pulls it out at the final horn.
David Crockett 28, Daniel Boone 14 -- Crockett gave Cherokee fits last Friday night before the Chiefs rebounded. This Musket Bowl will be played on Crockett's home field and the Pioneers will go 2-0 on their field with a win over the hated Trailblazers. The only trailblazing Boone is doing is to the weight room to try again next year.
Morristown West 31, Tennessee High 28 -- Vikings are 2-0? Who would have thunk it, especially after playing the Greene Devils? Oh yeah, something about an ineligible player. West is itching to get back on the field after losing to Mo East two weeks ago. After not playing at Elizabethton last week, the Trojans will take out their frustrations on THS.
Sullivan East 7, Volunteer 6 -- After being shellacked by Johnson County and Tennessee High, the Patriots are due a bright spot for the season. The Falcons will come in attempting to win, but the Patriots will stop a Falcon two-point conversion late.
Elizabethton 28, Grainger 6 -- In this rebuilding season, the Cyclones take this one to the bank. The boys from Grainger won't know what hit them.
Greeneville 35, Cherokee 14 -- Chiefs have won their first two games for the first time since 2019. The visiting Greene Devils aren't going to be happy about forfeiting a game to Tennessee High. As much as I'd like to pick Cherokee in this one, I must go against my gut and pick the Devils.
Pigeon Forge 31, Unicoi County 28 -- Devils look to be the total package, but a trip to Dollywood tends to effect people more than they realize. The Forge is unbeatable at home.
Johnson County 35, Claiborne 14 -- I've gotten burned twice this year by the Longhorns. So this time, I'm joining the Horns. Claiborne has been through the wringer, first their coach resigned because of a rape incident during preseason practice, then an acting coach was named. I can't believe that Johnson County will work up much of a sweat against these Bulldogs.
Chuckey-Doak 28, West Greene 14 -- Buffaloes have burned me this year, too. They defeated North Greene and lost to Cloudland. I believe the Black Knights are the superior team in this game.
College Games
Tennessee 31, North Carolina State 28 -- Vols face a tough test in the Duke's Mayo Classic. Dave Doren could have been the UT coach today if it hadn't been for John Currie's shenanigans. Cooler heads prevailed when Danny White as Athletic Director and Josh Heupel as Head Coach. Under Heupel, UT is looking more and more like a contender and Nico and the Vols will take a mayo bath in Charlotte.
Texas 38, Michigan 14 -- How the mighty has fallen. National champs last year, national chumps this year. Texas will roll into Ann Arbor and take names.
Okie State 38, Arkansas 14 -- Cowpokes get it done against the Razorbacks.
Iowa 38, Iowa State 35 -- Not a lot goes on in Iowa City at night. Hawkeyes will get to do some celebrating over their hated rival Cyclones.
Kentucky 35, South Carolina 21 -- Wildcats come into Kroger Field and take down the Gameco*cks in a close game (Sorry, Shawn Singleton, my friend and fellow writer and USC fan)
Bama 36, South Florida 14 -- DeBoer will win these kinds of games, but the $EC will be a different animal.
Nebraska 38, Colorado 14 -- Coach Prime is in a no-win situation this year. I can't see the Buffs having much of a chance against Matt Ruhle's Cornhuskers. The 'Welcome Back Nebraska' tour begins Saturday.
Arizona State 36, Mississippi State 14 -- Where is Dan Mullen when you need him? Sun Devils roll in Tempe.
BRYAN MOORE– 104.9 FM Nash Icon Voice of the Wolves, TriCitiesSports.com (7-5, 15-9)
West Ridge 28, Dobyns-Bennett 21 -- There’s something special brewing about this West Ridge team. The Wolves will get their first-ever victory on the gridiron against a beat-up Indians squad.
Science Hill 35, Jefferson County 14 -- The top two teams in Region 1-6A, according to pre-season polls, will square and the Toppers will continue their impressive start with a win at Dumplin Valley.
David Crockett 30, Daniel Boone 14 -- Both teams are reeling in this Musket Bowl meeting, but the home-standing Pioneers will defeat the Trailblazers.
Tennessee High 30, Morristown West 20 -- The Vikings rebounded nicely with a win last week that jumpstarted their season.
