Week 2 Predictions

      Good morning and welcome to Week 2 of the College Football Season! Unfortunately I didn't quite get my predictions done in time for the Illinois-Kansas game, but I had picked the Illini, so that saved me a bit. A very impressive game by Kansas, especially with their "Blackhawk" uniforms. Anyways, I have plenty of other important games for you to know about this weekend, so here are my Week 2 Predictions.

Week 1 Record: 16 - 3

Overall Record: 20 - 3

#10 Notre Dame at NC State

     The Fightin' Irish have their first big test of the season as they travel into the den of the Wolfpack in Raleigh, NC. NC State is always poised to upset top ranked teams, so look for them to put pressure on Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman early and often. Ex-Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong ran wild against UConn last week, rushing for 96 yards and 2 TDs. Notre Dame will need to contain him in the pocket and force him to win with his arm. He's got a strong arm, but the Irish ranked 28th in pass defense last year and are looking to be in a similar ranking position (or higher) this year. Notre Dame and Hartman impress yet again with a 30-21 victory.

Purdue at Virginia Tech

     The Boilermakers lost their opener at home against Fresno State, and now have to travel to Blacksburg, VA to take on the Hokies. Virginia Tech looked strong against Old Dominion, but need to be sharp to win this game. Despite the loss, ex-longhorn Hudson Card looked to be in rhythm, finding Sophomore wideout Deion Burks for 152 out of his 254 passing yards and both TDs. Virginia Tech is not the "DB U" it once was, so they will need to play tight coverage in this one. I'm having a tough time with this game, but it's always hard to win in Lane Stadium, so I'll give the nod to Virginia Tech. Hokies beat the Boilermakers 34-28.

#20 Ole Miss at #24 Tulane

     The Rebels and the Green Wave meet for one of our ranked v ranked matchups of the weekend. Tulane is looking to continue their success from last season, and had an impressive 34-17 win against South Alabama last week. However, they have try and slow down Jackson Dart and the Lane Kiffin passing attack. This could turn into a high-scoring game quickly, and don't forget to watch the Rebels' Sophomore RB Quinshon Judkins who averaged 5.7 yard per carry as a Freshman. this would be a big statement by Tulane, especially to win this at home, but Lane Kiffin's offense is hard to stop. Rebels beat the Wave with a face 43-34.

#23 Texas A&M at Miami

     The Aggies had a number of one score games last season, but Miami was one they actually had a victory in. The Hurricanes are looking to repay the favor on their home turf. There's still a lot of mystery for both of these teams, so this will be a telling challenge on both sides. I think Miami QB Tyler Van Dyke could have a big day, so let's go with Miami winning this one at home 33-28.

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

     The annual in-state rivalry between the Cyclones and the Hawkeyes takes place in Ames this year. Iowa State is breaking in a lot of new pieces this year, but had a strong opening game against Northern Iowa. Unfortunately, they never seem to finish this game on the right note, and Iowa's strategy of letting teams beat themselves is a good bet to be seen in this one. I don't think they're getting their 25 point average in this one, but the Hawkeyes win 20-14.

Cincy at Pitt

     Both the Bearcats and the Panthers played cupcakes in their openers, so this will be the first chance we get to see who these teams really are. Former Boston College QB Phil Jurkovek was strong in the opener for Pitt, involving 13 different players in the passing game. Cincy has their own transfer QB running the show now, and ex-Gator Emory Jones threw for 345 and 5 TDs in the opener. Luke Fickell may be in Wisconsin now, but I think the Bearcats are still a deadly team. This will be a fun preview as they head into the Big XII. Bearcats win a close one 31-27.

#13 Oregon at Texas Tech

     After a stumble to Wyoming in double overtime last week, most people are writing off the Red Raiders, especially with Bo Nix and the Ducks coming to town. This is a perfect spot for Texas Tech to spoil the day, especially playing at home. Oregon needs to be sharp heading into this one as there will be a lot of points put up in this one. Tyler Shough and Bo Nix should be a fun battle to watch. I'm still high on the Red Raiders this year, but I think Bo Nix is one of the best QBs in the nation that is not being talked about. This is a good stage for him to show off on. Ducks win the shootout with the Red Raiders 50-38.

#19 Wisconsin at Washington State

     The Luke Fickell era has begun in Madison and former-Mustang Tanner Mordecai is at QB1. He struggled in their opener, throwing 2 picks, but the Badgers had two RBs rush for over 140 yards each. Braelon Edwards and Chez Mellusi will be a difficult duo to stop, so Wazzu has their work cut out for them. Offensively, they run through Junior QB Cameron Ward. He shredded the Colorado State defense for more than 450 yards and 3 TDs last week. Wisconsin's secondary will be tested as they don't regularly square off against a passing attack like this one. I like them to win, but don't expect this to be a cake walk. Badgers beat the Cougars 28-24.

