Cory Steger:  It was a breakdown in all three phases of the game that cost Ohio State a valuable road victory against Texas. Instead, the Longhorns ended up on top and now the Buckeyes need to pick up the pieces this week against Kent State. Ryan Day said in his press conference on Tuesday that they are making some hard decisions this week. Does that mean a shuffled offensive line? A rotation at linebacker? Some more snaps for Legend Bey and Chris Henry Jr? Who knows until we see the Buckeyes on Saturday, but certainly a few changes are needed. Don’t expect Ohio State to have too much trouble with the Golden Flashes – they’ve struggled on offense and just cannot match up with the Buckeyes. That said, don’t be surprised if Day keeps his starters in for most of the game this week.   Ohio State 54, Kent State 7

Dave Culver:  Ohio State 60  Kent State 3 

Gregg Watson:  As an OSU usher, I will have my back to the game, catching glimpses out of the corner of my eye on the video scoreboard.  The Bucks will win this big no question.  I am more interested in seeing what adjustments, if any, the coaching staff makes in response to the 4th quarter collapse against Texas.  It is very important they play 4 quarters EVERY game.  I remember the 2002 championship season someone asked Mike Nugent what adjustments he made going into the season to improve his field goal kicking.  He responded by saying he spoke with an NFL kicker and he told him his secret to success was that he kicked every kick full strength, head on.  No matter if it was an extra point or a 50-yard FG attempt.  You can’t go easy ever.  That is what the Bucks need to do every week.  Do that and they can still hoist the trophy at the end of the season.  And can someone PLEASE tell Jeremiah Smith he has two hands, use them both!   Ohio State 66  Kent State 0 (same score when they beat KSU during the 2014 season and they went on to win it all, just saying)  

Jason Harris:  Ohio State returns home looking to rebound from its stunning fourth quarter collapse in a 24-23 loss at Texas. The #6 Buckeyes are 1-1, while Kent State enters at 1-1 after a 36-15 win over Wofford. The biggest focus for the Buckeyes will be cleaning up the mistakes that cost them against Texas. Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith lead an offense that should have plenty of opportunities, while the defense will look to regain its consistency after allowing Texas to erase a 20 point fourth-quarter deficit. Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields provides some mobility and playmaking ability, but Ohio State has a significant advantage in talent and depth. The Golden Flashes should have a few moments, but Ohio State should control the game from the start and use it as an opportunity to play their depth and build momentum before Big Ten play begins.   Prediction: Ohio State 52, Kent State 10

Joe Hylton:  OSU

John Seibert:  Ohio State 

Josh Watson:  Ohio State returns home facing a very different challenge than the one it encountered in Austin. Kent State does not possess Texas’ depth or playmaking ability, but the opponent almost becomes secondary following the way the Buckeyes allowed last week’s game to escape. Ohio State led Texas 23-3 entering the fourth quarter before surrendering three consecutive touchdowns in a 24-23 loss. The Buckeyes controlled most of the game, outgained the Longhorns and received another productive performance from Jeremiah Smith, who finished with 164 receiving yards and a touchdown. None of it was enough after missed opportunities, conservative second-half play-calling, another missed field goal and a defense that could not get off the field when it mattered most. This week should be about more than accumulating points against an overmatched opponent. Ohio State needs to reestablish its identity before conference play begins. That starts with an offensive line that must create consistent rushing lanes without needing long runs to inflate the final numbers. Arthur Smith should have an opportunity to give Bo Jackson, Ja’Kobi Jackson and the rest of the backfield meaningful work while rebuilding confidence in the running game. Julian Sayin also needs a complete performance. He played well during the first half at Texas but completed only five of 16 passes after halftime. Kent State should allow him to distribute the ball beyond Smith and rebuild connections with Brandon Inniss, Devin McCuin, Chris Henry Jr. and Ohio State’s tight ends. Smith will likely do significant damage during the first half, but there is little reason to expose him deep into a game Ohio State should control comfortably. Defensively, the Buckeyes need to produce more disruption. Ohio State struggled to pressure Arch Manning during Texas’ comeback and missed several opportunities to end possessions. Against Kent State, the defensive line should dominate the line of scrimmage, create negative plays and give the secondary a chance to play more aggressively. The question is not whether Ohio State wins. It is whether the Buckeyes continue scoring long enough to cover one of the largest spreads of the season. Ryan Day should be able to empty the bench during the second half, but after last week’s collapse, Ohio State may be less inclined to remove its starters at the earliest opportunity. The Buckeyes respond with a dominant performance, although Kent State does just enough against the reserves to remain inside the enormous number.  Ohio State 59 – Kent State 7 

