Touchdown Club Thursday National Football League Selection from Big Game James Patrick Sports
Vikings vs. Saints 8:30 p.m. est.
Only the Saints scored more points than the Vikings, who averaged 29.4 PPG. They ranked fifth in total yards (379.6 per game) as well and picking up where they left off should be no problem. Favre is coming off what he’s calling the best season of his 19-year career. RB Adrian Peterson is the best in the business and the front line returns intact, and is considered one of the league’s best. Running the ball against the Vikings hasn’t been a good idea since 2006. The stop unit has led the league in rushing defense for three consecutive seasons and ranked No. 2 a year ago. The unit wasn’t too shabby against the pass, either, topping the league in sacks with 48. DE Jared Allen has been a nightmare for opposing offenses in his two years in Minnesota. If there’s any weakness, the secondary could prove porous but he Vikings are seeking a third straight playoff appearance and probably won’t be pleased with anything less than a trip to the Super Bowl. Almost everything about the Minnesota Vikings' 2009 season was magical, that is except for the nightmarish ending. What had gone so well for Brett Favre & the Vikings turned in an instant on an interception in the NFC title game. It might be difficult to recapture the magic that defined his first campaign with the team but let's remember that the Saints ended (43) years of futility with a Super Bowl win. Talented team but it will be tough to win (13) games in 2010. These teams always play them close so why should we expect anything else in this season opener ? Payback for the Purple People Eaters !
3* #451 Minnesota Vikings

NCAA College Football Kicks –off Thursday with Pot of Gold from James Patrick Sports
Auburn vs. Mississippi State 7:45 p.m. est. ESPN
“Look out for Auburn this season”, as Big Game James has said, they score a ton of points and should play and lose to Florida in SEC Championship Game. These Tigers were even on the verge of an Iron Bowl win before arch-rival Alabama rallied for a 26-21 victory on their way to the national title. The good news is eight home games dot the slate and 15 starters return, including the majority of offensive and defensive linemen.Wait until you see the size of Cameron Newton, a 6-6, 247-pound junior-college gem at quarterback gives the Auburn fans a chance to see the complete version of coordinator Gus Malzahn’ offense. Newton can threaten opposing defenses with both his running and passing skills. After leading the nation in increased attendance last season, 34,127 fans attended the Bulldogs spring game – a new record in the state of Mississippi. It seems somewhat amazing that Mississippi State finished just one win shy of a bowl game in Mullen’s debut. The defense gave up a ton of points (26.8 PPG), while the offense was a one-trick pony that finished ninth nationally, averaging 227.6 with a powerhouse attack. Mississippi State can put some points on the board as well. Looks to us like an SEC Shootout in Starkville.
5* Pot of Gold #302 Auburn - MSU Over the Total