College Football Picks: Week 2 Predictions for Every Game

College Football Picks: Week 2 Predictions for Every Game
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1AP Nos. 25-21
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2AP Nos. 20-16
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3AP Nos. 15-11
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4AP Nos. 10-6
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5AP Nos. 5-1
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6Best Unranked Matchups
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7FCS vs. FBS Matchups
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8The Rest of the Slate
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College Football Picks: Week 2 Predictions for Every Game

Morgan Moriarty
Sep 7, 2022

College Football Picks: Week 2 Predictions for Every Game

AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 03: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns looks to pass in the first half against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 03: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns looks to pass in the first half against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Week 2 of the college football season is here, and this week's slate is loaded with some FCS vs. FBS matchups. Although Week 2 doesn't look nearly as exciting as Week 1, there are some decent matchups sprinkled throughout.

No. 1 Alabama travels to Texas to take on the Longhorns in a rare nonconference road trip for the Tide. Florida will look to continue its magic at home against No. 20 Kentucky this week. And No. 9 Baylor will go on the road to face No. 21 BYU in a nightcap on Saturday night.

We'll start with the Associated Press Top 25 teams and then explore the best games between unranked teams, FBS vs. FCS games and the rest of the slate.

The AP Top 25 games are listed in ascending order of ranking. The others are presented in chronological order by kickoff time.

Odds via DraftKings.

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AP Nos. 25-21

SAN ANTONIO, TX - SEPTEMBER 3: Quarterback Clayton Tune #3 of the Houston Cougars scrambles for yardage against UTSA Roadrunners at the Alamodome on September 3,  2022 in San Antonio, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - SEPTEMBER 3: Quarterback Clayton Tune #3 of the Houston Cougars scrambles for yardage against UTSA Roadrunners at the Alamodome on September 3, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

No. 25 Houston at Texas Tech, 4 p.m. ET

Houston can make a statement by beating a Power Five team on the road on Saturday. The Cougars lead this series all-time 18-14-1, but they've lost the last four.

Houston is coming off a thrilling road win over UTSA on Saturday, beating the Roadrunners 37-35 in triple overtime. Quarterback Clayton Tune won it on a two-point conversion attempt that he ran into the end zone. Tune threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.

Tech, meanwhile, will be looking to start off its season 2-0 at home. This should be an interesting quarterback matchup between Tune and Red Raiders QB Donovan Smith. Smith threw for 221 yards and four touchdowns against Murray State last week. It's hard for any team to win back-to-back tight games on the road, so I'm taking the Red Raiders in a close one.

Prediction: Texas Tech 25, Houston 24

No. 24 Tennessee at No. 17 Pitt
See No. 17 Pitt for prediction.

No. 23 Wake Forest at Vanderbilt, noon ET

The biggest news for this game is the return of Demon Deacons quarterback Sam Hartman. In early August, it was announced that Hartman would be out indefinitely for a non-football-related medical issue. Fortunately, Hartman has been cleared to return to the team and could play in Week 2. The school made the announcement of Hartman's return on Tuesday.

Hartman threw for 4,228 yards and 39 touchdowns with 14 interceptions last season. If he suits up against Vanderbilt, Wake should get a win on the road.

But Vanderbilt does look like a much improved team. The Commodores are 2-0 on the season, which matches last year's win total. Vanderbilt defeated Hawaii in Week 0 and beat Elon 42-31 on Saturday.

Even without Hartman under center, I think Wake can get a victory on the road.

Prediction: Wake Forest 38, Vanderbilt 17

No. 22 Ole Miss vs. Central Arkansas, 7 p.m. ET

Central Arkansas went 5-6 last season and lost 27-14 to Missouri State on Thursday. Ole Miss put up 433 total yards and 28 points against Troy in Week 1. Those numbers should be even bigger against an FCS team.

