Picks, Previews and Pronostications: Week 2

With week two already underway thanks to Georgia Tech's victory over Clemson last night, it is time to turn the attention to Saturday.

After one week, I am 18-6 on games that I picked to pick, but only 4-3 in games picked by the CW staff, which is actually good enough for tied for second right now.

As for the ESPN college football Pick'em group, I am currently third in the group of ten that actually filled out their sheets this week. Don't forget, it is never too late to join the group, and for those of you in the group, be sure to make out your picks.

This week, there are only 16 games worth picking as conference play begins and only two games capture a national interest.

BYU @ Tulane

I watched Tulane on television last Friday night, and Tulsa was mopping the floor of the Superdome in front of the 100 or so fans that decided their life didn't suck enough. BYU, of course, is coming off the victory over Oklahoma. The Cougars have not had a win this big in quite some time, there will be a bit of a let down, but the Green Wave are just awful, so any letdown short of eight turnovers is enough for a BYU victory. BYU 31, Tulane 6

TCU @ Virginia

The Horned Frogs travel up to Charlottesville where Al Groh still has a job after losing to William and Mary last week. Groh has long been on the hot seat since he started leading the Cavaliers, and TCU has long had a stout defense. They were the only one of two teams last season to hold Oklahoma under 45 points in a single game. The Frogs are beginning their season this week and visit Clemson in two weeks. After this week, though, TCU will be 1-0 against the ACC this season. TCU 27, Virginia 7

*Stanford @Wake Forest

You have to credit Wake Forest for starting off their season against two BCS OOC teams, but at some point you would have thought the Demon Deacons would fear going 0-2 in these games. Both Baylor and Stanford have improved since this schedule was made about five to seven years ago, and Wake has already been up and back down in that time as well. Of course, Baylor had Robert Griffin in their corner last week, while Stanford only has Tavita Pritchard flinging the ball around for them. Nonetheless, the Cardinal took care of business in Pullman last week, and nothing would kick off Jim Harbaugh's third season and a drive for a bowl better than heading back to Stanford for the home opener already 2-0. Look for the boys in red to do so after this weekend. Stanford 28, Wake Forest 17

North Carolina @ Connecticut

In a battle between two up and coming programs, the Tar Heels would seem to have the edge in this game in Storrs. UNC has a legitimate chance to win their division in the ACC while UConn is in the midst of a wide open Big East race. In name, this may look like a close game, and the Huskies being at home may keep it that way for three quarters, but North Carolina should have no problem here moving to 2-0. North Carolina 35, Connecticut 21

Syracuse @ Penn State

Two high profile quarterbacks take the field in Happy Valley on Saturday, one being a Heisman candidate, the other being a former point guard. The main storyline in this game is Daryl Clark vs. Greg Paulus, but other than that, this game has no real national appeal. The Paulus watch will be going on all season, and they did well against their first Big Ten opponent, but the Nittany Lions are not Minnesota. Penn State 42, Syracuse 10

Air Force @ Minnesota

Speaking of the Golden Gophers, they open their new outdoor stadium with a game against the Air Force's multi-faceted running game. The Falcons had an easy time against Nicholls State, but Minnesota is still a BCS team despite their lowly stature in the Big Ten. This game should be more difficult for Air Force, but Minnesota will open their new stadium with a loss. Air Force 30, Minnesota 20

Purdue @ Oregon

The Blount-less Ducks take the field for the first time since the post-game flare up in Boise. Purdue looked a lot more impressive than people expected against Toledo, running away with a game that many experts thought would be close till the end. Now, a senior laden Boilermakers squad travels to Eugene and are looking to kick a duck while he's down. This game looks full speed ahead for Purdue. Purdue 24, Oregon 10

Fresno State @ Wisconsin

Since Bret Bielema arrived in Madison, the Badgers have gotten progressively worse. After a 12-1 first season, Wisconsin is just 16-10 in the past two seasons. Fresno State is a perennial mid-major team that is ready to beat anyone. The Bulldogs should be able to overcome the wild crowd at Camp Randall Stadium and come out of there with a victory against a Wisconsin team that struggled against Northern Illinois last week. Fresno State 20, Wisconsin 13

Troy @ Florida

Two years ago when Troy went down to Gainesville, the game was never really in doubt, but the Trojans kept it closer than expected by keeping the game within thirty. This season, Florida is a lot stronger, and this looks to be one of the weaker teams under Larry Blakeney. The Gators will finally get a decent game next week against Tennessee, but until then, it should be more of the same Tim Tebow for 30 minutes, followed by John Brantley for the next thirty. Florida 56, Troy 13

