Our bold predictions for week 2 were solid overall. Let’s take a look back:
Iowa wins by at least 10 points – HIT
Texas A&M survives a scare, wins by one score – HIT
Arizona, South Carolina both fall to Group of Five schools – Arizona lost, South Carolina won by 3
Pitt dominates Tennessee, wins by at least 2 scores – Pitt won by 8, close
At least 2 FCS teams beat FBS Opponents – Ohio and Florida State lost, HIT
Jack Coan tops 400 yards – Not even close. Coan finished with 239 yards.
We have a solid week of college football with some underrated games so let’s take a shot to see if I can have similar success predicting outcomes. Here’s my week three bold predictions!
Oklahoma wins by at least 35 points – The Sooners are currently favored by 22 points over Nebraska which feels very low to me. Nebraska struggled early against Buffalo and also lost to Illinois in week 0. The talent discrepancy between these twos schools is very large. Nebraska has only allowed 10 points over the past two weeks but against subpar competition. While this may be a historic rivalry, this weekend will be a historic beatdown. Sooners by at least five touchdowns. Spencer Rattler and company should have a field day.
Alabama holds Florida to 17 points or less – I swear Alabama has the same players every year because there never seems to be a down year for the Crimson Tide. Once again they are as strong as ever and it appears their defense improved from last year. They held Miami to only 266 yards. Florida is expected to rotate Emory Jones and Anthony Richardson at quarterback which could be a negative. Rotating quarterbacks in a game prevents them from getting comfortable and getting into a groove especially when one makes a mistake. Look for Alabama to capitalize on the rotation. They will not allow the Gators to get into a rhythm with the quarterbacks and will shut down the Florida offense.
Bo Nix and Sean Clifford combine for 5 turnovers– If I am being honest, I believe both of these quarterbacks are only okay. Bo Nix has played the equivalent of my high school twice while Clifford struggled against Wisconsin but improved against Ball State. Both quarterbacks will need to limit their mistakes in order to keep their team in the game. I think both of them make numerous mistakes so it will come down to the timeliness of their mistakes. Neither Nix or Clifford have thrown an interception yet this year, that changes this weekend. The Tigers and Nittany Lions both have good defenses and should also be able to force the quarterbacks into making bad decisions.
Tulane Has the Lead in the 4th vs Ole Miss, Rebels Win – Tulane showed fight against Oklahoma earlier this season but ultimately came up short against the Sooners. Michael Pratt is a good quarterback who can make plays with his legs. The Rebels will score points but I think Tulane can keep up with them for a while. Ultimately we will see the defense of Ole Miss make a stop and change the complexion of the game. Lane Kiffin and the Rebels will get the victory but this game will be exciting and go down to the wire.
Florida State beats Wake Forest by Double Digits – I realize what I wrote down, and I know people will think this is crazy but I believe this. Florida State really should have beaten Notre Dame but they whiffed and I think the hangover from that game led into Jacksonville State. The Mike Norvell era could end quickly if they do not turn the season around and it beings this week. Look for the Seminoles to come out of the gate motivated and playing fast. Wake Forest has played Old Dominion and Norfolk State so we have no clue how good they are. Seminoles win big on Saturday.