Prediction: Ole Miss 38, Central Arkansas 9

No. 21 BYU vs. No. 9 Baylor
See No. 9 Baylor for Prediction

AP Nos. 20-16

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 01: Rodney Hammond Jr. #6 of the Pittsburgh Panthers celebrates after rushing for a 6-yard touchdown in the second quarter during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Acrisure Stadium on September 1, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 01: Rodney Hammond Jr. #6 of the Pittsburgh Panthers celebrates after rushing for a 6-yard touchdown in the second quarter during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Acrisure Stadium on September 1, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

No. 20 Kentucky at No. 12 Florida, 7 p.m. ET
See No. 12 Florida for prediction

No. 19 Wisconsin vs. Washington State, 3:30 p.m. ET

This is a rare matchup between the Big Ten and Pac-12 for Week 2. Wazzu opened its season with a 24-17 victory over Idaho last week. Wisconsin beat Illinois State 38-0.

Wisconsin's experience on offense, including quarterback Graham Mertz and running back Braelon Allen, should give it an edge here. Not to mention the Badgers get to play this one at home. Wazzu will still be looking to find its identity under new coach Jake Dickert this season, who was the interim head man last season.

I like Wisconsin at home here.

Prediction: Wisconsin 35, Washington State 17

No. 18 NC State vs. Charleston Southern, 12:30 p.m. ET

NC State will be looking to rebound at home. The Wolfpack nearly opened the season with a road loss to East Carolina, escaping by one point.

The close win makes NC State's No. 13 preseason ranking look too high. The Wolfpack will have a chance to make some noise this season, including in games against Clemson, Florida State and Syracuse.

But Saturday's game against Charleston Southern should be good for NC State to regroup after a road scare.

Prediction: NC State 38, Charleston Southern 6

No. 17 Pitt vs. No. 24 Tennessee, 3:30 p.m. ET

This will mark the second edition of the Johnny Majors Classic, which honors the former Panthers and Vols head coach.

And, boy, does this matchup look fun. Last year, Pitt won 41-34 in Knoxville. This year, the series shifts to Pitt, where the Panthers are coming off a huge 38-31 victory over West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl on Thursday night. Tennessee also won its opener against Ball State, 59-10.

Tennessee has the edge experience-wise on offense this season. The Vols are led by quarterback Hendon Hooker and running back Jabari Small. Hooker threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns in the opener, and Small had a touchdown of its own. Quarterback Kedon Slovis, who transferred from USC, threw for 308 yards and a touchdown in his first game as Pitt's starter.

This could be a shootout that comes down to the wire. I like the Vols.

Prediction: Tennessee 38, Pitt 35

No. 16. Arkansas vs. South Carolina, Noon ET

South Carolina took care of Georgia State 35-14 at home to open the season. Arkansas, meanwhile, got a big road win, defeating then-No. 23 Cincinnati 31-24.

The home team is 6-2 in the last eight games of this series. South Carolina has also lost seven of its last eight road games. I think South Carolina is in for a brighter future with head coach Shane Beamer. But KJ Jefferson and this Arkansas offense will be too much for the Gamecocks to handle.

If South Carolina wants to pull off an upset, quarterback Spencer Rattler can't throw two interceptions like he did against Georgia State. If Jefferson and company are given a short field, this could go Arkansas' way in a hurry. Arkansas is an 8.5-point favorite.

Prediction: Arkansas 28, South Carolina 13

AP Nos. 15-11

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) scrambles for yardage during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Utah, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) scrambles for yardage during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Utah, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

No. 15 Miami vs. Southern Miss, Noon ET

Since 2019, Miami is just 6-6 against nonconference opponents. But that stat shouldn't fool you—Miami will have a big day at home for the second straight week.

Returning quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who had 193 yards passing and two touchdowns against Bethune-Cookman in Week 1, should have an even bigger day. This game should allow Miami to get in a groove offensively before traveling on the road for a big test against No. 6 Texas A&M.

Prediction: Miami 45, Southern Miss 10

No. 14 Michigan State vs. Akron, 4 p.m. ET

Sparty had no problem defeating Western Michigan in its Friday night home opener last week, winning 35-13. So it's not surprising that MSU is a 34-point favorite in this one.

Michigan State is 43-6 against current MAC teams. That number should go up to 44 wins come Saturday.

