Week 2 in NCAA College Football doesn’t feature as strong of a schedule as week 1, but five solid games, including a battle of top 10 teams, and a potential upset special out west are on the best of the week list as our expert panel, including guest picker Chris Skelton are on board to break down and predict the action.
#19 Oklahoma at #23 Tennessee (Saturday 9/12/15 6:00 P.M. EST in Knoxville, TN)
Line: Oklahoma by 2
John:
These two teams faced off in Norman last season and it was pretty much all Sooners as Trevor Knight passed for over 300 yards and accounted for a touchdown through the air and on the ground in a 34-10 romp. Butch Jones’ rebuilding project in Knoxville wasn’t quite complete then. Vols fans are hoping the re-match at Neyland Stadium this Saturday demonstrates otherwise.
Much has changed with regard to the OU quarterback situation since last year’s meeting. After a 4-5 finish to 2014 and a less than impressive fall camp, Knight lost the starting job to Baker Mayfield who threw for 388 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-3 win over Akron in week one. The Vols defense will be hard pressed to slow him down considering the day Bowling Green quarterback Matt Johnson had throwing the ball last week.
I think the only way Tennessee pulls off what should be considered an upset is if they can get their supercharged ground game going. Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara anchor one of the best one-two punch run games in the nation. And don’t forget quarterback Josh Dobbs has dual-threat capabilities himself. If Tennessee can force some mistakes out of Mayfield, they have a chance. However, I’m skeptical about the pass defense given its performance against Bowling Greene.
Prediction: Oklahoma 34, Tennessee 27
Mike:
This one is hard to predict because both teams come in with some emotional question marks. For Oklahoma, 2014 was well below expectations and their quarterback situation has been fluid throughout the offseason. Baker Mayfield looks to have locked up the starting spot with a spectacular performance against Akron last week. Tennessee is trying to get back to national relevance and this is a game being hyped by the faithful in Knoxville. The Vols struggled against the Bowling Green passing attack last week. While many are predicting a big day for the Sooners, remember Bowling Green beat Akron bad last year and the Sooners struggled for the first half. If you are betting on this game, you are betting on Baker Mayfield as big plays will make the difference for the Sooners. Sooners win a close one.
Prediction: Oklahoma 37, Tennessee 34
Steen:
Going into the season I thought Tennessee had a great chance at a marquee win in this game, as it’s a chance for Butch Jones to announce his rebuilding and recruiting project is paying off in Rocky Top. With that said, after a poor defensive performance against a middling Bowling Greene team in week 1, the Vols defense could well be exposed by Samaje Perine and the rest of the OU offense, presuming Baker Mayfield can post a solid performance. Josh Dobbs is a dual threat playmaker on the other side of the ball and he has one of the best two-headed SEC rushing tandems in Hurd and Kamara to split production with, but the OU defense should be able to come up with enough stops for the Sooners to get a road win at Neyland stadium.
Prediction: Oklahoma 35, Tennessee 24
Yesh:
It’s easy to be swayed by more recent results, but Oklahoma absolutely manhandled this Tennessee team a year ago. Tennessee has improved since then and Oklahoma may have stepped backwards, but the talent gap across the board is still pretty wide in the Sooners’ favor.
Prediction: Oklahoma 31, Tennessee 21
Chris:
A road game against an SEC team, albeit not one of the conference’s best, offers a chance for Oklahoma to make the case that they can challenge Baylor and TCU in what has become an increasingly formidable Big 12. Like Oregon, the Sooners will be showcasing a transfer quarterback making his second career start (first road start) for the team. Unlike the Ducks, the Air Raid style of their offense under coordinator Lincoln Riley puts their fortunes largely on the shoulders of Baker Mayfield. But if he starts slowly, as he did in Week 1, premier running back Samaje Perine gives this unit more balance than most Air Raids. While Oklahoma has an inexperienced offensive line, Tennessee has a vulnerable secondary. The Sooners are better equipped than the Vols to exploit the opponent’s weakness, and Perine should help them drain the clock late if they can establish a lead.
