2014 Week 3 CFB Game Picks
2014 Week 3 CFB Game PicksWhew. There was plenty of tension in Week 2, from coast-to-coast. The PAC-12 was happy with a resurgent Southern Cal getting a gutsy win (and its AD earning a hefty fine) and with a win in the marquee intersectional game of the weekend, as Oregon’s blur offense sprinted past Michigan State. Week 2 is one that the B1G would just as soon forget, for all kinds of reasons. Luckily for them, time marches on.
Last Week: 7-3 (.700)
Season: 15-5 (.750)
There are a few “which conference are they in again?” games to watch in Week 3. Let’s get to it (all times Eastern).
Iowa State @ Iowa (Saturday, September 13th, 3:30 p.m., ESPN)
The Cyclones gave Bill Snyder’s Kansas State team a much stiffer challenge than anticipated at home last weekend. Meanwhile, Iowa had to play Houdini to escape an upset bid at the hands of Ball State. Both teams are enigmatic, but Iowa is at home.
Pick: Iowa 24, Iowa State 10
UCLA vs Texas (Saturday, September 13th, 8:00 p.m., FOX)
Fascinating matchup between traditional powers from the PAC-12 and the BIG-12. UCLA hasn’t quite lived up to the hype so far this season. UT started “Strong” in Week 1, but faltered at home in Week 2. This will depend on which team shows up for each squad. I have more faith in the QB play from the visiting team.
Pick: UCLA 27, Texas 20
Central Florida @ Missouri (Saturday, September 13th, 12:00 p.m., SECN)
Missouri is ranked; UCF is not. Missouri is at home. Missouri has the more experienced QB (who also doesn’t have a broken non-throwing arm). Missouri wins.
Pick: Missouri 38, UCF 21
Penn State @ Rutgers (Saturday, September 13th, 8:00 p.m., B1GN)
James Franklin’s crew is now playing for bowl placement this season, in the B1G opener for both teams. Rutgers in the B1G will take some getting used to. Do not expect the Nittany Lions to welcome them warmly to their new conference on Saturday.
Pick: Penn State 28, Rutgers 17
Louisville @ Virginia (Saturday, September 13th, 12:30 p.m. ESPN3)
Louisville travels to Charlottesville to continue its march toward the ACC Atlantic division title. If you are skeptical, ask Miami if Louisville belongs in its new conference.
Pick: Louisville 35, Virginia 14
Illinois @ Washington (Saturday, September 13th, 4:00 p.m., FOX)
Illinois has been an early season surprise, in that it is one of the few B1G teams that is not worse than expected. Washington has been lighting up the scoreboard in Chris Petersen’s debut season in Seattle. Unfortunately, the scoreboard numbers have been changing rapidly for both teams. There is clearly no “D” in UDub. Home field advantage will help the Huskies in this one, though.
Pick: Washington 42, Illinois 28
Arkansas @ Texas Tech (Saturday, September 13th, 3:30 p.m., ABC)
This inter-conference matchup has some video game score potential. Kliff Klingbury’s high octane offense should prevail at home in Lubbock on Saturday.
Pick: Texas Tech 48, Arkansas 31
Georgia @ South Carolina (Saturday, September 13th, 3:30 p.m. CBS)
This game might just decide the SEC East, in Week 3. Incredibly high stakes in this matchup between would be CFP party-crashers. South Carolina is at home, but Coach Spurrier’s defense is suspect. Expect TGIII to advance his Heisman candidacy further this weekend.
Pick: Georgia 31, South Carolina 20
West Virginia @ Maryland (Saturday, September 6th, 12:00 p.m., ESPNN)
As Tony Siracusa said in his Week 3 preview piece, this one might be worth watching just to see Maryland’s Star Spangled Banner tribute uniforms developed by Under Armour. Expect a surprisingly competitive game between two teams who have both shown some grit early in the 2014 season.
Pick: Maryland 28, West Virginia 26
North Carolina State @ South Florida (Saturday, September 6th, 7:30 p.m., FOXS1)
This is easily the most “could go either way” game this weekend. NC State’s young QB Jacoby Brissett is exciting, though, and is a potential star in the making in the ACC. He makes the difference in this contest.
Pick: NC State 28, USF 20
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