Prediction: Michigan State 42, Akron 6

No. 13 Utah vs. Southern Utah, 1:30 p.m. ET

Utah returns to Salt Lake for its home opener after suffering a crushing loss against Florida on Saturday. The 29-26 loss likely knocked the Utes out of the playoff. This Utes team likely heads into this one pretty demoralized. Still, Utah should win big against FCS Southern Utah. Since 2006, the Utes are 11-0 against FCS teams.

Prediction: Utah 35, Southern Utah 7

No. 12 Florida vs. No. 20 Kentucky, 7 p.m. ET

Florida vaulted into the AP Top 25 after upsetting then-No. 7 Utah at home in Week 1. The Gators defense intercepted a Cameron Rising pass in the end zone in the final seconds to seal the upset win.

It was a statement victory for Florida that sets the Billy Napier era off on a sky-high note. But Florida can't relish this victory for too long. The Gators welcome SEC East foe Kentucky to Gainesville on Saturday night. Kentucky defeated the Gators 20-13 in Lexington last season.

Kentucky is no stranger to winning against Florida on the road, either. In 2018, UK beat Florida on its home turf 27-16, snapping a 31-game losing streak to the Gators.

Florida is a slight 4.5-point favorite. This game might come down to whichever quarterback has the bigger night. Florida's Anthony Richardson had 274 total yards of offense against Utah last week, and he averaged 9.6 yards per carry. Kentucky quarterback Will Levis had 303 yards, two touchdowns and an interception against Miami (OH) last week.

One edge Florida may have is the suspension of Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. Rodriguez rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown in last year's victory against Florida. The running back is suspended stemming from his DUI and careless driving arrest in May.

I picked Utah last week and my alma mater proved me wrong, so I am going to go with the Gators this week in a close one.

Prediction: Florida 20, Kentucky 17

No. 11 Oklahoma State vs. Arizona State, 7:30 p.m. ET

This one might fly under the radar as an unexpectedly good game. Both teams enter it 1-0, as Oklahoma State beat Central Michigan 58-44 at home and Arizona State beat Northern Arizona 40-3.

Arizona State is 1-4 in road openers since 2017, but given how many points Oklahoma State gave up to Central Michigan, the Sun Devils might be able to keep this one entertaining. ASU quarterback Emory Jones threw for 152 yards and had 44 rushing yards last week.

Oklahoma State is an 11-point favorite, and its experience at quarterback in Spencer Sanders might be why. The redshirt senior threw for a career-high 406 yards and had six total touchdowns (four passing, two rushing) against the Chippewas.

I like Sanders and the Cowboys here, but this one might be tight early.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 38, Arizona State 14

AP Nos. 10-6

Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams (13) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rice in Los Angeles, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams (13) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rice in Los Angeles, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

No. 10 USC at Stanford, 7:30 p.m. ET

This one should be a measuring stick for just how good the Lincoln Riley-led USC Trojans really are. After defeating Rice 66-14 in Week 1, the Trojans go on the road to face Stanford, a team that's given USC trouble in recent years.

The Cardinal beat USC 42-28 in L.A. last season, and Stanford has won the last two matchups in this series at home (in 2016 and 2018). Stanford has won the five of the previous eight meetings, too.

We'll see how Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams can handle his first big start on the road. Last week he threw for 249 yards and two touchdowns while adding another 68 yards on the ground. Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee had an even stronger outing Week 1 against Colgate, missing on just five of his passes and finishing with 308 yards passing with two touchdowns and an interception.

This game should tell us whether USC is a legitimate playoff threat. After the Week 1 losses from Oregon and Utah, the Trojans might be the conference's best hope for a playoff team.

Prediction: USC 28, Stanford 26

No. 9 Baylor at No. 21 BYU, 10:15 p.m. ET

Baylor defeated the Cougars at home last season 38-24. This time, BYU gets to play the Bears on its home turf. The Cougars, who defeated USF 50-21 in Tampa last week, are 3.5-point favorites against the Bears.

It'll be tough for Baylor to have to go on the road to face a ranked team, not to mention dealing with a time change. This one will be entertaining throughout. I think Baylor will keep this one close, but I like BYU's experienced defense to have the better day.

Prediction: BYU 35, Baylor 30

No. 8 Notre Dame vs. Marshall, 2:30 p.m. ET

I would not want to be facing this Notre Dame team coming off a loss. There's no question that the Fighting Irish will be looking to win big to shake off the 21-10 defeat to Ohio State.

