Predictions: Week 2 of college football
Florida State at Oklahoma (2:30 p.m., ABC): This should be a fantastic matchup between two solid teams. Oklahoma was given a scare last week by Utah State, but some of that could have been first-game nerves not to mention this matchup looming. FSU beat up on Samford, 59-6, and got some good time for the reserves. Quarterback play will be key. Christian Ponder must keep the Seminoles' offense moving and Landry Jones must play better than he did against Utah State (17-for-36, 217 passing yards, two INT, two TD). Look for a close game, but I'll take the Sooners at home. Prediction: Oklahoma 23, Florida State 20
Wyoming at Texas (6 p.m.): To be honest, I think the fact that Texas didn't blow out Rice works to the Longhorn coaching staff's advantage this week. They can use that to be sure Texas doesn't look past Wyoming toward its matchup in Lubbock with the Red Raiders on Sept. 18. Texas has too many weapons and in Austin, this shouldn't be a problem. I look for the Longhorns to bounce back and win big. Prediction: Texas 45, Wyoming 10
Louisiana Tech at Texas A&M (6 p.m.): The Aggies got their season off in fine fashion last week and they've had a week to cleanup a few things. A&M is able to ease into this 2010 season with SFA, Louisiana Tech and Florida International on the the slate before a week off and then a clash with Oklahoma State in Stillwater. Tech quarterback Ross Jenkins is pretty accurate, so the 3-4 Aggie defense will need to dial up some pressure. Jerrod Johnson had 322 yards through the air last week as Christine Michael rushed for 105 yards and Ryan Swope caught 13 passes for 106 yards. What will those three do for an encore? This also gives A&M's defense a chance to work against a true spread offense. Prediction: Texas A&M 42, Louisiana Tech 13
Texas Tech at New Mexico (7 p.m.): The Red Raiders got all they wanted from SMU last Sunday, but found a way to win the game in coach Tommy Tuberville's debut. New Mexico was blistered 72-0 by Oregon last week in a game that was 59-0 at the half. This should be a big day for Taylor Potts (359 yards passing on Sunday) and the rest of the Red Raider offense. Prediction: Texas Tech 59, New Mexico 3
Troy at Oklahoma State (6 p.m.): A warning to the Cowboys: Don't overlook Troy. They beat Bowling Green, 30-27, last week and are capable of putting up points. Oklahoma State beat up on Washington State, 65-17, as senior RB Kendall Hunter racked up 257 yards on 21 carries and four touchdowns in an extremely impressive performance. The going could get a little tougher for him this week as Troy allowed just 108 yards rushing last week. Still, this shouldn't be any big problem for OSU. Prediction: Oklahoma State 42, Troy 17
Buffalo at Baylor (6 p.m.): The Bears got to see Robert Griffin III do his thing last week against Sam Houston State and much of the same should be expected this weekend. Baylor wants to continue to fine-tune things in preparation for the Sept. 18 battle with TCU in Fort Worth. Griffin had 242 yards through the air and 59 more on the ground last week. Buffalo beat Rhode Island, 31-0, last week. Prediction: Baylor 34, Buffalo 13
UAB at SMU (7 p.m.): UAB had a potential game-winning field goal blocked (28 yards) on the final play and fell, 32-31 to Florida Atlantic. That game was on a Thursday, giving the Blazers additional rest leading into this weekend's matchup with SMU. While the Mustangs didn't get the big road victory they were seeking, they have to take some confidence out of making a comeback in Tommy Tuberville's first game as Texas Tech coach. It's a short week for the Mustangs and the rain in the Dallas area hasn't made practice fun. My bet is Kyle Padron will settle down and SMU will get a nice win on Saturday. Prediction: SMU 35, UAB 21
Tennessee Tech at TCU (6 p.m.): Gary Patterson's job will be to make sure his team doesn't have a letdown after a big win over Oregon State and Baylor on the schedule for next week. Tennessee Tech lost 44-3 at the hands of Arkansas last week. This should be a chance for TCU to play the regulars for a couple of quarters and let the reserves get some time. Prediction: TCU 56, Tennessee Tech 10
Other national games of interest:
Georgia at South Carolina (11 a.m., ESPN2, ESPN3.com): This is a great opportunity for Steve Spurrier to make a nice, early-season statement. Georgia is without star WR A.J. Green, who is suspended. Prediction: South Carolina 24, Georgia 20
Michigan at Notre Dame (2:30 p.m., NBC): Neither program is in the top 25, but both are trying to prove they are headed in the right direction. This should be a good one. Prediction: Michigan 28, Notre Dame 24
Miami at Ohio State (2:40 p.m., ESPN, ESPN3.com): Another great matchup on a fun Saturday of college football. Miami will give Ohio State all they want, but I'll stick with the home team here. Prediction: Ohio State 24, Miami 20
Penn State at Alabama (6 p.m., ESPN): Forgive me, Penn State fans, but I think this game is close early, but Alabama pulls away late. Even without Ingram, the Tide have too much firepower on both sides of the ball. Prediction: Alabama 27, Penn State 17
Your turn. Give us your predictions in the comment section.
103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS
Play Podcast Kirk Herbstreit joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss Bob Stoops' recent comments about the SEC and the pending college football playoff, what appears to be an unpredictable Big 12 in 2013, how the Aggies will handle expectations and more.
Play Podcast Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin talks about the improvements being made to Kyle Field, what those improvements will to for the program, the success of last year, Johnny Manziel's offseason and the expectations for the Aggies in 2013.
Play Podcast Scott Van Pelt and Ryen Russillo talk about Texas A&M's decision to expand its stadium and say although the Aggies had a fantastic year, the school must also be careful not to overextend its resources based on a single hot stretch.
Play Podcast Baylor head coach Art Briles joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what kind of player the Cowboys are getting in Terrance Williams.
Play Podcast Arlington and Texas A&M product Luke Joeckel, the potential No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, joins Ian Fitzsimmons and Richard Durrett to discuss the draft, coaches and advice from his dad.
Play Podcast Florida Gulf Coast athletic director Ken Kavanagh joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss his school's Cinderella story and playing in the Sweet 16 at Cowboys Stadium.
Play Podcast Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby joins Fizsimmons & Durrett to discuss Cowboys Stadium as a venue, the state of Big 12 basketball, the new 2014 college football format, why there's no hurry to have a Big 12 football championship and much more.
Play Podcast Jay Bilas joins Fitzsimmons and Durrett to discuss the remaining 16 teams in the NCAA tournament, the intrigue surrounding the Northwest Region and the excitement over FGCU, even though a similar story happens every year.




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