Volunteer 35, Sullivan East 21 -- The Falcons suffered a tough loss at Lakeway Christian Academy. Volunteer will kick down the door and end its 17-game losing streak and knock off the Patriots.
Elizabethton 45, Grainger 0 -- The Cyclones had an extra week to fume over their season-opening loss to Science Hill. That’s not good for the Grizzlies.
Greeneville 45, Cherokee 7 -- The Chiefs’ winning streak will come to an abrupt end against the powerful Greene Devils.
Unicoi County 33, Pigeon Forge 21 -- The Blue Devils may stop off at Dollywood after taking care of the Tigers.
Johnson County 40, Claiborne 12 -- The Longhorns will score early and often.
Chuckey-Doak 34, West Greene 21 -- Both teams are coming off losses so I’m going with the Black Knights to bounce back at home.
College Games
Tennessee 42, North Carolina State 31 -- The Vols will have to outscore the Wolfpack…and they will.
Texas 38, Michigan 21 -- The defending national champions lost too much off of last year’s squad while the Longhorns are serious contenders for the BCS Playoff.
Oklahoma State 45, Arkansas 31 -- If the Razorbacks athletic director hasn’t already started looking for a new coach, he will be after Saturday.
Iowa 38, Iowa State 21 -- Maybe Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz can be suspended for this game too and allow the Hawkeyes’ offense to explode again.
Kentucky 30, South Carolina 20 -- The Wildcats get it done at home.
Alabama 49, South Florida 0 -- The Tide rolls again…and again…and again.
Nebraska 45, Colorado 21 -- There is no Prime Time in Nebraska. Colorado couldn’t stop a Boy Scout troop so the Cornhuskers will pound the Buffaloes.
Arizona State 28, Mississippi State 17 -- I’m picking up the Sun Devils because they’re at home.
PARKER WILMOTH – Defending and 10-Time Champion (8-4, 15-9)
Dobyns-Bennett 28, West Ridge 21 -- Wolves are 2-0 with big wins to start off the season, running a great offense and controlling the line of scrimmage. D-B has played two tough matchups so far. I think this will be the closest game so far in the series. West ridge took an early 14-0 lead last year and could not hang on, I expect them to find a rhythm early and often in this one as well. I just have to take the team at home and the home field advantage.
Science Hill 28, Jefferson County 21 -- Hilltoppers need to find a way to control Nic Moore from Jefferson County. He's probably the best offensive lineman in the state and the hilltoppers will need to bottle him up so he can't pave a road for chunk plays. I think the overall number of great athletes the Hilltoppers boast will make a difference. Hilltoppers do what is Necessary, and start off 1-0 in region play.
Daniel Boone 14, David Crockett 7 -- Both of these teams are struggling to find themselves. I think Boone despite the loss at West Ridge had some positives with running the football against West Ridge at times. This hurt Crockett last week as Cherokee found their run game and beat the Pioneers. Therefore, I am taking the Trailblazers in this one.
Morristown West 35, Tennessee High 21 -- Trojans seem to be more experienced and have taken down their 5A arch rival.
Volunteer 28, Sullivan East 26 -- Falcons found something on offense last week and they are going to use their size to control the line of scrimmage in this one.
Elizabethton 42, Grainger 21 - Cyclones get back on the right track
Greeneville 56, Cherokee 7 -- Greene Devils just churning out yards on the ground behind Carson Quillen.
Pigeon Forge 24, Unicoi 22 -- Just rollin with the home team on this one, could go either way.
Johnson County 35, Claiborne 7 -- Claiborne bulldogs have a long ride off the mountain Friday night.
Chuckey Doak 35, West Greene 21 - The Doak continues to put up points, not sure if the Buffaloes can keep up with their pace.
College
Tennessee 52, NC state 21 -- Wolfpack didn't look great against Western Carolina while the Vols looked sharp in their opener. Nico is extremely accurate, puts the ball on the chest or facemask every time and receivers never have to break stride. Offensive line is certainly improved and better depth has also been added. Wolfpack does have a trio of playmakers in Joly, McCall, and Concepcion, but I don't think it will be enough after 60 minutes. I will be in Bank of America stadium for this one, along with my fellow VFLs.
Texas 28, Michigan 24 -- Longhorns will get tested in this one even though on paper their definitely the more talented team. Look for Michigan's struggles at QB to play a factor in this.