Notre Dame has won its last 10 home openers. Marshall beat Norfolk State 55-3 last week, but the Fighting Irish will be looking to make a statement in each of their next games. ND can likely still make it into the playoff even with one loss to Ohio State, so it will try to win big moving forward.

Prediction: Notre Dame 44, Marshall 3

No. 7 Oklahoma vs. Kent State 7 p.m. ET

The Brent Venables era in Norman got off to a hot start on Saturday, as the Sooners beat UTEP 45-13. This week, Oklahoma gets what looks like another opportunity to win big at home.

Quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns against UTEP. He'll likely have another big day, as the Golden Flashes gave up 393 passing yards to Washington last week. Oklahoma should win big ahead of its road trip to Nebraska in Week 3.

Prediction: Oklahoma 52, Kent State 10

No. 6 Texas A&M vs. Appalachian State, 3:30 p.m. ET

If this one was in Boone, I'd be calling it an upset alert game. But instead, this one's in College Station, so the Aggies shouldn't have too many problems beating the Mountaineers.

Appalachian State gave up 352 passing yards last week in its 63-61 loss to UNC. So I think Aggies quarterback Haynes King has a big outing for the second week in a row. King threw for 364 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions vs. Sam Houston State. TAMU has won its last 26 nonconference games against Group of Five schools.

Prediction: Texas A&M 35, App State 14

AP Nos. 5-1

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs past Utah State defensive lineman Hale Motu'apuaka (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs past Utah State defensive lineman Hale Motu'apuaka (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

No. 5 Clemson vs. Furman

Clemson will open with Furman at home on a short week of practice, since the Tigers beat Georgia Tech 41-10 on Monday night. It'll be interesting to see if Tigers quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei can build on some positive momentum. Despite fumbling early in the game against Tech, he threw for 209 yards and a touchdown and added a rushing touchdown.

Clemson's defense gave up just 237 total yards and allowed GT to convert on just two of its 16 third-down attempts.

The Tigers have won the last three matchups against Furman by an average of 34 points per game. This game should be about the same.

Prediction: Clemson 38, Furman 3

No. 4 Michigan vs. Hawaii

Michigan gets its second straight home game against Hawaii on Saturday. The biggest conversation surrounding this game will be centered on the Wolverines' quarterback situation. Head coach Jim Harbaugh announced before the season that last year's starter, Cade McNamara, would start Week 1 against Colorado State. He added that McNamara's backup, sophomore J.J. McCarthy, would start against Hawaii. McNamara, who threw for 136 yards and a touchdown against Colorado State last week, told reporters after the game he was taken aback by Harbaugh playing both guys.

"I would definitely say it's pretty unusual," McNamara said to reporters. "It was kind of a thing that I wasn't expecting. By the end of camp, I thought I had my best camp and put myself in a good position."

McCarthy threw for 30 yards and added another 50 on the ground with a rushing touchdown against Colorado State. If McCarthy outperforms McNamara this week, Michigan might have itself a quarterback controversy on its hands. We'll see how it shakes out.

Prediction: Michigan 45, Hawaii 6

No. 3 Ohio State vs. Arkansas State

Although the Buckeyes had a shaky first-half performance against Notre Dame, they took control in the second half to win 21-10. Ohio State is 13-0 against non-Power Five schools dating back to 2015. The Buckeyes should win big at home in a game that should give their fans a renewed confidence in the offense. Ohio State is a 43.5-point favorite.

It'll be interesting to see if receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba plays Saturday. He took a big hit early against Notre Dame and was mostly absent for the rest of it. If he's healthy, he should have a big day against the Red Wolves.

Prediction: Ohio State 45, Arkansas State 3

No. 2 Georgia vs. Samford 4 p.m. ET

After dismantling then-No. 11 Oregon with ease in Week 1, Georgia gets FCS Samford for its home opener in Athens. This might be an even easier win for the Dawgs. Georgia's offense put up 49 points and 571 total yards against the Ducks defense.

Samford did give Florida a scare last season, losing to the Gators 70-52 in the Swamp. But I think that's more of a testament to how bad of a team Florida was last season than anything else.

