Jordan Kuehne
Week 3 College Football Picks
– After a somewhat surprising undefeated run (even to myself) through the 17 game gauntlet last weekend, I return eager and ready for what promises to be an exciting – and important -- week three of college football. As I did last week and will continue to do moving forward, the first three games that are listed consist of the marquee matchups on this weekend’s slate. A new addition will be a brief break down of a key matchup that could decide the outcome. After last week’s unblemished record, I’ve decided to challenge myself and tackle a few non-top 25 matchups as well this week. Enjoy the games everybody!
Last week: 17-0
Season: 17-0
#1 Oklahoma @ #5 Florida State -- #1 Oklahoma: 27, #5 Florida State: 23
Seminoles fans have been awaiting this moment for a while – College Gameday is visiting campus and so are the top-ranked Sooners led by Heisman candidate QB Landry Jones. Behind Jones’ arm and dynamic WR Ryan Broyles, the Sooners’ firepower will prove too much for a Florida State defense that has bared its teeth thus far against inferior competition. FSU CB Greg Reid will score a TD on some sort of return but it wont be enough as the ‘Noles fall short on another big stage.
KEY MATCHUP: WR Ryan Broyles vs. CB Greg Reid – two first round prospects for next April’s NFL draft, the winner of this matchup will likely play for the victor of the game. Reid’s speed is well documented but Broyles is as crafty as they come at WR.
UPSET SPECIAL: #3 LSU @ #25 Mississippi State -- #25 Mississippi State: 21, #3 LSU: 17
Offense has been up over the opening two weeks of the season; while the Tigers have shown what they’ve got (a top 5 defense/special teams), the Bulldogs have been thwarted in a close call against the other big cat in the SEC, defending champion Auburn. If Mississippi State’s going to get over that hump, this will be the week – a national stage for a Thursday night special, look for Chris Relf to relish the chance and come out firing while MSU manages to shake things up and disrupt Jarrett Lee and co. as the national title picture gets another early shakeup.
KEY MATCHUP: QB Chris Relf vs. LSU defense – Relf has come into his own over the last 12 months, developing himself into a strong gunner under center as a solid nucleus of weapons has surrounded him. He’ll face his toughest challenge yet when the Bayou Tigers come calling tomorrow night.
UPSET SPECIAL 2: #17 Ohio State @ Miami (FL) – Miami (FL): 31, #17 Ohio State: 20
Somewhere, Jim Tressel and Nevin Shapiro will be watching this scandal-marred matchup between former ACC and Big Ten powers. On the field, both teams haven’t been at their best as OSU was outgained and outplayed by a tough-as-nails Toledo squad last weekend. Al Golden’s team fought hard but came up short in College Park two weeks ago and will be looking to get off the hook on another national stage. This game’s outcome boils down to one player: Jacory Harris. If the ‘Canes QB is on point, it’s lights out for the Buckeyes; if turnover-prone Jacory shows up however, OSU will probably come out on top.
KEY MATCHUP: QB Jacory Harris vs. himself – suspended for the season-opening loss to the Terps, Harris needs to come out of the gate strong and establish a rhythm if he hopes to be successful Saturday night. Miami will go as Jacory goes.
#4 Boise State @ Toledo -- #4 Boise State: 52, Toledo: 24
Speaking of Toledo, the Rockets will play host to the distracted Boise State Broncos Friday night. Boise was slapped with three years of probation this week as they officially arrived on the big stage of college football after receiving their first NCAA sanctions in program history. That won't stop Kellen Moore from threading needles through a haystack as the improved Rockets hang around early before the rout begins in earnest in the third quarter.
North Texas @ #2 Alabama -- #2 Alabama: 62, North Texas: 3
I’m being awfully generous even giving the not-so-Mean Green a field goal. The top ranked Alabama defense should go to town against the overmatched Sun Belt opponent, notching a couple of touchdowns while RB Trent Richardson puts up another big game as the Tide roll in Tuscaloosa.
