Week 2: Top 25 Poll

Here are our top 25 votes this week. The #1 team is the same as last week, but the #2 and #3 schools flip flopped. The rest of the top 25 is largely the same, minus a handful of lower level teams dropping from the polls.

Top 25 Poll:

1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Oklahoma
4. Stanford
5. Boise State
6. Florida State
7. Wisconsin
8. Oklahoma State
9. Texas A&M
10. Nebraska

Week 2: Game of the Week

The second week of college football is usually a little more exciting then the first. Some elite teams will take chances to travel to other BCS level schools, while others will continue playing cupcakes. This week sees a number of top 25 games (where last week only had 1), with a number of conference games sprinkled in.

So, which game is our game of the week this week? I'll give you a hint, it's not Michigan-Notre Dame.

Click to find out.

Week 2: ACC Predictions

The ACC has a number of match ups with the Big East, Big Ten and Pac 12 this week. They get the honor of hosting a top level team in Stanford, who could win the Pac 12 this year. Another match up pits ACC teams against each other in the second conference game of the season.


North Carolina QB Bryn Renner



North Carolina vs. Rutgers
Prediction: North Carolina 35, Rutgers 17
North Carolina's defense will manhandle Rutgers for at least 2 turnovers before the night is done. Rutgers had a nice win last week against an FCS foe, but they simply don't have enough firepower to hold on to a game against North Carolina. Fumbles, interceptions and an inability to score early will doom Rutgers before the first half is over.

Wake Forest vs. North Carolina State
Prediction: Wake Forest 24, North Carolina S. 28
I'm sure North Carolina state wishes a certain QB at Wisconsin had stuck around. Wilson leaving hurts them, but they still have a balanced offense and a potent defense. The Demon Deacons are going to have trouble holding on to the ball and while also stopping North Carolina State on defense. The game will be close, but I expect the North Carolina State offense to win the game for them late. Wake Forest had a hard time stopping Syracuse, it's difficult to expect them to stop North Carolina State.

Week 2: Big Ten Predictions

The Big Ten (12) is looking at a lot of different things this week. Will Texas or Oklahoma join them? Or Missouri? Can Michigan handle Notre Dame? Is Ohio State going to survive the suspensions? It's an exciting time, and this week brings some exciting games, so let's see what our predictions are.



Ohio State QB Joe Bauserman

Iowa @ Iowa State

Prediction: Iowa 35, Iowa State 14

Iowa-Iowa State has been tilted in favor of Iowa the last few years, and this year should be no different. Iowa State had a hard time taking care of Northern Iowa last week, that does not bode well for them even in a rivalry game at home. Expect another Iowa blowout.

#16 Michigan State vs. Florida Atlantic

Prediction: Michigan State 42, Florida Atlantic 7

Michigan State is looking to take the Big Ten this year with Ohio State down. That may or may not happen, but a team like Florida Atlantic certainly will not get in the way of BCS ambitions. Michigan State will sweep them aside in the first half. It really shouldn't be close by the final whistle.

#15 Ohio State vs. Toledo
Prediction: Ohio State 45, Toledo 10
Toledo plays Ohio State and Boise State within a 6 day span. That's impressive, and painful. Ohio State gets another easy home game as a tuneup for what is to come in the Big Ten. All those suspended players won't be missed against Toledo.

Week 2: Big 12 Predictions

The Big 12 shrunk to 9 official teams last weekend, making it even less likely that the conference can survive another year. With everyone looking for a way out, it will be nice to focus on football for a change. This week, the Big 12 goes with quality over quantity. With only 5 games on the slate it will be a short week for Big 12 fans.

Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon

#8 Oklahoma State vs. Arizona
Prediction: Oklahoma State 42, Arizona 14
Oklahoma State is one of my favorite teams to watch, their offensive firepower is usually pretty impressive and they are a pretty good team in most aspects. Arizona would normally be a good test for them, even at home, but this year's Arizona team is so riddled with injuries that it probably won't be close at halftime. The Cowboys looked impressive last week, expect more of the same this week at home.

