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Week two of the college football season still has it's fair share of cupcakes, but there are some very intriguing story-lines to watch for this week. South Carolina looks to show they are legit when they take on conference for Vanderbilt...

Picking College Football's Biggest Games: Week Two

by Kristofer Green (Senior Writer)

17

717 reads

Preview/Prediction

September 03, 2008


Week two of the college football season still has it's fair share of cupcakes, but there are some very intriguing story-lines to watch for this week. 

South Carolina looks to show they are legit when they take on conference for Vanderbilt.  Will Ohio State running back see the field against cross-state foe Ohio?  Can Michigan rebound from another ugly home opener loss?  Does Cincinnati stand a chance against powerful Oklahoma?

There is also one very prominent team making their season debut this week.  The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will introduce their 2008 squad to the nation as they take on the San Diego State Aztecs.

All in all, were in for another outstanding week of college football and as I gaze into my crystal ball, this is how I see week two unfolding.

 

September 4

No. 24 South Carolina at Vanderbilt     Line:  South Carolina -10

Steve Spurrier will start Chris Smelley at quarterback after Tommy Beecher threw four interceptions in last week’s game. The Gamecocks were dominant in their opener and look to get off to a faster start this week.

The Commodores opened the season with a romp over Miami (OH), but Bobby Johnson has not had that much success against conference foes during his tenure. Vandy is just 4-21 in 25 SEC openers.

Prediction: South Carolina, 38-24

 

September 6

Ohio at No.3 Ohio State    Line:  Ohio State -34.5

Ohio State’s star tailback Chris “Beanie” Wells will probably not see any carries again in-state for Ohio, but that won’t slow the Buckeyes down. Freshman phenom Terrelle Pryor will see more action this week as I look for Tressel to go to a more traditional offensive rotation.

In last week’s opener, the Buckeyes never found a rhythm offensively because of the very liberal rotation used by the coaching staff.

Ohio lost to Wyoming in their opener. Wyoming. It’s going to be a long day for the Bobcats and head coach Frank Solich.

Prediction: Ohio State, 52-6

 

Georgia Tech at Boston College    Line:  Boston College -7

One thing is for sure; Georgia Tech can run the ball. The backs in last weeks opener carried the ball 46 times for 349-yards for a 7.6 average per carry. The passing game wasn’t as spectacular and the Boston College defense is much, much better than the defense of Jacksonville State.

Boston College did shut out Kent State last week which is something, but I was somewhat disappointed with the offensive production. This will certainly be a bigger test for the Eagles.

Prediction: Boston College, 28-24

 

Miami (OH) at Michigan   

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17 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment

  1. Mitch at sportschatplace.com 10 months ago

    Umm...Kris, the line on some of the games is over 20 points...if they don't cover the spread or if you're not picking them to cover does it count as a loss on your record? I usually like your stuff but without the spread in College Football it's pretty pointless....

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      MM-

      I'm adding the spread now. Jus wanted to get this up... I was running late on it. Look for an update in about a half hour. :)

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    • Mitch at sportschatplace.com 10 months ago

      Sorry for being a jerk about it, in the pros it is different as anything over 10 points is rare, in college i've seen close to 60 before.

      Good luck :) some monster lines out there....

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  2. Shawn Withrow 10 months ago

    Kristopher, good job - looks like it took a lot of work. One question though: Why did you go all the way back to the 2005 game in talking about ECU vs. WVU? They played last year and WVU won 48-7.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      Honestly I had forgotton they played last year. I used the 2005 reference because I remember that game and it illustrated that it's possible to play WVU close. I see your point though. I don't think WVU will lose, but I do think it will be closer than last season's score.

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    • Shawn Withrow 10 months ago

      Yes I agree, it will be a battle this year.

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  3. BabyTate 10 months ago

    I like to see people pick the games. I enjoy the reasoning behind it. Since I don't gamble, I don't care about point spreads, I just like to see the games play out. Like that upset special aspect and wonder if BYU is ready for the fall. Keep up the good work.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      My upset special this week would be an even bigger shocker than last week. But BYU didn't impress me in their first game. They allowed way to many rushing yards from the quarterback and Jake Locker is much better Pat Grace.

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  4. Nick The Only 10 months ago

    I think Florida covers, WVU covers, and Oklahoma covers.

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  5. Michael Bergman 10 months ago

    Why would you put this photo as the cover? Disgusting.

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    • Kristofer Green 10 months ago

      Ha. No favortism. I used the picture because OU vs. UC is my game of the week. Believe me, even though I picked OU, I will be rooting hard for UC. That's one I wouldn't mind being wrong on.

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    • Michael Bergman 10 months ago

      Alright Nick or Kris or Tofer or whatever your name is. We're still cool.

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  6. Michael Bergman 10 months ago

    and not pick the Texas game? Seriously? Our game is on ESPN2. Is anyone ever gonna be at the stadium during the Northwestern/Duke game?

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  7. Erik Schultz 10 months ago

    Any thoughts on Southern Miss at Auburn? I think USM has a great shot there. Auburn often struggles in home games in September (i.e. K-State and USF games last year).

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