Prediction: Georgia 52, Samford 3

No. 1 Alabama at Texas, Noon ET

The last time Alabama went on the road to face a nonconference opponent was in 2011. That year, the Crimson Tide beat Penn State 27-11 in Happy Valley.

This game kicks off at 11 a.m. local time, and Alabama is a 20-point favorite. The Tide defeated Utah State with ease on Saturday, winning 55-0.

It sounds like Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is already relatively unconcerned about the implications that would come with a Bama loss.

"My goal is to be in Dallas on Dec. 3," Sark told reporters Monday ahead of the game. "This game has no impact on that. We don't impact them going to the SEC Championship. But it's an awesome opportunity. Great setting for college football."

Still, it'll be interesting to see if Texas can compete with Bama at all on Saturday. The biggest matchup to watch will be to see how new Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers will fair against Alabama's defense. Last week against UL Monroe, Ewers threw for 225 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the Longhorns' 52-10 win.

I think Bama wins this one easily. This Longhorns team went 5-7 last year, so I don't think it has what it takes just yet to compete with a team like Alabama.

Prediction: Alabama 42, Texas 20

Best Unranked Matchups

Iowa State wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (8) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southeast Missouri State, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Iowa State wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (8) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southeast Missouri State, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)

UNC at Georgia State, Noon ET

I am putting UNC on upset alert for this one, folks. The Tar Heels are 2-0 on the season, but they barely escaped at App State last week, winning thanks to a failed two-point conversion attempt. In fact, UNC's defense gave up a whopping 40 points and 338 yards of offense in the fourth quarter alone.

Instead of returning home, the Tar Heels have to go on the road once again to face Georgia State at Center Parc Stadium. Although the Panthers lost 35-14 at South Carolina last week, Georgia State trailed only 12-7 at halftime. Two blocked punts returned for touchdowns in the second half helped the Gamecocks pull away.

Georgia State finished with 200 rushing yards against South Carolina and was led by senior Jamyest Williams, who had 76 yards on 13 carries. Panthers quarterback Darren Grainger added 111 yards and a touchdown with an interception in the air.

This one should be fun. I have a feeling UNC is due for an upset after last week.

Prediction: Georgia State 28, UNC 26


Iowa State at Iowa, 4 p.m. ET

This in-state rivalry, colloquially known as El Assico, should be fun. Iowa has a current six-game winning streak in this rivalry and won 27-17 last year despite being an underdog for the first time since 2000. The Hawkeyes are an early three-point favorite, likely due to this one being on Iowa's home turf.

But Iowa struggled in Week 1, to say the least. The Hawkeyes barely defeated FCS South Dakota State 7-3 at home. Iowa scored seven points, but it's not because it scored a touchdown. The Hawkeyes scored seven points with a field goal and two safeties.

Iowa State is 1-0 after beating Southeast Missouri State 42-10 on Saturday. Cyclones quarterback Hunter Dekkers was impressive in his debut, throwing for 293 yards and four touchdowns with one interception. Running back Jirehl Brock added 104 yards and a touchdown, as well.

I am surprised Iowa opened as the favorite here, and I wouldn't be surprised if that line flips as the week progresses. I like the Cyclones to break the six-game losing streak against the Hawkeyes,

Prediction: Iowa State 35, Iowa 14


Old Dominion at East Carolina, 6 p.m. ET

These teams are coming off two very different games. Old Dominion upset Virginia Tech on Friday night, winning 20-17 at home. It was the Monarchs' second win at home against the Hokies—Old Dominion beat VT 49-35 in 2018. It was a huge statement win for Old Dominion, which is in its ninth year in the FBS.

East Carolina, meanwhile, had a chance to knock off then-No. 13 NC State on Saturday at home. The Pirates scored what should have been a game-tying touchdown with less than three minutes left. But kicker Owen Daffer missed the extra point, allowing the upset to slip through ECU's fingertips.

The Pirates have won the two recent games in this series in 2018 and 2019. In 2019's victory, ECU led 17-3 at halftime but gave up 18 second-half points to allow Old Dominion to climb back into it. The Pirates had to recover a Monarch onside kick to put the game away. Saturday's game should be close throughout, but I like the Pirates at home.

