Welcome to Week 2 of College Football and get excited because I've got a big slate of games to make picks on. Most of the time there's a bit of a drop off from the big opening weekend, but there are quite a few intriguing matchups that could put a serious dent in a team's season. Plus, I have my reflections from Nebraska's win over UTEP last week. We'll kick things off with my GOOD, EXPECTED and BAD thoughts from the game and then dive into predictions for Week 2, enjoy!
Nebraska won 40-7 against the UTEP Miners to start a season 1-0 for the first time since 2019. A terrifying stat to say the least when you ask Husker fans, but that's one more monkey off the back. This was a game Nebraska won they way they should. It was a bit slow moving to start, but the offense started clicking and multiple players on the depth chart were able to get in the game. I've got my full break down with my GOOD, EXPECTED and BAD categories below.
GOOD - The Husker wideouts. Most everyone on the planet is raving about how good Dylan Raiola looked in his first game with a Husker N on his helmet, and he was absolutely fabulous. However, the play of the Husker wide receivers in this game was something we haven't seen in a very long time. Raiola was putting the ball in great places for them to make plays, AND THEY ACTUALLY MADE THE PLAYS! I don't think I've seen a Husker wideout attack the ball and want it more than a defender since Stanley Morgan. There's some work to be done on perimeter blocking, but when the ball was up in the air, the Husker receivers went and got it. Routes were run well and they were able to create space from the defenders. That space will be tricker to make as they face tougher opponents, but this was a passing attack looking like they want to throw the ball aggressively and win battles at the top of their routes. Great work by the receivers.
EXPECTED - Running back by committee and Dylan showing off his arm. Starting with the new star QB of the Huskers, everyone has been waiting to see what he can do. All they hype, all the recruitment accolades, everything boils down to if he can perform on the field. Raiola finished with a clean 238 yards and 2 TDs on the day. Some of his highlight moments included a Mahomes-like throwing motion while stepping up into the pocket and checking down various plays into a situation yielding more success. All of this was aided by a solid ground attack which featured 4 different running backs, all averaging at least 4.0 yards per carry. Dante Dowdell, Gabe Ervin Jr., Rahmir Johnson and Emmett Johnson all got to carry the rock throughout the day and performed well. The quad combined for 210 rushing yards and I think we'll continue to see more work by them as a committee throughout the season. All bring a variety of different skillsets to the offense and no one broke out to me from Game 1. That could change with plenty of football left to play, but I expect more committee work for the time being.
BAD - Kicking and the Tight End Bubble Screen. Unfortunately the special teams of Nebraska is still struggling as noted by the kick out of bounds. Nebraska opted to kick it high and short for most of the game after that and there was little to no breeze last week. This is a unit that continues to bring the most worry to me. Another worrying thing from Saturday was the amount of bubble screens being thrown to Thomas Fidone and Carter Nelson. Both are tremendous athletes and need the ball, but not on a route meant for speed and agility. There are so many other players on this roster that fit the bill for speed and agility above them. That's what bubble screens are designed for, a quick completion in space to one of the fastest and most agile guys on your team to get quick yards. They should be blocking on this play. Give the ball to someone with more speed so they have a chance at getting to the edge or getting past the blocks before the defense sheds them. Fidone had 3 catches for 1 yard because they were all bubble screens where the blocking wasn't great and he didn't have the speed to beat defenders to the edge. I'd like to see this play go to someone who can make a man miss with Fidone and Nelson lead blocking.
Week 1 Record: 10 - 4
Overall Record: 14 - 4
Week 2 Predictions:
#3 Texas at #10 Michigan
We open up Week 2 with a high noon matchup between top 10 teams. The reigning champs host Texas as the Longhorns travel North to the Big House. Michigan is a very different team from last year's squad, starting with HC Sherrone Moore now leading the Wolverines. A power run game with a rugged BIG 10 defense is still the identity of this team, but keeping up with the Texas offense will be no easy task. Quinn Ewers has one of the best receiving corps in the nation and they looked to be in gear quickly with a 52-0 performance against Colorado State last week. Texas was in a lot of close, one-score games last season though, and could've dropped a few after building big leads and losing them. This team needs to close out against a foe like Michigan. A big test early, but I think Texas holds the edge in this game and beats Michigan at the Big House. Hook 'Em for a 27-23 win.
Arkansas at #16 Oklahoma State
Despite a tough Week 1 opponent in the reigning FCS Champion Jackrabbits, Oklahoma State looked unfazed as they dominated that game 44-20. Arkansas looked impressive against FCS team Arkansas Pine-Bluff to the tune of 70-0, but now the real season begins. Arkansas has a new offensive attack with former HC Bobby Petrino back in Fayettsville as OC under Sam Pittman. They will be trying to keep pace with one of the best rushing attacks in the nation as Ollie Gordon already looks to be in midseason form having rushed for 126 yards and 3 TDs last week. I do like the Pokes at home in this one as I think the Hogs have a bit more development to do, and Okie State is out to prove they should be a Playoff favorite out of the Big XII. Pokes beat the Hogs at home 34-24.
#23 Georgia Tech at Syracuse
A sneaky ACC battle Saturday morning features the newly ranked Yellow Jackets on the road against a revamped Syracuse offense led by ex-Buckeye Kyle McCord. Everyone took note of Georgia Tech following their win against Florida State in Dublin, especially their rushing attack. Against Georgia State, Haynes King and the Jackets flexed their passing muscles as he threw for 421 yards with 2 TDs and a pick. We all know McCord can sling it, and he threw for 354 and 4 TDs with a pick in their opener against Ohio last week. This could be a close game, but I like the rushing attack from Georgia Tech to be strong against Syracuse and keep the time of possession in their favor. Georgia Tech wins 24-20.
Baylor at #11 Utah
We have a non-conference matchup between two Big XII teams! You read that right, despite now being conference foes with Utah joining the Big XII, this will be counted as a non-conference matchup between Baylor and Utah as their series was scheduled before conference realignment. The Bears had little issue with Tarleton State, but Cam Rising and the Utes are a different challenge. They will have a stout defense that flies to the ball, forcing Baylor to take underneath looks. I expect some coverage sacks as Dequan Finn gets his first big taste of Power 4 defense after his first few years playing ball at Toledo. The Bears could take a big step forward and make this interesting, but I see the Utes having little to know issue with Baylor today. Utah wins 30-10.
Iowa State at #21 Iowa (Battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy)
The Cyclones and Hawkeyes meet for their annual rivalry game with the Cy-Hawk Trophy on the line. Iowa started slow but ended up scoring a staggering 40 points in their opener. Granted, this was against Illinois State, and I doubt the Cyclones will be allowing anywhere close to that. This is a game that should be very winnable for Iowa State, you just need to score 20 points. However, Iowa's defense won't make anything easy. They have won 8 of the last 10 in this series, always edging out the Cyclones. I do think Iowa State has the offense to win this game, but Iowa always finds a way. Their way is usually by letting teams shoot themselves in the foot, but a win is a win and Iowa is going to take it some how. I really hope I'm wrong, but Hawkeyes 17, Cyclones 10. Bet the under.
UTSA at Texas State
This may not be a highlight game to some, but a very fun matchup is set in San Marcos, Texas as the Bobcats host the Road Runners. UTSA has been a G5 power over the last few years, but QB Frank Harris is gone, and Jeff Traylor has a bit of a rebuilding roster while trying to stay atop the G5 heap. Texas State is primed for a big season in the Sun Belt, and along with a few analysts, they're my dark horse pick to win the G5 bid for the Playoffs. Ex-JMU QB Jordan McCloud who was the conference player of the year last year in the Sun Belt, now slings it for the Bobcats, and has a tremendous amount of weapons around him. Junior RB Ismail Mahdi is my difference maker though, and with his 5.6 yards per carry last week against UTSA's stout run defense will be very fun to watch. As much as I love to Meep Meep with UTSA, I've got Texas State going far this year and this is a key victory to propel them forward. Bobcats catch the Roadrunners in a very exciting 35-33 game.
Marshall at Virginia Tech
The Hokies let me down in my bets last week and in my predictions. I really thought they were going to be a deadly factor in the ACC this season, and while they still can be, the opening week loss to Vanderbilt was extremely deflating for Brent Pry's squad. A bounce back game opportunity arrives at home as Marshall comes to town. The Heard are looking to keep VT out of sorts and stuff the run as Vandy allowed just 75 rush yards last week on the ground. I expect the Hokies to bounce back in this game, but if they lose again, this season could go off the rails quickly. Virginia Tech wins with a much better performance 30-17.
#19 Kansas at Illinois
A Big XII/BIG 10 matchup features the Jayhawks on the road in Champaign. The fighting Illini struggled with 3 one-score losses in their final 5 games last year, keeping them from bowl eligibility. KU has lofty goals in 2024 as much of their talent returns to a loaded offense with Lance Leipold in his 4th season at the helm. The QB Battle should be a good one as Jalon Daniels leads KU and Luke Altmyer leads the Illini. Both of them like to sling it, but Daniels' scrambling ability can give teams a lot of headaches. I think this could be a fairly close game like last year, which ended in an 11-point win for KU at home. Illinois should be an improved team this year, and while I have KU winning 38-35, this will show teams the Illini are not an easy win in 2024. Rock Chalk.