#6 Stanford @ Arizona -- #6 Stanford: 38, Arizona: 27
A bunch of wounded Wildcats come home to Tucson for a late, late night (9:45 CST) matchup against Pac-12 conference foe Stanford and Heisman favorite Andrew Luck. Fresh off a beatdown at the hands of Oklahoma State, Arizona’s QB Nick Foles has to be hoping his offensive line can offer him some semblance of protection in the pocket this week. Unfortunately for the Arizona signal caller, top wideout Juron Criner is expected to be out after having his appendix removed a week ago. Andrew Luck will burn a hapless Wildcats’ secondary and a late Arizona rally will fall short as the Cardinal move new coach David Shaw’s record to 3-0.
#7 Wisconsin vs. Northern Illinois -- #7 Wisconsin: 34, Northern Illinois: 28
Played at Soldier Field, this game will be a lot more exciting than the average fan might expect. While Badgers QB Russell Wilson will ultimately win the game behind his dynamic scrambling ability, NIU is capable of collapsing the pocket and will be the stiffest test ‘Sconnie has play thus far. The Huskies have a duel threat of their own, veteran QB Chandler Harnish, as well as a host of weapons on offense that will test a pliable Badgers’ D. A late Wilson TD will put the game out of reach but not before NIU sends a scare through fans sporting red and white everywhere.
#8 Oklahoma State @ Tulsa -- #8 Oklahoma State: 45, Tulsa: 24
This Sooner State showdown had the potential for upset to be written all over it when the schedule was originally set. A host of factors have changed that since then, including a combination of the Cowboys being great (crushing Arizona in Stillwater last week, 37-14) and Tulsa’s inability to keep up with the #1 Sooners in the opening week (a 47-14 lambasting). With all-everything star Damaris Johnson still suspended, Tulsa will watch with envy as Heisman candidate WR Justin Blackmon puts up another 100+ yard game en route to an Oklahoma State victory.
Idaho @ #9 Texas A&M -- #9 Texas A&M: 45, Idaho: 10
While Texas A&M’s admission to the SEC is still in question due to potential legal ramifications, this game against the Vandals is not. The 12th Man will be raucous as the Aggies roll to victory.
Navy @ #10 South Carolina -- #10 South Carolina: 37, Navy: 14
Finally, a breather for South Carolina. While Navy is no joke on or off the playing field, their triple option attack will only cause a swarming Gamecocks’ D so much trouble before the game is put out of reach by a resurgent Stephen Garcia and Marcus Lattimore.
Washington @ #11 Nebraska -- #11 Nebraska: 27, Washington: 13
Unfortunately for the Huskies, Jake Locker is now wearing a Tennessee Titans’ uniform. A third matchup between these programs in the last 12 months hinges on whether a somewhat disappointing ‘Huskers team can turn it around after trailing Fresno State deep into the second half last weekend. I think they will as duel threat QB (I’m sensing a theme in 2011 with quarterbacks) Taylor Martinez looks to improve upon his ridiculous 8.9 yard-per-carry average.
Missouri State @ #12 Oregon -- #12 Oregon: 70, Missouri State: 0
Poor Missouri State struggles against fellow FCS programs. Imagine how they’re going to feel after three hours in Autzen Stadium on Saturday.
Arkansas State @ #13 Virginia Tech -- #13 Virginia Tech: 52, Arkansas State: 17
While Arkansas State did destroy Memphis last week, the level of competition rises this week (Memphis is ranked an FBS-worst 170th in the Sagarin rankings) as they visit Blacksburg and Lane Stadium. The Hokies survived their annual non-conference scare last weekend and should run all over the Red Wolves.
Troy @ #14 Arkansas -- #14 Arkansas: 34, Troy: 17
As the best the Sun Belt Conference has to offer, Troy will do their best to hang tight with the Razorbacks. That effort will prove futile however as Arkansas will utilize the best receiving corps in the nation en route to a comfortable victory.
