The Wiz of Odds

East Carolina

East Carolina can make some early noise with games against Virginia Tech and West Virginia. Also on the nonconference portion of the schedule are North Carolina State and Virginia. Thanks to Michael.

Georgia Tech

The Paul Johnson era begins Thursday night for Georgia Tech, which plays host to Jacksonville State and quarterback Ryan Perrilloux. Johnson's option offense was a success at Navy, but will it work at Tech? The Yellow Jackets will find out quickly. After Thursday's game are trips to Boston College and Virginia Tech. Thanks to Dean.

Southern Mississippi

The Larry Fedora era at Southern Mississippi kicks off Saturday night when the Golden Eagles play host to Louisiana Lafayette. Fedora replaced Jeff Bower, who was forced out after 17 seasons. Bower's departure was controversial, considering his tenure at Hattiesburg was longer than all but three coaches in Division I-A — Penn State's Joe Paterno (42), Florida State's Bobby Bowden (32) and Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer (21). Bower's only losing seasons came in 1991 and '93. Thanks to Zac at Old Hat Creative.

Kansas State

Are Kansas State players about to have an afterlife experience? This poster schedule depicts the Wildcats in the tunnel entering Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Some fans are questioning if Kansas State is headed in the right direction after the team imploded in the second half of 2007, giving up an average of 49.5 points in the final four games. Nonetheless, Ron Prince was given a new contract.

Brigham Young

Brigham Young, winner of 22 games the past two seasons, hasn't lost a Mountain West Conference game since 2005. A favorable schedule should enable the Cougars to be in the hunt for a Bowl Championship Series game. Early tests come at Washington and at home against UCLA. A midseason game at Texas Christian could be tricky, and don't forget about the regular-season finale at rival Utah.

Illinois

Illinois is coming off a surprising 9-4 season that included a trip to the Rose Bowl, but can the Zooker keep it rolling? Consider that the Fighting Illini, who lost running back Rashard Mendenhall, haven't put together back-to-back winning seasons since 1989-90. Defenses will be loading up to stop quarterback Juice Williams, who will have to develop a passing touch. Illinois opens Aug. 30 against Missouri in the Arch Rivalry game in St. Louis. Thanks to Victor.