Week 2 Predictions

      After a long offseason the 5-day football slate of Week 1 did not disappoint. We had upsets, top 10 clashes and came out of the weekend with our eyes on how many teams will follow up their various Week 1 performances. This post will highlight my thoughts on the Huskers win against Cincy along with some Week 2 predictions and bets to make this weekend if you want to follow my "Perfect Parlay". Enjoy this very full post of CFB reflections and picks, and enjoy your Week 2 games.

     Nebraska opened up their season in Arrowhead against the Bearcats of Cincinnati. With many Chief players in attendance, along with a full stadium of Husker fans, Nebraska defeated Cincy 20-17. Blackshirt Malcom Hartzog Jr. sealed the victory with a fantastic interception in the endzone just moments after he was called for a holding penalty. I was able to attend the game with my friend Kody as we were down in KC for work with the University. It was a fantastic atmosphere and perfect night for football. I've got my GOOD, EXPECTED and BAD breakdown below for the game.

GOOD: Emmett Johnson and Kyle Cunanan. The Husker RB led the way with 108 yards on 25 carries, adding another 27 yards on the ground with 7 catches. While Johnson didn't score last week, he was clearly the #1 workhorse for the Husker offense. There isn't much for depth at the RB position for the Huskers, so I do have concern of wear and tear on Johnson over the season with this kind of workload, but I do love that he's a focal point of the offense. Hopefully, he'll continue to lead this offense down the field, and provide more kicking opportunities for Kyle Cunanan. I'm not declaring the special teams woes completely gone for Nebraska, but when you open your career as a Husker with a 52 yard field goal, that's an impressive statement. Cunanan, a Sophomore transfer from Charlotte, went 2/2 on both FGs and extra points. I was shocked when he trotted out for that first field goal, but what a great kick! Anxious to see how he kicks throughout the season.

EXPECTED: Husker Wideouts sharing the love & Brendan Sorsby's legs. Starting with the opposing QB, Sorsby did not have a great day passing, but 96 yards and 2 TDs on the ground, he was extremely difficult to stop for the Huskers. He's a veteran QB and dual-threat players have always been an extra headache for the Blackshirts. Sorsby will be a dangerous QB throughout Big XII play this season. Now over to the Huskers, I am a big fan of this wide receiver room and how many different weapons Raiola has to throw to. Nebraska finished with 9 different players catching a pass from Raiola, who finished with 243 yards and 2 TDs. Both Nyziah Hunter and Dane Key caught 6 passes followed closely by Luke Lindenmyer and Jacory Barney Jr. with 5 catches each. This offense can certainly be something special with so many options for the ball to be given to.

BAD: Line of scrimmage push. While Emmitt Johnson did top 100 yards, the Husker offensive line was shaky while the defensive line looked to be on skates for most of the game. Cincy recorded 3 sacks and 6 tackles for loss while holding Nebraska to just 3.1 yards per carry. The Bearcats averaged 6.7 yards per carry with more than 200 on the ground. The Blackshirts did not record a sack and only had 2 tackles for loss. There were multiple plays where the front 7 of Nebraska was getting moved 5-7 yards by the Cincy Oline. I'm certainly nervous for the Huskers' push on both sides of the line of scrimmage throughout the season.

Week 1 Results: 17 - 6

Overall Results: 21 - 7

Week 2 Predictions:

#11 Illinois at Duke

     The Fighting Illini are very quietly working their way to the top 10 and have an opportunity to put on a show with a P4 road game in Duke. The Blue Devils certainly aren't a football blue blood like their basketball squad, but Manny Diaz always has a tough defense. Combining that with transfer QB Darian Mensah builds a lot of momentum, especially when he accounted for nearly 400 yards and 3 TDs against Elon in the opener. The Blue Devils should hang around for a bit, but the experience of Illinois will win out. Luke Altmeyer is very decisive and does well working through his reads, expect a big game from him. I think Bret Bielema is looking to make a statement in this game. Illinois 35, Duke 17.

