College Football Picks Week 2: Predictions for Nation's Top 3 Teams

Alabama's marquee victory over Michigan pushed the defending national champions to the top of both major polls, but USC and LSU are still lurking close behind. Those three teams have started to separate from the pack in the early going.

Each of the college football powerhouses face an opponent they should handle with relative ease in Week 2. That means it will come down to so-called style points by trying to post the most eye-popping point total of the weekend.

Here's a look at the games the top three teams face with a prediction for each.

Alabama

The fact Alabama was able to destroy Michigan, a team that was ranked inside the preseason top 10, should silence any doubters. The Crimson Tide are once again a national championship contender even after losing several key players.

After surviving their first test of the season, the Tide should have it easier against Western Kentucky. The talent gap between the two teams is just too large for the game to remain close for any longer than a couple of drives.

Nick Saban should get another look at running back T.J. Yeldon, who dazzled in his debut. The freshman should have no trouble finding running lanes en route to another monster game and, more importantly, a big Tide win.

Prediction: Alabama 45, Western Kentucky 7

USC

Matt Barkley picked up right where he left off last season by throwing for 372 yards and four touchdowns against Hawaii. It was a perfect example of the uphill battle opposing secondaries are going to face all fall.

While the Trojans' passing game gets most of the publicity, don't overlook the addition of running back Silas Redd from Penn State. The balance he brings to the table will be crucial for USC once the level of competition rises.

That won't happen this week, though. The Trojans have too much firepower for the Syracuse defense to contain. It's a unit that allowed 42 points in a loss to Northwestern in the opener and won't have much success in Week 2, either.

Prediction: USC 49, Syracuse 14

LSU

LSU's victory over North Texas was perfect for head coach Les Miles. His team controlled the game from start to finish, but there were some lapses he'll be able to harp on in practice to make sure his team learns something for the future.

The most notable one being an 80-yard touchdown the team allowed in the final two minutes of the first half. Those types of break downs will kill their national title hopes if they happen against a tougher opponent, so it's better for them to happen now.

Washington will be the best measuring stick the Tigers have before starting SEC play. Like its top three counterparts, LSU should win easily, but the defense must eliminate the mistakes that were made in Week 1 for the game to become a true success.

Prediction: LSU 38, Washington 17