Welcome to Week 2, where you’ll sit in front of a TV all day because there are tons of great games today. Whether it’s the highly anticipated Alabama-Texas game, the future Big 12 matchup between Baylor and BYU, or the SEC clash in Gainesville with Kentucky and Florida. I’ll provide my thoughts on each exciting game today as well as my predictions:
#23 Wake Forest (1-0) (-13.5) at Vanderbilt (2-0)
Some people like Vanderbilt to upset Wake Forest, but that is very unlikely to happen with Sam Hartman returning at quarterback. The Demon Deacons’ offense gets even better with him back, and despite the all-time record favoring the Commodores, I’m taking Wake Forest in a non-competitive game.
Tune into Wake Forest at Vanderbilt at 12 PM ET on SEC Network.
#10 USC (1-0) (-9) at Stanford (1-0)
USC has had trouble against their oldest rival when visiting Stanford, winning only one of the last five games there. However, the Trojans are much improved, with Caleb Williams and Jordan Addison in a talented offense. I do not doubt that I’ll take USC to win this game, but I’m never going to count Stanford out when I’ve seen them upset the Trojans before.
Tune into USC at Stanford at 7:30 PM ET on ABC.
#25 Houston (1-0) at Texas Tech (1-0) (-4)
Texas Tech is the favorite, which is the right call. They have won the past five games against the Cougars, including a game in Houston last season. Houston may be a top 25 team, but they nearly lost to UTSA in San Antonio. They had to make a fourth-quarter comeback to force overtime. Texas Tech is at home this year, which favors them. I’ll take the Red Raiders by five.
Tune into Houston at Texas Tech at 4 PM ET on FS1.
Iowa State (1-0) at Iowa (1-0) (-3.5)
Iowa’s offense is awful. Iowa State’s offense will be the better one on the field today. However, the Hawkeyes’ defense will be the game changer as they have one of the top Big Ten defenses. Iowa has won the last five games in the Cy-Hawk Series, and I think it will be six straight with the game in Ames. Iowa by a safety.
Tune into Iowa State at Iowa at 4 PM ET on Big Ten Network.
South Carolina (1-0) at #16 Arkansas (1-0) (-9)
Arkansas has lost the last three games against the Gamecocks, but things have changed since the last time they played each other (2017). KJ Jefferson is one of the SEC’s best quarterbacks, making the Razorbacks one of the better offenses in college football. Arkansas leads the series all-time 16-10, with an even better record in Fayetteville. Spencer Rattler could prove he still has what it takes to lead a team as he plays his second game in a South Carolina uniform. I’ll take Arkansas by a touchdown.
Tune into South Carolina at Arkansas at 12 PM ET on ESPN.
#24 Tennessee (1-0) (-6) at #17 Pittsburgh (1-0)
Pitt won a thriller as the Backyard Brawl returned, with Kedon Slovis passing for over 300 yards and a touchdown. Hendon Hooker and the Tennessee offense went to work on an inferior opponent. I’m excited about this matchup because I want to see what Tennessee can do. However, despite them being the favorites, I have to go with Pitt. They’re more battle-tested, and they have never lost to Tennessee with a perfect 3-0 record (including a game last year in Knoxville). Expect a very close game. I’ll take Pitt by a field goal.
Tune into Tennessee at Pittsburgh at 3:30 PM ET on ABC.
#9 Baylor (1-0) at #21 BYU (1-0) (-2.5)
The Cougars host Baylor in a future Big 12 matchup, which will be late tonight. Baylor is 2-1 all-time against BYU, but this game takes place in Provo. I like BYU’s quarterback, Jaren Hall. He and running back Christopher Brooks are two offensive players to watch tonight. Baylor is a better overall team, but I see the Cougars winning at home.
Tune into Baylor at BYU at 10:15 PM ET on ESPN.
#20 Kentucky (1-0) at #12 Florida (1-0) (-6)
Florida’s home-field advantage is such an impact, the Gators took down #7 Utah to open the season. Anthony Richardson is my leader for the Heisman Trophy after Week 1, as he led the team in passing and made his biggest impact when he ran with the ball. Florida is 29-5 against the Wildcats in Gainesville. While Kentucky has a better passing offense, I don’t think they have what it takes to take down Florida in The Swamp.
Tune into Kentucky at Florida at 7 PM ET on ESPN.
#1 Alabama (1-0) (-21) at Texas (1-0)
The most anticipated game this week could honestly be a blowout. Alabama is loaded, with Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson Jr. The Longhorns lead the all-time series 7-1-1, but I will not say Texas is back until they prove that they are. I want to say it will be a close game, but Alabama has been better than everyone for years now.
Tune into Alabama at Texas at 12 PM ET on FOX.
Calhoun's Corner 