EZB will now use all of our vast knowledge (stop laughing!) to decipher the two key battles in the first week of the season, and who will come out victorious.

- #6 Missouri Tigers vs. #20 Illinois Fighting Illini (in St. Louis): Last season's game was an outstanding clash that saw Mizzou go on top early, only to see Illinois fight back and make it close. Nonetheless, the Tigers came out on top. This season, Missouri has legitimate national championship aspirations, and the Illini are a threat to win the Big 10. Both teams lost their leading rushers from a season ago - Missouri's Tony Temple and Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall - but their offenses remain dangerous, as each features an outstanding QB/WR combination. Mizzou has Heisman finalist Chase Daniel behind center throwing to Jeremy Maclin, while Juice Williams of the Illini is a run/pass threat who can chuck it to Arrelious Benn in the passing game. Expect a tight contest that won't be decided until the fourth quarter.

Prediction: Mizzou 38, Illinois 34

- #24 Alabama crimson tide at #9 Clemson Tigers: The other game on the docket featuring Top 25 teams pits an SEC squad against one from the ACC. Usually, the advantage is with the SEC, but not in this one. Clemson has an impressive arsenal of offensive firepower, with RB James Davis and C.J. Spiller, QB Cullen Harper and WR Aaron Kelly leading the way. Alabama counters with the inconsistent John Parker Wilson at QB, and a host of freshman, including all-world recruit Julio Jones at WR. Put together the inexperience of Alabama, plus the fact they will be playing on the road, and this will be a difficult game for them to win.

Prediction: Clemson 31, Alabama 21