NCAA Football Picks: Week Two
Week One left me with a record of 7 out of 10. Michigan lost to Notre Dame, but I am not counting them out. Troy did not pull out the big upset I had hoped for and Florida State’s performance was at best disappointing. There were the ones everyone expected like an Alabama win. The biggest surprise in that game was who was under center. Louisiana State won decisively over Miami (FLA). Now let’s take a look at what we have in store this week.
Western Michigan at Michigan
Ranked Number 21 after their loss to Notre Dame, expect the Wolverines to have something to prove and win big over Western Michigan. After a disappointing debut performance expect more from Shea Patterson this week. This game will provide him the confidence he needs to do the big things that people expect from him.
Player to Watch: Michigan running back, Karan Higdon. He ran for 72 yards last week, this week he should rack up over 100 yards.
WINNER: MICHIGAN
UCLA at Oklahoma
This game is a treat for east coast UCLA fans as it comes on in the early afternoon. There were high hopes for UCLA led by Chip Kelly but their first game did not live up to the hype. Will facing number 6 Oklahoma cause the Bruins to rise to the occasion? It’s very likely. UCLA should perform well against the Sooners but it won’t be enough.
Player to Watch: Marquise Brown, the Junior Wide Receiver from Oklahoma is described as a stud and sure handed.
WINNER: OKLAHOMA
Georgia at South Carolina
It doesn’t matter where these two teams are ranked, it’s always a game to look forward to watching. The long-standing rivalry brings out the best in both teams. Having home field advantage will make it a closer game for South Carolina. That advantage just won’t be enough.
Player to Watch: Riley Ridley, Junior Wide Receiver will be a great target for Georgia’s stellar quarterback Jake Fromm
WINNER: GEORGIA
Clemson at Texas A&M
Clemson is ranked number 2. Texas A&M remains unranked. The question for me is this Clemson team as good as the one that won the National Championship? In my opinion they are not and their rankings have been based on riding the coat-tails of that team. I am waiting for a surprise upset over Clemson. It may not be Texas A&M, but expect a good performance from them.
Player to Watch: Kellen Mond, Sophomore Quarterback from Texas A&M. He’s tough and he’s accurate. He may not pull out a win against Clemson but wins are ahead for Mond.
WINNER: CLEMSON
Kentucky at Florida
Kentucky travels to the Swamp to face Florida. The Gators have won this match-up for the last thirty-one games. Can Kentucky break the streak? This may be the year. Before Florida completely gels with Dan Mullen and Kentucky has an awesome senior class, it may be the perfect storm. My prediction Kentucky by 3.
Players to Watch: The Kentucky Senior Class C.J. Conrad, Josh Allen, Jordan Jones, Derrick Baity, Mike Edwards, Darius West and Dorian Baker these guys want to do what no other team has done in over thirty years, beat the Gators.
WINNER: KENTUCKY
East Tennessee State at Tennessee
This will be a confidence building game for Jeremy Pruitt and his Tennessee Volunteers. Expect to see a different Tennessee under Pruitt’s leadership. Pruitt will take this opportunity to allow many players to see time on the field who might not have the opportunity otherwise.
Player to Watch: Keller Chryst, Senior Quarterback (Backup) for Tennessee. You probably won’t see much of Chryst the rest of the season so enjoy him while you can.
WINNER: TENNESSEE
Southern California at Stanford
One of the more closely matched games of the week. This early season PAC-12 match-up should prove to be a hard fought game. The game should be close but the home field advantage should be enough of an edge for Stanford to pull out the win.
Player to Watch: Bryce Love, Senior Running Back from Stanford. Watch Bryce Love every chance you get right into the NFL Draft next year. Expect him to be tapped in early.
WINNER: STANFORD
Southeastern Louisiana State at Louisiana State
This in state match-up will add to LSU’s momentum coming off their big win over Miami (FL). It will be a game where Coach Oregeron can utilize a number of players who might not see any playing time otherwise.
Player to Watch: Myles Brennan Back-up quarterback for LSU. Brennan should get some playing time and give the Tigers the opportunity to grow their future quarterback.
WINNER: LOUISIANA STATE
Arkansas State at Alabama
This one doesn’t have to be called but everyone wants to hear it. Alabama will soundly defeat Arkansas State.
Player to Watch: Junior Running Back for Alabama, Damien Harris. Leave the quarterbacks alone this week and watch the running game.
WINNER: ALABAMA
Penn State at Pitt
This once eagerly anticipated in state rivalry game is no longer what it used to be. Penn State’s dominance has made it less appealing and leaving more fans asking themselves “Why do we do this every year?” Expect Penn State to win easily at Pitt.
Player to Watch: Freshman Linebacker Micah Parsons for Penn State. His first game left no doubt that the five-star recruit was everything he was expected to be and more.
WINNER: PENN STATE