Iowa at #16 Iowa State (Battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy)

     The annual battle for the Cy-Hawk trophy takes place in Ames this year, where the Hawkeyes have dominated the series. Iowa State has not won this game on their home field since 2011. Rocco Becht looks to change that narrative as the veteran QB has already racked up 5 TDs and 461 yards through the air. Iowa still doesn't really understand the concept of a forward pass as Jackrabbit transfer Mark Gronowski completed just 8/15 for 44 yards and 1 TD in their week 1 win against Albany. As usual, Iowa will run the ball and setup a brick wall on defense. Iowa State always seems to lose their head in this game, but I think the veteran presence of Rocco Becht will help this team prevail. Cyclones win back-to-back Cy-Hawk Trophies and the first on their home turf in 14 years. Iowa State 23, Iowa 17.

Baylor at #17 SMU

     Despite a home-opening loss to Auburn, I'm still buying Baylor stock in 2025. This team made some week 1 mistakes that cost them the game, but still racked up more than 400 yards through the air with Sawyer Robertson accounting for 3 TDs. The Ponies host their former Southwest Conference Rival ranked #17 in the nation, but this isn't the same defense from a year ago. Heisman dark horse Kevin Jennings gives me reason to believe they will make this game interesting, but don't be surprised to see this Baylor squad put up some points. Also, be sure to watch #11 on the Bears' defense, linebacker Keaton Thomas. The Junior is in his second season with Baylor after playing JUCO at Northeast Mississippi CC and simply racked up over 100 tackles in his first year of Division 1 football. He had 15 tackles against Auburn to open the season and is one of the best defenders in the nation. He will make some plays today and the Bears Sic 'Em for a 34-24 road win.

UConn at Syracuse

     UConn at Syracuse an old Big East basketball rivalry takes place on the gridiron with tow offenses that feature some dynamic, relatively unknown players. Cam Edwards is a great RB with the Huskies and Yasin Willis for Syracuse looks to build on his 3 TD opener as the featured back for the Orange. Former Notre Dame QB, Steve Angeli looked calm against Tennessee and I think he’ll be the difference-maker in a 31-21 victory for the Orange.

Oklahoma State at #6 Oregon

     One of my most anticipated games to watch in the early slate is Oklahoma State at Oregon. Not just because of the P4 matchup, but more so because of the press conference exchanges between Mike Gundy and Dan Lanning. Gundy made comments about the money Oregon spends to be good at football while Lanning responded by explaining some programs (i.e. Oklahoma State) don't care enough to spend money. The Ducks are a top team yet again and despite the lack of media attention on them, they're going to flex early and often in this game on why they're still one of the best teams. Dan Lanning loves nothing more than to make his point known on the scoreboard and Oklahoma State does not have the firepower to keep pace in this game. Oregon 45, Oklahoma State 10.

#20 Ole Miss at Kentucky

     A home loss to a very not good Kentucky is the primary reason Ole Miss was kept out of the playoffs last season. That ended up being the only SEC win for the Wildcats in 2024, and now they host a revamped rebels team looking to build chemistry quickly. Sophomore QB Austin Simmons is now running Lane Kiffin's offense, and despite 2 picks in his starting debut, he did throw for 341 yards with 3 TDs. Mike Stoops always seems to have an answer for Kiffin, but Kentucky's talent is lacking to keep pace with the Rebel offense. Hotty Toddy as Ole Miss wins 30-17.

Kansas at Missouri (Border War)

     A classic rivalry taken away by conference realignment is set to restart as Kansas visits Missouri for the Border War. These former Big XII and Big 8 foes have nothing but hate for each other, and I'm very glad to see this game back on a college football Saturday slate. The Tigers brought in Penn State transfer Beau Pribula to lead the offense and he looked very comfortable completing 23/28 for 283 yards and 2 TDs in their opener against Central Arkansas. His counterpart for KU is no scrub though, Jaylon Daniels is back for his final campaign as a Jayhawk and so far this season looks stellar. When healthy, Daniels is one of the most dynamic QBs in the nation, accounting for nearly 9,000 yards and 71 TDs throughout his career thus far. Daniels is joined in the backfield by Senior RB Daniel Hishaw Jr., who has patiently waited for his turn in the starting role. I like what KU brings to the table offensively here and I'm not sure Missouri is quite ready for the dual threat ability of Jaylon Daniels. ROCK CHALK as the Jayhawks win the Boarder War 38-24.

