Heisman front runner Lamar Jackson is ready to make a statement against Clemson.
By John Sarianides
#1 Alabama (-29) vs. Colorado State: Former Georgia coach Mike Bobo knows Alabama well but it isn’t going to matter. The Tide is rolling and they should cover as a home favorite.
#3 Oklahoma (-34.5) vs. Tulane: Baker Mayfield and company look hungry and ready to prove that they are a legit national title contender. They will roll over a Tulane team that is improved but lacks the talent defensively to stop the Sooners.
#2 Clemson (-3) at No. 14 Louisville: My upset special. Lamar Jackson has been virtually unstoppable through two weeks. Clemson has the athletes to slow him and the Cardinals down. It is Kelly Bryant and the Clemson offense that cannot keep up.
#4 USC (-15.5) vs. Texas: I am taking Texas in this one as a road dog. I think SC will win the game but it will be close. Texas has too much talent on both sides of the ball to get blown out. I am looking forward to the Shane Buchele, Sam Darnold quarterback match up.
#5 Penn State (-38.5) vs. Georgia State: The Lions will once again roll over over another opponent that has no business being on the field with them. I cannot wait until they get into league play and go on the road. Then we’ll know how good they are.
#6 Washington (-33) vs. Fresno State: Fresno hung in there with Alabama last week. For a quarter. Maybe they go toe to toe with Washington for a half but in the end, the Huskies are too good for them. Oh and by the way. I am taking Fresno as a road dog. Washington will win by 28.
#7 Michigan (-24) vs. Air Force: Michigan will once again struggle early on but Wilton Speight and company will turn it on in the second half and pull away. Michigan should cover against an Air Force team that is undermanned physically.
#9 Ohio State (-30) vs. Army: Jeff Monken’s team is 2-0 but unfortunately their mini winning streak ends at the horseshoe against a pissed off Ohio State team. I’ll take the -30 and go with the Buckeyes.
#8 Oklahoma State (-13.5) at Pittsburgh: Coach Mullet and the Cowboys are walking into a potential trap game here. I don’t have the stones to pick Pitt to pull off the upset but I think they will keep it close. I am putting my money on the Panthers as a home dog.
#12 Wisconsin (-17) at BYU: Another dicey game for a top twenty team. The Cougars are usually tough at home and I don’t expect this game to be any different. I think Alex Hornibrook and the Badgers will win this game but they won’t cover. I like the Cougars as a home dog.
#10 Florida State:
#11 LSU (-7) at Mississippi State: The Tigers will have their hands full with Nick Fitzgerald and the Dawgs but LSU is the better team and they should win by more than a touchdown.
#13 Georgia vs. Samford: No Notre Dame let down here. Georgia rolls!
#14 Auburn vs. Mercer: Lord have mercy on Mercer. Auburn will roll them.
#15 Miami (Fla)
#16 Virginia Tech (-21.5) at East Carolina: The Hokies are lurking around the top fifteen. Don’t take Justin Fuentes team lightly. They are a contender. Take them as a road favorite however as they should cover rather easily against East Carolina.
#18 Kansas State (-4) at Vanderbilt: I like K-State as a road favorite in this one. -4 is a small number for a top 20 team to be favored on the road. Vegas is taking into account that Vandy plays in the SEC. Means nothing.
#19 Stanford (-9.5) at San Diego State: The Cardinal were simply outclassed by USC last week and this week they travel to San Diego State to battle a dangerous Aztecs team. Stanford is the better team and they should win but I am putting my money on the Aztecs. They will give the Cardinal fits.
#20 TCU (-19) vs. Southern Methodist: TCU had an impressive win over Arkansas last week and are lurking in the Big 12. Gary Patterson’s team is tough to play against because of the speed of their team. They should have no problem matching up against the Mustangs in this one.
#21 South Florida (-17) vs. Illinois: The Bulls have an opportunity to prove they are legit with a win over a Big Ten opponent. -17 is too big a number however. That is why I like the Illini in this one. Not only am I picking them as a road dog to cover. I think they’ll win the game.
#22 Washington State (-21) vs. Oregon State: Mike Leach is wondering when his Cougars are going to get some respect. After beating a good Boise State team last week, people still have their reservations. They should take care of business this week against a bad Oregon State team.
#23 Tennessee (+5) at No. 25 Florida: I can’t remember the last time the Vols were favored in the swamp. Doesn’t matter. Florida has had two weeks to prepare for this game and they are getting all of their suspended players back. I am putting my money on the Gators.