Week 3 Predictions – 2022
Last Week: The Buckeyes got the 40+ points everyone expects each week, but it is still hard to say what we have learned about this team. The defense continues to show they are much improved from last year, but I am sure all Buckeye fans are looking for the offense to get to mid-season form. At any rate, the 45-12 victory over Arkansas State was just what the doctor ordered. As for our weekly staff predictions both Dave and Steven were a perfect 5-0, a performance which places Dave at the top of our leaderboard. Be sure to follow our progress throughout the season and feel free to submit your own thoughts on our games each week.
This Week’s Games: This week the Buckeyes will face an in-state opponent and it has been 100 years since they have lost to a team from Ohio. This week should be no different as Toledo comes to town. Do the Rockets have any chance of snapping the streak? …. Georgia continues defend their title with poise and dominance. They travel to Columbia to take on the Gamecocks. Will they be able to look just as strong in their first road test? …. Oklahoma and Nebraska used to be the standard in the Big 12. The Sooners are doing what they can to live up to that standard. Will the Huskers start their turnaround this week and pull off the upset? …. Penn State heads to Auburn to complete the home-and-home series with the Tigers. Can the Lions beat the Tigers again, oh my? …. Our final game this week is the U playing the Aggies. A&M is coming off a bad loss, will they rebound our spiral down?
Buckeye Greats: As in the past, we will continue to include former Buckeye players in our prediction fun and we are thrilled to have Vaughn Broadnax back with us as a regular participant for the eighth straight year.
Here we go with our Week 3 Picks – Good Luck to All – Gregg
Toledo @ (3)Ohio State
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): The Buckeyes finally find some rhythm, but the defense again gives up double digit scoring. Buckeyes blast the Rockets 55-14.
Coach Rick: Ohio State
Cory: Statistically Ohio State has been great, however, the eye test shows the Buckeyes still have some things to work through. Toledo won its first two games handily but those wins came against Long Island and UMASS. Offensively the Rockets are pretty one-dimensional as quarterback Dequan Finn leads the team in passing and rushing. Slowing him down will be key to getting this game under control early. For the Ohio State offense we need to see some more consistency. It seems hard to say that considering how good CJ Stroud was last week but again – eye test shows that there is still something missing here. No offense to Arkansas State but the final score of last week’s game should have been much bigger. Look for the Buckeyes to roll again this week. Ohio State 52, Toledo 13
Dave: Ohio State 52 Toledo 10
Gregg: The time as come for this team to start playing like a top 3 team. Toledo is their last tune-up before conference play starts. The Rockets have only given up 10 points this season, so it is time to get this offense running on all cylinders and embaress their MAC challenger. CJ needs 350 yards, Flemming and JSN are supposed to be back. Henderson needs 100 yards. The point being this is a top 5 team in the country and they need to start playing like it. In the end, if they run the table they are obviously going to be in the playoff. But if they want to win games in the playoffs, they need to be able to start beating teams like Toledo, the way they are supposed to be teams like Toledo. Ohio State 55 Toledo 6
Jason: The MAC favorite Toledo Rockets venture a couple hours southeast to take on the nation’s 3rd ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. The Rockets have dominated in their two previous games, outscoring their opponents 92-10, although against the likes of LIU and UMass. Ohio State will be a different animal altogether. QB DeQuan Finn has played well early in the year, mainly with his legs, and provides the new look Buckeye defense their best challenge thus far. The Buckeyes offense hasn’t performed up to the lofty expectations, but they expect to get both WR’s, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Julian Fleming back which should kick start a juggernaut attack. The running game’s two headed monster of TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams should have their way in this one and coach Ryan Day has emphasized a more balanced attack. The Rockets struggle against the run as evidenced by the 200+ yard rushing performance of lowly UMass. There shouldn’t be any concern right now for Ohio State fans. They are clearly a top ranked team in the nation and it will only get better from here. Look for Ohio State’s offense to click on all cylinders for really the first time all year as the Buckeyes get off fast and cruise past the Rockets in the ‘Shoe. Ohio State 48 Toledo 10
Joe-S-U: Wasn’t it about this time last year that the Buckeyes played a night game against a MAC school at home? And one of our linebackers stormed off the field in the middle of the game because the concession stand didn’t have his order ready? This Toledo match up will have alot less drama. And the concession stand STILL doesn’t have the order ready.
John: Being a night kick, OSU should play with a little more energy this week. On offense, CJ may get some weapons back, but honestly if Day is not sure both are 100% they should sit this one out and get healthy for Wisconsin next week. In state opponents always seem to be tougher that you would think, so don’t be surprised if Bucks don’t cover the 31 point spread. Ohio State 45 Toledo 17
Josh: Toledo enters the Horseshoe with the statistical 4th best defense in the country, and led by mobile quarterback Dequin Finn, who leads their team in passing and rushing. The key for this Buckeye defense will be to stop the run and keep disciplined in the secondary. Too many time against Arkansas did a mental mistake keep the drives alive, and Toledo is a talented team who could be kept in a game they really have no business to be kept in. The offense should be getting back to normal as Ryan Day indicated Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Julian Fleming should be making a return after coming off injuries, and give some familiar targets for CJ Stroud. We know the Buckeyes can play physical if they need, and they can score quickly in short drives, so this game will be about controlling the game through all 4 quarters, and keeping players healthy enough to get the win, and head into next week against Wisconsin to start Big Ten play. Ohio State 56 – Toledo 6.
Steven: Did you see last week’s game? This week will be something like that. Toledo should provide a slightly better test than Arkansas State, but not by a lot. Why this ends up being a night game is beyond me. On paper, Toledo boasts some interesting stats. They are giving up only 58 yards and 5 points per game, so the Rocket defense must be doing something right. Offensively, Rockets quarterback DeQuan Finn leads the team both in the air and on the ground. The Bucks will do their best to bottle up Finn. The defense will look to build upon last week’s 12 TFLs, (including 2 sacks).. While the defense is not yet a brick wall, the bend to the red zone defense worked at preventing Arkansas State from crossing the goal line. Offensively, expect CJ Stroud to do what they do. Look for another balanced attack. I called for a defensive score last week but didn’t get one. We almost had a punt return for a touchdown, but as is so common on kick coverage, a penalty was called which negated a nifty run to the end zone by Emeka Ebuka. Hopefully, either special teams or the defense can get in on the scoring Saturday night. If not the most compelling matchup of the season, it could be a beautiful day of tailgating and another win for the Bucks. OSU 52-14
Trout: I am hopeful that this game will be a blow out. Ohio State wasn’t bad last week, but they were sloppy and uninspired. They still won by 30, but they could have won by a lot more. I feel like Day and the coaching staff have heard the criticisms and will have their team ready to show off. Toledo doesn’t really stand a chance against Ohio State. If the Buckeye offense can find its rhythm, this game should be over by halftime. I do see CJ Stroud having another monster game in the air, throwing it for 300+ yards. I am optimistic that the Buckeyes will come out firing and destroy the Rockets in this game. Ohio State wins big. (Ohio State 63-9)
Final Score: Ohio State 77 Toledo 21
(1)Georgia @ South Carolina
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Georgia slows its roll, but still beats South Carolina 31-20
Coach Rick: Georgia
Cory: The defending national champions get their first road test of the season when Georgia visits South Carolina this week. South Carolina presents an interesting challenge for the Bulldogs. The Gamecocks are coming off a two-touchdown loss to Arkansas last week, and they feature former Oklahoma Sooner Spencer Rattler at quarterback. The problem is that the Gamecocks have not been all that good offensively so far. Rattler has thrown just two touchdowns with three interceptions, and beyond that they can’t run the ball. A mediocre passing game and struggling running game is not a good recipe to pull off an upset here. Georgia 35 South Carolina 17
Dave: Georgia 32 South Carolina 14
Gregg: Georgia is the defending champ, they are ranked #1 and playing like a number 1 team. Just because they go on the road for the first time, none of that will change. Not that Columbia is known as a hostile crowd, they are not going to do anything to slow down the Bulldogs. The only thing that is going to slow down this team is when their opponents realize Kirby is doing this with an average quarterback. Georgia continues their journey to the SEC championship and what that gets you. Georgia 28 South Carolina 17
Jason: Georgia has it rolling in the early goings and now find themselves the top ranked team in America. A lot of that has to do with QB Stetson Bennett. He has had a pair of big games to open the year and has put himself in the Heisman conversation. The South Carolina defense should provide virtually no challenge to Bennett after Arkansas threw the ball with ease against the Gamecock D a week ago. If South Carolina has a shot to pull the upset, QB Spencer Rattler will have to come up big. He has thrown 3 picks to just 2 TD’s through 2 games, but he has the ability to get hot and get rolling. The Dawg defense has yet to record a sack thus far, so Rattler should have time to throw. Unfortunately for South Carolina fans, they can’t stop anyone so even if Rattler gets going, he won’t be able to keep up with Bennett and company and Georgia’s D will get more than enough stops to allow Georgia to pull away and stay away. Georgia rolls to 3-0. Georgia 42 South Carolina 14
