INSIDE99 BREAKDOWN
Last week was accurate for many preseason prognosticators…some of the realisms that showed through in the previews came to light. So we head into the September 6 weekend sitting at a perfect 3-0. As the season moves on, the picks will get tougher. But we'll chime in today with four picks in our version of "Picks Of The Week".

North Carolina State -7.5 over Wake Forest
North Carolina State and Philip Rivers appears to be that offensive monster after hanging 59 points on a measly I-AA opponent in Western Carolina. Wake Forest comes calling now after a huge upset victory over Boston College. The game is in Winston-Salem, a home game for the Deacons. Wake head coach Jim Grobe is a mastermind of the run-game, and may prove to be the time-gobbling ingredient needed for keeping Rivers and his cohorts on the sidelines watching. But we are banking on the Pack to eventually bust this one open with their too much firepower. Don't let the win over BC fool you, Wake Forest isn't that close to NC State this season with all things even.

Air Force -7.5 over Northwestern
Air Force whipped on I-AA Wofford last week 49-0. Chance Harridge is a superb QB and Northwestern has one of their own - sophomore Brett Basanez. It should be an interesting tussle in Evanston. The Falcons won this one last year 52-3. We are counting on it being at least 7.5 this year.

Notre Dame -6 over Washington State
Notre Dame, at home, in an opener against a Washington State team with a ton of question marks, especially at QB with Jason Gesser departed. If the spread were seven points, we may think twice. A touchdown and an extra point wins this one for the Irish…too much defense.

Auburn -8 over Georgia Tech
USC rattled Auburn, now people must think the Tigers are an average team for a spread like this to exist against a completely decimated Georgia Tech squad. NEWSFLASH: The Tigers will rebound HUGE this week…it doesn't matter where the game is being played, the Yellow Jackets have more problems than you can pile onto Peachtree Street.