Guest contributor Jordan Kuehne takes a look at the match-ups for all the top-25 teams this weekend and makes his predictions. Look for these previews every week, and be sure to scroll down and check out Joshua J.'s top six story-lines this weekend.
Jordan Kuehne
Week 2 College Football Picks
#21 Missouri @ Arizona State -- Arizona St. 24, #21 Missouri: 21
Mizzou’s injuries catch up to them on their cross-country trek to Tempe as the upstart Sun Devils grab a key nonconference victory. Look for Brock Osweiler to lead the way on offense as a run-stuffing Arizona State D rises to the challenge against the inexperienced James Franklin and co.
#3 Alabama @ #23 Penn State -- #3 Alabama: 27, #23 Penn State: 7
Penn State has had a number of high-profile non conference matchups over the past few seasons and fallen short on each occasion; this time will be no different as Trent Richardson notches the first blow on his campaign for the Heisman while Alabama’s defense shows why they’re the best in the nation as the Tide roll in Happy Valley.
#12 South Carolina @ Georgia -- #12 South Carolina: 38, Georgia: 31
Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffrey have to be licking their lips after Kellen Moore’s Boise State Broncos shredded the Bulldogs’ D with an inexperienced WR corp. Behind the All-SEC 1st team WR and the best freshman in the nation last season, Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks will prevail in Athens and continue their longshot march for the national title. Georgia will put up their share of points behind Aaron Murray’s arm against a defensive unit that gave up 37 to East Carolina last weekend, keeping it close until the last whistle.
Northwestern State @ #2 LSU – #2 LSU: 62, Northwestern St: 3
A much easier task for the Tigers after dispatching Oregon in a dynamic opener.
Charleston State University @ #5 Florida State -- #5 Florida State: 54, CSU: 0
Florida State’s D could pitch another shutout against an overmatched CSU squad.
#6 Stanford @ Duke -- #6 Stanford: 45, Duke: 10
Andrew Luck continues to pad his stats as the Heisman march continues for the star QB.
Oregon State @ #8 Wisconsin -- #8 Wisconsin: 42, Oregon State: 27
Despite losing to FCS opponent Sacramento State in an embarrassing opener last weekend, the Beavers will come out swinging their tails like a wounded animal against the Big Ten favorites. Duel threat Russell Wilson will be too much in the second half though as the Badgers prevail.
Fresno State @ #10 Nebraska -- #10 Nebraska: 31, Fresno State: 20
The ‘Huskers will be tested briefly before overcoming the scrappy Bulldogs and scoring their second win of the year.
#11 Virginia Tech @ East Carolina -- #11 Virginia Tech: 35, East Carolina: 34
Recently, the Hokies have always had a letdown in the non conference portion of their schedule – a tough ECU squad led by BC transfer Dominique Davis will pose a threat but Virginia Tech will ultimately score the W in a nail biter at Lane Stadium.
Nevada @ #13 Oregon -- #13 Oregon: 45, Nevada: 14
The bitter Ducks will take out their frustrations on the hopeless Wolfpack who don’t stand much chance after losing last year’s stud leader Colin Kaepernick.
Toledo @ #15 Ohio State -- #15 Ohio State: 31, Toledo: 9
Luke Fickell’s coaching debut will get much difficult against an embattled Miami (FL) squad next week. Toledo wont offer much in the way of a battle as the Buckeyes run over another in-state opponent.
UPSET SPECIAL: #16 Mississippi State @ Auburn – Auburn: 27, Mississippi State: 24
Unranked and unheralded after needing a miracle to top Utah State, the defending champion Tigers will overtake an improved Mississippi State team that’s bent on breaking into the upper-echelon of the nation’s best conference, the SEC. Auburn will defend their home turf with pride as the defense makes a late stop to secure the win.
Florida Atlantic @ #17 Michigan State -- #17 Michigan State: 49, FAU: 21
Michigan State’s cupcake schedule ensures them another blowout victory over the Owls.
UAB @ #18 Florida -- #18 Florida: 35, UAB: 7
The Gators continue to get their legs underneath them under new head coach Will Muschamp as UAB gets chomped in the Swamp.
Norfolk State @ #19 West Virginia -- #19 West Virginia: 56, Norfolk State: 3
Poor Norfolk State. The ‘Eers will make this a laugher by the end of the first quarter en route to a dominant showing.
Ball State @ #22 South Florida -- #22 USF: 35, Ball State: 23
Ball State, fresh off a victory over BCS foe Indiana, will push a suddenly touted Bulls squad before falling short as BJ Daniels runs and guns USF to the win.
BYU @ #24 Texas -- #24 Texas: 17, BYU: 14
A tight matchup that could go either way, Texas’ 2011 fate may well be shaped by the outcome of this crucial game against the Cougars. While Jake Heaps and co. will look for a second consecutive victory on the road over a big-time BCS program, Garrett Gilbert needs a better showing than the one he put up against Rice last weekend for a W in Austin.
#25 TCU @ Air Force -- #25 TCU: 35, Air Force: 10
An angry Gary Patterson and his Horned Frogs will blast Air Force for the final time before departing for the Big East next season.
(Jordan Kuehne is a sophomore transfer student in the journalism program at the University of Missouri, Columbia. He is from the Chicago area and attended University of Illinois last year. A long time sports fan and active writer for Mizzou's Maneater, Jordan will be weighing in on POST ROUTE throughout the season.)
(Jordan Kuehne is a sophomore transfer student in the journalism program at the University of Missouri, Columbia. He is from the Chicago area and attended University of Illinois last year. A long time sports fan and active writer for Mizzou's Maneater, Jordan will be weighing in on POST ROUTE throughout the season.)
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