Week 3 has an interesting slate of games. These games will lead to us all figuring out lore about each team involved. In this article, I will make sense of this all and answer any questions you may have (just maybe not correctly).

Florida State at Syracuse

Analysis:

Florida State has definitely left a lot to be desired in their first two games. Their offense has had some clear struggles, and they haven’t played to their talent level yet (I should know when teams do this, I’m a Texas fan). Deondre Francois improved from week one to week two, but he still isn’t where I’d have expected him to be quite yet. Florida State’s defense had four interceptions last week and they may likely need a performance near that magnitude again (please also can the turnover backpack be retired). Syracuse has looked good offensively against the teams they’ve played who definitely aren’t the best, but Syracuse’s offensive prowess is evident. Eric Dungey (in his 12th year of eligibility) hasn’t quite impressed with his arm like I would’ve thought but he did rush for 200 yards against Western Michigan. It should be noted that this game will be at Syracuse, and crazy things always seem to happen there.

Prediction:

Syracuse pulls the upset 27-23. Eric Dungey’s experience and ability pulls Syracuse through. Willie Taggart finds another stupid excuse for the loss and jumps ship again next year.

Oklahoma at Iowa State

Analysis:

This’ll be a revenge spot for Oklahoma as many of you know. Oklahoma has some sad news as they’ve lost Rodney Anderson for the season. Despite that being a big loss, Trey Sermon seems capable of being a starting back. Kyler Murray has also been outstanding through two games. Iowa State on the other hand, had quite a few issues with their offense last week (I can dismiss some of to the fact that Iowa vs Iowa State hasn’t played out like a normal game ever). They were held to less than 200 yards of offense and only 19 yards rushing (I hope my adding of totals in my head was correct). Kyle Kempt, their one source of offense against Iowa, went down and is questionable to this game. While Zeb Noland has some game experience, it’s a noticeable drop off between him and Kempt. David Montgomery also needs to improve from just 44 yards rushing on Saturday. Their defensive backs also need a great performance in order to slow down Hollywood Brown and CeeDee Lamb. This game can be won by Iowa State but there is extremely small room for error . Oklahoma will also definitely come out firing as they will want to avenge last year’s loss.

Prediction:

Oklahoma wins in a blowout 48-17. Kyler Murray has another field day.

Vanderbilt at Notre Dame

Analysis:

Notre Dame fell a little flat against Ball State despite narrowly winning. Brandon Wimbush hasn’t quite performed at quarterback despite improving from week one to week two (and playing a much worse defense). Miles Boykin came up big with 119 receiving yards. Hopefully for Notre Dame, this game against a lesser opponent can be a tune up for their offense and quarterback. Te’Von Coney and Jalen Elliott made plays for their defense and should expect to again this week. Kyle Shurmur’s 258 yards through the air helped put Vanderbilt at 2-0 on the year after defeating Nevada (I was hoping they’d hype up this game like their game against Alabama last year, man that was hilarious to see them get killed after saying how they “wanted Bama”). They’ve looked decent enough but have obviously not played top competition. The Commodores need their offense to hold up and for Shurmur to minimize mistakes. I think the blueprint is there for Vanderbilt to keep it close, but they need some things to go their way.

Prediction:

Notre Dame wins 34-14 and it never really was close. This game will be ugly.

Houston at Texas Tech

Analysis:

This game is one that I think will be interesting. Texas Tech will be looking for a solid win to go into conference play on after losing to Ole Miss. Houston will look to cement themselves as one of the G5 heavyweights. Texas Tech is uncertain about whether their starting quarterback, McLane Carter, will play. Alan Bowman did well in Carter’s spot but it was against FCS Lamar (also their third string quarterback is named Jett Duffey which is an awesome name for a quarterback). TJ Vasher and Antoine Wesley will need to provide relief for the quarterbacks especially if Carter is out. If Texas Tech wants to win this game, their defense needs to step up. Dakota Allen, and John Bonney (why’d you leave the Longhorns John why?) will need to make plays. Their defense will be assisted by Jah’Shawn Johnson likely making his debut on the season. Houston will need to outscore Texas Tech (I will explain myself more here I know this sounds super obvious). Their offense has to score at a similar rate of Texas Tech’s. D’Eriq King has impressed in their first two games and he should continue to do so. Ed Oliver will have to wreck house, which actually isn’t foreign to him.