Oklahoma State 31, Arkansas 17 -- Cowboys have a really, really good running back.
Iowa 13, Iowa State 7 -- Hawkeyes just do not score much, if iowa state can manage 2 touchdowns it might be enough to beat their rival.
Kentucky 28, South Carolina 14 -- Beamer is not balling
Alabama 35, South Florida 24 -- I would love to see Golesh pull off the upset, it's just going to be hard to do in Tuscaloosa.
Nebraska 27, Colorado 20 -- Cornhuskers just have to find a way to defend Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn. Huskers young QB will have to grow up quickly in this game. But this one is being played in Lincoln, and it's a night game which can cause some communication issues. If Nebraska can force a turnover or two the Buffaloes will self implode.
Arizona State 34, Mississippi 23 - Sun devils take care of the cowbells.
MIKE COX – Voice of Sullivan East Patriots @ 96.3 The Possum (8-4, 14-10)
West Ridge 28, Dobyns-Bennett 27 -- This a gut feeling pick for me. Seems like the Wolves are running pretty well this early season, and the Indians might still be down a bit after dropping that game to "4A" Greeneville. Wolves take the early conference lead this week.
David Crockett 26, Daniel Boone 21
Morristown West 23, Tennessee High 20 -- This isn't sour grapes or anything after last week, but another gut feeling. I normally stay close to local teams when they play teams toward Knoxville, but I prefer home field advantage this time.
Sullivan East 21, Volunteer 13 -- A couple teams already needing a win badly take the field in Bluff City. From reports, the Patriots looked improved last week despite being overmatched by a 5A foe. More improvement for J.C. Simmons' team happens and results in a win this week. Weather and health permitting, I'll be on the call with Jacob on 96.3 The Possum Friday night starting at 7!
Elizabethton 42, Grainger 14 -- Betsy's gonna Betsy. Hear the Cyclones blow through this one on 107.9 The Bridge Friday night!
Greeneville 55, Cherokee 7 -- Second verse, same as the first, just now radio station in the group on this one.
Unicoi County 28, Pigeon Forge 20 -- Doesn't matter that they're going to be on the road, it's just a good reason to go to Buc-ee's on the way out of town after getting a win. This Unicoi team is good, and they'll stay that way a long way from home.
Johnson County 33, Claiborne 13.
Chuckey-Doak 42, West Greene 6.
College Games
Tennessee 35, NC State 24 -- No, the Vols won't almost hit 70, but halfway there will suffice in Charlotte.
Michigan 28, Texas 24 -- 'm normally conference loyal, but since Texas is new I'll give them a hard time.
Oklahoma State 17, Arkansas 13 -- Orange team > variant of red team. It's how I pick the NCAA tournament, too.
Iowa 18, Iowa State 13
Kentucky 27, South Carolina 21 -- Kentucky looks really good...they could run away with this. They're always some semblance of good early, though. Let's see if they'll have it in November.
Alabama 52, South Florida 14.
Colorado 35, Nebraska 17 -- College football is always better when Tennessee, Florida State, and Nebraska are good. Apparently this year at least two of those three are not the case.
Mississippi State 31, Arizona State 20 -- Alma mater loyalty, pure and simple. Even without the cowbells. Hail State!
KELLY GOETZ – Morning News Anchor, WJHL (6-6, 12-12)
Feature Game - Dobyns-Bennett 28, West Ridge 24
Science Hill 48, Jefferson County 24
David Crockett 24, Daniel Boone 7 -- Join us Friday morning! We'll be live from David Crockett for Friday Morning kick-off starting at 6 a.m. *AND* we'll be carrying this game live on News Channel 11.
Tennessee High 24, Morristown West 20
Volunteer 21, Sullivan East 14
Elizabethton 28, Grainger 6
Greeneville 48, Cherokee 7
Unicoi County 28, Pigeon Forge 6
Johnson County 35, Claiborne 30
Chuckey-Doak 28, West Greene 3
Tennessee 38, North Carolina State 35
Texas 24, Michigan 3
Oklahoma State 28, Arkansas 21
Iowa 10, Iowa State 3
Kentucky 35, South Carolina 21
Alabama 48, South Florida 12
Nebraska 24, Colorado 20
Mississippi State 24, Arizona State 14