Steven Smith:  OSU needs to lick their wounds and get back to business. This week will be one baby step. As noted before, National Championship teams rarely come fully baked. This one will take a lot more cohesion on both sides of the ball. A little bit of adversity, though, can galvanize teams. Unfortunately, none will be found this week. OSU 56-10.

Stefan Armintrout:  The Bucks should bounce back from the disaster of last week. Kent State is a bad MAC team, so I don’t see any real threat. Maybe the Buckeyes will have a slight hangover from last week and start slow, but it won’t last long. Ohio state wins big.   (Ohio State, 52-3)

Final Score:  Ohio State 59   Kent State 3 

Cory:  Texas Tech was a lot of people’s pick of teams from the Big 12 to make it into the CFP this season, and so far they’ve not been great. The Red Raiders struggled to beat an overmatched Oregon State team last week, and the offense in general is struggling to find its footing. Will Hammond only has two touchdowns this season, and the Red Raiders are combining to average just 3.8 yards per carry when running the ball. That’s not good enough, especially against the competition they’ve played so far. As for Houston, the Cougar offense is firing on all cylinders. Connor Weigman is piling up stats, but also impressive in the running game which has put up 616 yards and nine touchdowns so far. Texas Tech still has a good defense, but it’s hard to see the offense keeping up in this one.   Houston 24, Texas Tech 20

Dave:  Texas Tech 32  Houston 21 

Gregg:  To be honest, I think both of these teams are over-rated.  Let’s see where they are by the end of the season.  Raiders were the favorite this year, but I am going out on a limb and calling an upset by the Cougars.   Houston 24  Texas Tech 20

Jason:  Houston and Texas Tech meet in one of the Big 12’s best early season matchups, with both teams entering 2-0. The 22^nd ranked Cougars have been impressive offensively, including a 77-point performance against Southern, while #13 Texas Tech is coming off a 35-24 road win at Oregon State.

The key matchup will be Houston’s experienced offense against a Texas Tech defense that remains one of the team’s biggest strengths. Houston QB  Conner Weigman gives the Cougars plenty of experience, but Tech has a strong defensive front and will have the advantage of playing at home. Houston’s offensive line will need to hold up against a Red Raiders defense that has reloaded after losing several players to the NFL.

Houston has enough talent to make this a competitive game, but Texas Tech’s defense and home-field advantage should be enough to give the Red Raiders the edge in a close Big 12 battle.  Prediction: Texas Tech 34, Houston 27

Joe-S-U:  Houston

John:  Texas Tech 

Josh:  This is exactly the type of game that can get overlooked on a Friday night but may eventually carry considerable weight in the Big 12 standings. Houston and Texas Tech enter the matchup undefeated, and both have shown enough offensive potential to believe they can remain in the conference race.Houston has averaged 55 points and 562 yards through its first two games. The Cougars are coming off a 77-6 victory over Southern and possess one of the nation’s most productive rushing attacks. Quarterback Conner Weigman also gives Houston experience in a difficult road environment. The former Texas A&M quarterback has settled into the Cougars’ system and already owns victories over several ranked opponents during his time at Houston. Texas Tech presents a considerably greater challenge than anything Houston has faced this season. The Red Raiders have won nine consecutive games at home and have held every opponent during that streak to 18 points or fewer. Their defense ranks among the nation’s best against the run, creating a direct strength-against-strength matchup with Houston’s rushing offense. Will Hammond does not need to match Houston score for score if Texas Tech’s defense controls the early downs. J’Koby Williams and Cameron Dickey should help the Red Raiders establish their own rushing attack, keep Weigman on the sideline and prevent the Cougars from turning the game into a track meet. Houston has not won in Lubbock since 1990, and Texas Tech won last season’s meeting 35-11. The gap should be considerably smaller this time. The Cougars are talented enough to remain within one possession, but Texas Tech’s defense and home-field advantage provide the difference during the fourth quarter.   Texas Tech 34 – Houston 27 

