While Week 2 of the college football season doesn't have quite as many appealing matchups as last weekend, there are still a few I'd like to point out for those that could be placing a few last hour bets.
Last Week's Record: 4-2
Syracuse @ #7 Penn State (-29): Last week for one half, Penn State looked like an absolute machine. In their smackdown of Akron, they compiled a massive 515 yards led by star QB Darryl Clark (29/40, 353 yds, 3 TD). They should win in impressive fashion today, but I expect my former Dukie to help the Orange cover the spread. My Pick: Syracuse.
South Carolina @ #21 Georgia (-7): Coming off of their disappointing 24-10 loss to Oklahoma State last week should be plenty of motivation for the Bulldogs. Expect star WR A.J. Green to provide some entertaining moments today against the Gamecocks; however, don't look for this game to provide too many fireworks on the offensive side of the ball considering neither team has scored over 18 points in this matchup during the Spurrier era. South Carolina will follow up their amazing defensive effort versus NC State and keep UGA somewhat contained; however, it won't be enough. The Bulldogs will win another closely contested SEC battle. My Pick: South Carolina.
UCLA @ Tennessee (-10): I must admit I'm not exactly a Lane Kiffin fan; however, their 63-7 romp over Western Kentucky last week was pretty spectacular. If UCLA's defense (especially up front) doesn't come ready to play today it could get REALLY nasty. Tennesee's running attack of senior Montario Hardesty (160 yards, TD) and true freshman Bryce Brown (104 yards, TD) looks to be amongst the nation's elite. I seriously doubt the Vols will be looking towards next week's game in the Swamp. My Pick: Tennesee.
#18 Notre Dame (-3) @ Michigan: Both teams were impressive in their debuts...and they NEEDED to be. Job security is at a minimum with Rich Rodriguez and Charlie Weis (regardless of what is said). Both teams MUST get back to their winning ways this year. Michigan demonstrated a well-rounded attack last week in their 31-7 victory against Western Kentucky as they rushed for 242 yards and passed for 197. Freshman QB Tate Forcier looked very comfortable at the helm for Big Blue, but he's going to need to be more than comfortable if they plan on beating the Irish. The connection between Jimmy Clausen (15/18, 315 yards, 4 TD) and sophomore Michael Floyd (4 receptions, 189 yards, 3 TD) last week was absolutely scary. If they continue at that rate, the glory days may indeed be back in South Bend. My Pick: Notre Dame.
#3 USC (-7) @ #8 Ohio State: Undoubtedly the game of the day. Most experts are saying that a freshman QB couldn't come into an opposing stadium with over 102,000 fans and beat a top-10 team. Most experts are saying that the Buckeye's almost-loss to Navy last week was totally random and wouldn't carry over. In all honesty, I can't say I disagree with them. I feel pretty sure that Ohio State will finish in the top 2 of the Big 10 this year. I also feel pretty certain that Buckeye QB Terrelle Pryor could go down as one of the best to ever play in Columbus before his career is over. Today, my gut tells me that Matt Barkley may be too naive to realize how intimidated he's supposed to be. I think Joe McKnight has another big game on the ground, the Trojan receivers give Barkley all the help he needs and more, and USC shows the rest of the nation that some things never change. My Pick: USC.
Last Week's Record: 4-2
Syracuse @ #7 Penn State (-29): Last week for one half, Penn State looked like an absolute machine. In their smackdown of Akron, they compiled a massive 515 yards led by star QB Darryl Clark (29/40, 353 yds, 3 TD). They should win in impressive fashion today, but I expect my former Dukie to help the Orange cover the spread. My Pick: Syracuse.
South Carolina @ #21 Georgia (-7): Coming off of their disappointing 24-10 loss to Oklahoma State last week should be plenty of motivation for the Bulldogs. Expect star WR A.J. Green to provide some entertaining moments today against the Gamecocks; however, don't look for this game to provide too many fireworks on the offensive side of the ball considering neither team has scored over 18 points in this matchup during the Spurrier era. South Carolina will follow up their amazing defensive effort versus NC State and keep UGA somewhat contained; however, it won't be enough. The Bulldogs will win another closely contested SEC battle. My Pick: South Carolina.
UCLA @ Tennessee (-10): I must admit I'm not exactly a Lane Kiffin fan; however, their 63-7 romp over Western Kentucky last week was pretty spectacular. If UCLA's defense (especially up front) doesn't come ready to play today it could get REALLY nasty. Tennesee's running attack of senior Montario Hardesty (160 yards, TD) and true freshman Bryce Brown (104 yards, TD) looks to be amongst the nation's elite. I seriously doubt the Vols will be looking towards next week's game in the Swamp. My Pick: Tennesee.
#18 Notre Dame (-3) @ Michigan: Both teams were impressive in their debuts...and they NEEDED to be. Job security is at a minimum with Rich Rodriguez and Charlie Weis (regardless of what is said). Both teams MUST get back to their winning ways this year. Michigan demonstrated a well-rounded attack last week in their 31-7 victory against Western Kentucky as they rushed for 242 yards and passed for 197. Freshman QB Tate Forcier looked very comfortable at the helm for Big Blue, but he's going to need to be more than comfortable if they plan on beating the Irish. The connection between Jimmy Clausen (15/18, 315 yards, 4 TD) and sophomore Michael Floyd (4 receptions, 189 yards, 3 TD) last week was absolutely scary. If they continue at that rate, the glory days may indeed be back in South Bend. My Pick: Notre Dame.
#3 USC (-7) @ #8 Ohio State: Undoubtedly the game of the day. Most experts are saying that a freshman QB couldn't come into an opposing stadium with over 102,000 fans and beat a top-10 team. Most experts are saying that the Buckeye's almost-loss to Navy last week was totally random and wouldn't carry over. In all honesty, I can't say I disagree with them. I feel pretty sure that Ohio State will finish in the top 2 of the Big 10 this year. I also feel pretty certain that Buckeye QB Terrelle Pryor could go down as one of the best to ever play in Columbus before his career is over. Today, my gut tells me that Matt Barkley may be too naive to realize how intimidated he's supposed to be. I think Joe McKnight has another big game on the ground, the Trojan receivers give Barkley all the help he needs and more, and USC shows the rest of the nation that some things never change. My Pick: USC.
David Hobgood
David Hobgood is a co-founder and editor of Blickees.com He covers the NBA, MLB, NFL, college basketball and the PGA Tour. He currently teaches English at Frederick Douglass Academy VII in Brooklyn, NY. Mr. Hobgood received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from North Carolina State University. While at North Carolina State, Mr. Hobgood wrote a bi-weekly sports column for "The Technician" Newspaper.