Week 2 gave us several surprisingly competitive games and a few upsets. Arizona State rallying to score a major upset over Michigan State with a field goal at the buzzer. The Big Ten’s September has produced mixed results allowing the SEC to have bragging rights as the best conference (in September).
Week 3 features three ranked versus ranked matchups and will be a test for the several favorites hitting the road. The Big-12 has two high profile games in Week 3 against Ohio State and Boise State.
Marquee Matchups
#7 Auburn vs. #12 LSU: In essence this marquee matchup of the week will be an elimination game in the SEC West. LSU smacked Miami Week 1 and Auburn barley scrapped by a highly-touted Washington. The quarterback position favors Auburn but Ohio State transfer Joe Burrow has been serviceable.
The offense that can rush the ball effectively and not commit stupid turnovers will no doubt be the victor. Head coach Gus Malzahn is creative enough in the offensive game plan to pull away in the fourth quarter.
The Pick: Auburn 27 LSU 16
#4 Ohio State vs #15 TCU: The Buckeyes QB Dwayne Haskins has filled in nicely for J.T. Barrett but this week will be the true test. Head coach Gary Patterson tends to find a way to make up for a talent gap that will exist on Saturday.
TCU signal-caller Shawn Robinson is asked to go above and beyond. Against Nick Bosa and company, he will have to do exactly that and possibly more. If the Horned Frogs can keep in close in the first half look for the game to go down to the closing minutes.
The Pick: Ohio State 34 TCU 30
Under The Radar
#17 Boise State vs. #24 Oklahoma State: The Broncos QB Brett Rypien is one of the most experienced at the position in the nation. The pressure is on Cowboys QB Taylor Cornelius to shine brightly in replacement of graduated Mason Rudolph. This high-scoring affair comes down scoring touchdowns in the red zone and which defense can create a key turnover. The winner of this game will be the team with the ball last.
The Pick: Boise State 38 Oklahoma State 34
Saturday Upset Special
USC bounces back from a poor performance versus Stanford last week with a minor road upset at Texas.
(Honorable Mention: The Duke Blue Devils play road warriors defeating the 6-point favorite Baylor Bears to add back to back away victories.)
Hardcore Barnburner
#10 Washington vs. Utah: The Huskies travel to a scrappy Utah club that loves to play a ball control style. The recent names for the Utes have moved on so the question is can they recreate the last few years of quality play in the Pac-12.
(Honorable Mention: Houston vs. Texas Tech will be an explosive all-Texas game so stay tuned)
Against The Spread
The 5th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers will clearly best BYU just not by the 22-points according to Las Vegas.
Quick Hits
-Oklahoma’s offense hasn’t missed a beat with new quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray accounted for 5 TD’s in last week’s romp over UCLA. The Sooners have now scored 30+ points in 25 out of last 26 games.
-One of the front runners for the Heisman Trophy Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor had a career day with 33 carries for a whopping 253 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.
-Minnesota Gophers kicker Emmitt Carpenter hit two field goals from 50+ in a 21-14 win over Fresno State.
-The University of Kentucky Wildcats ended a 31-game losing streak to the Florida Gators with a 27-16 victory in the swamp.
-The Kansas Jayhawks snapped a 46-game road losing streak with a 31-7 victory of Central Michigan.
-The University of Ohio State Buckeyes earned its 900th win in school history in a 52-3 blowout over Rutgers.
Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show Podcast available at blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio or TheGruelingTruth.Net
Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio
