The Year of (fill in the blank).

College football begins tonight with a strong-for-a-weekday slate of games, so I think it's appropriate that we discuss themes for the season. Last year, it was the "Year of the Random Team Being Ranked No. 2." The year before, it was a combination of "Cinderella Boise State" and "Ohio State is Overrated" (a theme we could pick just about every year).

This year's theme? Will it be "Rise of the Big 12 Passing Attack?" "The Year of Parity?" or even "Brady Quinn: We Miss You, Season Two?" Personally, I think a few things: The SEC will show parity as a conference. Everyone will bloody everyone because everyone is so darned good, including the Mississippi States and the Alabamas. I also think that several traditionally offensive minded teams will win games with defense, including USC and Missouri. Likewise, several traditional defensive powers will win with offense, including Oklahoma and Wisconsin. In addition, (and as much as I hate to say it) Notre Dame will be much better than people think. Oh, one more thing, Ohio State is overrated.

Predictions in key games tonight:

Wake Forest over Baylor.
South Carolina demolishes NC State.