Hopefully the games will get better after week 3 as we get into conference play. For now, it was slim picking, so much so, I had to add Houston Christian vs Nebraska rather than UCLA vs New Mexico. I warned you there was a chance it could happen since I’m a Husker fan. The top three games this week, Georgia vs Tennessee, South Florida vs Miami, and Florida vs LSU. There are a few games that will affect the rankings, and these are three of them.
Saturday September 13th
Houston Christian 1-1 vs Nebraska 2-0
FOX Sports Net 11:00am
Nebraska was lucky to get a late game turnover to secure the victory over Cincinnati in week one. In week two they rolled over a poor Akron team totaling over 700 yards of offense. Houston Christian, in its 12th official season has played a total of 122 games and has only 31 wins in their history. They are far from an established program. Their strengths at this point, a good running game and a stout defense. Watch for Nebraska’s intensity throughout the game as Matt Rhule read his team the riot act at half time last week. Vegas has no line on this game and pundits are saying if Akron were to play Houston Christian, they would be favored by 14. What else do you need to know.
OTC pick: Nebraska 56-10
12Clemson 1-1 vs Georgia Tech2-0
ESPN 11:00
Clemson’s play was disappointing last week in a victory over Troy, trailing at one point 16-0 in the first half. The Tigers have struggled to find success with their running game largely due to offensive line play. They’ve rushed for 151 yards on 51 attempts for a 3-yard average on the season. Yellow Jacket QB Haynes King didn’t play last week against Gardner-Webb after getting dinged up against Colorado. King carried his team to victory over the Buffaloes by rushing for 156 yards and 3 TDs for an 8.2-yard average. Clemson will need to eliminate Georgia Tech’s big play capability, as the Yellow Jackets have 7 plays over 40yards on the season. I’m picking the upset.
OTC pick: Georgia Tech 28-24
Wisconsin 2-0 vs 19Alabama 1-1
ABC 11:00am
Alabama fell out of some polls and dropped in others after a disappointing opening game against Florida State, causing questions as to whether Alabama was that bad or Florida State was that good. HC Kalen DeBoer has taken criticism for his team’s lack of intensity and preparation causing him to find himself on what some call a hot seat. His buyout price says otherwise. However, the Crimson Tide looked better against LA-Monroe winning 73-0. Wisconsin HC Luke Fickell could probably explain to DeBoer what a hotseat really is as his job is riding on the outcome of the Badger’s season. Alabama has more talent and is at home. Fickell’s seat doesn’t get any cooler.
OTC Pick: Alabama 31-17
6Georgia 2-0 vs 15Tennessee 2-0
ABC 2:30pm
The big story line here is Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar swapping places with Nico Iamaleava who led the Volunteers to the CFP last season. Aguilar has been solid, passing for 555 yards, 5 TDs and 0 INTs. With him the Tennessee offense has been balanced with 352.5 net passing yards a game and 252.5 net yards rushing per game. Georgia QB Gunnar Stockton has looked good throwing for 417 yards, 2 TDs and 0 INTs. But the Dogs only scored 28 points last week against Austin-Peay. Yet, it’s still Kirby Smart and Georgia.
OTC pick: Tennessee 24-21
18South Florida 2-0 vs 5Miami 2-0
CW 3:30pm
With South Florida’s early success HC Alex Goesch is already being named as a potential replacement in the next hiring cycle. The Bulls have already taken down Boise State and Florida, both ranked at the time. Can they pull off the Trifecta? The strength of the Hurricanes is QB Carson Beck and his receivers. Beck has thrown for 472 yards 4TDs, and 0 INTs. He’s also only been sacked once. Receivers Malachi Toney and CJ Daniels both have triple digit receiving yards and averaging over 10 yards per reception. The third highest receiver is safety net TE Elija Loften. Miami’s defense has been solid. Unfortunately the Bulls fall back to earth.
OTC pick: Miami 38-21
16Texas A&M 2-0 vs 8Notre Dame 1-1
ENBC 6:30pm
Last year Notre Dame won in College Station to set the tone for their season which ended in playing for the national championship. This game could be even closer as A&M may be better and the Irish aren’t as good. However, QB CJ Carr looked good on his first outing against Miami. It’s the Irish running game that has been disappointing with Reggie Love only managing 33 yards thus far. Aggie QB Marcel Reed in his lone game threw for 590 yards, 7 TDs, and 0 INTs. He also rushed for 105 yards. His favorite receiver, Mario Craver has 18 receptions for 236 yards. The Aggie defense had 7 sacks in his lone game. Beating the Aggies even at home will be no easy feat for the Irish. They’ll need some luck.
OTC pick: Notre Dame 27-24
Florida 1-1 vs 3LSU 2-0
ABC 6:30pm
Brian Kelly won his opening game for the first time at LSU and carries momentum into the season. He also has what looks to be one of the better defenses in college football. QB Garrett Nussmier is a Heisman candidate and has a strong running game and a top-tier receiving group around him. Billy Napier took his team on a late season run last year that cooled the hotseat he was on. However, with a loss to South Florida, his seat has reignited. Florida has one of the toughest schedules in all the land this season with upcoming games against LSU, Miami, Texas, and Texas A&M. DJ Lagway is a young and talented QB, but can he hold up against top competition. History says not.
OTC pick: LSU 31-17
Arkansas 2-0 vs 17Ole Miss 2-0
ESPN 6:00pm
Arkansas has started the season by winning their first two outings and QB Taylen Green has thrived in Bobby Petrino’s offense. Green has thrown for 561 yards,10 TDs and 2 INTs while also rushing for 192 yards and a TD. The Hog offense seems to be well balanced. Rebels QB Austin Simmons has thrown for 576 yards and 3 TDs, but he’s also thrown 4 INTs. The Rebels have a strong running game behind Kewan Lacy who has rushed for 246 yards and 4 TDs. The key to this one, ball security by the Rebels, as the Hogs have 4 takeaways on the season.
OTC pick: Ole Miss 31-21
Vanderbilt 2-0 vs 11South Carolina 2-0
SEC Net 6:45pm
Diego Pavila started the talk before the season started and thus far, he’s been able to walk the walk. Pavia tuned the Commadores fortunes around when he transferred from New Mexico. Pavia has thrown 468 yards and 5 TDs, and 1 INT on the season and the offense has been well balanced. But can Vanderbilt’s defense contain the Game Cocks QB LaNorris Sellers. The Game Cocks and Sellers haven’t exploded yet this season like they are capable of, and Vanderbilt just might be the game that sets them off at home. This one will be close.
OTC pick: South Carolina 24-22
Minnesota 2-0 vs California 2-0
ESPN 9:30pm
PJ Fleck’s Golden Gophers row the boat west to take on the Golden Bears. With him Fleck takes freshman QB Drake Lindsey 6’5” 230, who has been impressive in his first two starts. Lindsey is 27/44 for 429 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT on the season. As always, Fleck’s team revolves around a big offensive line and a strong running game. The Gophers are averaging over 200 yards rushing per game. Cal surprised Oregon State in their opener and QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has opened eyes throwing for 501 yards, 3 TDs, and rushing for 37 yards and 1 TD. This should be a good game, and no cake walk for Fleck’s team.
OTC pick: Minnesota 23-20
Close games are hard to pick, and I feel like this week’s games could leave me with either another 3-7 week or a 7-3 week. Again, there is a reason I don’t live in Vegas. But if you are a true college football fan it’s still fun to watch and pick.
Stats were gathered from ESPN.com
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