Friday, September 13, 2019

Week 3 Predictions

     Week 3 of College Football is upon us and while there may not be a lot of big games slated on this week's schedule, there are some very interesting matchups I think we should all take notice of. College Football can always give us some great entertainment, and this week is no exception. I need a bounce back after last week's poor performance (both for my predictions and the Huskers). Here are all the games I think you should watch for on Saturday, enjoy!

Week 2 Prediction Results: 6-7
Overall Prediction Results: 15-12


Stanford at #17 UCF

     The Cardinal jump across the country to take on the Golden Knights of UCF, who are paving their way to another undefeated season. Stanford will have KJ Costello back, which gives them good leadership in a hostile environment. The offense was very lackadaisical with Mills in last week against USC, but the defense is the bigger issue. The Trees gave up nearly 500 yards to the Trojans last week, including 377 through the air. The Knights average 634 yards and 55 points per game on offense. They'll cut down the Trees fairly quickly in this game. UCF beats Stanford 44-21.


#24 USC at BYU

     The Trojans looked impressive last week against PAC-12 rival Stanford, and freshman QB, Kedon Slovis, threw for 377 yards and 3 TDs in his first start for the injured JT Daniels. USC needs to cut down on the penalties, but with a 50% third down conversion rate through two games, they could still be in this PAC-12 race. However, a road game up to Provo, UT is never easy, and the Cougars defense will look to put some pressure on the young freshman. I'm anxious to see if this Freshman truly has the goods, and this will be a big test. I like his odds though, and I think USC is moving in the right direction to start this season. Trojans knock the Cougars 37-21.


Arizona State at #18 Michigan State

     The Sun Devils stunned the Spartans down in the desert last year, but I'm not sure we'll see the same result this year in East Lansing. Michigan State has looked tough in the early weeks of the season, giving up just 12 points on average through two games. Arizona State no longer has star wideout N'Keal Harry and QB Manny Wilkins, so this will be a very different game. Jayden Daniels has looked good at QB, but he hasn't faced the likes of a Michigan State blitz yet. I think they'll keep the pressure on the young freshman, and Brian Lewerke will continue to improve. He's already thrown for over 500 yards and 4 TDs so far this season. Sparty gets revenge at home with a 34-14 win.


#19 Iowa at Iowa State (Battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy)

     College Gameday will be in Ames, IA for the first time ever as the Hawkeyes travel to take on their instate rival, the Cyclones. Both teams have looked about as you would expect them to so far this season. Iowa State survived a scare against UNI and had an extra week to prepare for this game. Nate Stanley and the Hawkeyes have been cruising thus far, and their defense looks as good as ever. These games are always weird and often times have some very bizarre moments. Nonetheless, I don't think the Cyclones will win this (no matter how much I want it), even with all the hype. Hawkeyes 26-14.


TCU at Purdue

     This is probably one of the more unique games of the day in my opinion. The Horned Frogs are still a mystery this year, but a road trip to West Lafayette should show who they are in a hurry. Purdue bounced back after their early season stumble at Nevada, and this team is about to find their rhythm. Rondale Moore is unstoppable and their defense is giving up just 90 yards per game on the ground. TCU had a lot of injuries last year, so it will be interesting to see their experience shine through. I like the Boilermakers at home in this one, Moore will be just too much for the Frogs to handle. Purdue wins 38-20.


Northern Illinois at Nebraska

     Nebraska is looking to bounce back with a night game in Memorial Stadium, and the Huskies of NIU are the target. They won this game two years ago in Lincoln, so there's some extra motivation for the Huskers in this one. I expect to see Adrian improve from his second half in Colorado and use his legs to spark the run game. They will need to spread the field, as the Huskies run defense is difficult to move against. Look for Wandale Robinson and Maurice Washington to be used on the edges a lot. NIU QB Ross Bowers is completing 64.5% of his passes and has thrown for over 520 yards so far this season. They like to keep games tight, and they could do that again here. The secondary will be tested yet again, and the lack of safety play could hurt Nebraska at times. I expect the Blackshirts to show up big again, and after a few key turnovers, Nebraska will walk away with a 28-17 victory. Special teams will be key in this one, so Nebraska needs to be careful.

Now for some quick hit predictions from other games around the nation:

#1 Clemson at Syracuse- The Tigers are rolling and Syracuse is not as strong as we once believed. It's in the dome, but Clemson saw what Maryland did and their offense plans to do the same. Tigers roll 45-17.

Florida State at #25 Virginia- The Seminoles can get back on track with an upset victory on the road, but their defense needs to make the trip. They're giving up over 500 yards per game and 40 points on average. The Cavaliers are led by dual-threat QB Bryce Perkins and he's ready to feast. UVA wins and the 'Noles fall deeper into the hole, 42-20.

#9 Florida at Kentucky- The Wildcats upset the Gators in Gainesville last year, and they're hungry for more. Unfortunately, Benny Snell and Josh Allen are gone. The Gators defense will be ready for Terry Wilson, and I like Feleipe Franks to have a big game. Gators chomp the Wildcats 36-21.

Texas Tech at Arizona- PAC-12 after dark could light up the scoreboard in this one. Texas Tech and Arizona love to put up points, so I expect a shootout in this one. Every time I pick Kevin Sumlin, he lets me down. So let's go with Matt Wells and the Red Raiders. Texas Tech 52, Arizona 41.

Hawai'i at #23 Washington- The Huskies lost a close one on the road to Cal last weekend, and will look to rebound against Hawai'i at home. The Rainbow Warriors have a high-powered offense led by Cole McDonald, and the Huskies defense will be tested, but Jacob Eason and the offense should bounce back. Washington wins at home 35-17.


Thanks for reading all of my Week 3 predictions and enjoy the games! GO BIG RED!

#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando

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