This is absolutely my favorite time of year, when all the predictions, dialogue and analysis ends and we get to see it all play out on the field.

Here’s our predictions for a few of this weekend’s games.

#13 Georgia at #9 Oklahoma State. For all the talk about the Cowboys and the raucous environment in Stillwater, keep in mind the Georgia Bulldogs are a team who have been extremely successful on the road under Mark Richt, compiling a 30-4 record during his tenure. Despite losing their starting QB and RB to the NFL Draft, I think Richt will have his team ready, but Zac Robinson and 60,000 strong will be waiting. In a close one, Oklahoma State emerges victorious 24-20.

#20 Brigham Young vs. #3 Oklahoma (Dallas). BYU wants to prove they belong in the BCS discussion. Oklahoma will prove they aren’t ready for prime time just yet. Oklahoma 35, BYU 20.

#5 Alabama vs. #7 Virginia Tech. If Darren Evans were healthy, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick the Hokies. Alabama has to replace their starting quarterback, three offensive linemen and, until Wednesday night, looked like they might be without their top wide receiver, Julio Jones, and starting running back, Mark Ingram until the NCAA ruled they could play. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Frank Beamer and company emerge victorious, but something tells me Alabama is ready for this game. Alabama 24, Virginia Tech 14.

Maryland at #12 California. Last season, Maryland upended the Bears in College Park. This season, Cal welcomes the Terps to the West Coast as they kickoff what they hope will be a BIG season, led by Heisman candidate Jahvid Best. It’s payback by the Bay for Maryland. California 34, Maryland 17.

#11 LSU at Washington. Unlike the past several seasons, LSU is flying far below the radar to begin 2009. New Washington head coach, Steve Sarkisian, will get the Husky program headed back on the right track, just not this season. LSU 34, Washington 13.

#8 Mississippi at Memphis. This has traditionally been a close game for both teams early in the season. Memphis last won 10-6 in 2004, with four of the past five contests being decided by a touchdown or less. Look for Houston Nutt’s Rebels to make a statement against the Tigers that they are ready for big things in 2009. Ole Miss 38, Memphis 17.

Cincinnati at Rutgers. Has any game between two unranked teams meant so much at the beginning of the season? Both are expected to contend for the Big East Championship and a berth in, likely, the AllState Sugar Bowl. Greg Schiano will ride the home crowd to victory on Labor Day. Rutgers 23, Cincinnati 20.

Miami (FL) at #18 Florida State. Remember when this game was dubbed “The Game of the Century” every season? Here’s how far it has fallen…..tickets were still available to this game from the ticket office this week. Either way, this one is still big for FSU and “The U”. Whichever coach, Bobby Bowden or Randy Shannon, is dealt the loss will begin to hear the drumbeat for change. I believe the drumbeats of victory sound for the Seminoles. Florida State 24, Miami Hurricanes 17.

Enjoy the opening weekend of the 2009 College Football season!