It's week 2 college football fans and we've got some juicy match-ups to watch this Saturday! Non-conference games always bring something interesting to the table, and we should see some top 15 shakeups after this weekend. This post will have my predictions on all the big games of the weekend and some quick hit predictions on other intriguing match-ups. Be sure to comment with other games you'd like me to look at.
Week 1 Prediction Results: 8-4
Overall Prediction Results: 9-5
#21 Syracuse at Maryland
The first real test for each of these teams will renew an old ACC rivalry between the Terrapins and the Orange. Two young QBs square off with Tommy DeVito and Justin Jackson. DeVito did not look impressive in the season opener, throwing for just 176 and two interceptions. Jackson faired a bit better, throwing for just under 250 yards with 4 TDs. However, neither team were challenged much, so this game should be much more telling. Maryland playing at home gives them a big advantage, and Jackson is a talented dual-threat. Syracuse has a tough defense, returning seven players from last year. They're the ACC's best chance to knock off the Tigers, but they need to make sure not to look ahead to Clemson next week. Maryland beating a ranked team would be a big statement win for the program and for the BIG 10. However, I like Dino Babers a lot and I believe he'll have this team ready and focused. The Orange win a grinder on the road, 30-28.
BYU at Tennessee
This game doesn't look to be the most appealing after both teams started their respective seasons with a loss last week, but I like this match-up a lot. The Cougars defense was hanging around with Utah's high-caliber offense for a while, but lost steam as their offense started turning the ball over. Their pass defense held strong throughout the game, as BYU gave up just 106 yards through the air. That will be put the test against Tennessee QB, Jarrett Guarantano, who threw for 311 yards with 2 TDs and 1 pick last week. This game would be a big win for both teams to get back on track, but the Vols probably need it more. After losing to Sun Belt bottom dweller Georgia State at home last week, this should be a game they're fired up for. Both teams have experience and bring a lot of talent back from 2018, but I'll go with the home team in this one. They should be a bit happier on Rocky Top this weekend after Tennessee wins 30-20. Sorry Cougar friends!
Nevada at #16 Oregon
The Ducks blew another fourth quarter lead against Auburn last week and their Playoff hopes took a major hit. They should get back on track against Nevada in Autzen Stadium this week, but don't knock the Wolfpack too quickly. They beat Purdue by putting up a 27 point second half, giving up just 7 to the Boilermakers. Their defense was hurt early, but settled down nicely in the second half. Justin Herbert should be able to handle Nevada's defense, but Oregon lost steam as the game moved into its later stages. I don't think the Wolfpack will win this, but don't be surprised it if they cut into the 24.5 spread a bit. Ducks fly at home 45-24.
Miami at North Carolina
The Canes have had two weeks to sit on that Florida loss and I bet they'll have some frustrations to take out on the Tar Heels. Mac Brown's squad pulled off a big win against South Carolina in his (second) debut at UNC. The Heels' QB Sam Howell threw for nearly 250 and 2 TDs. He'll be facing a very aggressive defense with the Hurricanes, and I think linebackers Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney will bring some heat in this one. Miami brings their own Hurricane to Carolina and they get the 31-17 victory.
#23 Stanford at USC
The Cardinal held off the pesky Wildcats of Northwestern on the Farm last week, but now have to travel to the Coliseum to take on the Trojans of USC. They won't have to face off against JT Daniels though, as he suffered a torn ACL in the opener against Fresno State last week. The Trojans are still favored at home, but if Stanford's defense plays anything like last week, I don't see USC walking away with a win. Running the ball with Junior Vave Malepeai will be their best bet, but the Trees only allowed 93 yards on the ground last week. These games are usually tight, but I think Stanford squeaks by. Trees 27, Trojans 21.
#12 Texas A&M at #1 Clemson
This is one of my most anticipated match-ups of the non-conference schedules over the first few weeks. The Aggies nearly knocked off the Tigers at Kyle Field last season, but now have to travel to Death Valley (north) to take on the defending champs. Kellen Mond and Trevor Lawrence should put on quite a show, but the key factor in this game is one of my Heisman favorites, RB Travis Etienne. He only had 44 yards in last year's game, but should get more touches this time around now that Lawrence isn't splitting time with Kelly Bryant at QB. If the Tigers can get his ground attack established, they'll be able to keep Kellen Mond off the field. Jimbo Fisher knows how to pick apart Clemson's stout defense better than anyone. This should be a great game and could be tight toward the end. I still think Clemson has the edge, and being at home gives them an extra step. Tigers outlast the Aggies behind a great performance by Etienne with a 37-24 victory.
