I went 11-3 last week, which wasn’t terrible. The three upsets were surprising, especial Tech. Baylor somehow wasn’t as surprising, especially after last year’s campaign. Colorado looked like a for real football team, but TCU’s defense also was just abysmal. I’m curious to see if coach Prime’s strategy of playing guys both ways continues to pay off, you’d think eventually the dude is just going to run out of gas, but he may shock us all. Deion’s braggadocio annoys me; there’s another hall of famer named Sanders that I think is a lot better example for how athletes should conduct themselves, but I guess college football needed a Randy Savage to keep things interesting (seriously, same sunglasses and everything!)
Nate’s post over on Elon.com about the Red Raiders still managing to lose to the pokes in a year that they don’t even play them was a masterpiece of trolling. Someone nominate that man for a Pulitzer.
Also, I didn’t realize last week that Houston were underdogs, so I guess I did pick one upset. This week I’m picking three — one a bit riskier than most. With that, on to the picks:
BYU vs Southern Utah
The Fighting Mormons should be just fine in this one BYU 49-7
Baylor vs Utah
I think Baylor will be, in the words of Walter Sobchak, “entering a world of pain” that not even the fake bricks of McClane Stadium can assuage.
Utah 42-10
Cincinnati at Pitt
This is a tough one, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that the Bearcats torch Pitt’s secondary given that they’re likely to get 1 on 1 matchups. Pitt’s run game is historically their strong suit, but they’re currently operating with a running back by committee, so hopefully Cincy can keep them bottled up enough to stay ahead. My only worry is that Cincy’s as yet unproven O-line wont be able to protect the QB against a reportedly excellent Pitt D-line. I see this as a bit of a shootout: Bearcats 45-40
Houston at Rice
Holgorsen and Co. should have no trouble with the Crosstown Owls, or their sad excuse for a marching band.
Houston 35-10
Iowa State vs Iowa
Iowa State may be down, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a worse offense than Iowa last year. I’m predicting a low scoring defensive slog: State 17-13.
Kansas vs Illinois
KU are slight dogs in this matchup, but I don’t like Brett Bielema, nor his style of offense, and I think the home advantage helps in this one. Also KU’s QB is reportedly available this week. I’ve got Kansas on top 31-24.
K-State vs Troy
Cats should roll here 45-17
OU vs SMU
Is SMU ready for Power Five (Four?) ball? Has Paperclip U really got their mojo back? We shall see. OU 42-28.
OSU at Arizona State
No, the sky is not falling, despite reports to the contrary. I’m looking forward to seeing Nardo’s defense at work in something other than just a base look. Similarly, I’m really curious to see some QB under center action, and some of the purportedly new (old school) blocking schemes. I think last week was a case of getting guys reps and not tipping your hand while still getting a W. I’m not worried about the QB situation. At this point I think it’s clear that Bowman hasn’t distinguished himself enough to play him and thus run the risk of Rangel pulling an Illingworth and giving us the 23 skidoo in the offseason. The O-line is still a concern, but veteran Preston Wilson’s return should help. Watching both tackles get pushed backwards on multiple plays last week by FCS defensive linemen, however, did not exactly instill confidence. Reportedly Mike Gundy reamed out the offensive staff last Sunday, and made an Animal House reference in describing it to the press. Between that and last season’s Airplane reference, Gundy proves to be endlessly entertaining in his pressers, even without rattlesnakes, mullets, or Tropical Smoothies. Bottom line is that we must get the run game going to be successful; I’m chalking last week up to vanilla offense, being down two starters on the O-line for most of the game, and generally knocking the rust off. Some are worried about the heat in Tempe, but we all know, it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity; our ‘boys should be just fine with a little extra orange gatorade. The Sun Devils are completely rebuilding this season, so Pokes 35-17 in the preview of the new Big 12 after dark.
TCU vs Nichols
It will be interesting to see how the Frogs bounce back here, particularly the defense; watching the CU game, it looked like the Colorado receivers weren’t even covered most plays. I’m not sure if that was a scheme problem or just a case of getting out athleted, but it was a major issue.
TCU 33-13
Texas at Alabama
A bit of a risk here, but I think Sark and the Fighting Bevos avenge last year’s loss. I personally think Texas got the screw job on that Safety call last season, which would have decided the game. Alabama, while still a good football team, doesn’t seem to be the juggernaut they once were. Plus there’s the interesting dynamic of Sark being a rather recent Saban protege. Texas 38-31
Tech vs Oregon
As much as I want to pick Tech to bounce back here, I don’t think there’s enough tortillas in Texas to see the Red Raiders through this one. Could be close though; I say Oregon 32-24
UCF at Boise St
Blue turf and Statue of Liberty plays aside, I don’t think the Idaho School of Potatoes are the season spoilers they once were. UCF should be fine. On a side note, having seen their fans in action last week, is UCF the Raiders of the Big 12?
UCF 35-21
West by god Virginia at Duquense
The Mountaineers are playing a school I can barely spell and certainly can’t pronounce. Should be an easy W.
Mountaineers 45-3