While we're busy obsessing over the matchup between Allen Bailey against Mike Adams, the rest of the college football world marches on. Week 2 is jampacked with high profile matchups and clashes and should be a heck of a weekend for picture in picture (or purchasing that second living room TV your signficant other's been dreading). I went 5-3 against the spread last week, we'll see if I can better myself with some bigger marquee games on the slate.
National Games
#21 Auburn at Mississippi State (+1.5) 7:30 PM (Thursday) - ESPN
Noted Dell PC doctor Cameron Newton heads to Starksville to take on his former Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen and the high octane Mississippi State Bulldogs (did you ever imagine saying that about a MSU team after the Croom era?). Mississippi State looked sharp in their own right in week one against a hapless Memphis side, but Auburn and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn bring in a high flying attack in their own right. While Mississippi State is definitely on the up and up, Auburn should be just strong enough to come away with a victory (and the cover) on the road 35-31.
#17 Georgia at #23 South Carolina (-3.5) 12:00 PM - ESPN2
In a game that's certain be damn near a million degrees at kickoff, Sakerlina, Stephen Garcia, and the Fightin' Spurriers play host to Mark Richt and Georgia's new look 3-4 D. While UGA's defense held serve against Sun Belt Louisiana Lafayette, South Carolina looked amply impressive in routing Southern Miss. With that new defense (that for the record the 'Dawgs didn't exactly have the personnel for) having to potential operate from a 3-3-5 or more traditional nickel set for most of the afternoon, we should know pretty quickly how effective it's going to be for the SEC's more vertical sides. With Marcus Lattimore finally keeping front 7's honest, take UGA to cover but South Carolina for the win 20-17.
South Florida at #9 Florida (-15) 12:20 PM - SEC Network
After laying a complete egg against Miami University, Florida will have to right the offensive wrongs that would've left them prime for an upset against a higher caliber opponent. New USF coach Skip Holtz brings a much improved passing B.J. Daniels into the Swamp looking to potential get their foot in the door with the big dawgs for in-state recruiting. While USF should frustrate the Gators at time, take UF to win a closer than it appears 31-14 game.
#18 Florida State at #12 Oklahoma (-7.5) 3:30 PM - ESPN2/ABC (Regional)
A rematch of the 2000 national title game, Oklahoma looks to bounce back from a disappointing performance against Utah State while Florida State looks to re-establish themself as a national power. On the heels of DeMarco Murray's 218 rushing yards and 2 TDs, Oklahoma will try to balance the offense and get improved play from quarterback Landry Jones. Florida State new DC (and brother of OU coach Bob) Mark Stoops will bring the house against the SOoners, but look for OU to be too much for Christian Ponder and the 'Noles, 38-28.
#6 Oregon at Tennessee (+12) 7:00 PM - ESPN2
Derek Dooley faces his first real test as head coach of the Vols as Tennessee plays host to Oregon. Chip Kelly's group comes off a rousing 72-0 whipping of New Mexico and seek to get themselves back amongst the TOp 10 with a high profile PM clash against an SEC side. While Matt Simms and co. will probably try to reduce the number of Oregon possessions and play keep away from the Ducks, expect Oregon's offensive prowess to be too much as they roll to a 41-17 win.
Big Ten Games
Iowa State at #8 Iowa (-13.5) 3:30 PM - ABC/ESPN2 (Regional)
The in-state war (and the biggest rivalry for the Hawkeyes beside Purdue!!1!one) between ISU and Iowa is routinely a defensive slugfest and 2010 might be no exception. While American patriot Ricki Stanzi will be up to the task, Paul Rhodes and the Cyclones should be game to turn this puppy into a battle of the trenches. Iowa State historically has made this game closer than it should and look for this year to be no exception. Iowa grinds this out 12-3 (but ISU steals the cover).
#25 Michigan at Notre Dame (-4) 3:30 PM - NBC
In increasingly bizarre theater, these two historical powers clash looking to prove that their Week 1 triumphants were no flukes in the road to program redemption. If Denard Robinson can avoid getting lit up the way he did in the latter portion of the UConn game, Notre Dame's defense will unquestionably have their hands full. That being said, Dayne Crist and the ND offense should be able to take advantage of a deprived Michigan secondary and do just enough to take this one 23-16.
#16 Penn State at #1 Alabama (-12) 7:00 PM - ESPN
Had this game happened 2 years ago, we would've had a pretty interesting SEC/Big Ten matchup on our hands. None the less we'll take what we can get as a young Penn State team travels to Tuscaloosa to clash with #1 Alabama. Penn State's hopes to serve up conference bragging rights will pend on Evan Royster returning from a poor 11 carries for 40 yard performance against Youngstown State. QB Rob Bolden will also have to show maturity beyond his years if Penn State is to have any hopes. If Alabama can simply avoid beating themselves, it should be enough to take it 35-17.