#15 Michigan State @ Notre Dame – Notre Dame: 28, #15 Michigan State: 24
Notre Dame has to be tiring of schools from Michigan. After a stunning loss at the hands of the Wolverines last weekend, the Irish turnaround and play the other state school, the Spartans of East Lansing. Tommy Rees showed what he’s made of as he composed what was thought to be the game-winning drive against the Wolverines. His growing moxie and favored target, superstar WR Michael Floyd, will overcome Spartans’ star RB Edwin Baker’s two rushing touchdowns in what promises to be another nail biter in South Bend.
Tennessee @ #16 Florida -- #16 Florida: 34, Tennessee: 31
Ten years ago, this game would have likely played a role in the national title picture. Fast forward to today, Florida is picking itself off the ground as first year coach Will Muschamp guides them back to national prominence while the Volunteers ride the electric arm of Tyler Bray to the endzone. Bray will get his to the tune of 300+ yards passing and three touchdowns threw the air but Florida has enough weapons to counter their rivals from Knoxville as they notch a tight win in the Swamp.
#18 West Virginia @ Maryland -- #18 West Virginia: 21, Maryland: 20
West Virginia trailed at halftime to Norfolk State last weekend. Think about that for a second; that being said, it means nothing when another big matchup in an ACC stadium (one of four on the weekend involving ranked teams visiting ACC territory) goes the way of the visitor. While Maryland can certainly move the ball (they were in the redzone on 66% of their possessions against Miami), they make too many mistakes to win a game like this just yet. The ‘Eers squeak out a win, capitalizing on turnovers and riding Geno Smith to a 3-0 mark.
Stephen F. Austin @ #19 Baylor -- #19 Baylor: 62, Stephen F. Austin: 7
RG3 is going to have a field day against SFA. I’ll say that the rejuvenated Heisman candidate adds insult to injury with over 450 yards of total offense, accumulating six scores in the process as the Bears maul their in-state visitors.
Florida A&M @ #20 South Florida -- #20 South Florida: 52, FAMU: 6
BJ Daniels has to be enjoying the cupcakes that USF has been devouring upon of late – after blowing out Ball State last weekend, the Bulls QB should run over the Rattlers on the way to a dominant triumph.
#21 Auburn @ Clemson -- #21 Auburn: 34, Clemson: 20
If Clemson hadn’t squeaked by Wofford, I might make them my third upset special of the week. Auburn, who has been making a habit out of skating to narrow wins and proving critics wrong in the process, should grab a hard fought win in Death Valley as RB Michael Dyer and WR Emory Blake power a high-flying Tigers’ offense.
#22 Arizona State @ Illinois – #22 Arizona State: 41, Illinois: 38
This game has shootout written all over it. With the Sun Devils hot off a titillating win over Mizzou last Friday, Brock Osweiler and co. will look to keep momentum going as they invade Memorial Stadium and take on Nathan Scheelhaase’s Illini. A battle of passing acumen will go Arizona State’s way as Osweiler’s mobility and emerging weapons at wideout help the Pac-12 score another key non-conference win.
Louisiana Monroe @ #23 TCU – #23 TCU: 49, Louisiana Monroe: 7
SuperFrog will be doing a lot of pushups as TCU rolls in a romp.
#23 Texas @ UCLA – #23 Texas: 24, UCLA: 23
The McCoy to Shipley connection lives on. No, not Colt to Jordan but rather younger siblings Case to Jaxon. Case McCoy, the new Longhorns’ starting QB after Garrett Gilbert’s struggles finally got him the boot, will look to Shipley on numerous occasions as a stout UCLA defense tries to secure a big home win. Zone-read QB David Ash could be the difference for Texas as they move the chains late and hold on for a narrow win in Pasadena.
Western Illinois @ Missouri – Missouri: 45, Western Illinois: 10
James Franklin gets another week to ease into the offense after creating some fireworks last weekend in Tempe. Mizzou rolls to an easy victory on Family Weekend in Columbia.
Virginia @ North Carolina – UNC: 24, Virginia: 13
Ole Miss @ Vanderbilt – Vandy: 17, Ole Miss: 14
Kansas @ Georgia Tech – Georgia Tech: 31, Kansas: 26
Pittsburgh @ Iowa – Pittsburgh: 27, Iowa: 20
Penn State @ Temple – Penn State: 24, Temple: 21