Prediction: Oklahoma 34, Tennessee 28
#22 Arizona at Nevada (Saturday 9/12/15 7:00 P.M. EST in Reno, NV)
Line: Arizona by 11.5
John:
The Wildcats, expected to contend in a loaded Pac-12 South, unexpectedly struggled in the season opener against UTSA. Despite winning 42-32, they gave up 525 total yards to a team that was only returning two offensive starters. The defense also received a huge blow early in the game when linebacker Scooby Wright tore his meniscus, which will keep him out three to four weeks.
If Nevada still had prolific dual-threat quarterback Cody Fajardo, I think they’d have a chance to pull off the upset when Arizona comes to Reno Saturday night. However, the Wolfpack are breaking in a new signal caller in Tyler Stewart. Much like ‘Zona, they were less than impressive in a 31-17 win over FCS foe UC Davis. The Wildcats win in a shootout.
Prediction: Arizona 52, Nevada 42
Mike:
This is the popular upset pick for this week, but I think the Wildcats buck the trend. They only beat UTSA by 3 points last season and but covered against Nevada the next week. Arizona went on to lose only two regular season games and beat Oregon. Nevada has lost their most productive offensive weapon, and even with Scooby Wright out, I think Arizona bounces back strong and easily covers.
Prediction: Arizona 38, Nevada 24
Steen:
A young UTSA team absolutely shredded an Arizona defense without Scooby Wright with their spread passing attack, and this Wildcats defense, lacking playmakers, is set up to likely be exposed again in week 2 as Nevada’s pistol offense should be capable of scoring through the air and with the running game. On top of that, Reno isn’t the easiest place to play outside of power 5 schools and the wolfpack are looking for their first marquee win in a while. Arizona has Anu Solomon serving as a poor man’s version of Johnny Manziel for their offense though and with weapons at his disposal he should score enough points to help Rich Rod’s team survive.
Prediction: Arizona 49, Nevada 35
Yesh:
Arizona has some serious questions on defense, especially without Scooby Wright. Nevada should be able to put up points, but superior talent across the board, especially on offense, will win out for the Wildcats.
Prediction: Arizona 41, Nevada 35
Chris:
Not really known as an offensive powerhouse, UTSA crossed the 30-point threshold against Arizona in Week 1. Some of its success was due to the absence of the injured Scooby Wright, the heart and soul of the Wildcats defense during their run to the Pac-12 South Division title last year. Nevada long has been on a different level from UTSA and will be playing at home in a stadium where they upset another Pac-12 team, Washington State, last year.
When the Wolf Pack visited Tucson in 2014, moreover, they stood toe to toe with Arizona into the fourth quarter of a one-score loss. But quarterback Cody Fajardo is gone, while Wildcats quarterback Anu Solomon should have become more poised and consistent in his second season. Nevada couldn’t blow out UC Davis, a middling FCS team, in Week 1, so it’s hard to see them staying with Arizona past the third quarter or so.
Prediction: Arizona 51, Nevada 34
#7 Oregon at #5 Michigan State (Saturday 9/12/15 8:00 P.M. EST in East Lansing, MI)
Line: Michigan State by 4
John:
This is the main event of week two, so to speak. Spartan Stadium is going to be a cauldron for arguably the biggest home opener in Michigan State history. Both teams turned in less than convincing performances last week. Oregon did score 61 but they gave up 42 to a good FCS team in Eastern Washington but, still, an FCS team nonetheless. MSU traveled a few hundred miles west to Kalamazoo to face Western Michigan. Despite jumping out to a 34-10 lead in the third quarter, they let the Broncos back into it, getting outscored 14-3 the rest of the way en route to a 37-24 win.
If the Ducks can run the ball against a State defense that allowed 18 yards rushing against WMU, they have a chance to walk out of East Lansing with a win. Royce Freeman had 180 yards on the ground to go along with eight touchdowns in week one. Spartan signal caller Connor Cook will need to take advantage of what looks to be a suspect Oregon secondary that gave up 438 yards last week.I think MSU is able to both those things to keep their CFP hopes alive.