Prediction: East Carolina 24, Old Dominion 21


Georgia Southern at Nebraska, 7:30 p.m. ET

In any other season, this game wouldn't be elaborated on whatsoever. But given how badly Nebraska has struggled the last couple of weeks, it's on here.

The Cornhuskers, who lost 31-28 to Northwestern in Ireland in Week 0, struggled in Week 1 against FCS North Dakota at home.

The game was tied 7-7 at halftime, and it was still just a one-score game at the end of the third quarter, with Nebraska having a 24-17 lead heading into the fourth. Nebraska scored two unanswered touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but the Cornhuskers face a much stronger opponent in Georgia Southern this week.

The Eagles are 1-0, with a 59-7 victory over FCS Morgan State last week. Georgia Southern quarterback Kyle Vantrease had an impressive day, throwing for 367 yards with four touchdowns and one interception. Georgia Southern added four more touchdowns on the ground from running backs OJ Arnold, Gerald Green and Jalen White, who had two scores.

Obviously Nebraska benefits from getting this one at home, and that's the only reason I'm not calling for this to be an upset outright. Unfortunately, Scott Frost has to face Brent Venables and Oklahoma in Week 4.

Prediction: Nebraska 34, Georgia Southern 31


Oregon State at Fresno State, 10:30 p.m. ET

If you're looking for a fun nightcap Saturday, then this game is for you. Both teams are 1-0, as Oregon State beat Boise State 34-17 and Fresno State defeated Cal Poly 35-7 in Week 1.

The Beavers trail this series 5-8 all-time, but the program looks improved under fifth-year head coach Jonathan Smith in 2022 after making a bowl game last year. Against Boise State, the Beavers led 24-0 at halftime and didn't really let their opponent back into it. Fresno State, who has quarterback Jake Haener returning from last season, had no problems against the Mustangs.

Oregon State can keep this one close, but Fresno State will pull it out at home. Chance Nolan had a mixed outing against Boise, throwing for 251 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. Haener should have the edge in this quarterback battle. He threw for 377 yards and two touchdowns last week against Cal Poly.

Prediction: Fresno State 38, Oregon State 35

FCS vs. FBS Matchups

NEW HAVEN, CT - SEPTEMBER 18: Holy Cross Crusaders running back Jonathan Abrams (22) finds a gap and rushes down the filed during the game as the Holy Cross Crusaders take on the Yale Bulldogs on September 18, 2021, at the Yale Bowl in New Haven, Connecticut. (Photo by Williams Paul/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW HAVEN, CT - SEPTEMBER 18: Holy Cross Crusaders running back Jonathan Abrams (22) finds a gap and rushes down the filed during the game as the Holy Cross Crusaders take on the Yale Bulldogs on September 18, 2021, at the Yale Bowl in New Haven, Connecticut. (Photo by Williams Paul/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Possible Upsets

Lafayette at Temple, 2 p.m. ET

Temple has a new head coach in Stan Drayton, who will be looking to avoid an 0-2 start to the season Saturday. The Owls were drubbed 30-0 by Duke in Week 1. Lafayette, meanwhile, are 1-0 on the season. The Leopards beat Sacred Heart 6-0 last Saturday. Temple has won five of its last seven matchups against FCS foes. This one has the opportunity to be close, but Temple can pull it out at home.

Prediction: Temple 17, Lafayette 6


Norfolk State at James Madison, 4 p.m. ET

James Madison looks to keep winning in its first season in the FBS. The Dukes beat Middle Tennessee State 44-7 in Week 1. Norfolk State loss 55-3 to Marshall last Saturday. James Madison has won the last two games against Norfolk State in 2017 and 2018. I think Dukes QB Todd Centeio, who had 397 total yards last week against MTSU, can have a big day and get his team to 2-0.

Prediction: JMU 35, Norfolk State 17


Holy Cross at Buffalo, 6 p.m. ET

This is Buffalo's home opener, and the Bulls welcome a formidable FCS opponent in Holy Cross. The Crusaders are three-time defending Patriot League champions and went 10-3 last season. They are also no stranger to beating an FBS team. They defeated UConn 38-28 last season. Buffalo went 4-8 last season and lost 31-10 to Maryland in Week 1.

