Picks Trying Not to Suck: Week 2
BH got off to a solid start in the opening week of the season. The Skinny, meanwhile, took one on the chin.
It's a marathon, not a sprint. Or something.
BLATANT HOMERISM--Week 2
Last week: 3-2; Overall: 3-2
South Carolina at Mississippi State (-6.5)
Frankly, this pick is all about motivation. The Gamecocks have to be riding high after winning Will Muschamp's debut. Conversely, MSU is undoubtedly desperate in the wake of the season-opening loss to South Alabama.
The pick: Count on the Bulldogs to bring it.
Northern Illinois at South Florida (-15)
I realize that it's only week two, but this looks like a case of programs heading in opposite directions. Willie Taggart has the Bulls playing like potential challengers to Houston in the AAC. NIU finished last season on a down note and picked up where it left off with a loss last week to Wyoming. Scott Roussel of FootballScoop.com mentioned on the Football Four podcast this week that there are whispers floating around about dissension in the Huskies' locker room.
Weather seemingly favors USF here, too.
The pick: Bulls by more than 15.
California at San Diego State (-7)
Aside from the fact that I don't think Cal is particularly good, that Australia game has me feeling a fade on the Golden Bears. Byes early in the season can often mess with a squad's rhythm, and that goes double for a team that started the season in such odd fashion.
The Aztecs also have a filthy defense that won't be fazed by the Bear Raid. Look for SDSU to pound the ball on Cal's sieve-like D and keep the ball out of Davis Webb's hands, too.
The pick: Aztecs by 10.
Western Kentucky (+28.5) at Alabama
Sandwich game for the Crimson Tide between last week's beatdown of USC and next week's revenge game against Ole Miss. The Hilltoppers' offense should put them in position to get the final margin inside the spread with a late score or two.
The pick: 'Bama by not enough.
Louisiana-Monroe at Oklahoma (-46.5)
I hate tempting fate by playing an OU game in this space, but I can't see the Sooners treating the Warhawks all that hospitably. In light of their sloppy play against Houston, Bob Stoops will probably have his starters working deep into the game – as if that's any different than usual. Expect an angry performance on Saturday night as OU opens its new stadium.
The pick: OU 70, ULM 6.
THE SKINNY--Week 2
Last week: 1-4; Overall: 1-4
UTEP (+30) at Texas
Virginia at Oregon (-24.5)
Akron (+24) at Wisconsin
Kentucky (+16.5) at Florida
Ohio (+3) at Kansas