Joe-S-U: As much as everyone except ES(EC)PN rightfully puts Alabama’s schedule under a microscope, have ya checked the Bulldogs’ slate? Auburn and Miss. St. out of the West? Shooo-wee…and does anybody really think Kentucky’s gonna hold up until Georgia comes calling November 19th? Please…Just gift wrap the CFP bid now
John: So far this year the Dawgs have looked every bit the #1 team in College Football. Don’t see that changing this week against east coast USC, but I’ll be rooting for the Gamecocks. Georgia 38 Carolina 13
Josh: If there is a team that has not shown any flaws so far this season, it might be Georgia, who was expected to struggle after losing a lot of talent to the NFL draft, but they seem to be playing in midseason form, and Stetson Bennett took the “game manager” title as an insult. South Carolina lost on the road last weak to Arkansas, and ending up getting a few key players injured who could have helped keep this game closer. Spencer Rattler will have to make plays with his arm to try and challenge the Georgia defense who is only allowing 141 passing yards a game, and extending drives will be a key to success. The Bulldogs though will be too much as they get a SEC East win on the road and improve to 3-0. Georgia 45 – South Carolina 10.
Steven: Georgia’s defense has given up 3 points in two games this year which puts them in the top 10. South Carolina is coming off a week 2 loss to Arkansas. While Gamecock QB Spencer Rattler has seen some success, his 3 interceptions so far this year are concerning. Georgia Bulldog QB Stetson Bennett is a very deserving early front-runner for the Heisman trophy and leads a Bulldog offense that is currently in the top 10. This one looks to be as lopsided as Toledo at OSU which is somewhat crazy seeing as South Carolina is an SEC school and not a “lesser” conference. South Carolina is now the Nebraska of the SEC. Georgia rolls – UGA 38-19
Trout: I don’t think the Gamecocks have a chance in this game. Although I am not completely sold on Georgia, just yet, I do think they are miles ahead of South Carolina from a talent perspective. The Bulldogs will eventually slip up and lose a game they shouldn’t, but I don’t think it’ll be this one. Georgia is just better on both sides of the ball than South Carolina is. The game could be close initially. But I see Georgia’s superior talent allowing them to stretch out the lead to a point where the Gamecocks can’t catch up. The Georgia Bulldogs win comfortably and remain number 1 in the polls. (Georgia, 42-17)
Final Score: Georgia 48 South Carolina 7
(6)Oklahoma @ Nebraska
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Nebraska finds a way to score points, but it’s not quite enough as Oklahoma scores often. Sooners 48 Cornhuskers-24
Coach Rick: Oklahoma
Cory: It is shocking it took this long to fire Scott Frost. He was abysmal at Nebraska. Remember when Bo Pellini was winning nine games a year? Cornhusker fans yearn for those days after what Frost has done to the program. There is some talent here so it will be interesting to see how the team responds now that Frost is gone. Do they come out fired out, ready to prove that they were held back by poor coaching? Or will they let Oklahoma run over them? Truth be told, regardless of who was coaching this game for Nebraska the Sooners would win this game easy. Oklahoma 41 Nebraska 17
Dave: Oklahoma 38 Nebraska 14
Gregg: There is a story circulating that since Scott Frost’s buy-out was drastically reduced after October 1st, that he intentionally lost last week to Georgia Southern. Frost is 0-4 against the spread when playing Sun Belt teams. Frost never had a winning season coaching in Lincoln. He is 12-15 in games in Lincoln. He was probably not good enough to ‘throw’ a game. Things once again are in chaos for the Cornhuskers. They will really need to hit a home run with their next coaching hire. Meanwhile Oklahoma comes in with a 2-0 record, albeit against UTEP and Kent State and this is their last tune-up before they head into their Big-12 slate. This game once was a great rivarly, and was an example of what college football was all about, grit, excellence, tradition. Today they are still an example of what college football has become … constant coaching changes, exit your conference, but still fill your stadium on Saturday. I am not sure the Huskers have a chance to regroup and really have no purpose to rally around in such a short time since the departure of their latest coach. Look for this to be close through halftime and then the Sooners will pull away in the second half. Oklahoma 31 Nebraska 13
Jason: The Scott Frost era in Nebraska ended this week and none too soon. After a home upset loss to Georgia Southern sealed his fate, where do the Huskers go now? They have SOME talent but just not enough. Sure, they could rise to the occasion after losing their leader and being at home with one of the most passionate fan bases in college football, but emotion can carry you only so far. The defense can’t stop anything. Allowing nearly 600 yards to Georgia Southern is not exactly promising with big, bad Oklahoma coming to town. The Husker offense has been able to move the ball, but not enough to overcome their atrocious D. Nebraska will come out of the locker room and play hard, but it won’t last. This could be close for a quarter or two, but ultimately talent prevails and Oklahoma runs away and hides. Oklahoma 45 Nebraska 13
Joe-S-U: I was gonna pick Nebraska and recall 2011 when a top-ranked team who was waiting on Urban Meyer went into Lincoln and got upended. Then tie it all in with how ironic it is that Nebraska’s now waiting on him. But our picks are straight up and Oklahoma is trying to keep pace with Southern Cal so they can meet in the playoffs. So I’ll put my faith that the Huskers are gonna ball out Saturday night in my spot card and take the 14.