#19 Missouri @ #23 Arizona State
Prediction: Missouri 10, Arizona State 28
Missouri looked very unimpressive last week against Miami(OH). This week they have to play a much stronger Arizona State team, on the road. The Sun Devils may be ranked a little to prematurely, but this weekend I expect them to prove their ranking this weekend against Missouri. Missouri is still a good football team who should end up ranked, but they will suffer against Arizona State this weekend.

Week 1: Plays of The Week

The plays of the week for the opening weekend of college football. I didn't make this video (otherwise I wouldn't have picked that music!) but I thought it was the best quality one on Youtube. It shows a number of top plays for the week, including some impressive catches and runs.

Plays of the Week:

I really like those first couple of catches in the video, very entertaining and athletic stuff.



Week 2: SEC Predictions

The SEC went 1-1 in marquee games during the first week of play, while the rest of the conference took care of business against weaker opponents. This week, the competition steps up for a few of the contenders for the SEC title. Others, however, stick to their easy scheduling with a few more FCS schools and tune up games.

How will the SEC teams fair this week? Let's find out.

Alabama QB A.J. McCaron

Kentucky vs. Central Michigan
Prediction: Kentucky 17, C.M 24
Pretty grizzly matchup between two teams that just aren't very good. Kentucky took care of Western Kentucky last week, but it was hardly an impressive performance. Central Michigan took out South Carolina State, again in unimpressive fashion. This weekend they will meet for what should be a fairly even match up. Home field advantage could swing this for Kentucky, though I think Central Michigan should be able to thwart the pressure. In the end, the game is a toss up that will be decided by less than 10 points on either side.

#3 Alabama @ #25 Penn State
Prediction: Alabama 35, Penn State 21
One of the candidates for my game of the week this week, Penn State vs. Alabama. In reality, the score probably won't be close after the first half. A Penn State team headed by Joe Paterno is always dangerous, and especially at home. However, if Alabama plays like a true top flight SEC team they shouldn't have any trouble escaping a less talented Penn State team. If Alabama doesn't take this game seriously (look at the score last year) they may find themselves in a bit of trouble before the night is thru.

Week 2: Independent Predictions

Last week saw the independents go 2-2 with Notre Dame and Army losing games. BYU, the newest independent school, won a close game on the road in SEC country while Navy roasted FCS Delaware. This week the independents run into some more challenging opponents. Can BYU take out Texas? Will Notre Dame continue to disappoint? We will see.

Notre Dame QB Dayne Crist

Army vs. San Diego State
Prediction: Army 14, San Diego S. 31

San Diego State hasn’t lost a game by more than 5 points in the last 18 months. They played Utah, TCU, BYU and others as closely as anyone last year. This year I expect them to be the surprise team in the MWC. Army will need to put in a great game to compete against San Diego State, and I don’t think it’s in them. Northern Illinois blew Army down last week, and I expect more of the same from San Diego State this week.

Navy @ Western Kentucky
Prediction: Navy 35, Western Kentucky 17
Navy should have this game on lock down, even on the road. Western Kentucky has the ability to keep the game close, but ultimately I think Navy prevails and sets up their match up against South Carolina next week.

Week 2: Pac 12 Predictions

USC WR Robert Woods

The Pac 12 looked, in a word, terrible last week. They were one of two major conferences to lose a game to an FCS school (and almost lost a second), while also losing most major contests against other BCS level schools.
This week it gets even tougher for the Pac. Ranked teams Oklahoma State, Missouri and Wisconsin are on the table for some of the Pac 12 teams this week. Without some good performances against these teams the Pac 12 may face scrutiny throughout the rest of the season.

Arizona @ #8 Oklahoma State
Prediction: Arizona 14, Oklahoma State 42
Arizona had some serious struggles against a North Arizona team last week at home. This week they will travel to Oklahoma State, and it won’t be a pretty. The Cowboys have one of the best offensive games in the country and Arizona had a hard time scoring against North Arizona last week. I would be very surprised if the Wildcats can keep up with Oklahoma State, particularly on the road.