Prediction: Michigan State 41, Oregon 38
Mike:
While Michigan State struggled last week against Western Michigan, Oregon gave up 40+ to an Eastern Washington team with their best player from least season on the Oregon sideline. I think Michigan State’s offense moves the ball at will and utilizes the running attack to punish the Ducks. Look for Oregon to have its moments, but the Spartan defense utilizes the “Stanford” approach and Adams and the Ducks offense looks out of sync for much of the game. This could be a telling game for Oregon’s future fortunes.
Prediction: Michigan State 38, Oregon 31
Steen:
If Michigan State hadn’t broken down they would have beaten Oregon on the road last year, that’s why I would say most people are picking them to win a close one in East Lansing this year. I’m going with Oregon though and bucking the trend. I don’t trust the Spartans defense and their more traditional Big 10 offense to hold up against Oregon’s spread quack attack and no huddle pace over four quarters of play. They have some excellent players with experience such as Connor Cook and defensive end Shilique Calhoun, but Oregon’s spread and Vernon Adams’ ability to make plays with his legs should tire the Spartan D line and neutralize it. Royce Freeman and company deserve more credit than they get and Oregon should survive and keep their playoff hopes alive out of the PAC-12 with a marquee road win for increasingly prestigious Oregon program.
Prediction: Oregon 45, Michigan State 37
Yesh:
This is the game of the week and it shouldn’t disappoint. Michigan State will have to get pressure and penetration early, or they could see their defense torn apart the way both Oregon and Baylor did last year. Dealing with the tempo won’t be the problem; the question will hinge upon whether that defense can hit their assignments and stay with the receivers all night long because every mistake gives up a big play.
Prediction: Michigan State 42, Oregon 34
Chris:
All eyes will be on the matchup between the electrifying Ducks offense and the stingy Spartans defense. Even with Heisman winner Marcus Mariota in the NFL now, the reigning Pac-12 champions can bombard just about anyone with an avalanche of points and yards, fusing fearless quarterback Vernon Adams with sledgehammer running back Royce Freeman and the most talented corps of wide receivers in the nation. But the matchup on the other side of the ball will be what determines this clash of top-eight teams. While the Oregon defensive line should be able to contain Michigan State’s running game, their raw secondary was repeatedly scorched by a pair of FCS quarterbacks in Week 1. Unless they have matured in the course of a week, fifth-year senior Connor Cook should march the Spartans down the field more smoothly than when these teams met in Eugene last year. If Cook makes smart decisions and avoids turnovers, his defense will slow the Ducks enough to get Michigan State a signature win for their College Football Playoff resume.
Prediction: Michigan State 45, Oregon 35
#14 LSU at #25 Mississippi State (Saturday 9/12/15 9:15 P.M. EST in Starkville, MS)
Line: LSU by 3.5
John:
Starkville should be rocking for this in-conference match-up, one of three in the SEC this weekend. The Bulldogs overcame a sluggish start on the road against Southern Miss in week one to eventually pull away 34-16. LSU was supposed to open against McNeese State but wicked weather forced the game’s cancellation, so the Tigers open their season with a conference showdown.
Dak Prescott was his usual dual-threat self against Southern Miss, accounting for two passing touchdowns and one on the ground. He’s going to have his hands full with an LSU defense expected to be among the nation’s best and a key component to their playoff hopes. Tiger quarterback Brandon Harris and running back Leonard Fournette will be looking to light up the Bulldogs’ inexperienced defense and get revenge for the 34-29 loss they suffered in Baton Rouge last year. I think a well-rested LSU rolls convincingly in this one.
Mike:
This is a game between two teams I think are in for disappointing seasons. LSU will focus on shutting down Dak Prescott, and with their big defensive line and fast linebackers, they should be effective. Even with poor quarterbacking play, the Tigers should be able to utilize the run game to control this match-up from the go. This one is never in doubt.
Prediction: LSU 31, Mississippi State 17
Steen:
Without having played even a game it’s hard to get a read on this LSU team as like in previous years their defense should be solid, but will their offense be able to produce enough to win games like this on the road? Mississippi State looked poor last week against lowlights Southern Miss, and outside of Dak Prescott they don’t have a lot going for them besides the cowbells that will be ringing in LSU’s ears. This Miss St team is overrated due to a perception of SEC West depth and LSU should do enough to win this in what could be a defensive struggle.
Prediction: LSU 21, Mississippi State 13
Yesh:
I was really unimpressed by Mississippi State’s performance against Southern Miss. This is a very young team, Dak Prescott aside, that I think will surprise a lot of people with how poorly they play.
Prediction: LSU 31, Mississippi State 10
Chris:
The Tigers roll into Starkville with a top-15 ranking but with minimal preparation after a canceled home opener. The cancellation of that game could have a ripple effect into the first half of a road clash against a team that looks better than its ranking, the lowest in the SEC. Mississippi State returns quarterback Dak Prescott, who defeated LSU in Death Valley a year ago and led his team to the national No. 1 ranking as well as a New Year’s Six bowl.
The Bulldogs unraveled toward the end of the season, losing three straight games, and Prescott will need to scramble at times behind an inexperienced offensive line. Still, they never lost a home game last year, and they should build an early lead by taking advantage of LSU’s rust. The Tigers will rally late to make things exciting, and potential Heisman candidate Leonard Fournette will spring a couple of flashy runs. But they’ll fall a little short in a game that showcases the depth of the SEC.
Prediction: Mississippi State 24, LSU 20
#20 Boise State at BYU (Saturday 9/12/15 10:15 P.M. EST in Provo, UT)
Line: Boise State by 2.5
John:
These two teams won in glaringly different fashions in week one. Boise State got off to a blazing start and looked like they were going to run Washington and former Bronco coach Chris Petersen out of the stadium before the Huskies came back and would’ve forced overtime if not for a missed field goal. BYU traded blows with Nebraska and trailed 28-27 on the final play of the game. Then a Tanner Magnum hail mary pass was caught in the end zone, leading to a thrilling Cougars victory.
Boise suffered their second-worst loss in the past five years last time they played in Provo, falling 37-20. They’re also currently on a three-game losing streak in road openers. Can they take advantage of BYU quarterback Taysom Hill’s third straight season-ending injury and reverse that trend? I say yes in another nail-biter for the Broncos.
Prediction: Boise State 23, BYU 21
Mike:
Boise State looked rusty in their victory against Washington, but the escaped with a win nonetheless. BYU is coming off of the emotional win at Nebraska. Look for the Broncos to struggle with the Cougars’ passing attack. I can also see the Boise State offense continuing to struggle on the road in what should be a good atmosphere in Provo. I think BYU – looking to avenge 2014’s blowout – continues to impress on the national stage.
Prediction: BYU 35, Boise State 24
Steen:
With Tanner Mangum stepping in for BYU, a true freshman, I’m not sure they will have enough offense to pull out a win in this one even though they are at home and a football game is the best thing to do on a Saturday in Provo. The defense is tough and hard nosed but so is Boise State’s, and presuming they open up the playbook after a slow and conservative start against Washington, the Broncos should pull this out and boost their ranking.
Prediction: Boise State 24, BYU 14
Yesh:
This is the early Group of 5 game of the year. The winner will know that running the table means being in the Playoff conversation–especially for BYU, who plays a schedule on par with that of many Power 5 teams. I think Boise’s staunch defense is the difference in this game, especially with no Taysom Hill for BYU.
Prediction: Boise State 28, BYU 7
Chris:
Stunning Nebraska on a last-second Hail Mary in Week 1, BYU will bring plenty of momentum to this clash with a fellow would-be Power 5 party crasher. What they will not bring is quarterback playmaker Taysom Hill, lost for the season with a foot injury midway through the Nebraska game. Hill is the fulcrum of that offense, which was inconsistent without him when he suffered two previous season-ending injuries. The Boise State defense locked down a similarly anemic Washington offense in Week 1, but the Broncos offense also struggled to move the ball with ultra-conservative play calling. Expect a low-scoring game where the Cougars stay close but can’t quite find a way to make lightning strike twice.
Prediction: Boise State 20, BYU 16
Standings (after week 1)
Mike: 5-0
John: 5-0
Steen: 4-1
Yesh: 3-2
Mike and John were perfect in their week 1 predictions, Steen missed on Texas A&M, and Yesh missed on A&M and Auburn.
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