John: It will be real interesting to see if the Huskers show up in this one. They either play lights out for the new coach, or write the season off and phone it in. I’m hoping pride kicks in, but I just don’t see UNL having enough talent to pull the upset. Oklahoma 35 Nebraska 14
Josh: Oklahoma did not show up at all in the first quarter last week against Kent State, but then cruised to a 33-3 win. Nebraska played a high scoring game against Georgia State, who ended up being one of the Sun Belt teams who got a key victory in week 2, and it ultimately was the final straw for Nebraska to finally let Scott Frost go, and pay him the full $15 million (who wouldn’t want to be a former d1 head coach if you are getting that paid that much if you get fired?). Nebraska has a better offensive attack, and it will be interesting to see how that changes with the transition from Scott Frost to Mickey Joseph, who is a former LSU assistant and recruiter. It would be hard to game plan for anyone to step into this role, let alone going into a game against a top 6 team in the country. This game will be played on pure emotion the first half, but I anticipate the Sooners to pull away in the second half, and maintain a perfect start to the season. Oklahoma 35 – Nebraska 17.
Steven: Scott Frost left Nebraska like Urban Meyer left the Jags, beaten, cowed, and a heck of a lot richer. I wish my last job that didn’t work out paid me $15 million to go away. High expectations and bags of cash does not guarantee success, and sometimes being hailed as a rainmaker or program savior can be pressure impossible to withstand. For the team, Scott Frost’s departure should be a bit of a weight lifted from their shoulders, as they are no longer responsible for the fate of their coach. That moment has come and gone and the Huskers can just play. For better or worse, last week’s loss to Georgia Southern just hastened a process everyone knew was coming. Outside of a miracle in Lincoln, a blowout loss to the Sooners this week would have been the obvious tipping point for Frost’s departure. The problem in Lincoln is, very simply, Nebraska’s defense is dreadful, ranking 124 out of 131 Division 1 schools. If that doesn’t get you fired, I don’t know what will. Making a long story short, you don’t have to dig that deep to see a beat down coming. Let’s see if they can muster some pride to keep this close. OU 38-31
Trout: It was good that they fired Frost. He honestly should have been out last year. His time at that program can only be seen as a disaster. And because he’s left the Cornhuskers in such disarray, I think they will be soundly beaten by the Sooners this week. I don’t really know how good Oklahoma is. They were mediocre last year, and they lost many of their start players when Lincoln Riley left for USC. And after 2 weeks of playing scrubs, it’s hard to tell if they are a true playoff contender. Having said that, I still think they can easily beat Nebraska. The Cornhuskers have lost to a terrible Northwestern team, and a mid-major team in Georgia Southern. Their one win was against an FCS team that they struggled against. They are truly awful. I think Oklahoma scores early and often, and the Cornhuskers will be unable to counter. Sooners win in a landslide. (Oklahoma, 56-6)
Final Score: Oklahoma 49 Nebraska 14
(22)Penn State @ Auburn
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): I am going to give Penn State the nod over Auburn 31-23.
