This past Wednesday, I gave my predictions for the high school games around the county.

Since it’s Sept. 1 and the start of the college football season, I’m going to dish out my predictions for teams around the state and the southeast.

Alabama vs Western Carolina

It’s the big debut for Nick Saban, and unless something goes horribly wrong, I don’t see the Crimson Tide having much trouble with the Catamounts.

Hopefully John Parker Wilson won’t pull a Brodie Croyle and get injured for the rest of the season.

Alabama 42, Western Carolina 6

Auburn vs Kansas State

This isn’t the usual cupcake opener you’d expect from a big-name team like Auburn.

True, Kansas State hasn’t been the contender it was several years ago, but this team is still capable of putting up a fight.

Auburn 17, Kansas State 14

Troy vs Arkansas

Over the past several years, Troy has played tough with several big-name programs, and even pulled the upset on several others.

I don’t see that happening today.

I think Troy will stay close early, but Arkansas will blow it open shortly after halftime.

Arkansas 49, Troy 17

Some other interesting matchups:

California 35, Tennessee 24

Georgia 27, Oklahoma State 14

Ole Miss 10, Memphis 7

Florida 63, Western Kentucky 3

Kentucky 40, Eastern Kentucky 14

South Carolina 35, La-Lafayette 10

Vanderbilt 24, Richmond 7

Clemson 20, Florida State 13

Notre Dame 27, Georgia Tech 24

My current record: 3-0

Michael Rodgers is the sports editor of The Greenville Advocate. He can be reached at 382-3111 or by e-mail at michael.rodgers@greenvilleadvocate.com