Prediction:

Houston pulls off the upset 49-45. Ed Oliver tortures Texas Tech’s quarterback and D’Eriq King has a field day.

LSU at Auburn

Analysis:

Both of these teams come into this game with some hype. Both have beaten teams who were ranked in the top 15 at one point, and have tremendous defenses. LSU has found their new workhorse back in Nick Brossette who has 262 yards through two games. Joe Burrow hasn’t been electric at quarterback, but he’s done what’s been asked of him. Devin White and Greedy Williams (the most LSU name ever) make up a very talented defense. The key for LSU will be holding off Auburn’s defensive line, and giving Joe Burrow time, because a mediocre quarterback can look real bad real quick if they aren’t given time. They also need their defense to set up their offense for success with turnovers or good field position. Auburn has one of the best quarterbacks in the nation in Jarrett Stidham, and a great running back core with JaTarvious Whitlow and Kam Martin. Their front seven on defense is also deadly led by Derrick Brown, Dontavius Russell and Deshaun Davis. These defenders need to attack the run game for LSU, and try to cause chaos. This game is also prone to weirdness as it got a coach fired a couple years ago, and always produces gritty battles.

Prediction:

Auburn wins 19-14 (it’s always a weird score in this game). There’s at least one defensive touchdown.

Boise State at Oklahoma State

Analysis:

This is another game that I think will be interesting. Boise State has ran through their first two opponents. Troy and Connecticut aren’t outstanding teams, but neither of them even gave the Broncos a game. Brett Rypien has commanded the offense well and their defense has experience and talent. Their offense has weapons in Alexander Mattison, Sean Modster, and John Hightower. This team definitely is capable of putting up pints. Oklahoma State has a little bit of uncertainty at the quarterback position for the first time in recent memory. Taylor Cornelius had an off day against South Alabama but seems to be the guy for the position. Justice Hill is one of the best running backs in the country. Oklahoma State needs their defense to step up and make some stops. They’ve done that in their first two games but neither of their opponents are nearly as good as the Broncos will be. Calvin Bundage has a solid first two games defensively, and he will need that to continue. People should expect this game to be a shootout.

Prediction:

Due to their experience in bigger games, Boise State wins 42-38. Their defense will make some key stops.

Alabama at Ole Miss

Analysis:

There are couple of things in this game that are borderline (have to do this so I look less dumb if I’m wrong) guarantees for this game. First off, Ole Miss will put up more points than either team Alabama has faced this year. Unfortunately for the Rebels, the next guarantee is that they will not be able to stop Alabama’s offense. Ole Miss has possibly the best receiving core in the nation with AJ Brown, DaMarkus Lodge (who’s probable to play), DK Metcalf and Braylon Sanders. Jordan Ta’amu isn’t an outstanding quarterback, but he’s pretty good and does well getting the ball to his talented receivers. In order to make this game close, Ole Miss either must score a touchdown basically every possession (which is basically impossible against Alabama’s defense) or make some key stops. Their defense has to do better than they did last week, allowing 41 points to FCS Southern Illinois. Alabama comes in having not really been tested in either game. Alabama’s strategy for this game will likely be to just grind the game out on offense and dare Ole Miss to try and stop the run. Look for big games from Damien Harris and Najee Harris. Tua Tagovailoa will also always be a threat when he son the field.

Prediction:

Ole Miss keeps it interesting for about a half before they eventually fall to Alabama 55-27.

USC at Texas

Analysis:

Despite Texas being awful in their first two games, I somehow still have high expectations for them. Texas does have their fair share of offensive weapons. Sam Ehlinger (while he can make some stupid throws) can make plays at quarterback with his arms and legs. Collin Johnson and Lil’Jordan Humphrey are a great receiving duo and Tre Watson has been solid in his time with the Longhorns (he didn’t fumble that ball I don’t care what you say). While their defense hasn’t been necessarily bad, I do expect a little more from Gary Johnson, PJ Locke, and Breckyn Hager (his hair is still amazing). The offense is what I’m more worried about. I don’t want Ehlinger running the ball a bunch this game, I want him to waste as little energy as possible running around and I want him focused on making smart throws. Tre Watson and Keaontay Ingram should definitely get their fair share of carries. USC comes into this game after dropping their last game to Stanford. It became very apparent that JT Daniels is a true freshman as he made some freshman mistakes. Couple that Stephen Carr not really being able to get things going on the ground and USC’s offense stalled. Daniels will need time to throw and Carr will need to establish the run game for the Trojans. USC’s defense kept the game fairly close against Stanford and they’ll probably need to do the same here.

