There’s no getting around it, this week’s slate isn’t great. That is to be expected after a loaded week one. The good news is that the most intriguing games are spaced apart well throughout the day. This should make for another enjoyable weekend.
Song of the Day
Pick Three and Upset Special
P3 Record (0-3) Upset Record (0-1) Yearly reminder to not take these suggestions to the casino
Middle Tennessee (+20) @ Virginia Tech
North Texas (+22.5) @ SMU
USC (-17) vs Stanford
*BYU (+7) over Utah *Upset Special
(11) Penn State vs Ball State (3:30)
This is the classic let down look ahead spot for Penn State. Ball State also has a good resume. They went 7-1 last year and won the MAC title. They had the 25th best scoring offense and 43rd best scoring defense. They return 17 starters. Hopefully the Nittany Lions learned from their 0-4 start last year and don’t take anyone for granted. Ball State did struggle against Western Illinois last week, only winning by ten. The Leathernecks one receiver had 12 catches for 237 yards. So Dotson and the rest of the receiving corps could be in line for a big day. That is, if Clifford can hit them.
I was very impressed with the Penn State defense against Wisconsin, especially the front seven. I was very concerned for that group this year, but if the first game is any indication they are vastly improved. Ball State has some weapons so don’t be surprised if they hit some big plays. I would love to just come out and destroy them from the beginning, but I have come to realize that probably won’t happen. Maybe a sluggish start, but we should be able to air it out on them and eventually wear them down on the ground. At least, we better.
Final Score: Penn State 42 Ball State 21
Illinois @ Virginia (11:00)
The rare 11:00 eastern time starting time. I don’t hate it. Illinois succumbed to the let down last week, losing to UTSA. Just makes Nebraska look even worse which is fun. Virginia should win this fairly easily.
Final Score: Virginia 40 Illinois 28
(3) Ohio State vs (12) Oregon (12:00)
Another weekend with a big game at noon. It looks like this time slot is finally getting the love it deserves. Both of these teams had their struggles in week one, especially Oregon who escaped with a win against Fresno. the big news will be whether Thibodeaux can play after getting hurt last week. Ohio State was especially vulnerable against the run last week. Verdell could have a big game here. I think Oregon will need to control the game on the ground. C.J. Stroud was a bit erratic last week, I expect him to be more settled down in this game. I will be rooting for Oregon, but I believe Ohio State pulls this one out. I don’t think the Ducks have enough fire power on offense.
Final Score: Ohio State 35 Oregon 23
Tennessee vs Pittsburgh (12:00)
Surprisingly very excited for this game. Both teams took care of business week one. Tennessee ran for over 300 yards against Bowling Green. Joe Milton was not good at all though throwing the ball. Pitt should be able to focus on the run and hope Milton makes some mistakes. I don’t think Tennessee is any good at all, but I still find it odd they are underdogs at home here. No idea how this game will go. I suppose I will side with the home team.
Final Score: Tennessee 27 Pittsburgh 24
(19) Virginia Tech vs MTSU (2:00)
Another big let down spot to check in on. Hokies will win, but the don’t be surprised to see Middle Tennessee cover the 19 point spread.
Final Score: Virginia Tech 38 Middle Tennessee 27
(8) Notre Dame vs Toledo (2:30)
One can watch this game with a paid subscription to Peacock only. I’m gonna pass on that. Notre Dame escaped the near Milton miracle last week. Very similar situation to Penn State here for the Irish. Not as big of an opponent next week, so the look ahead isn’t quite a factor. This is more of an open-face sandwich. Toledo is probably a slightly better version of Ball State even though they lost to them last year. Notre Dame better make some adjustments on defense for this game. I think the narrow win will be a shot in the arm for them and they win this game, as long as Kelly doesn’t execute them before hand.
Final Score: Notre Dame 44 Toledo 28
(5) Texas A&M @ Colorado (3:30)
It was a slow start for the Aggies last week, but they turned it on in the second half. Throwback Big 12 game. You can pretty much book it already, A&M will be undefeated in five weeks when Bama comes to town. I want to quiet the hype for them already. Bama will beat them by 30.
Final Score: Texas A&M 38 Colorado 20
(9) Iowa State vs (10) Iowa (4:30)
Cy Hawk Trophy up for grabs and Gameday is in town. Ames will be rocking for this one. The Hawkeyes were very impressive week one against Indiana. The Cyclones on the other hand barely beat Northern Iowa. Matt Campbell will get them regrouped for this game. I also think the Hoosiers are massive frauds this year.
Final Score: Iowa State 27 Iowa 20
(15) Texas @ Arkansas (7:00)
Arkansas was tied going into the fourth quarter against Rice last week. That’s all I need to know. Now watch them win this game.
Final Score: Texas 33 Arkansas 17
Kentucky vs Missouri (7:30)
Most weeks I would have skipped over this game, but with a slimmer slate, why not. Will Levis had a nice debut for the Wildcats. I will roll with the former Penn State QB.
Final Score: Kentucky 31 Missouri 24
Michigan vs Washington (8:00)
It was not a good weekend for the Washington schools week one. Michigan cruised against Western Michigan, but lost Ronnie Bell for the year. That is a major loss for their offense. I don’t think it matters much for this game, but will definitely hurt in the long run. Spread is only 6, so it looks like Vegas thinks this one is going to be closer than I do.
Final Score: Michigan 28 Washington 13
(21) Utah @ BYU (10:30)
Good late night game here. BYU survived a tough fought week one game against Arizona. Utah made easy work of Weber State. The Cougars were picked apart through the air by Arizona. Charlie Brewer could be in line for a nice night. I still have BYU here, for no particular reason.
Final Score: BYU 28 Utah 27
(14) USC vs Stanford (10:30)
David Shaw should have been fired two years ago at least. If he survives this year I will be amazed.
Final Score: USC 51 Stanford 20
Getting into the swing of things here already. It usually happens where the slate looks a lot better after I type up the preview. So enjoy what should be another good weekend of football.
Have Fun, Be Safe, We Are!!
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