Happy Saturday, everyone! It’s Week 3 and there are a lot of storylines to follow. First of all, the Scott Frost era at Nebraska has come to an ugly end. They couldn’t wait until October 1st to fire him; it was that bad. Then, you have two undefeated teams battling this afternoon at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Penn State-Auburn could be the game of the week. Lastly, how can Texas A&M bounce back after suffering a home loss to Appalachian State last week? Let’s find out as we begin Saturday Selections:
#1 Georgia (2-0) (-25) at South Carolina (1-1)
Stetson Bennett has looked like one of the best quarterbacks in college football through Week 2, and he faces a former preseason Heisman Trophy favorite in Spencer Rattler. Rattler is now at South Carolina, not Oklahoma like the previous years. I don’t even have to look at the series history between these two schools: I know South Carolina has no chance. However, people said that last time South Carolina won in Athens. It’ll be a good show, where Shane Beamer’s squad should cover +25. I’ll take Georgia outright, however.
Tune into Georgia at South Carolina at 12 PM ET on ESPN.
Purdue (1-1) at Syracuse (2-0) (-1.5)
Aidan O’Connell is considered one of the Big Ten’s top quarterbacks, while Sean Tucker is one of the best running backs in the ACC and all of college football. I have been very impressed with the Orange so far, but I’m not liking them today against a Big Ten team like Purdue. Syracuse has a losing record against Big Ten teams, and I think Purdue’s overall a better team. Quarterback Garrett Shrader has been impressive so far, looking like one of the better quarterbacks in the ACC. I’ll take Purdue in a road upset.
Tune into Purdue at Syracuse at 12 PM ET on ESPN2.
Mississippi State (2-0) (-3) at LSU (2-0)
My brain wants me to take Mississippi State, led by Will Rogers. However, I have to take LSU, with Death Valley and a promising record against the Bulldogs all-time.
Tune into Mississippi State at LSU at 6 PM ET on ESPN.
#11 Michigan State (2-0) at Washington (2-0) (-3.5)
I’ll go with Michigan State. I’m not liking Payton Thorne’s start, but I think he gets it going tonight against an unproven team like Washington. Even though this game is in Seattle, it’ll be all about the Spartans tonight.
Tune into Michigan State at Washington at 7:30 PM ET on ABC.
#6 Oklahoma (2-0) (-11) at Nebraska (1-2)
Nebraska will begin the post-Scott Frost era today as interim head coach Mickey Joseph takes over. It will be a challenging game for the Cornhuskers, as they face rival Oklahoma. Oklahoma has started strong and could become the Big 12’s best team this year. The Sooners are too much for Nebraska to handle.
Tune into Oklahoma at Nebraska at 12 PM ET on FOX.
#12 BYU (2-0) at #25 Oregon (1-1) (-3.5)
BYU has fared well recently against Pac-12 teams, and they are 3-3 against the Ducks all time. Oregon doesn’t deserve to be ranked, as I’m still concerned about their offense. Oregon has lost four straight games against ranked teams. The defense should help, along with Autzen Stadium. Bo Nix is 6-12 against ranked teams, which isn’t promising enough for me to take the home favorites. Upset in Eugene, I’ll take BYU.
Tune into BYU at Oregon at 3:30 PM ET on FOX.
#22 Penn State (2-0) (-2.5) at Auburn (2-0)
I’ll go with the upset and take Auburn in a gutsy game. This will be no shootout, but I think the Tigers’ defense will prevail and shut down Sean Clifford’s offense. They are one game above .500 against Big Ten teams, and the home-field advantage I think could make a big difference, despite it being a supposed down year for Auburn.
Tune into Penn State at Auburn at 3:30 PM ET on CBS.
#13 Miami (FL) (2-0) at #24 Texas A&M (2-0) (-6)
The Aggies are going to be hungry, but I love the Hurricanes tonight. The last time Miami came to Kyle Field, they blew out the Aggies. Many will take A&M looking to bounce back, but I can’t trust that offense.
Tune into Miami (FL) at Texas A&M at 9 PM ET on ESPN.
Calhoun's Corner 