Steven:  Texas Tech 31-23

Trout:  I’ll give the win to the Red Raiders, but I could see this game being close. I don’t know much about either team, but I do know the Texas Tech will spend money to get players. I can see the game being very close. Most likely both teams going back and forth. But the Red Raiders pull off a last minute victory against their instate rivals.  (Texas Tech, 27-24)

Final Score:  Texas Tech 28   Houston 26 

Cory:  If you want to see some fireworks, make sure to tune into this game. What a great quarterback duel we’ve got in Kevin Jennings from SMU vs Lincoln Kienholz from Louisville. Jennings is a three-year veteran, and he is a dynamic playmaker. Kienholz is in just his third start, but he’s been electric for the Cardinals so far as he’s thrown for 639 yards and four touchdowns, and added 111 yards and two scores on the ground. I actually like Louisville a lot right now, but their defense struggles early in games and can cost them, like it did against Ole Miss. If the Cardinals defense can slow down Jennings enough early on then I think they hold on for a close victory.   Louisville 35, SMU 31

Dave:  Louisville 32  SMU 28

Gregg:  Of the games Buckeye50 is looking at this week, this is clearly the most challenging to predict.  Both of these teams were ranked in the pre-season and they are both living up to those expectations.  I think where it may be decided is in the passing game.  If SMU can control this portion of the Cardinals offense, there is a good chance they will leave Kentucky with the victory.  But I am going with the Cardinals over Mustangs for this Big-12 battle.  There is no reason to think the winner of this game just might make it all the way to the conference championship game and even get a firs round bye in the playoffs.   Louisville 27  SMU 21

Jason:  #16  SMU travels to Louisville for an ACC matchup between two ranked teams. The Mustangs enter 2-0 after wins over Florida State and UC Davis, while #23 Louisville is 1-1 after falling to Ole Miss before routing Villanova.

The biggest storyline will be the matchup between two explosive offenses. SMU QB Kevin Jennings leads a Mustangs offense that has been among the nation’s most productive, while former Buckeye Lincoln Kienholz has shown big-play ability after helping the Cardinals nearly pull off an upset over Ole Miss in week 1. With both teams averaging more than 40 points per game, the game could come down to which defense can generate pressure and force turnovers.

Louisville’s home-field advantage should make this a close game, but SMU’s offensive consistency and Jennings’ ability to extend plays give the Mustangs a slight edge. Expect a high-scoring, back-and-forth game that comes down to the final possession with SMU getting a late field goal to pull off a big road win.   Prediction: SMU 34, Louisville 31

Joe-S-U:  Louisville

John:  SMU 

Josh:  This matchup could prove important in determining who eventually reaches the ACC Championship Game. Miami may be receiving most of the national attention, but SMU and Louisville both have favorable paths through the conference schedule. Neither team faces the Hurricanes during the regular season, making their head-to-head meeting particularly valuable. SMU enters at 2-0 after surviving Florida State 27-24 and defeating UC Davis 56-10. Kevin Jennings remains the center of everything the Mustangs do offensively. His mobility, experience and ability to create outside the original design of a play make SMU difficult to defend, especially on third down. Louisville rebounded from a competitive loss to Ole Miss by defeating Villanova 59-13. Lincoln Kienholz produced touchdowns through the air and on the ground, while Louisville displayed the depth to pull away after a slow opening quarter. The Cardinals should also have running back KeyJuan Brown available, while expected starting left tackle Anwar O’Neil is listed as probable. ⁠ Louisville’s concern is a secondary that allowed too many easy completions early against Villanova. The Cardinals made the necessary adjustments, but Jennings is much better equipped to punish those mistakes. If SMU finds favorable matchups in space, Louisville could spend the afternoon trying to contain the Mustangs rather than dictate the game. The Cardinals have also lost their first two ACC meetings with SMU, including a 38-6 defeat last season. Home field and a healthier lineup give Louisville a legitimate opportunity to reverse that trend, but SMU has the more proven quarterback in a matchup that could be decided by one late possession. Jennings engineers the decisive drive and gives the Mustangs their third consecutive victory over Louisville. That being said, as a former Buckeye, I am rooting for Keinholz. Louisville 31 – SMU 27 