#14 Tennessee vs #24 North Carolina State
The Wolfpack are looking to match the offensive pace of Tennessee as they take on the Vols in Charlotte. Ex-Chanticleer QB Grayson McCall and star wideout Kevin Concepcion found their connection early as the two of them racked up 9 completions for 121 yards and 3 TDs in their opening game against Western Carolina. The Wolfpack struggled to pull away until the 4th quarter of that game, and Tennessee will be a tough team to catch if that occurs again. The Vols racked up 69 points on Chattanooga last week, and Josh Huepel's revamped offense looked as deadly as ever with Freshman QB Nico Iamaleava throwing the rock. UT wins this showdown in Charlotte with a big offensive night 40-28.
Appalachian State at #25 Clemson
The Tigers didn't look like much of a championship contending team when they took on the Bulldogs last week, and App State at home is never a given. This does provide a good bounce back opportunity for the Tigers though, and Cade Klubnik desperately needs one. He mustered just 142 yards and a pick against the Dawgs while RB Phil Mafah had 16 carries for 59 yards. Very little to show from this offense, but their defense did have good pursuit and should be able to hold down the Mountaineers. Tigers win 34-14.
Boise State at #7 Oregon
Despite much hype for 2024, neither the Ducks nor the Broncos looked impressive in their openers. While Boise State did score 56, they were down late and had to build a comeback against Georgia Southern on the road. Oregon moved the ball all over the field to the tune of nearly 500 yards, but a 10 point win over the now FCS Idaho Vandals left experts scratching their heads. I expect the Ducks' offense to wake up in this one and put some points on the board in big numbers. They may need to because the Boise State rushing attack features one of the best RBs in the nation. Ashton Jeanty carried the rock 20 times last week for 267 yards and 6 TDs. Oregon needs to send 3 or 4 guys to the take him down on every carry, or this could get ugly for the Ducks. I like Boise to hang around, but Oregon will pull away late. Oregon wins without punching anyone 37-20.
Colorado at Nebraska
One of the biggest games of Week 2 features my beloved Cornhuskers against the bitter rival Buffaloes. The Deion show rolls into Lincoln this year as the Buffs and Huskers look to see who has a leg up in year 2 of their respective coaches. Despite a strong showing from the Blackshirts, this game needs points for a victory. Watching Colorado last week showed me they are still one of the better passing teams in the nation thanks to their tremendous talent at receiver. I think the defense will get some stops, especially since the protection for Shedeur isn't great, but he can still sling it and they will make plays. This responsibility for points now falls on the offense and Dylan Raiola. The Huskers have a talented WR room to compete with the Buffs, and a run game supported by four backs who can all change up the pace. There are holes available in Colorado's defense to take advantage of, but securing the ball is a number once concern. It's hard to imagine the Huskers playing worse than last season's game, especially with the new and improved squad for 2024. This is the first big PROVE IT game of the Matt Rhule era, and under the lights in Lincoln, our fans are hungry for a big win. The rivalry, the tradition, the energy at Memorial for an early season night game. It's truly football season now and the Huskers win 36-33 over the Buffs. GO BIG RED!
Quick Hit Predictions:
#17 Kansas State at Tulane - Wildcats 31, Green Wave 17.
Cal at Auburn - Tigers 30, Golden Bears 14.
South Carolina at Kentucky - Wildcats 23, Gamecocks 13.
Michigan State at Maryland - Terps 28, Spartans 14.
CMU at FIU - Can't lose your first game in Pitbull Stadium, right? DALE! FIU 30, CMU 26.
South Florida at #4 Alabama - Roll Tide 45-14.
Virginia at Wake Forest - Demon Deacons 33, Cavaliers 27.
Texas Tech at Washington State - Mike Leach Bowl! 38-34 Cougars.
Mississippi State at Arizona State - Forks up! 31-27 Sun Devils.
The Perfect Parlay:
1. Utah -13.5 cover against the Bears. The Utes need to show they're the favorite in this conference and even though it's not a conference game, I like them by 2 touchdowns.
2. Auburn -11.5 cover over Cal. Long way to travel for the Golden Bears and the Tigers looked smooth in week 1. I think two TDs is a solid win and bet.
3. USC -28.5 over Utah State. Just over 4 TDs is pushing my comfort zone, but that receiving corps showed a lot and I doubt the Aggies can keep up. Fight On for a good payout with the Trojans.
Thanks for reading my game day predictions and enjoy Week 2 of College Football. GO BIG RED!
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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