Coach Rick: Penn State
Cory: One of the more interesting non-conference games this week features Penn State heading to Auburn. Big Ten and SEC teams don’t meet up a ton so it’s fun to see when it happens. Neither team has looked impressive in their two wins thus far. Penn State features a more complete offense, but Auburn has perhaps the best offensive weapon in this matchup in running back Tank Bigsby. The Tigers struggle to pass the ball and that will hurt them in this game. Another interesting thing to watch will be the Penn State quarterback situation. If Sean Clifford struggles with James Franklin put in the highly-rated freshman Drew Allar? Penn State 24 Auburn 20
Dave: Penn State 28 Auburn 21
Gregg: I admire both Penn State and Auburn for scheduling this home-and-home series. Not a lot of their SEC brethern would do the same. Unfortunately I think it is going to cost them once again as Penn State will do just enough to win this one. Too early to tell but, the Lions may be the third best team in the B1G East. Penn State 17 Auburn 13
Jason: The 2-0 Nittany Lions head south to Auburn not exactly clicking on all cylinders despite the record. The offense has been the strength led by QB Sean Clifford, who has been at PSU for the better part of a decade, throwing for 300+ in both games. However, they have had problems defensively. Auburn has a strong run defense and likely will hold the Lion rushing attack, which hasn’t been strong early, but can it stop the pass? If the Tigers can get pressure on Clifford, they can pull the home upset, who struggles mightily outside the pocket. This has the makings of a defensive battle and despite winning on the road at Purdue in week one in a game the Boilermakers essentially gifted the Lions, Penn State has struggled on the road during the James Franklin era. The good news for Nittany Lion fans is this isn’t a very good Auburn team and despite challenging Penn State for awhile, ultimately the Lions offense will be too much, making enough plays in the second half to pull away to move to 3-0. Penn State 28 Auburn 17
Joe-S-U: I sincerely hope the Tigers didn’t strain themselves dealing with Mercer and San Jose St., but it won’t matter, this should be nothing for the Lions to get upset about. I realize CBS didn’t have much to choose from when they settled on this game, but everyone should tune in to see if Gary Danielson has anything positive to say about the Big 10 for the first time since he left ABC
John: Penn St is a slight favorite in the road. I’m just not sold on the Lions yet. Look for Auburn to pull the mild upset. Auburn 27 Penn State 24
Josh: Penn State has been a good senior led team and going into a game where they are the favorite on the road. They just entered the AP top 25 this week, and a win against an SEC West opponent would be good buzz for the Big Ten who has been a little bit ho-hum after bad losses this weekend from Nebraska, Northwestern Wisconsin, and Iowa. The Nittany Lions will need to keep TJ Finley in check, who has thrown 3 interceptions already on the season, and average almost 250 yards a game rushing. Penn State will need to rely on the defense to make stops and get some help from Nick Singleton who went off last week against Ohio University. I see the Nittany Lions getting the win on the road. Penn State 27 – Auburn 21
Steven: I like the veteran leadership of Penn State’s squad. Nittany Lion QB Sean Clifford won’t wow you with arm talent, but the guy is tough as nails and works his tail off to drive his team. The guy is a leader and his decision making has improved during his time in Happy Valley. Auburn rides the arm of QB TJ Finley, but will bring in Robby Ashford to give the offense a bit of a run threat. The Tigers tilt a bit towards the run so stopping it should be Penn State’s first order of business. Despite being on the road, Penn State should be able to win the battle for field position and grind out a win. PSU 28-21
Trout: I see the Nittany Lions winning this game, but it’ll be very close. Both teams are 2-0, but neither have looked great. Plus both teams have been very inconsistent in recent years. I think the only reason I am giving the slight edge to Penn State is because they have a better offense statistically. The game is going to be very close and very low scoring. I don’t think Clifford for the Nittany Lions or Finley for the Tiger do anything impressive for their teams. The game could be very sloppy with multiple turnovers for both teams. I see Penn State getting a last second field to pull off the win. Nittany Lions escape SEC country with a close win. (Penn State, 17-14)
Final Score: Penn State 41 Auburn 12
(13)Miami @ (24)Texas A&M
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): I think Jimbo wakes up an remember how he flogged the Miami in the recent past and squeaks by. TAMU over Miami 31-27
Coach Rick: Miami
Cory: Miami could not be in a worse spot. Texas A&M is coming off an embarrassing loss at home to Appalachian State. They’ve been hearing all week how bad and overrated they are, and they’re going to go into this game with the Hurricanes pissed off. Yes, the Aggies are young, however, they have a ton of talent including sophomore quarterback Haynes King. He hasn’t been great so far but you can see the arm talent he possesses. For Miami to win they will need to control the ball and the clock early, even then I am calling for the Aggies to pull the upset this week. Texas A&M 30 Miami 28