Prediction:

USC will win in a close game 24-20. Texas sticks around but likely blows it somehow at the end (if you have low expectations you’ll never be disappointed).

Ohio State vs TCU

Analysis:

Ohio State comes into this game with an offense that’ll be hard to stop. Dwayne Haskins has completed 82% of his passes. JK Dobbins and Mike Weber make up a deadly backfield. Terry McLaurin, Parris Campbell and Johnnie Dixon make up an outstanding receiving core. My concerns (mostly mild) relate to their defense. It seems like it’s been Nick Bosa and 10 no names at times. They’ll need to step up if they want to win this game (which I think they would like to do). Another note is for the Buckeyes is that it’s likely Tate Martell will play some at quarterback and he’s also done well in his time under center. TCU has played well in their two games as well. Shawn Robinson has had some shaky moments at quarterback but looks passable. He’s bailed out by a solid backfield and KaVontae Turpin, a multi faceted threat at receiver. Their defense has also done well in both games. TCU also definitely comes into this game with a coaching advantage as Gary Patterson is one of the best coaches in college football.

Prediction:

I’m feeling risky right now. TCU wins 28-24 after Ryan Day makes some questionable calls for Ohio State. The home crowd also helps TCU (I know it’s a neutral site but it’s essentially a TCU home game).

Washington at Utah

Analysis:

Washington has been a little underwhelming in their first two games. They lost a vey big game to Auburn and then got off to a slow start against North Dakota. This trip to Utah will not be easy. Jake Browning did well against Auburn but had a rough day against North Dakota. Myles Gaskin also didn’t have his best day running the ball. As has been the case recently, their defense stayed dominant. The combination of Taylor Rapp, Austin Joyner and Myles Bryant will make it quite difficult for Utah to air it out. Since it is an away game, and a game that Utah has hyped up, Washington needs to start their attack early. Utah’s offense seemed to stall out against Northern Illinois. Tyler Huntley will have little room for error against the Huskies outstanding defensive backfield. Zack Moss will also need to have a great day running the ball. Their defense, led by cornerback Chase Hansen and linebacker Cody Barton, needs to give the offense good field position and try to create turnovers. This game is also a continuation of #Pac12AfterDark which always leads to crazy things.

Prediction:

Utah keeps it interesting but ultimately falls 27-23.

G5 Heisman

Many G5 players are overlooked because they don’t play at a big time school and don’t get the attention bigger schools get. There are still some great players at the G5 level and here I decided to highlight them (the NCAA can feel free to steal this award).

Ed Oliver – Houston

Ed Oliver is one of the best players in the country. Nobody will have more attention from his opponent’s offensive line. Double teams will be a regular occurrence. In two games, he has four tackles for loss. Expect that number to go up and AAC play starts.

McKenzie Milton – UCF

McKenzie Milton is one of the most underrated players in the country. He has thrown for nearly 600 yards in the first two games and has his numbers deflated due to the blowout factor (playing conservatively or putting in subs during games in a blowout typically a win). Expect his numbers by the game to increase. UCF has a real shot to make a MY6 Bowl again (and claim a national title) and if they do, it’ll be behind the arm of Milton.

Cole McDonald – Hawaii

After seeing limited action until this year, Cole McDonald has 13 touchdowns and 1165 yards over three games. That alone is crazy, but to add that he hasn’t thrown an interception makes it even crazier. He may slide up this (make believe) Heisman race if his numbers stay consistent. Hawaii may be making some noise this year so be sure to stay up late and watch them.

Sutton Smith – Northern Illinois

Sutton Smith is another pro prospect at defensive end who’s dominating the G5 ranks. He has three sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss so far this year. It’s very unfortunate that his team is 0-2 so far but it’s not because of any shortcomings on Smith’s part as he definitely held his own against Utah last week.

Mason Fine – North Texas

Mason Fine has lead an impressive North Texas offense this year. Fine has thrown for 862 yards and seven touchdowns over just two games. Fine also averages 9.6 yards for attempt and completes 72.9 percent of his passes. He’s definitely a source of instant offense for the Mean Green.

Honorable Mention

KJ Carta Samuels – Colorado State

Devin Singletary – FAU

Terrence Horne – South Florida

Juwan Washington – San Diego State

Brett Rypien – Boise State

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