Auburn at Cal

     The Golden Bears surprised a lot of experts by beating both the heat and the Mean Green on the road last week. Auburn has ex-Sparty QB Peyton Thorne at the helm, but finding rhythm in a new offense takes time. Both teams were high scoring in the first week, but expect more of a defensive showing in this game. I think Cal performs well and sneaks this one out at home with a couple of key turnovers. Golden Bears win 30-27.

Oklahoma State at Arizona State

     The Pokes travel to the desert to play the Sun Devils in some late night action. Neither team showed much in the opener, but with a new staff in Tempe, anything seems possible. Mike Gundy and the Cowboys always seem to have a new gunslinger ready at QB. This year it's Redshirt Freshman Garret Rangel. This will be a good opportunity for him to show what he's made of, and I bet he has a big night. Pokes win a tough one on the road behind Rangel's arm 33-21.

#11 Texas at #3 Alabama

     The big game of the week features the Longhorns and the Crimson Tide. Texas travels to Bama as they try to avenge last year's 20-19 loss at home. Quinn Ewers was knocked out of this game early last season, but the Longhorn defense was able to slow down the Bama offense and keep it close. The Tide run through Jalen Milroe at QB now, and despite him leading the team in rushing in the opener, the focus for Nick Saban and crew should be on the ground game. I would expect this to be another tight one, and protection around Quinn Ewers will be a factor to watch. Bama always has a formidable pass rush, and playing in Tuscaloosa at night only fires them up more. I've got the Tide at home, but this one will have some points. Roll Tide as they win 34-27.

Nebraska at #22 Colorado

     Old Rivals clash as the Huskers travel to Boulder to take on the Prime Time Buffs. Despite their impressive performance against TCU, I am not one of the college football analysts that believe Colorado is winning the Natty and half their roster will be Heisman finalists. This is a long season, and there's a lot of hype they have to continue to live up to. With that being said, the offensive execution from the Buffs against TCU was damn near flawless. QB Shedeur Sanders put the ball in the right place all game long and if the receivers had snagged a couple of the long balls he probably would've had over 600 yards through the air. Nebraska's defense will be tested early and often in this game, so pressure on the QB will be key. I think coverage sacks are the best chance for that to occur as the Husker pass rush has been non-existant for half a decade. Offensively the game plan is simple, RUN THE DAMN BALL! TCU racked up 262 yards on the ground and averaged more than 7 yards per carry. The Buffs defense is vulnerable, especially with moving the front 7. Jeff Sims need to be a focal point in the ground game and keep the passing game simple with short, underneath routes. Gabe Ervin Jr. needs to have at least 15-20 touches in this game and the Huskers have to chew clock to have a shot to win. The Colorado offense scores fast and you don't want to get into a barn burner in this game. Unfortunately, I have my Huskers losing close in a 27-23 game out in Boulder. I've got my BEAT Colorado shirt on and have high hopes of them proving me wrong, but I think there's still more growing pains for Matt Rhule and company. GO BIG RED!

Quick Hit Predictions:

#12 Utah at Baylor - The Bears fell at home to Texas State while the Utes rolled the Gators at home. Kyle Whittingham teams rarely have a stumble week so I've got the Utes 36-14.

James Madison at Virginia - The Dukes are in their second season of Division 1 Football and could make a big statement with a win on the road against an ACC opponent. They're a program that wins a lot, so I'm taking the Dukes on the road 31-21.

Texas State at UTSA - The Bobcats upset Baylor at home while the Roadrunners fell once again to Houston by 3. Meep Meep as they bounce back for a win 33-20.

Appalachian State at #17 North Carolina - The Tar Heels had a big win against South Carolina last week and could have a bit of a hangover early in this one. App State is never a team you want to have a hangover against, but I think the Heels will handle it well. 45-17 North Carolina.

UCF at Boise State - The Broncos were whacked last week by Washington, and now host another high-powered offense. I like the Knights on the road in this one. They get it done on the Smurf Turf 33-23.

Arizona at Mississippi State - The Bulldogs are into their first season without the Pirate at the helm after Mike Leach's passing last December. Will Rogers and the Maroon faithful aren't losing this one. 40-17 Hail State!

UCLA at San Diego State - The Bruins have a lot of new pieces to figure out while trying to slow down a very talented dual-threat QB on the road. This will be a close one, but I think Chip Kelly and UCLA get revenge with a 21-13 win.

Stanford at #6 USC - Old Rivals meet for the final time as PAC-12 foes. The Cardinal don't have much hope of slowing down Caleb Williams in this one, but crazier things have happened. Stanford will put up some points as USC still struggles on defense, but the Trojan offense will have more. Fight On as USC wins 55-31.

Thanks for reading my gameday predictions and GO BIG RED!

#CFBKnowItAll

Alex Fernando