It’s Week 3 of the college football season and there is another slate of awesome games heading your way. Our four experts (Steen Kirby, John Bava III, Mike Loveall, and Yesh Ginsburg) will be here each week to predict five of the biggest games of the week. This week there are three major nonconference battles on tap, as well as the SEC West matchups of LSU vs Auburn and Alabama vs Ole Miss. We have three of the afternoon games on this list as well as one really late one. It’s definitely something to stay up to watch for, though. This year’s “Hail Mary U” is playing a #Pac12AfterDark game. It will be can’t-miss CFB at its finest.
The standings of our experts so far as as follows:
Bonus points go to Mike Loveall who, in addition to getting every game right so far, perfectly guessed the score of BYU’s win over Boise State last week.
Tailgate Pick ‘Em College Football Week 3 Predictions
(All rankings are according to the AP Poll and all times are Eastern)
#18 Auburn @ #13 LSU (3:30 PM, CBS)
Line–LSU -7
Yesh:
LSU was not impressive last week, almost blowing a lead against a Mississippi State team that is not as good as it’s being billed as. Auburn wishes that “not impressive” is all we would use to describe their performance last week. LSU’s strength is still that defense and Jeremy Johnson has proven that he is far from what he is hyped up to be.
Prediction: LSU 28, Auburn 10
Steen:
Still hard to tell how the season will go for either of these SEC West division teams. Both are stacked with plenty of talent and have experienced coaching but LSU has played just 1 game, a 2 point win over Mississippi State on the road and Auburn beat FCS Jacksonville State by the skin of their teeth in overtime after a close win over what was supposed to be a quality Louisville team in week 1 (UofL is now 0-2).
QB play has been a grease fire for Auburn as Jeremy Johnson has 5 INTs, and their turnover stats in general have been quite poor with a shaky offense overall that doesn’t seem to be clicking. LSU lacks an elite QB as well, but they have one of the best running backs in America in Leonard Fournette. Both teams should run the ball well, but LSU’s more methodical approach, and a defense that should be able to shut Auburn down should give them the edge at home in Baton Rouge. Auburn would have a better chance if they were at home, but as it stands I’m going with the Bayou Bengals.
Prediction: LSU 24, Auburn 17
John:
This showdown between two ranked SEC West teams is the de facto home opener for LSU after their week one match-up with McNeese State was cancelled due to severe weather. Auburn will be looking to put the scare they experienced last week against FCS foe Jacksonville State behind them. For the Bayou Bengals, they hope not to be at the mercy of whether the opposition makes or misses a field goal as they were against Mississippi State in a last-second 21-19 win.
I haven’t been impressed with either of these two teams’ quarterbacks through two weeks. Auburn’s Jeremy Johnson has thrown five interceptions already, while LSU’s Brandon Harris had just 71 yards passing against MSU.
Nevertheless, it’s hard to have Auburn going into Baton Rouge and winning this one after the egg they laid last week. LSU should have no trouble handing them their first loss of the season.
Prediction: LSU 34, Auburn 16
Mike
I’m going back and forth on this. Auburn has talent, clearly, but they haven’t been able to put it together yet in 2015. And if Jacksonville State can run on the defense, I’m pretty sure LSU will as well. LSU has quarterback issues of their own, and didn’t look very good in the second half last week. I think Auburn will be able to put things together at some point this season, but against the LSU defense in Baton Rouge isn’t the right time to sort things out. Look for LSU to run and run and run and try to beat up the Auburn defense. The Auburn defense might have some big plays, but not enough to rest the game away from the home team.
Prediction: LSU 23, Auburn 21
Nebraska @ Miami (Fl) (3:30 PM, ABC or ESPN2 depending on location)
Line–Miami (Fl) -3
John:
These two teams played one of the more famous games to determine a national champion in college football history when they clashed in the 1984 Orange Bowl. The underdog Canes would win 31-30 after a failed Nebraska two-point conversion with under a minute to go snapped the Huskers’ 22-game winning streak and put “The U” on the map with their first of five national titles.
Fast forward to 2015 and these two proud programs are shadows of what they were back then, having gone a combined 30 years without winning it all. Nebraska was the last school to win a pre BCS-era championship, a shared title with Michigan in 1997. Four years later, Miami would win their last crown in dominating fashion (37-14) against that same Husker team who many thought shouldn’t have been selected. It turned out to be one of the BCS’ few but prominent controversies.
This weekend, I give the edge to the Hurricanes based on home-field advantage and the fact I think they have more balance on offense. Both teams are looking for successors to stud running backs and Miami may have found an explosive tandem to share the load in Mark Walton and Joseph Yearby who already have a combined six touchdowns.
Prediction: Miami 31, Nebraska 27
Yesh:
We don’t really know much about Nebraska or Miami yet this season. Both have returning quarterbacks with huge potential but who haven’t yet found a way to maximize it. Still, I think Nebraska can achieve the same result as last year. Tommy Armstrong is the more versatile of the two quarterbacks and Nebraska has more proven quantities across the board.