Dave: Miami 21 Texas A&M 20
Gregg: Texas A&M comes into the season with the #1 recruiting class in the country, or I like to say the ‘best’ class money can buy. Jimbo Fisher spent so much time in the off-season arguing with Saban that he forgot to prep for the Mountaineers. Last week the Aggies were stunned in a loss at home to App State. The good news is since they are now in the SEC, ESPN will protect them from playing clips of the game for years to come, like they have replayed the blocked FG in the 2007 Michigan-App State game. The Hurricanes will not be able to parade the turnover chain enough times to win, look for A&M to wake up this week and win big. Texas A&M 31 Miami 13
Jason: There are problems in Aggie land, especially offensively. They struggled, and struggled may be an understatement, in a 17-14 home loss to Appalachian State last week. The offense only managed 180 yards of offense in the upset loss, all but eliminating the Aggies from playoff contention. The Cane’s aren’t very good defensively, but they sure have put up the numbers offensively although against the likes of Bethune Cookman and Southern Miss. The Aggies obviously struggled a week ago, but App State is not bad and has talent and the positive is the A&M D, which all but stopped App State’s offense which exploded the week prior at North Carolina. Bottom line is the Aggies have far too much talent to struggle all year on offense. This game will come down to strength on strength, the Aggie D vs the Miami O. How good is the Cane offense really? We’re about to find out. In the end, however, the Aggies will get their offense rolling enough against a suspect Miami defense and the defense will get the stops when they need them as Texas A&M bounces back with a big home win. A&M 27 Miami 24
Joe-S-U: I just have a hunch the Aggies’ misery isn’t over with yet. Everyone was clucking last week over A&M losing to App St. when they had the #1 recruiting class. Last I checked, you don’t recruit classes of 5th-year seniors. But some of those blue chippers are gonna start seeing the field after the ‘Canes beat ’em
John: I never thought I’d be rooting for Miami in a game, but unfortunately I think this one could get ugly. Something tells me that this will be a salty bunch of Aggies this week after they gaged against that powerhouse Appalachian State last week. Texas A & M 30 Miami 17
Josh: How good are either of these teams? After calling the upset last week for App State to beat the Aggies, it highlighted their deficiencies: bad quarterback play, and inexperience with their freshman class against physical teams. Mario Cristobal is an offensive line coach at heart, and he has been pushing this offseason a lot an emphasis on a physical run game, and against two lesser opponents, they have had a decent balanced offense averaging 275 yards passing, and 243 yards rushing a game. This game could mirror the Appalachian State game from last week, as the Hurricanes will look to run the ball to control the time of possession, and keep the Aggies offense off the field as long as they can, and have better skill players to do it. The Aggies will be playing with some fire after being embarrassed, but Haynes King is no Johnny Manziel, and the Aggies get their second home loss in a row. Miami 31 – Texas A&M 24
Steven: This is one of those games where you wish both teams could lose. After A&M suffered an embarrassing loss at home to Appalachian State last week, the ghost of Billy Mays has come back to announce, “But wait, there’s more!” Miami’s offense is clicking to the tune of 519 yards and 50 points per game. The Aggies have a good defense, but I’m not sure their offense can keep up with the ‘Canes. Miami climbs as the Aggies drop out of the top 25. The U 38-24
Trout: The Aggies showed us that they are not the top 10 team that the analyst thought they were. Although I am not sure how good Miami really is, I think they have the ability to beat Texas A&M. It’ll be a close game. A&M might not be as good as advertised, but they still have talent on that roster. Much like with my PSU/Auburn pick, I am giving the edge to the Hurricane because of their slightly better offensive. They average 50 points per game,while the Aggies average around 22.5. Granted it’s a 2 game sample size, but that shows me that Miami has the ability to move the ball. It’ll be a hard fought game, with both teams getting a few scores. In the end, I just see the Hurricanes squeaking out the victory and handing the Texas A&M Aggies their second loss in as many weeks. The U pulls off the victory. (Miami, 24-21)
Final Score: Texas A&M 17 Miami 9
Upset Alert
Josh: (11)Michigan State @ Washington – I want to start with the fact that I want the Big Ten to do well, especially in the non conference, but this game is a night game, Washington is at home and Sparty has the element of travel where their bodies would be accustomed to a 10:30pm EST start. Traveling across the country is never easy, especially during school, but the Huskies are unranked, on a 2-0 start, and are led by Michael Penix Jr, the former Hoosier who is familiar with Big Ten play. The Washington defense has been playing well too and could give the Spartans some fits. Washington 38 – Michigan State 28.