Steven:  Louisville 38-21

Trout:  I think I’m going to give the game to the Cardinals. Kienholz looks completely different from the guy that came in for mop up duty for the Buckeyes. He is playing very well. SMU is a good team as well, so I can this one being a battle until the end. Louisville does just enough to edge out SMU. (Louisville 23-21)

Final Score:  Louisville 41   SMU 31 

Cory:  While there are some good matchups this week, the one everybody is going to be watching is LSU at Ole Miss. Why? Lane Kiffin. The current LSU coach who abandoned Ole Miss beBowl fore their playoff run last year, and did so with as much drama as possible. As for on the field? Well, I think I like LSU more in this matchup as they are a more talented team and I’m still not sure how much confidence I have in Ole Miss coach Pete Golding. Expect some heat, some drama, and if LSU wins a close game he may just need the Navy SEALs to get him out of Oxford in one piece.   LSU 42, Ole Miss 35

Dave:  Ole Miss 28  LSU 24

Gregg:  This may be the only version of Kiffin Bowl, who knows will the SEC kick out LSU?  Will Kiffin crash and burn in Baton Rouge?  Or maybe he runs the table in the conference and everyone regrets letting all those pros re-enter college life.  None the less, this is the rules we have to live by for now.  I will go for a Lane victory, at least for now.   LSU 34  Mississippi 27

Jason:  LSU and Ole Miss meet in one of the biggest games of the SEC season, with both teams entering 2-0 and ranked in the top 10. LSU has opened the Lane Kiffin era with dominant wins over Clemson and Louisiana Tech, while Ole Miss has beaten Louisville and Charlotte. The biggest storyline is Kiffin’s return to Oxford after leaving Ole Miss for LSU and expect the boo birds to be out early and often.

The matchup should be decided by LSU’s ability to handle Ole Miss’ offense and avoid the turnovers that plagued the Tigers against Louisiana Tech. Sam Leavitt has provided LSU with a dual-threat option, while Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss has helped lead an offense that has produced big plays early. With both defenses capable of creating pressure, protecting the football and winning the trenches will be critical.

LSU has enough talent to win on the road, but the Rebels’ home-field advantage and the extra emotion surrounding Kiffin’s return give Ole Miss a slight edge. I expect a competitive, physical game that comes down to the final few possessions, with Ole Miss making enough plays late to remain unbeaten.   Prediction: Ole Miss 31, LSU 27

Joe-S-U:  Ole Miss

John:  LSU 

Josh:  The Magnolia Bowl already brings plenty of hostility, but Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford pushes this matchup into an entirely different category. Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU after the 2025 regular season, and the reunion has only become more contentious during game week. Ole Miss served LSU defensive end Princewill Umanmielen with legal papers related to an alleged breach of his revenue-sharing agreement after he followed Kiffin to Baton Rouge. Umanmielen now returns to Oxford leading the nation with five sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. he more immediate concern for LSU is the status of quarterback Sam Leavitt, who is listed as doubtful with soreness in his throwing shoulder. Leavitt has passed for 574 yards through two games, although his four interceptions show that the Tigers’ offense has not been flawless. If he cannot play, LSU will turn to either freshman Husan Longstreet or sophomore Landen Clark for one of the most emotional road games on the schedule. LSU has looked dominant while defeating Clemson 51-10 and Louisiana Tech 45-14. The defense has been disruptive, the offense has created explosive plays and the Tigers have covered comfortably in both games. This will be their first true road test, however, and the environment will be unlike anything they have experienced this season. Ole Miss counters with Trinidad Chambliss, who passed for 336 yards and three touchdowns while leading the game-winning drive against Louisville. His experience and composure provide the Rebels with an important advantage if Leavitt is limited or unavailable. Kewan Lacy also gives Ole Miss the running threat it needs to prevent LSU from focusing exclusively on Chambliss. Kiffin understands Ole Miss’ roster better than any opposing coach could, but the Rebels also understand Kiffin’s tendencies. Emotion can only carry a team so far, yet in a matchup this close, the Oxford crowd and the uncertainty at LSU quarterback are enough to shift the prediction.   Ole Miss 34 – LSU 31 