Texas State at UTSA (I-35 Rivalry)

     These two teams are separated by just 50 miles of interstate and heavily recruit the same areas of Texas. In-state rivalry games like these are always exciting because many of the players know each other, played together or even against each other in high school. The Bobcats looked good in their opener, dropping 52 on Eastern Michigan, but my heart always has a soft spot for the Roadrunners. They also hung around with Texas A&M to make the Aggies sweat a bit, so MEEP MEEP at home as UTSA wins the I-35 Rivalry 37-27.

South Florida at #13 Florida

     The Bulls surprised everyone (especially myself) by completely dismantling the Broncos of Boise State. They now travel to the Swamp for an in-state tussle with the Gators. Byrum Brown is the key points with this team, but the true question is how will this Bulls defense handle DJ Lagway? South Florida recorded 1 sack with 5 tackles for loss against the Broncos, but the stat that truly jumps out to me is 92 total tackles with only 36 solo tackles. This translates to a lot of defenders flying to the ball. With roughly 2/3 of their team tackles involving multiple defenders, this defense will need to mimic those stats to beat Florida. The Gators have a good amount of weapons around DJ Lagway, but his legs will be the biggest factor, because I expect the Bulls to bring pressure. I need to see a bit more before I start picking the full upset, but expect South Florida to keep this one closer than the spread suggests. Gators 37, Bulls 28.

Tulane at South Alabama

     Jake Retzlaff accounted for over 250 and 2 TDs (1 rushing & 1 passing) in his debut with the Green Wave, as they look to make their case to be the G5 representation in the playoffs this season. South Alabama is a dangerous team out of the Sunbelt especially with the QB-RB duo Bishop Davenport and Kentrel Bullock. Bullock averages 5.5 yards per carry for his career thus far, so Tulane will need to shut down the run quickly. Green Wave win 28-17.

#12 Arizona State at Mississippi State

     The Sun Devils beat the Bulldogs 30-23 in Tempe last year, led by more than 300 yards of offense from Cam Skattebo. Arizona State went on to the playoffs while Mississippi State won 2 games all season. You'd think this year's game already has the final score written, but don't sleep on the Bulldogs too much. Veteran QB Blake Shapen is back from injury and has better weapons to throw to out on the edge. I think Arizona State still takes this one, but Mississippi State is a much better team than last season and will make things competitive. Sun Devils win 31-27.

#15 Michigan at #18 Oklahoma

     Two of the premiere programs in college football meet on the gridiron for just the second time in history. Oklahoma won the only meeting back in 1975, but apart from that game there is some shared history with these programs. Michigan Head Coach Sherrone Moore played offensive line for the Sooners, so a homecoming for him as he will lead the Wolverines against his alma mater. Michigan is featuring the #1 overall recruit in Bryce Underwood at Quarterback while the Sooners brought in Washington State Transfer John Mateer who followed his Offensive Coordinator Ben Arbuckle to Norman. Both QBs are dynamic playmakers, so I will direct your attention to the defensive side of the ball. Both squads were a top 20 defense in 2024 and bring back a lot of experience. Whichever group can get pressure and force turnovers early should be in line to win. Michigan is a very talented team, but a freshman QB on the road in a tough environment is a lot to ask, so give me Oklahoma. Boomer Sooner as their defense leads them to a 27-21 victory.

Akron at Nebraska

     The last time Nebraska hosted Akron dark storm clouds formed over Lincoln as lightening in rain ended up canceling the game and the debut of Scott Frost as the Head Coach. It seems as though those clouds were a very ominous sign of what was to come over the next half decade, but the sun is shining today in Lincoln as Matt Rhule embarks on his third season at Memorial Stadium. The Huskers have a new turf with red end zones and a night game to open up September just feels right. The Zips went scoreless at home against Wyoming last week losing 10-0. This is the perfect game for Nebraska to get their offense in gear. Everyone should touch the ball, Dylan should have plenty of time to go through reads and make decisions and Emmett Johnson should run wild while hopefully yielding some carries to his backups to get them developed. I expect to see a lot more creativity from the offense and Nebraska will put on more than just a light show tonight. Huskers 45, Zips 7. 

