College Football: Maroon and Gold Game Predictions

Maroon Offensive MVP — QB Shaun Rutherford
Reason: Rutherford is incredibly athletic and seems to have a better grasp of the playbook than the other quarterbacks. His arm is coming around and he can scramble. Plus, the Maroon offensive line is going to make him look like Superman.

Maroon Defensive MVP — DL DeShun Williams
Reason: Williams has been a standout thus far in spring practice. Improved his center of gravity, leaving him nearly unblockable if he gets the right push. There has to be a reason he was the Maroon team's second pick.

Gold Offensive MVP — RB Marcus Curry
Reason: If Curry played last season, he had a chance to be the Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year. Unfortunately, Curry ruptured his Achilles tendon, ruining his season. Curry is back to full strength, looking phenomenal in spring practice. If he doesn't put the ball on the ground too much, look for him to have a big game.

Gold Defensive MVP — LB Jolpo Bartu
Reason: Out of the entire Gold defense, Bartu is the anchor. Bartu should get a healthy amount of tackles, as well as a turnover. During the draft, when Bartu was picked, Franchione told the Gold team, "I've seen you've done your homework."

Game MVP — RB Marcus Curry
Reason: Curry was the top pick in the draft. If Gold's offensive line can create some holes, Curry will find his way through them. Should the Gold offensive line not be able to make space, the nod goes to either Rutherford or WR Daren Dillard, both on the Maroon team.

Game Prediction — Maroon wins by 7.
Reason: Maroon had a great draft. With Rutherford, Terrence Franks and Dillard on the same team, it gives Maroon three big-play guys on offense. Williams, Ron Jackson and Prestin Brown should pick through the Gold offensive line, giving Bryan Iwuji and Brian Lilly time to wreak havoc in the backfield. The Gold team will have its big plays, but it won't be enough.

Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments.