Week 3 Predictions

      Welcome to Week 3 of College Football! The Huskers are finally at home and although this may not be the biggest weekend of matchups, there are still plenty of games to keep an eye on. I've got the breakdown for all the games to watch and how the Huskers can finally get 1 in the win column on Saturday night. Read on for all my predictions below and GO BIG RED!

Week 2 Record: 16 - 4

Overall Record: 36 - 7

#7 Penn State at Illinois

     The Nittany Lions go on the road to start BIG 10 play against an Illinois team that has not been as good as most predicted this season. The Illini are still my favorite to win the West, but they need to get things organized quick. Penn State coming into this game has yet to face much of a challenge, and with a defense as good as theirs it will be interesting to see if many teams do actually challenge them this year. Offensively for the Nittany Lions, Drew Allar has been a great slot in at QB1, throwing for 529 yards and 4 TDs through the first two weeks. The Jayhawks racked up 277 through the air on Illinois last week, so if the trend continues it could be a big day for Allar. Defensively for the Illini, the passing game hasn't been the only aspect difficult to defend, KU also racked up 262 yards on the ground. I expect Illinois to step up and play this game a little closer, but Penn State has too much firepower to be stoped. Nittany Lions win on the road in solid fashion 30-17.

#14 LSU at Mississippi State

     The Tigers and Bulldogs square off again for a bit of an overlooked SEC West rivalry out in Starkville. This is the second longest running rivalry for the Bulldogs behind the Egg Bowl. Mississippi State survived an overtime thriller against Arizona at home last week as they celebrated their former coach, the late Mike Leach at the game. LSU stomped Grambling as they try to quickly forget about their Week 1 game against Florida State. Jayden Daniels and Will Rogers are the players to watch in this one as both look to put up big offensive numbers. If history has anything to say about this game, then it favors the Bulldogs. Since their victory in 2014, LSU wins two in a row and then Mississippi State takes one back. The Tigers have won the previous two seasons, so it should be Hail State in this one. However, I'm betting against history and I think Brian Kelly has his team ready for a 31-21 win.

Minnesota at #20 North Carolina

     The Gophers are looking to make a statement on the road while the Tar Heels are still recovering from their near stumble against the Mountaineers of Appalachian State. I mentioned that might be a trap game for them last week, and it turned out to be much closer than I (or UNC) anticipated. However, Sophomore RB Omarion Hampton carried the team to victory with 234 yards and 3 TDs on the ground. He'll be a force to be reckoned with for the Minnesota defense, especially after the Huskers averaged nearly 5 yards per carry on them. Offensively for Minnesota they've gone to more of a pass heavy attack, but did run for 300 last week. If Kaliakmanis can take care of the football, this could be a dangerous option in this game. UNC is giving up over 300 yards through the air through two games, and Minnesota's WR Daniel Jackson is a big-time playmaker. Regardless, I think Drake Maye and the Tar Heel offense is too much to stop. UNC wins the BIG 10/ACC challenge at home 24-20.

#8 Washington at Michigan State

     A sneaky road game pops up for the Huskies as they travel to East Lansing to take on Sparty at Michigan State. Luckily for UW, the Spartans are preoccupied with some off-field drama as Head Coach Mel Tucker was suspended earlier this week amid a sexual assault accusation. In an effort of trying to keep their program on track, Michigan State has brought back Mark Dantonio to be the team's associate head coach. Personally, I don't think it will make much of a difference as Michael Penix Jr. and the Husky offense will be putting up points. They're averaging 49.5 points through two games this season, and nearly 475 yards passing per game. I think Washington is going to make a statement in this road game. Sparty's defense will be tough, but Michael Penix Jr. continues his Heisman campaign with a big performance. Huskies 38, Spartans 21.

#11 Tennessee at Florida

     The Vols and Gators meet in Gainesville to write another chapter in this SEC rivalry. Last year, Tennessee narrowly escaped with a 38-33 victory. They havent beaten the Gators in Gainesville in 20 years though, so a lot of juju hanging around this one. Florida didn't look great in the season opener against Utah, but had a nice tune up game against McNease State. Tennessee hasn't been tested much yet this year, so Florida's defense will certainly be a wakeup call for Joe Milton and company. However, according to Joe Milton III himself, he can throw the ball a cool 90 yards downfield. I'm waiting to see it happen, but I think the Vols make a statement in this game. This offense will be difficult to stop once they get in rhythm, so I'm taking Tennessee 34-24.

BYU at Arkansas

     Former USC QB Kedon Slovis is slinging the rock for the Cougars now, but he's up against the Big Hot himself, KJ Jefferson. Jefferson has been one of my favorite QBs to watch over the past few seasons (yes, primarily so I can tell everyone he's got that HOG in him). So far this season he's thrown for nearly 400 yards with 5 TDs. Neither BYU nor Arkansas has played much competition yet this year, so this game will certainly tell a lot about both teams. Arkansas has a bit more balanced attack as opposed to BYU's air assault, so expect them to chew up some clock on their drives. I like Arkansas at home, so Woo Pig Sooie as they beat BYU 28-21.

Syracuse at Purdue

     Another BIG 10/ACC Challenge sets up in West Lafayette as the Boilermakers look to get back on track after a win against Virginia Tech last week. The Orange will look to torch the Purdue secondary as they're giving up an average of 323 yards passing per game. Senior QB Garrett Shrader is dangerous in the pocket, so Purdue needs to step up their pass rush big time in this one, they had 3 sacks last week. Offensively, Hudson Card has been solid for the Trainfolk, but feeding RB Devin Mockabee is a better path to victory in my opinion. He's averaging over 4 yards per carry and can help chew clock to keep the ball away from Shrader and Syracuse. Boilermakers surprise some folks and win this on 33-27.