*Mississippi State @ Auburn

The game that started the demise for Tommy Tuberville will look to get a few more runs on the board this year after a 3-2 game last season. Auburn scored all five runs, err, points last year with a field goal and allowing a safety. Both teams are looking to run a more excitable offense this season, so another five point showing should not be in the future. Guz Malzhan wants Auburn to get to the 90 play plateau this season, while Dan Mullen's spread is still taking shape in Starkville. Eyes will be on two freshman as Chad Bumphis of State and Onterio McCalebb for the Tigers look to steal the show for both teams. The game should be close, but Auburn's experience will overtake MSU by the end of the game. Auburn 14, Mississippi State 10

*South Carolina @ Georgia

Two horrific offenses from week one will square off in Athens in what is traditionally a defensive battle. Both Mark Richt and Steve Spurrier need this win, but the Bulldogs can't afford to start the season 0-2 and facing a trip to a much improved Arkansas team next week. Neither offense showed much promise in game one, and South Carolina's defense is still quite nasty. Stephen Garcia is better than Joe Cox with a shoulder injury, and AJ Green can't defeat that gap alone. South Carolina 13, Georgia 9

Vanderbilt @ LSU

The talk all week has been about LSU's horrific defensive showing against Washington last weekend in Seattle. John Chavis is trying to revamp a defense that had to answer to two heads last season and giving up 450+ yards to a team that hasn't won a game in 2o months is not a good start. Sure, Vandy is still Vandy in a sense, but if the 'Dores are allowed to hang around after one quarter, the game will get very interesting, very quickly. Despite LSU's defensive issues, the Tigers still have the best 1-2 punch at receiver with Toliver and LaFell, and that is enough to get them over the top in this game. LSU 27, Vanderbilt 17

*UCLA @ Tennessee

Tennessee is looking for revenge against UCLA after the 27-24 overtime loss last season in Los Angeles which began the Phil Fulmer farewell tour. I called that game to be the beginning of the end for Fulmer, and it turned out to be. This year, Lane Kiffin could get a huge jump start if the Vols can take down the Bruins. Tennessee has the advantage on defense not only with Eric Berry, but also a young UCLA offensive line and redshirt freshman quarterback. The game might be ugly on offense, but Tennessee should dominate this game on the field, even if it doesn't look that way on the scoreboard. Tennessee 28, UCLA 20

*Notre Dame @ Michigan

A game that looked like a nightmare just two weeks ago has now turned into must see TV after both Notre Dame and Michigan disposed of what were perceived to be difficult mid major game by a combined score of 66-7. The Domers posted a shut out and Michigan took control early against Western Michigan. Now, they face off in the Big House on national television and the victor is in prime position to return to national prominence. Tate Forcier started great for the Big Blue last week, but Jimmy Clausen's confidence is a high as any Clausen has been in 15 years. Notre Dame should come out with a win and a top 15 ranking to boot. Notre Dame 23, Michigan 14

*USC @ Ohio State

The game for which all eyes will be feasted on is hosting College Gameday this weekend in Columbus. Pete Carroll and the Trojans dismantled the Big Ten image once again last year in a 35-3 mauling at the Coliseum. This year, Carson Palmer is salivating at the idea of watching the Buckeyes take it on the chin again. However, Ohio State does have Terrelle Pryor on their side and will not be facing a triple-option attack Saturday. Matt Barkley makes his first start on the road and second overall in front of 100,000 screaming fans in scarlet. It is quite the intimidating place to visit, and Ohio State should play ball and clock control and tire out USC's young defense. Ohio State 24, USC 21

*Florida International @ Alabama

Alabama is looking to avoid the second straight second game letdown as they take on Florida International Saturday. FIU is not as daunting of a task as Tulane was last season in this spot on the schedule, but the Crimson Tide can't afford to sleep on the Golden Panthers. T.Y. Hilton is an all-everything man for FIU, and he will be coming at the Alabama defense and special teams from all angles. Besides that, the Crimson Tide may rack up 200 rushing yards again this week against a very green defensive line from FIU. Mark Ingram shouldn't see the second half, and Trent Richardson is going to have his chance to shine Saturday. Alabama 45, Florida International 7

Links to picks

• Stewart Mandel
• Chris Low
• CBS College Football "experts"
• Harmon Forecast from CBSsports.com
• Charles Hollis of al.com