Prediction: Holy Cross 24, Buffalo 17


The rest of the FCS vs. FBS slate

  • Western Illinois at Minnesota, noon ET
  • Kennesaw State at Cincinnati,  3:30 p.m. ET
  • Samford at Georgia, 4 p.m. ET
  • Portland State at Washington, 4 p.m. ET
  • Indiana State at Purdue, 4 p.m. ET
  • Wagner at Rutgers, 4 p.m. ET
  • Northern Colorado at Wyoming, 4 p.m. ET
  • Eastern Kentucky at Bowling Green, 4 p.m. ET
  • Alabama State at UCLA, 5 p.m. ET
  • Incarnate Word at Nevada, 5:30 p.m. ET
  • Gardner-Webb at Coastal Carolina, 6 p.m. ET
  • Southeastern Louisiana at FAU, 6 p.m. ET
  • Robert Morris at Miami (Ohio), 6 p.m. ET
  • Western Carolina at Georgia Tech, 7 p.m. ET
  • Weber State at Utah State, 7 p.m. ET
  • Alcorn State at Tulane, 7 p.m. ET
  • Lamar at SMU, 7 p.m. ET
  • Howard at South Florida, 7 p.m. ET
  • Alabama A&M at Troy, 7 p.m. ET
  • Southern at LSU, 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Texas Southern at North Texas, 7:30 p.m. ET
  • McNeese at Rice, 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Nicholls at UL Monroe, 8 p.m. ET
  • Tarleton at TCU, 8 p.m. ET
  • Idaho at Indiana, 8 p.m. ET
  • Idaho State at San Diego State, 8 p.m. ET
  • Eastern Washington at Oregon, 8:30 p.m. ET

The Rest of the Slate

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 01: JT Daniels #18 of the West Virginia Mountaineers drops back to pass in the first quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium on September 1, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 01: JT Daniels #18 of the West Virginia Mountaineers drops back to pass in the first quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium on September 1, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Friday

  • Louisville at UCF, 7:30 p.m. ET: UCF 24, Louisville 17
  • Boise State at New Mexico, 9 p.m. ET: Boise State 35, NMSU 10

Saturday

  • Missouri at Kansas State, Noon ET: Kansas State 35, Missouri 17
  • Duke at Northwestern, Noon ET: Northwestern 24, Duke 10 
  • Ohio at Penn State, Noon ET: Penn State 38, Ohio 10 
  • UTSA at Army, Noon ET: UTSA 35, Army 21
  • South Alabama at Central Michigan, 1 p.m. ET: Central Michigan 28, South Alabama 21
  • Western Michigan at Ball State, 2 p.m. ET: Western Michigan 27, Ball State 17
  • Colorado at Air Force, 3:30 p.m. ET: Colorado 31, Air Force 10 
  • Memphis at Navy, 3:30 p.m. ET: Memphis 30, Navy 17
  • Maryland at Charlotte, 3:30 p.m. ET: Maryland 37, Charlotte 16
  • UNLV at Cal, 4 p.m. ET: Cal 34, UNLV 10
  • Middle Tennessee at Colorado State, 4 p.m. ET: Colorado State 28, Middle Tennessee 17
  • Kansas at West Virginia, 6 p.m. ET: West Virginia 40, Kansas 17
  • UAB at Liberty, 6 p.m. ET: UAB 28, Liberty 13
  • UMass at Toledo, 7 p.m. ET: Toledo 38, UMass 3
  • Northern Illinois at Tulsa, 7 p.m. ET: Tulsa 34, Northern Illinois 28
  • FIU at Texas State, 7 p.m. ET: FIU 24, Texas State 6
  • San Jose State at Auburn, 7:30 p.m. ET: Auburn 38, San Jose State 7
  • Boston College at Virginia Tech, 8 p.m. ET: Boston College 28, Virginia Tech 17
  • New Mexico State at UTEP, 9 p.m. ET: UTEP 38, New Mexico State 10
  • Mississippi State at Arizona, 11 p.m. ET: Mississippi State 33, Arizona 24
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