#23 Arizona State vs. #19 Missouri
Prediction: Arizona State 28, Missouri 10
Missouri looked about as unimpressive as anyone last week against Miami (OH). Their offense looked anemic and they let Miami stay in the game throughout the fourth quarter. Arizona State, on the other hand, was one of the more impressive Pac 12 teams last week. UC Davis is not Missouri, but the way Arizona State handled UC Davis looks promising for their season. Missouri will put up a challenge but ultimately home field advantage and a more impressive Arizona State team will win the day.

Week 1: Top 25 Poll

Our Top 25 Poll doesn't have much movement from the preseason poll, yet some significant changes do occur across the board. One team fell out of the Top 10 while two fell out of the Top 25 in what was a fairly easy week for most of the top teams.

Top 25 Poll:

1. LSU
2. Oklahoma
3. Alabama
4. Stanford
5. Boise State
6. Florida State
7. Wisconsin
8. Oklahoma State
9. Texas A&M
10. Nebraska

Week 1: Top 25 Scores

A quick score overview for the Top 25 teams in the country as a prelude to our Top 25 Poll for the week.

(1) Oklahoma 47, Tulsa 14
(2) Alabama 48, Kent St. 7
(3) Oregon 27, (4) LSU 40
(5) Stanford 57, San Jose State 3
(6) Boise State 35, Georgia 21
(7) Florida State 34, LA-Monroe 0
(8) Wisconsin 51, UNLV 17
(9) Oklahoma State 61, LA-Lafayette 34
(10) Texas A&M, SMU Sunday

Preseason Heisman Predictions

Here are our preseason predictions for who will win the Heisman trophy this year. The top 4 are pretty set in stone, and most people seem to agree that one of those 4 will win the trophy.

Stanford QB Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck

University of Stanford

Senior

Last Years Stats:
3338 YDS (263/372)
32 TDs

Luck finished last season as the #2 vote getter in the Heisman trophy race. With Cam Newton out of the picture this year, he should be the odds on favorite to win. His team will have a new coach with Jim Harbaugh leaving for the NFL, but don't expect Luck to have a down year. He passed up millions of dollars and a guaranteed #1 pick in the NFL draft to come back to school, knowing that Harbaugh would be leaving. He knows what he's getting himself into, and I expect big things from Luck this year.

The problems he will have stem from Stanford's lack of national appeal. He will get on TV sparingly, with perhaps only 3 national tv games this year. Also, the East Coast voters may forget him if another player manages to put up similar numbers while playing on the East Coast. He will need to surpass everyone and be the clear favorite in order to ensure his Heisman trophy.

Preseason Conference Predictions

Here are my preseason predictions for how each team in a major conference will finish. These things aren't very exciting now, but in the future it is fun to see how you did compared to the real thing.



USC Quarterback Matt Barkley



Pacific 12 Conference:

North:

1. Oregon
2. Stanford
3. Washington
4. California
5. Oregon State
6. Washington State

South:

1. Utah
2. Arizona State
3. USC
4. Arizona
5. UCLA
6. Colorado

Championship Game: Oregon over Utah

The two best teams in the Pac this year are Stanford and Oregon, it's that easy. Sadly these two are in the same division and cannot meet up in the Pac 12 Championship game. Stanford-Oregon will decide the Pac 12 North. Washington comes on at a strong third behind the two favorite, while Oregon State suffers from major injuries and drops farther back in the Pac.

The South will be decided between three teams: USC, Arizona State and Utah. Since USC will be unable to participate in a championship game, that opens the door for Arizona State or Utah (in their first year) to take a trip to Oregon.

Click to read the Big XII, SEC, ACC and Big Ten predictions!

