NCAA Football Picks – Week Three

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NCAA Football Picks: Week Three

Week 2 was a perfect week for me.  Maybe some of the picks were on the easy side, but remember I did pick the upset in the Swamp where Kentucky ended their 31 year losing streak against Florida.  I also called Kellan Mond as the Texas A & M player to watch and I stand by that call.  This is a great week for football, so let’s see what this week has in store for us.

Boise State at Oklahoma State

Can the #24 Cowboys from Oklahoma break the #17 Broncos from Boise?  Not this week.  Look for Boise State to handle the Cowboys easily as they strive to prove themselves to be worthy of playoff consideration.

Player to Watch: Junior Running Back, Alexander Mattison who is excited about the game and says staying focused will be the key to winning.

WINNER: BOISE STATE

Oklahoma at Iowa State

Iowa State is not ranked but expect them to give Oklahoma a run for their money.  The home field advantage will work to the benefit of Iowa State but not enough to overcome the injury to starting quaterback Kyle Kempt.  Iowa State’s best chance is if Oklahoma underestimates them.

Player to Watch: Zeb Noland back up quarterback for Iowa State.  It’s an opportunity to prove himself and he truly has nothing to lose.

WINNER: OKLAHOMA

Troy at Nebraska

Tr0y once again finds themselves in a David vs. Goliath situation.  Troy has a lot of potential and a lot to prove.  Beating LSU in Death Valley last year set the bar of expectation very high for Troy.  Troy will hold their own in the first half but it won’t be enough to pull out a win.

Player to Watch: Nebraska’s Sophomore Tight End, Jack Stoll who is due to be an impact player for the ‘Huskers.

WINNER: NEBRASKA

Florida State at Syracuse

Did FSU make the right move going with Willie Taggert as head coach?  There are questions and there are doubts.  Syracuse can often provide a surprise performance and upset a top twenty-five team.  Florida State may not be top twenty-five now but expect them to play like it this week.

Player to Watch: FSU Running Back Cam Akers.  He provides some consistency for the struggling Seminoles and should perform well against the Orangemen.

WINNER: FLORIDA STATE

 Middle Tennessee at Georgia

This should be an easy win for Georgia.  These games are important for teams like Georgia and Alabama it allows their teams to grow and develop confidence.  Georgia 54 to 0.

Player to Watch:  Junior Georgia Quarterback Jake Fromm.  Expect an outstanding performance from Fromm as he continues to mature and improve.

WINNER: GEORGIA

USC at Texas

Although these teams are not evenly ranked they are surprisingly evenly matched.  Expect a close game with the team who plays the most error free game to win it.   I am going to call Texas for the win.  Between home field advantage and wanting it more Texas should be able to pull out a win at home.

Player to Watch: Tre Watson Running Back (Transfer from California).  In his fifth year Watson is eager to show what he is capable of to everyone watching.

WINNER: TEXAS

 SMU at Michigan

Michigan got off to a rocky start against Notre Dame but it was only one game.  The Michigan fan base is not forgiving.  Without a conference championship or playoff appearance Jim Harbaugh will be facing a lot of heat.  Expect him to really push his team to get the best out of them this year.  This game should result in a decisive victory over SMU

Player to Watch: Michigan Defensive End,  Aidan Hutchinson

WINNER: MICHIGAN

 

Ohio State at TCU

Urban Meyer left his team in such good shape they have been able to excel without him.  The Horned Frogs will get the attention of the Buckeyes but even Meyer-less Ohio State will prevail and win yet again.  The question is are they a playoff contender?  That is yet to be seen.

Player to Watch: TCU Quarterback, Shawn Robinson

WINNER: OHIO STATE

 Alabama at Ole Miss

This is always an interesting game.  Ole Miss has been known to give the Tide a run for their money.   As usual Alabama has provided very solid performances to start the season and give us no reason to expect anything less here in week three.

Player to Watch: Scottie Phillips the JuCo transfer will start at running back.  The vote of confidence from Coach Matt Luke is just what Phillips needed.

WINNER: ALABAMA

 

Louisiana State at Auburn

If you do not watch another game, watch this one.  It is the most closely matched game of the week.  Tigers vs.  Tigers.  Former Auburn Head coach Tommy Tuberville recently stated that if each team played as well as they were able Auburn has the advantage.  Auburn may underestimate LSU.  Do not  Coach Orgeron and his Bayou Bengals will not come in to this game under-prepared.  I think LSU will win this game and it will be won by a field goal or less.

Player to Watch: Nick Brossette, Running Back, LSU.  Brossette should have an outstanding day and leaving Auburn fans asking Who ‘dat?

WINNER: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY