Opening week is in the books. It was a bit of a strange week. So many large favorites struggled to put away, or even defeat, underdog foes. Again I am not sure what this means, but it something worth following. Week 2 is similarly excellent. There are terrific games, just not as many as loaded week 1. Still, for week 2, this is a damn good week to be a College Football Junkie. Here is a rundown of this weeks top 5 games.
USC @ Stanford- This is a monster game between 2 teams that were impressive in week 1. USC shed all of the distractions surrounding its program, went out and kicked the hell out of Fresno State. The Trojans came roaring out of the gate, scoring 24 points in the games first 20 minutes. SC racked up an impressive 700 yards on the game, in a 52-13 rout. Stanford did what it was supposed to do against UC-Davis. They kicked them around for a few hours. The score was 38-0 at halftime when David Shaw and company called off the dogs. Surprisingly, Stanford only ran the ball for 149 yards and committed 3 turnovers. If those areas don’t improve, SC will walk into Palo Alto and walk out with a W. Put me down for that. Stanford will ultimately be the better team this season, but at this point its the Trojans who are more prepared.
Michigan State @ Oregon- This game will be fantastic. It is easily the best game on the schedule. 2 damn good programs, with contrasting styles and philosophies meet in a top 10 slug fest. My mouth is already watering. Both teams looked fantastic in drubbings of outmatched foes. I like Michigan State to come out and run the ball with Jeremy Langford, controlling the game and the clock. Connor Cook will be his usual accurate self and the Spartan offense will have a good day. I think the Spartan defense will be ready for Marcus Marriota, Byron Marshall and the always explosive Duck Offense. Michigan State will notch a huge win in Eugene. The spread on this game is Oregon -13. I think that is ridiculous. Perhaps Michigan State does not win the game, they surely will not get their doors blown off.
Michigan @ Notre Dame- Its a shame this classic matchup is going away. Ever since I started watching football, this game has been appointment television. These 2 classic brands get together in 2 of the best stadiums the game has to offer and magic happens. Why does this rivalry have to end? Its a damn shame. Michigan has won 4 of the last 5 in this series. Everett Golson accounted for 5 total TDs in his return to the Irish. Ill take the Irish to defend their home turf and hold off the Wolverines for 2 reasons. The first of which is Golson, who will have a big game at home under the lights. The 2nd is the Offensive Line, a weakness for the Maize and Blue and a strength for the Fighting Irish. I am really looking forward to this game. I’ll have to savor it this year becuase it likely will never return.
Virginia Tech @ Ohio State- A few weeks ago I would have thought this was a slam dunk for OSU. That all changed when Braxton Miller was pronounced out for the season. Replacement JT Barrett has big shoes to fill and there will be a period of adjustment. The Hokies look to take advantage of that adjustment as they roll into Columbus. The Hokies are led by Texas Tech transfer Michael Brewer who was efficient in their opener, throwing for 250 yards, and 2 TDs. Its a whole new ball game this week. I think the Hokies stand a punchers chance in Columbus, I really do, but ultimately OSU has too much speed and depth on the D-line. Brewer will be hounded and harassed and rushing yards will be hard to come by. The Buckeyes win this game on the strength of their defense.
BYU @ Texas- The one word that will describe this game is revenge. Remember a year ago when the Cougars racked up 679 yards of total offense including 550 on the ground in route to a 40-21 embarrassment of the Horns. This year will be different as Charlie Strong has UT running to the ball and tackling like a real football team. Even though BYU returns all of its O-Lineman, QB Taysom Hill and RB Jamaal Williams, I like the Horns defense in this matchup. The problem for UT will be on the offensive end where David Ash will miss the game and Tyrone Swoopes will start. If the Horn offense can muster a couple of TDs, I like their chances. Regardless I think this will be a good watch Saturday night.
GAMBLERS PICK OF THE WEEK- each week I will select one game to pick against the spread, and chart my progress. Remember, gambling on sports is illegal and these picks are made for entertainment purposes only. College Football Junkie does not, in any way, endorse illegal activities of any kind and is not responsible for the consequences associated with following to these picks. So without further ado, here is my pick of the week.
Arizona (-7.5) @ UTSA- Many folks witnessed a wonderful victory for the Roadrunners last Saturday night on the road over Houston. This was a terrific, impressive, win for this young program. That said, I think they are going to run into a buzz saw on Thursday night. I think the Arizona Wildcats are an up and coming team with a promising offense. Last Friday Arizona rolled up 787 yards against UNLV including 434 through the air and 2, 100 yard rushers. I like UTSA, I think their program is going in a promising direction, but a 7.5 point spread for this game just seems really low.
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