We are back for week two of our Powerful Predictions. Week one was an overall good start for us but we did completely whiff on one prediction. Let’s start with a recap of last week:
-The MAC defeats at least one power five school: All of the power five schools defeated the MAC in every game they played. The MAC lost by an average of 26 points.
-Utah beats Florida by 17+ points: Not even close. Did not even pick the winner right. We will ignore this one.
-Notre Dame is tied or leads Ohio State at halftime, Buckeyes cover the spread: Notre Dame did lead at halftime but Ohio State failed to cover the 17 point spread. We were on the right track with this one.
-Rutgers vs Boston College will quietly be one of the best games of the weekend: Rutgers won 22-21 over Boston College. Rutgers scored their go ahead touchdown with less than three minutes left in the game. We nailed this one perfectly.
-Bo Nix starts for Oregon but gets benched: Bo Nix did start and should have been benched but he was not. This one should have been right.
Week two is going to be the start of a hot stretch for us. We do not have as strong of a slate in week two as we did in week one but still some great football games. Here are my Powerful Predictions for week two:
1 – Alabama defeats Texas by at least 30 points, Bryce Young sits the 4th quarter: Texas is in an obvious rebuild even if they do have talent on the offensive side of the ball. Bijan Robinson is a generational running back but he is not talented enough to carry the Longhorns. Quinn Ewers has a difficult task playing Alabama in just his second start. Nick Saban has dominated non-conference opponents in recent years. 2022 is no different where Bryce Young and company jump out to an early lead and prevent Texas from ever making the game close. The Crimson Tide roster is loaded from top to bottom on both sides of the ball. Will Anderson was limited against Utah State but look for him to have a significant impact against the Longhorns. Alabama will lead by enough points where Saban confidently pulls Young for the 4th quarter.
2 – Marshall scares the Fighting Irish, Notre Dame wins by single digits: I believe Notre Dame is a good football team. They have one of the best defenses in the entire country but this has the feeling of a hangover game. Notre Dame lost a hard fought and physical game to Ohio State and now has to play an underrated Marshall team. Marshall is led by former Texas Tech quarterback, Henri Colombi. Colombi finished 24 of 26 for 205 yards with one touchdown and one interception against Norfolk State. Notre Dame will win this game but not without Marshall giving them their best shot. The Fighting Irish offense failed to find consistent offense against Ohio State which I believe will be an issue on Saturday. The defense will inevitably be the reason for a Notre Dame victory. Marshall may score garbage time points to lose by single digits but this game will be closer than many believe. Marcus Freeman will get his first win as the Fighting Irish head coach but not without a scare from Marshall.
3 – Cameron Ward announces his presence to the country by totaling 5 touchdowns against Wisconsin: One of the forgotten transfers from this past off-season was Cameron Ward to Washington State. Ward was one of the best players at the FCS level last year resulting in him entering the transfer portal. Numerous power five programs were interested in Ward before he ultimately decided on Washington State. Ward is not a true duel-threat quarterback but can run if needed. He passed for 47 touchdowns last season at Incarnate Word. Washington State struggled against Idaho but it was a classic look ahead game to open the season. Ward will need to have one of his best games if they are going to have a chance against Wisconsin. After Ward totals five touchdowns against a tough Wisconsin defense he will start to become a recognizable name in college football.
4 – BYU defeats Baylor, viewed as a legit College Football Playoff candidate: Get ready for a late one folks. This game does not start until 10:15 EST. Yes, I am aware BYU is missing both of their top receivers. I still believe BYU is one of the most underrated teams in the country. The Cougars jumped out to a 38-0 lead over USF where some experts believed USF could pull the upset. BYU is going to go as far as its defense will take them. Jaren Hall is a veteran quarterback who can still find success even without his top targets. The over/under for this game is currently listed at 53. This will be a low scoring defensive battle which bodes well for both teams. The deciding factor is the location of the game. Baylor would win if this game was played in Waco but it is being played in Provo. BYU becomes a legitimate College Football Playoff contender with this win.
5 – Wake Forest and Vanderbilt play the best game of the day: Wake Forest vs Vanderbilt was already a game true college football fans were excited about. Now Sam Hartman is back for Wake Forest. Hartman was one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC last year and will look to lead the Demon Deacons once again. No indication has been given if Hartman will start for Wake Forest. Mitch Griffis will likely get the start if Hartman is unable to play. Griffis completed 21 of 29 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns in his first start against VMI. Vanderbilt has started 2-0 for the first time since 2018. They defeated Hawaii in their first game by a score of 63-10. Mike Wright has been one of the main reasons for their offensive success. Wright has six passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns thus far. Both programs still have plenty of questions but look for this game to be the most exciting of the day.