Prediction: Nebraska 34, Miami 28
Mike:
Nebraska, after a slow start to the season and in Mike Riley’s first season, is a team still looking for an identity. Hurricanes coach Al Golden has seemingly been on the hot seat since Day 1 in Coral Gables. There’s no place better for a young team to find their identity than a road game in a, well, less than hostile environment. Look for Nebraska to open up the playbook and loosen up some reins on offense and try to shut down Miami’s passing attack on defense. Not only do the Cornhuskers build some momentum in this game, but this might be the beginning of the end for the Al Golden era at Miami.
Prediction: Nebraska 38, Miami 27
Steen:
Two teams that were powers in the last decade on the national scene, but haven’t performed well this decade, will battle it out in Miami. Mike Riley’s Cornhuskers shook off a last second defeat at the hands of a quality BYU team to earn a routine win last week, but now they have to go on the road to face a Miami team that is looking for a statement win as Al Golden tries to save his job this season. This is the first big test for the ‘Canes who are talented but rather young. I could see this going either way, but Miami’s Brad Kaaya is slightly better than his Nebraska counterpart Tommy Armstrong, and Miami’s defense should force enough turnovers to snatch a home win and keep Golden in a job for this week at least.
Prediction: Miami 28, Nebraska 24
#14 Georgia Tech @ #8 Notre Dame (3:30 PM, NBC)
Line–Georgia Tech -2.5
Steen:
Notre Dame is now without their starting running back and starting quarterback after two games but they are still thick in the hunt for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The same goes for Georgia Tech, as the Jackets have a chance to win the ACC this year and have their best season in quite some time. For Notre Dame at home, it’s going to be a big test for new QB DeShone Kizer, WR Will Fuller, RB C.J. Prosise, and the rest of their offensive weapons, while GA Tech has the grinding option that can pop out big runs from RB Marcus Marshall and QB Justin Thomas, among others. Thomas has thrown just 13 passes this season in two blowout wins over weak opponents, and though this a step up, GA Tech has looked formidable on both sides of the ball, especially if they can dictate possession.
The Notre Dame defense has been solid enough thus far, but a tussle last week with a weak ACC team in Virginia does not bode well for the Fighting Irish. GA Tech could well falter later in the season, but I’m bullish on the Jackets being the best team in the ACC right now, and they should pull out a win in this one.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 35, Notre Dame 24
John:
Two weeks into the season and Notre Dame has already turned into the walking wounded, especially on offense. In that span, they’ve lost their starting quarterback (Malik Zaire), running back (Tarean Folston) and tight end (Durham Smythe) to season-ending injuries. Clearly, their hopes at being in the CFP mix hinge on replacements such as quarterback DeShone Kizer and running back C.J. Prosise stepping up week in and week out.
Georgia Tech rambles into South Bend this weekend on a roll, winning by an average of 59 points in their first two games. The Yellow Jackets triple option offense is averaging 457.5 yards rushing per game, with running back Marcus Marshall gaining an average of 15 yards per carry.
That said, the Irish aren’t Alcorn State or Tulane. If they can play good assignment football, a key requirement when facing the option, they should slow Tech down considering how formidable the ND defensive front has been so far.
Prediction: Notre Dame 41, Georgia Tech 38
Mike:
A visiting, lower-ranked opponent a two and one-half point favorite? That’s the uncertainty around the Notre Dame program after a disastrous game at Virginia last week. The Irish had to rely on a deep pass with 12 seconds remaining to pull out the win and lost their starting quarterback for the season. But the key is the defensive side of the ball, where they aren’t 100% healthy either. Of note, Notre Dame hasn’t seen a triple option yet this season. Watch out for Georgia Tech this season, folks. If they make a run, it’s got to start in South Bend.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 27, Notre Dame 20
Yesh:
This game has been billed as the Notre Dame offense against the Georgia Tech defense, but I think that’s the wrong perspective. I am probably the biggest Justin Thomas supporter out there. I think he’s the best option quarterback we’ve seen since Tommie Frazier. I expect him to be running past Notre Dame defenders all game.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 41, Notre Dame 24
#15 Mississippi @ #2 Alabama (9:15 PM, ESPN)
Line–Alabama -7
Steen:
The Ole Miss offense has put up basketball level scoring and looks like a fine tuned machine after two games against non power 5 opponents, but the Alabama defense is of course a step up from anything they have faced this year. First year starter Chad Kelly leads a Rebel spread offense into Tuscaloosa that has one of the best wideout corps in the entire nation led by Cody Core and Laquon Treadwell, and also has plenty of speed with Jaylen Walton out of the backfield. On the defensive side, Hugh Freeze’s squad is far from weak as the Nkemdiche brothers are among the starters.
