Week two picks

Before I get started with how I think week two of the college football season will shakeout, this is a short reminder that I am NOT, and I emphasis the word NOT, a professional handicapper or a professional prognosticator. I do this for fun. Last week, there was one Einstein which seemed to take issue with the degree of "how informative" my selections were. He pretty much trashed everything that I had written, which is his prerogative. He further stated that anyone could come up with what I had posted within five minutes; to which I say, he's full of what comes out of that White Mule's rear end, which is the mascot of his beloved team. Just for the record, Uncle Larry31160, how did your selections turn out for week one? Kind of resembled what falls out of the White Mule's rear end. As for my week, 6-4, with 39 style points. The biggest upset appeared to be Nevada over California. Say goodbye to Berkeley, Jeff Tedford. Time for you to make an appointment with Two Men and a Truck, so that you can get a head start on having your stuff boxed and ready to move. Enough with week one, let's move on to week two.

 

 

 

Washington @ LSU (10) Excluding bowl games, LSU has not lost an out-of-conference match up going back to the 2002 season. That year, they lost their opener to Virginia Tech, 26-8. Since that loss, the Tigers have reeled off 37 straight games away from the SEC. So if you are a Husky fan, that stat is an eye opener; plus the game will be played at night; a double whammy of sorts for the crew from Seattle. LSU makes it 38 in a row with a huge win over Washington, 38-13.

 

 

Nebraska (9) @ UCLA - Last week, Nebraska looked pretty good on offense in their win over Southern Mississippi. This week, they take their show on the road to the Rose Bowl, to engage with UCLA, a team in which the Corn Huskers have dominated, taking six out of the last seven games. UCLA opened their season with a win over Rice. So let me get this straight, both teams had wins over Conference USA teams, which isn't a big deal. So why am I placing so much value on Nebraska? That's why I'm an bush league picker, I have no idea. Then again, I like the way Nebraska has progressed the past two seasons. Look for Bo Pelini to have his men firing on all cylinders and claw out a win over the Bruins, 33-24.

 

 

Penn State @ Virginia (8) - Penn State sure let a lot of us down with that stellar performance against Ohio, last week. Seems to be a pattern up there in Happy Valley, with everything else that has gone on over the past 10 months. Virginia started their season off on the right foot with a win over Richmond. This week, I have heard a couple of so called experts say that once Penn State gets away from Happy Valley, they will be a much better team. I'm sorry, I can't justify that statement. Virginia sends Penn State to 0-2, with a win, 27-14.

 

 

Iowa State @ Iowa (7) - You never know what to expect in this rivalry game. I know that Iowa State hasn't won in Iowa City in a decade; nevertheless, this game always seems to be close. I don't know what to make of Iowa's sleep walking performance against Northern Illinois, last week. I just feel like that game was a wake up call for the Hawkeyes to get their act together as a team, especially on offense. BTW-Iowa State looked pretty good against Tulsa, winning 38-23. Let Iowa continue to sleep walk, and Kirk Ferentz can join Jeff Tedford in the unemployment line. Nevertheless, I'll take the Hawkeyes over the Cyclones, 23-17.

 

 

Miami FL @ Kansas State (6) - Yes, I know that Miami won at Boston College, last week. Miami's offense looked good against a crappy Boston College defensive unit. Speaking of defense, Miami let the Eagles roll up over 500 total yards. If the Hurricanes give up 500 plus yards to the Wildcats, the ending will be much different than last Saturday's decision. Two things that tell me that this will be a Kansas State victory; first, this is the second week that Miami has had to travel; and second, this is the second straight week that Miami has had to play an early game. Look for K-State to out last Miami, 39-31.

 

 

Illinois @ Arizona State (5) - Don't read too much into either of these team's wins from last week. Western Michigan nor Northern Arizona will garner too much attention in anybody's playbook. As of this posting, the starting QB for Illinois is listed as questionable, which probably means that he will play. Both of these teams have new coaches at the helm. Because this is a late game, I'll take the home team to scratch out a victory. Arizona State over Illinois, 35-24.

 

 

Georgia @ Missouri (4) - Georgia looked down right horrible against a Buffalo team, which came into that game with a 5-19 record, for the past two seasons. Missouri is chomping at the bit to unleash their fury on the rest of the SEC. Again, as of this posting, Georgia has not stated whether they will lift the suspensions on two of their players. And, since Rambo might not play for Georgia, I think that the Tigers could have a field day against a very suspect defense. Look for Missouri to win a close contest in Columbia, 30-27.

 

 

Florida @ Texas A&M (3) - Here's another SEC school which looked horrible in their home opener to a MAAC school. The road for Florida will not get any easier with them having to travel to College Station. Aggie fans, like Missouri fans, are eager to show that they belong in this elite conference. I know that this is Kevin Sumlin's first game as A&M's coach, so expect some hitches in the Aggies get-alongs to occur. Nevertheless, I still like A&M's chances to expose the Gators as an average team that is looking to improve, just not this week at Kyle Field. Aggies over Florida, 24-20.

 

 

Auburn (2) @ Mississippi State - Dan Mullins has done a credible job at Starkville; however, the fan base is hungry to have the Bulldogs move up the food chain in the SEC West. Just beating Ole Miss and some week sister like Kentucky or Vanderbilt, every year, is getting a little tiresome for the cow bell faithful. Now, here comes Auburn, desperate for a win. If Auburn loses this game, they could be 1-4, after week five of the college season with back-to-back games against LSU and Arkansas, looming on the horizon. Plus, just about everybody else around these parts is barking about how good State is. Okay, prove it to me; otherwise, I'll take the team that has beaten these dogs nine out of the last ten times. Give me Auburn over Mississippi State, 26-17.

 

 

Wisconsin (1) @ Oregon State - The Badgers were on life support down the stretch against Northern Iowa, last week. And, for the record, that was one ugly win, or should I say gift, that Wisconsin received. Take that show to Corvallis and the Beavers will take a huge bite out of the Badgers back side. The only thing that Wisconsin has going for it is that they have played a game, while Oregon State's game with Nicholls State was washed out thanks to Hurricane Isaac. With that in mind, I'll take Wisconsin over Oregon State, 27-24.

 

 

Okay, that does it for week two. I'm sure that there will be some more upsets that we didn't see coming, for week two; so tread at your own risk. Until next week, everyone have a great weekend, and enjoy the games. Roll Tide.

Jljmbaker