Phil Steele sez…

against the advice of his computer, Georgia 28, Oklahoma State 27.

If you look at the QB, RB and home field edge than the Cowboys deserve to be a large favorite. Georgia however is underrated much like they were in 2005 when they won the SEC Title despite being picked third by the media in the East. In 2007 they were also picked 3rd by the media in the East but finished #2 in the country! Last year they had a big target on their back as the preseason #1 team and then lost their top OL and top DL to injury just prior to the year. This year they are very strong along the line of scrimmage and have one of the top defenses in the country. Joe Cox will surprise folks at QB and is not a fuzzy faced freshman but a 5th year senior. They have a stable of good RB’s and WR AJ Green. Mark Richt has the nation’s best record in opposing stadiums and Georgia can play the respect card here, they know everyone thinks they will lose this game. In 2007 Okla St was the trendy upset pick prior to the season but Georgia rolled over them 35-14 at home in the opener. The pressure is on Oklahoma St with a rare preseason Top Ten ranking and I will go out on a limb and call for the upset.

By the way, the funniest thing on Steele’s prediction page is that he says his computer projected Charleston Southern to score minus nine points against Florida.  Helluva match up, Corch Meyers.