Alabama will look to avenge their upset loss last year and they have two great running backs in Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake, along with a reliable offense overall to do it. Certainly Bama will be able to slow down the Ole Miss offense a bit and their week 1 win over Wisconsin gives this team some big game experience. With that said, Ole Miss is far more explosive than Wisconsin, and Freeze has shown the ability to outsmart Saban in a head to head game. Even at home I’m going with an upset and picking Ole Miss to win this and put the SEC West in a tailspin.
Prediction: Ole Miss 38, Alabama 28
Mike
While there have been some noticeable close calls with big teams early in the season, Ole Miss has quietly clobbered their opponents. While Ole Miss hasn’t had a high-caliber opponent, they have looked awfully sharp in taking care of business. Their defense looks healthy and Chad Kelly looks comfortable running the Ole Miss offense. Alabama has been methodical this season. Their defense looks like you would expect an Alabama defense to look like and their offense is much sharper in their execution than they were at many parts of last season. I get the feeling that this Alabama team has a chip on their shoulder and feels underappreciated (how is that possible with a #2 ranking?) and wants to exact revenge for last season’s Ole Miss victory. I think this will be a great game to watch.
Prediction: Alabama 17, Ole Miss 13
Yesh:
This Ole Miss offense has been impressive so far. Alabama’s defense has been suspect, especially through the air. The Rebels are a talented veteran team that should be very successful as long as quarterback play doesn’t hold them back. So far, Chad Kelly has done anything but hold them back. We’ll see what he can do against a serious bump in competition this week.
Prediction: Mississippi 31, Alabama 17
John:
Ole Miss is currently the highest scoring team in the nation (74.5 ppg) but much like Georgia Tech, they haven’t exactly played anyone of substance. Traveling to Tuscaloosa is an altogether different proposition. They have the added challenge of facing an Alabama team who will be looking to atone after getting upset in Oxford last year.
The Rebels may currently be top 15 nationally running the ball but face a vaunted Crimson Tide defensive front that’s only giving up 62 yards on the ground per game. What’s also going against them is the fact Bama have won 23 consecutive SEC openers and have only lost once to Ole Miss at home in a series that dates back to 1894.
I’d be surprised if this one remains close, particularly late in the game.
Prediction: Alabama 45, Ole Miss 20
#19 BYU @ #10 UCLA (10:30 PM, Fox Sports 1)
Line–UCLA -17
Mike:
This will be a wake up call from BYU’s dream start to the season. With two wins over Nebraska and Boise State, Cougar fans were thinking of College Football Playoff chances. While UCLA’s freshman quarterback gets all the attention, the defense is quietly getting more talented and getting results. Look for BYU to keep it closer than expected in the first half, and then fall prey to the Bruins’ depth and talent in the second. A big line for two Top 25 teams, but one that holds up.
Prediction: UCLA 38, BYU 17
Yesh:
How many games can BYU win on Hail Marys? Don’t let the crazy endings of those games fool you. BYU is a good team and being in those positions in the first place says a lot. Their defense is very underrated, as evidenced by their performance against Boise State. Do they have quite enough to be expected to beat UCLA? Probably not. But is the 17-point line insanely high? Yes, yes it is. No matter who you take straight up, UCLA isn’t covering this.
Prediction: BYU 28, UCLA 27
John:
Thrust into the BYU starting quarterback job when Taysom Hill suffered another season-ending injury (his third in three seasons), Tanner Mangum hasn’t disappointed. He’s led the team on two consecutive game-winning drives in exciting fashion against Nebraska and Boise State. Can he keep the Cougars close in Pasadena against a heavily-favored UCLA team?
The Bruins have likely found their quarterback of the future in Josh Rosen, whose 287.5 yards per game is second in the nation among all freshmen. He may be facing his greatest challenge yet against a Cougar defense that’s already forced seven sacks so far this year. His vastly experienced offensive line will have to excel in pass protection if he wants to continue slinging the ball around the field.
If there’s still some “Mangum magic” in the air we may once again see something special at the Rose Bowl. However, with Bruins coach Jim Mora returning so much firepower on both sides of the ball that’s easier said than done.
Prediction: UCLA 37, BYU 24
Steen:
Two last second wins over quality opponents in Nebraska and Boise State have pushed BYU to the top of the non-power 5 discussion, and pushed this road game against PAC-12 favorites UCLA into the spotlight. Tanner Mangum had 2 TDs and 2 INTs in his first start against Boise, and though he’s not Taysom Hill this BYU team put together is a solid unit chemistry wise that plays tough, hard nosed football.
UCLA are heavy favorites, and I don’t think they will cover the spread even though Freshman Josh Rosen has looked good so far. This home game starts a stretch of four tough games for UCLA, three of which are against PAC-12 opponents (Arizona, Arizona State, and Stanford), and in the least they are hoping to stay healthy in this one. The Bruins superior talent with Myles Jack, Paul Perkins, and others should be good enough to earn them a win.
Prediction: UCLA 38, BYU 27
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