We had a solid first couple of weeks from a picks percentage standpoint. From a fan (and conference affiliation) standpoint, though, not so much. Let’s try to at least keep the picks percentage high as we roll into week 3.
All game times in Eastern Daylight Time.
| Last Week: | 7 – | 3 | (.700) |
| Season: | 13 – | 5 | (.722) |
DK’s 2015 Week 3 CFB Picks
Stanford @ USC (Saturday, September 19th, 8:00., ABC)
This series has given the PAC-12 some of its most memorable match-ups in recent years. The last five games have all been decided by a single score or less, and, despite their protestations to the contrary, Messrs Sarkisian and Shaw don’t like each other a whole lot. That said, USC’s team is better than Stanford’s this year, and the game is in L.A.. This is a rivalry game, though, and the Card will come to play. Look for the South Central Trojans to escape with a 3 point win.*
Pick: USC 31, Stanford 28
* This may or may not be an attempt at double-special reverse juju to turn fate in Stanford’s favor. I’ll let you know whether that was the plan in this space next week. Maybe.
Auburn @ LSU (Saturday, September 19th, 3:30 p.m., CBS)
Both SEC West foes come into this weekend’s game unbeaten, although LSU has only gotten to play once due to weather during Week 1. Auburn was shaky in Week 2, barely defeating FCS Jacksonville State at home. Is this emblematic of problems with Auburn’s team, especially on defense? Yes. I’ll take the Bayou Bengals at home.
Pick: LSU 31, Auburn 21
Northwestern @ Duke (Saturday, September 19th, 12:30 p.m., ESPN3)
Both of these studious squads are off to solid starts early in 2015. This intersectional game is a rare treat between these two schools. Duke has home-field advantage, but Northwestern has been the more impressive team in its two wins. I’ll take the Wildcats in a (mild) road upset.
Pick: Northwestern 35, Duke 31
California @ Texas (Saturday, September 191h, 9:30 p.m., FOX)
Think of this game as the national coming out party for the new-look Golden Bears. Last year’s team could light up the scoreboard, but couldn’t stop a nosebleed on defense (*Bart Scott Voice*). This year’s defense appears to be better, and the offense is even more potent. Look for Jared Goff and Daniel Lasco to run all over Charlie Strong’s reeling Longhorns. Cal rolls in this one.
Pick: California 42, Texas 24
Georgia Tech @ Notre Dame (Saturday, September 19th, 3:30 p.m., NBC)
Notre Dame moves on to DeShone Kizer at QB after the heartbreaking season-ending injury sustained by Malik Zaire at Virginia last weekend. Kizer has a gun, but the Rambling Wreck might just keep the ball for 45 minutes, and they can pass this season, as well as they can run it. GT comes in as the lower-ranked team, yet they are favored by the Vegas sharps to get the win at Notre Dame Stadium. They will do just that on Saturday.
Pick: Georgia Tech 31, Notre Dame 23
Utah State @ Washington (Saturday, September 19th, 5:00 p.m., PAC12N)
Gritty Chuckie Keeton will take his talents to Seattle to take on the UDub Huskies, one week after falling just short—and getting hit like a piñata all day long—in Salt Lake City against in-state foe Utah. Washington was not at its best in a season opening loss at Boise, but played much better last week. Superior depth and strength in the trenches will get the win for Washington.
Pick: Washington 28, Utah State 25
Colorado vs. Colorado State (Saturday, September 19th, 7:00 p.m. , CBSSN)
The Buffaloes bounced back and won in Week 2, after falling short in Hawaii to open the season. The CSU Rams took Minnesota to OT, before falling at home. This is an intense rivalry, and Colorado State has had the upper hand recently. Not this year. The Buffs win it with a field goal late.
Pick: Colorado 31, Colorado State 28
BYU @ UCLA (Saturday, September 19th, 10:30 p.m. FOXS1)
BYU has played Cinderella at the ball, winning two nail-biters back-to-back, behind Matt Saracen-esque back-up QB Tanner Mangum, fresh off a 2-year mission in South America. Midnight will strike Saturday evening at the Rose Bowl, though, as Josh Rosen is the real deal. So is the entire UCLA squad. The Bruins will hand the Cougars their first loss of the season.
Pick: UCLA 45, BYU 20
Mississippi @ Alabama (Saturday, September 19th, 9:15 p.m. ESPN)
Both teams lost senior leaders at QB following last season, so both opened with question marks at the sports world’s most important position. Surprisingly, Ole Miss’ offense has been the more explosive of the two, with rapper QB Chad Kelly leading the Rebels past the 70 point mark in each of its first two games. This one won’t be easy, but I’ll take #HottyToddy to pull the upset on the road.
Pick: Mississippi 31, Alabama 30