#6 LSU at #9 Texas
The warm-up games are done, so now it's time for these heavy hitters to step in the ring against each other. Texas and LSU are two dark horse picks for many CFB experts to win their conferences. The Horns have Ehlinger and the Tigers have Burrow. Both QBs look improved from a year ago and both are the core of their offensive attacks. Ehlinger has some top notch receivers on the outside to go against LSU's scary secondary. The Tigers will look to pressure Ehlinger and make him throw on the run. They'll have to be wary of his scrambling, and his ability to find more yards after contact. On the flip side, Burrow will try to torch a Longhorn secondary which gave up 340 yards through the air to Louisiana Tech last week. Oddly enough, LSU's passing attack could be their strength in 2019, and it should be on display in this game. I like how Ehlinger plays, and being in Austin will be a very tough atmosphere for the Tigers to face (expected temperature is 104 degrees). This is a tough pick because it feels like a game where both teams will let me down if I pick them, but dominate if I don't. Let's go with the Horns... unfortunately, I think they're pretty close to being back. Texas 28, LSU 25.
#25 Nebraska at Colorado
At the beginning of the season, I did not have this as one of the Huskers' losses (it was a toss up against the Northwestern game). After last week I'm a bit more concerned as the boys from Lincoln travel out to Boulder to take on the (former) rival Buffalo. There's a lot of hype and emotion around this game, so it will be difficult for both teams to set all that aside and just play ball. The fans will be rowdy and the stadium will be electric. However, at the end of the day, this is a game won on the field and there should be a good show. Buffs QB Steven Montez threw for 350 yards and 3 TDs against the Blackshirts last season, with 177 of those going to star wideout Laviska Shenault Jr. The Huskers' secondary will be tested again as CU will look to stretch the field. Defensively, tackling will be very important in this one. On the other side, Nebraska needs to get into a rhythm early. Last week's anemic performance on offense should serve as a strong motivator for Adrian Martinez and company, but the Buffs will be ready to bring the heat. I expect Nebraska to step it up in this game, but they'll have to play smart. Colorado did not have a single penalty in their opening game and put 52 points up on the board. Nebraska's offense should be able to move the ball, but finishing in the red-zone will be key in this game. The Colorado Rivalry was always one of my mom's most hated and favorite ones at the same time. This game last year was our final one together in Memorial Stadium before she passed. I know she'll be with me to watch this one, and I know Nebraska is going to win. Ralphie-skin rugs for everyone as the Huskers make a statement in Boulder. Nebraska 36, Colorado 28.
Now for some quick hit picks for other games around the nation!
Cincinnati at #5 Ohio State- The Bearcats face a tough one as the head to the Horseshoe, but they've got Luke Fickell at the helm. QB Desmond Ridder should do some damage to the Buckeyes young defense, but they don't have the talent to keep up with Justin Fields. Buckeyes pull away for a 38-17 victory.
West Virginia at Missouri- This probably isn't the game on top of everyone's list, but I'm curious to see how the Tigers respond with WVU coming to Columbia. Kelly Bryant looked strong in his Missouri debut, but couldn't pull out the win out west against the Cowboys. The Mountaineers may cause headaches early, but the Tigers should win this one easily. Missouri 40, WVU 20.
Vanderbilt at Purdue- Setting aside the color combinations, these two teams always remind me of each other. They'll often times have an under the radar break out player and both are lead by very smart coaches. Vandy had a rough 2019 season welcome by opening with Georgia, and Purdue gave up 27 points in the second half to lose on a last second field goal. They both need a win, but only one can have it. I like Purdue at home in this one, and they're still a team to watch out for in the BIG 10. Purdue 30, Vanderbilt 17. Boiler Up!
Arkansas at Ole Miss- A completely irrelevant SEC West game, but still an interesting match-up for week 2. The Hogs won just two games all of last season, but only fell to the Rebels by 4. Ole Miss couldn't get their offense on track in the opener against Memphis, and were stifled to just 173 total yards and 10 points. I'm not entirely sure why, but I like the Hogs in this one. Pigs win a head-scratcher 27-21.
Western Michigan at #19 Michigan State- Sparty handled Tulsa well and dominated the line of scrimmage. They racked up 6 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, causing the Golden Hurricanes to finish with -73 yards rushing. They could be looking ahead to their rematch with Arizona State from last year, and that's when a team like Western Michigan can get annoying. Mark Dantonio always seems to have one of those early, overlooking games, and this could be it. The Broncos won't win it, but don't be surprised if they're on SportsCenter for making it close! Sparty survives 28-17.
Thank you for reading my Week 2 Predictions and be sure to share this post with your other CFB loving friends and family. Now, let's all hate on CU together and say GO BIG RED!
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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