Week 1: Game of the Week

The first week of the college football season is usually home to some of the less interesting games of the year. It doesn't really matter though, since football being back is exciting enough for most people. This first week of the season has it's share of the uninteresting beat downs that every year has, but it also has a few gems. Some of the games this week have the potential to be exciting, close fights. In some cases we may even have a classic game for the ages in this first week of play.

So, which game is our game of the week this week? Click to find out.

Week 1: SEC Predictions

The conference at the center of all the expansion talks. Will this be the last year the SEC plays with 12 teams? Will the other schools in the SEC even allow expansion? It's a mess right now that only looks to get more complicated in the next few weeks, but for now at least we have college football games to hold our attention.

Alabama RB Trent Richardson

Mississippi State @ Memphis
Prediction: Mississippi State 35, Memphis 14
In a Thursday night game on the first day of the college football season Mississippi State will travel too Memphis (seems strange to me) to fight a Conference USA team that only managed 1 win last year. Memphis will score a handful of points at home, likely late in the game against the second and third team defenses. It won't be nearly enough to take out Mississippi State. Memphis will not be able to handle the first team on offense or defense, so expect a route by halftime.

Auburn vs. Utah State
Prediction: Auburn 42, Utah State 17
Auburn is a better team than Utah State, Cam Newton or no. However, Utah State nearly beat Oklahoma last year in the first game of the season. Do I think that will happen again (they finished 4-8)? No, but I do think Auburn needs to come fully prepared. If Auburn rises to the occasion this game will be put away by halftime. Anything else and Utah State may close the score gap substantially.

Week 1: Big XII Predictions

Here are our predictions for the Big XII (10?, 9? who knows) Conference's first week of play. The Big XII will should have a large impact on college football as a sport this year, they have 3 teams in the top 10 and a number of spoilers who are looking to make a name for themselves. Yet it will be the off field issues that will highlight this season for the Big XII. Will we have a Big XII after this year? It's too soon to tell, but in the mean time we have football games to keep us content. 

Will Gilbert be able to recapture the Texas magic?

Baylor vs. TCU
Prediction: Baylor 17, TCU 35
I applaud Baylor for scheduling a tough out of conference game in the first week. Even better, they took a risk and scheduled a non-BCS conference school that has a history of being extremely dangerous. Still, my praise doesn't win Baylor football games. TCU will jump out and look to make another statement against a Big XII school (even though they will be favored). They will play with the same ambition that Boise State, Utah and BYU bring to the table when facing off against the larger conferences.

Missouri vs. Miami (OH)
Prediction: Missouri 35, Miami 14
Missouri destroyed Miami (OH) in their game last year, and I see no reason why they shouldn't make it two in a row. The score for this contest will be much closer than last years blowout, and Miami (OH) should go on to win the MAC for a second straight year, but Missouri has their sites set on playing spoiler in a Big XII conference with three teams ranked in the top 10. Miami (OH) will keep it close for a half, and that will be all.

Week 1: Independent Predictions

BYU QB Jake Heaps

Here are our predictions for the independent division 1 football schools. This year sees the inclusion of a fourth independent school: BYU. After leaving the Mountain West Conference they have set out on their own much like Notre Dame and the military schools.

BYU @ Ole Miss
Prediction: BYU 42, Ole Miss 35
I expect an exciting game in Oxford to start the season. BYU isn't as talented as they have been in the past, and that will hurt them farther into the season. However, I believe Jake Heaps can win football games and carry the BYU team to a bowl game each year. This game will come down to Heap's arm over the Ole Miss defense, the winner of that battle will come away as the winner in BYU's first game as an independent.

Week 1: ACC Predictions

The ACC, which is currently living in fear of an SEC invasion, has a very easy week ahead of them to start off the 2011-2012 college football season. Along with every other major conference in college football, the majority of their games this week will be David vs. Goliath moments with little excitement (save for those rare James Madison upsets).

Will Jacory Harris be allowed to play at Miami this year?

