They're Back!

After seven months, college football fans can come out of their respective holes and ruts. It's time to proclaim your team number one in the country again, even if they have no business up there. Time to show your pride, time to let it all hang out. Painted faces and chests will once again flood the stadiums. The gladiators will don their respective colors and enter the arena to wage war on their opponents. With the first night in the books, it's time to take a look at what we can expect out of this college football season. I know what you're thinking, "One night? How can we know?" Well, we can't. But it's always fun to try and predict the future. Looking at the three games played last night it is evident that this season will be no different than years past. No one is safe, all games are up for grabs. Players and fans throughout the country have been waiting to see what can happen this year. Will Alabama win a third straight BCS Championship? Will Ohio State return to prominence after their one year bowl ban? Will Oregon be able to "survive" without Chip Kelly? Can USC figure out how to win a dang game?

CFB Northwest 2013-14 Preview: Washington State Cougars

Last year, the Washington State Cougars finished with a 3-9 record and a shocking upset win over the hated rival Washington Huskies. The Cougars came into the 2012-13 with high and probably unrealistic expectations. The Cougars lacked strong veteran and senior leadership and the quarterback position was constantly in flux. This year, the Cougars look to get to a bowl game. This is a good goal to set but it is all dependent on the quarterback position. Leach has said Connor Halliday will be the starter but do not be surprised if backup Austin Apodaca plays if Halliday struggles early.

CFB Northwest 2013-14 Predictions: Washington Huskies

The Washington Huskies did not live up to the hype and expectations of last year. With a 7-6 record, they were overwhelmingly inconsistent. They won close games over Stanford and Oregon State but were knocked around by Oregon and Arizona. There was also their tremendous collapse against Washington State in the Apple Cup. This year should be a different story. Keith Price, reportedly, has been more focused than ever to lead the Huskies to greatness. Skillful runningback Bishop Sankey will add to the firepower Washington has retained.

CFB Northwest 2013-14 Predictions: Oregon Ducks

The difference between Stanford and Oregon came down to two missed Field Goals in their matchup in Eugene last year. If Oregon bothered to kick a field goal once in a while or actually recruit a top notch high school kicker, they would have won the north title and the Pac-12 all together. The Ducks finished with a 12-1 record and a Fiesta Bowl victory. However, this year is a different story. Chip Kelly is gone; Mark Helfrich is in. The Ducks have to replace a few playmakers on offense and defense such as outside linebacker Dion Jordan and runningback Kenjon Barner. The Duck still have Marcus Mariota and DeAnthony Thomas. Contrary to popular belief, I do not believe the Ducks should increase the workload of Thomas. He is much more effective with less touches and it will prevent him from burning out or getting to many hits.