Here is the first week of picks for 2005.

UTAH 17, ARIZONA 10: Kyle Whittingham gets off to a solid start with a victory at home. Just what the natives ordered to keep it rolling.

WASHINGTON 34, AIR FORCE 21: This excursion into Pac-10 territory is fatal for a young Air Force club. In other years, the Falcons have proven they can win games like this, even in South Bend.

COLORADO 28, COLORADO STATE 21: The Buffs have too much firepower for the Rams, which must find a way to stop teams in 2005 to prevent the Matador Defense label of 2004.

FLORIDA 48, WYOMING 14: Heck hath no fury like a university in Florida with all that talent getting some organization and discipline. Urban Meyer will do that there. Close your eyes, Pokes.

UCLA 28, SAN DIEGO STATE 17: This is the beginning of a tough schedule and some skid tracks leading to the rail and cliff for the Aztecs.

NEW MEXICO 17, UNLV 14: This first-ever Labor Day battle on Monday will show us if Mike Sanford has a handle on igniting a fuse with the Rebel offense. Trouble is, Rocky Long is not the right guy to test it on.

OKLAHOMA 33, TCU 14: The Sooners will like this opener, and it is too bad the Horned Frogs didn't get a better break to open the season.

BOSTON COLLEGE 24, BYU 21: The Eagles are a polished, well-coached squad and the Cougars have too many question marks to open the season to ensure that its fired-up invigorated offense will absolutely make up for mistakes, penalties and mysteries on special-team play in this first game.

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E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com