Steven:  Ole Miss 28-24 

Trout:  As much as I want to see the Rebels get their revenge on Kiffin, I don’t see that happening. LSU is the better team. The Rebels may hang on for a while, but I see the Tigers pulling away in the second half and winning comfortably.   (LSU, 35-17)

Final Score:  Mississippi 32   LSU 24 

Cory:  There is one SEC team that many people are sleeping on, and it’s Mississippi State. The Bulldogs went to Minnesota last week and thrashed the Golden Gophers 38-13. Quarterback Kamario Taylor has eight total touchdowns already, and he is yet to turn the ball over. On the other side of this matchup is South Carolina, who has only played two cupcakes so far this season and managed to choke in every single big game in which they played last season. Frank Beamer is an overrated coach and I’m not confident in the Gamecocks at all. The only hesitation here is that they are home, but it’s still not enough. I am going with Mississippi State in the upset.   Mississippi State 30, South Carolina 27 

Dave:  South Carolina 24  Mississippi State 18 

Gregg:  South Carolina 31  Mississippi State 24  

Jason:  Mississippi State and South Carolina meet for their SEC and both come in unbeaten. The Bulldogs are 2-0 after impressive wins over ULM and Minnesota, while the Gamecocks have cruised past Coastal Carolina and Towson. Mississippi State brings one of the conference’s most productive offenses, while South Carolina has been dominant defensively, allowing just 4.5 points per game through two weeks albeit against much lesser competition.

The matchup features two talented quarterbacks in Mississippi State’s Kamario Taylor and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers. Taylor has accounted for 581 passing yards and seven touchdowns without a pick, while South Carolina has run the football with a high level of success early. The Gamecocks’ defense, particularly against the run, will face its toughest test yet against a Bulldogs offense averaging more than 620 yards per game.

Mississippi State has enough offensive firepower to make this a four-quarter game, but South Carolina’s defense and home-field advantage will be the difference as the Gamecocks escape with the win.   Prediction: South Carolina 31, Mississippi State 27

Joe-S-U:  South Carolina

John:  The Other USC 

Josh:  This matchup features two of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the SEC. South Carolina entered the season with the more established name in LaNorris Sellers, but Mississippi State’s Kamario Taylor has been one of the conference’s biggest early surprises. Taylor has completed approximately 70 percent of his passes for 600 yards and seven touchdowns through two games while adding 145 yards on the ground. He was particularly impressive during Mississippi State’s 38-13 road victory over Minnesota, completing 16 of 22 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for another 86 yards. The Bulldogs scored touchdowns on their first four possessions and controlled the game from the opening quarter. South Carolina will provide a more athletic defensive challenge and a much more hostile environment. Williams-Brice Stadium can create communication problems for an experienced offense, much less one led by a quarterback making his first SEC road start. Mississippi State must avoid false starts and negative plays that place Taylor in obvious passing situations. Sellers struggled as a passer during South Carolina’s opener but responded with nearly 270 yards and three touchdowns in Week 2. His size and mobility give Mississippi State a different problem than it encountered against Minnesota. The Bulldogs must keep him contained without allowing South Carolina to create favorable one-on-one opportunities downfield. The Gamecocks have home field, the more established quarterback and the deeper collection of SEC-tested talent. Mississippi State, however, has shown more offensive rhythm through two weeks. Taylor’s ability to extend plays should keep the Bulldogs competitive even when protection breaks down. This feels like a game in which the final possession determines the winner. South Carolina may be the safer selection at home, but Mississippi State’s offensive performance at Minnesota was too convincing to ignore. Taylor delivers another breakout performance, and the Bulldogs leave Columbia with an upset.   Mississippi State 31 – South Carolina 28 

Steven:  MSU 24-17 

Trout:  I’ll give the edge to the Gamecocks. I don’t think either team is going to be any good this year, but having to pick between the two, South Carolina is consistently the better team. The game will be sloppy and low scoring. South Carolina wins by a close margin.   (South Carolina, 17-12)

Final Score:  Mississippi State 41   South Carolina 34