Georgia Tech vs. Western Carolina
Prediction: Georgia Tech 35, Western Carolina 7
Georgia Tech starts off their season on the early day this year (Thursday, September 1) with a game against Western Carolina. This game will be decided by size, with Western Carolina losing the battle in the trenches. Georgia Tech's lines will overpower the Caramounts on both sides of the ball, while Tech's QB Washington gets all the time he needs to make big plays. This game will be the start of the Tech program's turnaround after a lackluster 2010 season.

Wake Forest @ Syracuse
Prediction: WF 14, Syracuse 21
I expect this game to be a low scoring, grind-it-out sort of affair. The Wake Forest offense will ultimately fall to an under appreciated Syracuse football team. Ultimately, the road test will fall flat for the Demon Deacons. I still expect a better season for Wake Forest, and a great season for Syracuse by its standards.

Week 1: Big Ten Predictions

 A slew of easy games highlight the Big Ten's first week of the season. While eyes will focus on Ohio State to see how they react to the loss of Jim Tresel and Terrelle Pryor, others will be watching the newest Big Ten (12?) team in Nebraska. With a feasible chance for the Big Ten to escape the first week of games without a loss, we will delve deeper into each teams match up and give our predictions.

Michigan QB Denard Robinson

Wisconsin vs. UNLV
Prediction: Wisconsin 42, UNLV 14
UNLVmay be a decent MWC team this year. They will win 6 games, and they will have a successful season in their own right. Their first game against Wisconsin will not be one of those 6. I expect UNLV to jump out of the gate and take a small first quarter lead against Wisconsin. It's common on the first week of play to see a weaker team jump out early, but it won't last against a much more physical Wisconsin Badger's team. UNLV will be spirited, but they shouldn't be close after the second quarter.
UPDATE: With Budmayr confirmed out for this game the scoring gap may close in UNLV's favor. The Badgers will score less in their garbage time without Budmayr, keeping the score more reasonable for UNLV.

Michigan State vs. Youngstown State
Prediction: MSU 45, YSU 3
Simply over matched in every area of the game, Youngstown State will be one of the many lower division teams to lose a game against the Big Ten on the first weekend of play.

Ohio State vs. Akron
Prediction: tOSU 49, Akron 7
The most "interesting" game of the week for the Big Ten will be the Ohio State game. With all of the off season issues, losses and suspensions the Buckeyes may come into this game a little unnerved. However, the suspensions shouldn't come near hurting their chances against a weak Akron team. Ohio State's defense is still a quality group and it will wear Akron out quickly. The Ohio State University's offense may start sluggish, but they will get the ball moving against the Akron secondary for a number of first half scores. Akron scores a TD against the second team defense to prevent the shutout.

Week 1: Pac 12 Predictions

Week 1 of college football usually doesn't offer the most exciting crop of games. Instead, the majority of the games are usually powerhouses vs. cupcakes as tune up games for the schedules to come. Still, every year a few teams go out of their way to schedule big times games for week 1 (look at Boise State and Va. Tech last year).

This year, the marquee game for the first week is clearly Oregon vs. LSU, so that's where we will start our predictions off this week.

Oregon RB LaMichael James

Oregon vs. LSU @ Cowboy Stadium
Prediction: Oregon 24, LSU 17
I expect a close game early with LSU taking the halftime lead and Lee playing better than anticipated. However, I feel like Lee is going to falter at least once in the second half. That mistake will lead to an easy Oregon score, and with the game close going down the stretch I just don't think Lee is going to be able to cut it against a talented Oregon defense.

Utah vs. Montana State
Prediction: Utah 42, MS 7
Utah will get its first victory under their new Pac 12 banner. Remember when I said teams schedule cupcake games early on?

Top 25 Preseason Poll

Here are our picks for the Top 25 this year. Let's see how many can manage to stay in the poll throughout the season!

Top 25 Preseason Poll:

1. Oklahoma
2. Alabama
3. Oregon
4. LSU
5. Stanford
6. Boise State
7. Florida State
8. Wisconsin
9. Oklahoma State
10. Texas A&M