Pitt at West Virginia (The Backyard Brawl)

     Just 75 miles and a lot of bad blood separate these two rivals as Pitt travels to Morgantown, WV to take on the Mountaineers. The Panthers are coming off a narrow loss at home against the Cincy Bearcats and now go back-to-back on another Big XII opponent. WVU should look to run the ball more in this one in order to counter the stingy defense of Pitt. I think Phil Jurkovich has a big night and the Panthers win a close one on the road 30-27.

Colorado State vs Colorado

     An in-state rivalry (now fueled by sunglasses and the shade thrown at them) is set to take place out in Boulder as the Buffaloes host the Rams. There's been plenty of drama this week as Coach Prime took offense to the Rams HC saying he takes his sunglasses and hat off when he talks to "adults". While I understand his point, you have to know anything and everything is going to fire up Colorado. They've got College Gameday coming to town and all the lights will be on Prime Time, just as he likes. Now in terms of the actual game, CSU needs to find some offense quickly. Colorado is going to score a earl and often, especially with their offensive efficiency. Buffs continue the Prime Time show as they win 35-14.

Fresno State at Arizona State

     The Bulldogs now travel to the dessert after an overtime victory against Easter Washington. The Sun Devils are trying to bounce back from their home loss to Oklahoma State, so both teams are ready to get a reset win. Fresno State already took down Purdue on the road with their new coaching staff, they're hoping to do the same against Arizona State. Senior Wideout Erik Brooks is a fantastic receiver for the Bulldogs, and could cause some issues defensively for ASU. I like the Bulldogs to keep winning in a close one 24-21 for Fresno State.

Northern Illinois at Nebraska

     The Huskers are looking to get Matt Rhule his first win as he makes his Memorial Stadium debut under the lights against Northern Illinois. The Sea of Red is anxious to get that first win of 2023 and is probably more anxious to see who takes snaps at QB. Jeff Sims has had major turnover issues, but he's still Matt Rhule's guy and I expect him to be running the offense for the Big Red. Hopefully the key word is running today, as the Huskers average over 200 yards per game on the ground. Gabe Irving Jr. should have another big day, complimented by Sims' ability on the ground. Northern Illinois is no slouch team though, and they've won in Lincoln before back in 2017, exactly 6 years ago today. Ex-Spartan QB Rocky Lombardi is the leader of the Huskies, but luckily for Nebraska, he has a number of turnover issues as well. Turnovers are certainly the key to victory in this game, as both defenses have been stout so far this season. Under the lights in Memorial hits different though, and with an aggressive pass rush I think the Blackshirts lock it down just like they have been. Hopefully the run game gets moving and the Husker offense can take care of the ball. Nebraska runs out of a new tunnel today and I think that's good luck moving forward. GO BIG RED as the Huskers beat the Huskies 27-14.

Quick Hit Predictions-

#3 Florida State at Boston College - The 'Noles have a couple of road games on the schedule, and next week's against Clemson is one they've been waiting for. However, they can't forget about the Golden Eagles in a trap game this weekend. I think they take care of business and Jordan Travis continues his Heisman campaign, but don't get caught looking ahead. FSU 38, BC 17. A special sight with the 10th Annual Red Bandanna Team and new uniforms for the Eagles.

Kansas State at Missouri - The Wildcats and Tigers renew an old Big XII Rivalry as they square off in Columbia. Both teams have fairly similar stats to start off from the season, so the QB battle will likely determine this one. I'm giving the nod to Will Howard and the Wildcats. KState 31, Mizzou 24.

South Carolina at #1 Georgia - The DAWGS are going for a 20th straight victory over the Gamecocks, and have the luxury of playing between the hedges. Their pass rush is always formidable and South Carolina has struggled to protect QB Spencer Rattler. I'm taking UGA at home 34-14.

San Diego State at #16 Oregon State - The Beavers are quietly racking up nearly 50 points per game as DJ Uiagalelei has been loving his new home, and despite the Aztecs always being an upset-minded team, the Beavers will be winning this game. Dominant run game and Oregon State wins 40-21.

#19 Oklahoma at Tulsa - The Sooners take a short road trip to in-state foe Tulsa. Not as impressive of a performance last week against SMU for Oklahoma, so this is another opportunity to put up some points before conference play begins. This is the first of two straight road trips, but I think Dillon Gabriel and the Sooners get it done. Oklahoma wins the in-state battle with Tulsa 38-17.

Wyoming at Texas - A seemingly light non-conference game ahead of their final season of Big XII play could be dangerous as Texas comes off their big win in Tuscaloosa over Bama last week. Everyone thinks Texas could officially be back, but Wyoming is not a great team to play during a hangover. Certainly closer than the 29.5 point line if you're betting. Hook 'Em in a tough one. 37-24 Texas.

TCU at Houston - A new in-state Big XII matchup has the Frogs taking the road to take on the Cougars. Houston lost their cross-town rival Rice in double overtime last week, so they will certainly be hungry for a win. Both offenses have a lot of firepower so expect a classic Big XII shootout in this one. I think Sonny Dykes and the Frogs are still dangerous, so give me the Superfrogs as they win 42-34 on the road.

Thank you for reading all of my Week 3 Predictions and enjoy your College Football Saturday! GO BIG RED!

#CFBKnowItAll

Alex Fernando