Time to get started picking this week’s games.  All lines are provided by MadduxSports.com .  Keep in mind that I’m not picking all the games, just the ones where I see a potential play.

Stanford (+3) vs. Oregon State– I like the Cardinal to not only cover this spread, but to win outright.  After all, Stanford doesn’t want its fans to demand their money back .

Stanford 31, Oregon State 24.

Missouri (-9) vs. Illinois– The focus of the Illini offense shifts from Mendenhall to the receiving game with Arrelious Benn and Jeff Cumberland , who is set to explode as player (mark it down).  Unfortunately, he’s hurt and may not play much in this game.  I look for Mizzou to pull away late to get the cover.

Missouri 35, Illinois 24

Virginia (+18.5) vs. USC– I think the Trojans have too many question marks on offense to cover this total.  Some defensive scores could do the trick, but I think USC grinds it out rather than blows it out.

USC 20, Virginia 9

Tennesee (-7.5) at UCLA– If the Bruins can keep their offensive line healthy, they might be a solid team by mid-season, but for now, they are in trouble against a very physical Vols team.  Crompton does well and Tennessee wins solidly.

Tennessee 31, UCLA 13

Wisconsin (-26.5) vs. Akron– The Badgers will roll from the getgo here and never look back.

Wisconsin 45, Akron 14

Utah (+3.5) at Michigan– Sorry Wolverines, but for the second-straight year, a team with a mobile quarterback is going to come in and beat you.  Except this time it won’t be an upset.  Rich Rod’s debut is spoiled.

Utah 27, Michigan 20

Oregon (-13) vs. Washington– Even though the Ducks lost presumptive starter Nate Costa, they’ll be going with Justin Roper, who has experience as a starter.  It’s at Autzen and Washington is really young at some key spots.  This one will get away from the Huskies in the third quarter.

Oregon 41, Washington 21

Tulsa (-13.5) at UAB– Paul Smith is gone, but David Johnson should fill in nicely.  Tulsa’s offensive machine gets going again.

Tulsa 45, UAB 24

Hawaii at Florida (70.5)– I like the over on this one as Florida should score at will and Hawaii will eventually get some things going against Gator scrubs.

Florida 63, Hawaii 20

Texas (-23.5) vs. Florida Atlantic– The Longhorns often underperform in games like this one, but I don’t think that’ll be the case here.  Colt McCoy has a nice start and the Longhorns romp.

Texas 52, FAU 10

Here we go with the moment you have all been waiting for: The 2008 Heismanpundit.com Preseason Heisman Watch. There are a million Heisman lists written up every preseason, but this is the only one that matters!

Unlike a lot of Heisman watches, my preseason list is intended to determine which players have the best chance of actually winning the trophy at season’s end. If a player does not have a realistic shot at winning the Heisman, he is not on this list.

Therefore, the following ranking is NOT a prediction of the eventual order of the voting (so calm down Gator fans), but a gauge of the strengths of each of the top candidates based on The Ten Heismandments. Other players who are not on this list will get votes and finish high in the race but won’t win.  I will put out top 10 updates predicting the order of the vote from time to time, but this is not one of those times.

I can say with extreme confidence that the Heisman winner will come from the following group of players. THESE ARE THE GUYS WITH THE BEST CHANCE! Here we go:

1. Chris ‘Beanie’ Wells, Jr., RB., Ohio State–A perfect candidate. A top talent from a traditional power that will compete for a national title. Has the schedule and the name recognition to run away with this. His stiff arm could be more famous than the trophy’s by season’s end.

2. Chase Daniel, Sr., QB, Missouri–Outside of Tim Tebow, he’s the top returning vote getter from last season. Well-known quarterback playing in an exciting offense and an emerging program. Will put up big numbers once again and could win the Heisman if the Tigers make a serious title run.

3. Patrick White, Sr., QB, West Virginia–Might end up as one of the biggest winners in college football history. Dangerous runner who could win the Heisman if he can up his passing stats and lead his team to yet another 11-win season.

4. Stafon Johnson, Jr., RB, USC–The last seven USC tailbacks to top 1,400 rushing yards at some point in their careers have either won the Heisman or finished second in the voting. Johnson looks like he may break out from a crowded running back corps and have that kind of year.

5. Percy Harvin, Jr., WR/RB, Florida–Can do-it-all when healthy. He’ll benefit from Tebow’s exposure and the explosiveness of the Gators offense. If he gets 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving, look out.

6. Colt McCoy, Jr., QB, Texas–If he can regain his freshman year form, he could be a top contender. Has added more rushing yards to his repertoire, but must cut down on his interceptions.

7. Keiland Williams, Jr., RB, LSU–With the LSU quarterback position unsettled, look for the Tigers to lean on Williams in the early going. That could mean a hot start and a chance to emerge as a serious Heisman candidate.

8. Graham Harrell, Sr., QB, Texas Tech–To have a chance at the Heisman, he basically has to break every single-season passing record in existence while leading TTU to the Big 12 title and beyond. If anyone can do it….

9. Matt Stafford, Jr., QB, Georgia–A top pro prospect who has yet to put it together for a whole season. Plays in a system that doesn’t produce big numbers, but could still get attention based on his team’s success.

10. Marlon Lucky, Sr., RB, Nebraska–Once upon a time, the Nebraska I-back was a shoo-in Heisman contender. But Lucky won’t get a single vote unless Nebraska somehow revives under Bo Pelini. If that happens, Lucky will probably be seen as one of the main reasons why. And Heisman voters may take notice.