College Football Week 2 Preview

Week 1 is in the books and not much is different. We know how good some teams are and how some might have bumpy years. Alabama proved their dominance out the gate with an impressive win against Michigan in the marquee match of the week. The first big game (South Carolina at Vanderbilt) got some people talking with a questionable call (or missed call for that matter). Ohio State will have one of those challenging years, but it will be for things off the field as they rolled nearly as impressively as Alabama, USC, and Notre Dame. Penn State, however, has a long year ahead of them both on and off the field and that started early with a crushing loss at home.

Turning to my "fab 5" of the week, Notre Dame looked even better than I imagined and they might be about to return to some of the more recent glory as a next step. The excitement of week 1was truly capped by Virginia Tech come from behind victory by tying the game at the end of regulation, getting a huge interception in overtime, and cashing in a field goal to steal one from Georgia Tech. Down in Georgia, Clemson outlasted, outwitted, and outplayed (as Survivor goes) Auburn for a second year in a row in the "Tigers Bowl". The game had a lot of great elements. And speaking of drama and late 4th quarter plays mixed with domination, Michigan State's win over Boise State had a little of it all. Boise State looked like they were about to continue their major win streak on opening weekend, but Michigan State LeVon Bell ran for over 200 yards and sealed the deal late setting up a go ahead touchdown for the Spartans. Completing the five was Alabama going up early on Michigan and not looking back. Michigan has improved under QB Denaard Robinson, but they are clearly not on the Tide's level. With those games, I managed a clean sweep going 5-5 out the gate. That type of accuracy will not be easy to keep up week to week as the crazy pace of the season will certainly pick up.

Now onto Week 2.

Games to highlight in Week 2:
Penn State at Virginia: How does the Nittany Lions respond after last week...on the road?
Purdue at No.23 Notre Dame: Can Notre Dame continue what they did in Ireland against Navy? Purdue could reveal if Notre Dame will be barely above .500 or potentially challenge for 10 wins.
South Florida at Nevada: Nevada won one of my highlight games last week over California and I think this one could be even closer with some unpredictable plays and action.
Savannah State at No.5 Florida State: This will be a blowout. Main interest: Can Florida State outscore Oklahoma State against Savannah State. The bar is set at 84. And go.

Top 5 Games of Week 2:

#5 No.16 Nebraska at UCLA: A week ago, I might have overlooked this game. But, UCLA looked very good to start the year and this game could see just how good they are. Nebraska has something to prove as well as most the attention in the Big Ten centers around Michigan, Michigan State, and Wisconsin on the field and Ohio State with their potential preparation for dominance in a couple years. PICK: NEBRASKA

#4 Miami (FL) at No.20 Kansas State: If this were ten years ago, Miami (FL) would likely to be largely favored. The last few years have been trying for the Hurricanes. They look like they are about to return to glory to fall short. This game could help them prepare for big challenges with Virginia Tech and Florida State. Kansas State has risen to a top 25 type of team and would love to position themselves in the Big 12 shuffle near the top. Once the energy lowers a bit, the game will slow down and the Wildcats start to pick apart some holes. PICK: KANSAS STATE

#3 Washington at No.2 LSU: Washington was 0-12 not too long ago. Now they are looking to take the next step to potentially be the best team in the Pac-12 after USC and Oregon. A game against LSU could assist them getting there. LSU lost a big piece in one of their starting linemen, but they should be fine for this one. LSU could get out early and start to take the energy out of the Huskies. Homefield advantage will be at its best here. PICK: LSU

#2 No.25 Florida at Texas A&M: The "highlight game" of the week by many is Texas A&M's first SEC game as they host the Florida Gators. The Gators are far from perfect and the Aggies have had a couple good years recently. The 12th man will be rocking for this one and they will be looking to assist the team get in the heads of Florida. The second half will truly tell this story. A couple big plays in the fourth quarter opens it up a bit. PICK: FLORIDA

#1 No.7 Georgia at Missouri: Like Texas A&M, Missouri is also making its SEC debut. They have been a bit better overall recently and might have a better chance to drop their foe, Georgia. The Bulldogs will be down a few players and that could impact their mindset on the road against a formidable foe. The Tigers come out swinging early, but Georgia's defense starts to lock up enough for their offense to get in control. PICK: GEORGIA

Now let's get another week going!