Quick Hit Predictions:

Virginia at NC State - Virginia looked very strong in their opener against Coastal Carolina and transfer QB Chandler Morris led the way with over 300 yards of offense. NC State is always tough at home, but I think the Cavaliers win 26-23 in what is counted as a non-conference game.

Fresno State at Oregon State - The Bulldogs bounced back from their beat down in Kansas by pummeling Georgia Southern. Oregon State couldn't keep pace with Cal, but Malik Murphy had some flashes in his debut with the offense. Beavers in a tight one 21-17.

Army at Kansas State - Both the Black Knights and Kansas State need a win in this game to get things back on track. Army is coming off a home lost to Tarleton State in double overtime while Kansas State needed a last minute touchdown to avoid a loss to North Dakota. I trust the talent of K-State and expect them to shake off the rust from the first two weeks, but they need to stop the run. Wildcats win 33-14.

Houston at Rice - The Cougars have dominated this cross-town rivalry winning 34 of the 46 meetings all time. The Owls did take the 2023 game at their stadium 43-41, but now have to deal with ex-Aggie QB Connor Weigman as he makes his second start for Houston. He threw for 3 TDs in their opener and despite Rice's upset win over UL Monroe, I think the Cougars take this one. Houston 23, Rice 10

West Virginia at Ohio - The reigning MAC Champions are hosting a Big XII team on their home turf. Parker Navarro looks to carve up the Mountaineers defense as he's coming off a game where he led the team in both rushing an passing with 332 yards and 4 total TDs. I think the Bobcats pull one over on Rich Rod and win 27-21.

Boston College at Michigan State - Both the Spartans and the Eagles handled their business against lesser teams in week 1, but a P4 matchup in week 2 will certainly give us more insight to both of these programs. Alabama Transfer Dylan Lonergan and Aiden Chiles will lead both offensive units, so my eyes will be on the defensive schemes and how they bring pressure to these QBs. I'll roll with the BIG 10 on this one, Michigan State 20, Boston College 17

Vanderbilt at Virginia Tech - A night game in Lane Stadium is always a tough atmosphere to play in, but Vandy QB Diego Pavia doesn't seem to get phased by much. The Commodores won this game at home last year and I'm still waiting for VT to prove they are going to take over these games and win. Until then, Anchor Down and Vandy wins 23-20.

UCLA at UNLV - The Bruins were demolished at home by Utah in the opener, with Nico Iamaleava looking shaky at best. He did account for over 200 yards of offense, but completed just 50% of his passes with 1 TD and 1 pick. The Rebels bounced back after an opening week scare to Idaho State and handled Sam Houston State on the road 38-21. This should be a game where UCLA out talents UNLV, but I think there's a lot of pieces that still don't fit with the Bruins offense. I'll take the Rebels at home. UNLV 30, UCLA 24.

The Perfect Parlay:

1. Oregon - 27.5 over Oklahoma State. As mentioned above, Dan Lanning is not one to lay off the gas, especially when he has a point to make. With Mike Gundy chirping at his program's payroll earlier this week, I'm guessing Oregon will (gladly) put their money where their mouth is and light up the score board. Bet the cover and bet the over because there will be a lot of points from the Ducks in this game.

2. Illinois -2.5 over Duke. The Blue Devils are 6-1 at home with Manny Diaz at the helm, but I think Illinois is one of the teams you'd hate to have on your schedule in 2025. Darian Mensah should keep things close for a while, but look for the Illini defense to get pressure on him and force turnovers. I've got Illinois wining by 2 scores, not just 3 points. 

3. USC -29.5 over Georgia Southern. Clay Helton makes his return to the Coliseum as his Eagles take on the Trojans he once led. USC dropped 73 against new FBS member Missouri State last week while the Eagles were smashed 42-14 by Fresno State. Georgia Southern has spend the week in California between the two games, but I think Jayden Maiava and the USC offense are going to rack up similar numbers. Trojans cover the 30 at home.

Thanks for reading my Week 2 Predictions and reflection of last week's Husker game. Enjoy your College Football Saturday and GO BIG RED!

#CFBKnowItAll

Alex Fernando