Cram Session - Week 2

After what was a Week 1 largely devoid of any intriguing games, Week 2 of the college football season has tons of them. Three teams in the Top 10 play ranked opponents this weekend, with the highlight being #18 Penn State traveling to Alabama to take on the #1 Crimson Tide. Those will be some very good games, but my eye will be on Michigan at Notre Dame. I liked a lot of what I saw from the Irish in Week 1 but also understand that was against a crappy Purdue team. The Irish suffered a tough loss at Michigan last year and it would be nice to get some revenge this season.

Games That Matter to Me That May Not Matter to You

Michigan (1-0) at Notre Dame (1-0)

Both of these teams had impressive Week 1 victories. For Notre Dame, it was great to see QB Dayne Crist look comfortable in Brian Kelly's offense. It was also nice to see the Irish establish a running game behind Armando Allen, and Cierre Wood. The Notre Dame defense also came to play and shut down what was a pretty high powered Boilermakers offense the year before. The Wolverines pushed Tate Forcier to the bench and handed the offense over to Denard Robinson who played brilliantly against Connecticut. Robinson was able to run and throw at will against the Huskies. However, before Wolverine fans get too excited they need to remember that they started 4-0 last season, and Forcier was supposedly their savior. This game all hinges on whether or not the Irish can slow down Robinson. They have to make sure he isn't able to run wild on them, so the Irish will have to pressure him constantly. For Notre Dame offensively, achieving balance like they did in Week 1 is key, and also getting Michael Floyd more involved than he was against Purdue would be an added bonus. I like the Irish to take this one at home.

Prediction: Notre Dame 27, Michigan 20

Top 10

#18 Penn State (1-0) at #1 Alabama (1-0)

It is appearing unlikely that Heisman winner RB Mark Ingram will play in this game. That is good news for Penn State. The bad news, they are going to have to try to beat the #1 team in the nation on the road with a true freshman as their QB. Sure QB Robert Bolden had a nice game at home against Youngstown State, but that in no way prepared him for what he will face in this game. With or without Ingram, I think Alabama rolls to victory.

Prediction: Alabama 30, Penn State 13

#12 Miami (1-0) at #2 Ohio State (1-0)

This is a game I will definitely be checking out during commercials of the Notre Dame/Michigan game. These teams meet for the first time since their 2003 National Championship meeting, when the Buckeyes shocked Miami. Both programs have gone in different directions since then, and now the Buckeyes will be heavily favored in this one. I am still not sold on the Canes at all, and think their QB Jacory Harris is highly overrated. Ohio State has an overrated QB in their own right in Terrelle Pryor, but their defense is much better in my opinion than Miami's. I think they will make life hell for Harris.

Prediction: Ohio State 35, Miami 17

Tennessee Tech (0-1) at #4 TCU (1-0)

TCU get's a nice break after a hard fought win against Oregon State last weekend. Everyone is talking about Boise State potentially playing for a national title but TCU will have a good shot as well.

Prediction: TCU 40, Tennessee Tech 6

Wyoming (1-0) at #5 Texas (1-0)

I don't envy the Cowboys who first have to take on #5 Texas this weekend, then host #3 Boise State next weekend. As expected the Longhorns looked a little shaky in their win over Rice and QB Garrett Gilbert wasn't overly impressive. The Longhorns need to work out the kinks this week, because they play under the lights next weekend at Texas Tech.

Prediction: Texas 45, Wyoming 20

Idaho (1-0) at #6 Nebraska (1-0)

I am very happy with Bo Pelini's decision to go with Freshman Taylor Martinez as his starting QB. Zac Lee wasn't getting it done and it's nice to finally have someone who could potentially be a starter for four years, since QB has been a revolving door position for a while for the Huskers. As a Huskers fan I loved seeing Martinez running and throwing, bringing back memories of Eric Crouch, Scott Frost, and Tommie Frazier. I wasn't so happy with the amount of yardage the Nebraska defense gave up. I was hoping that they wouldn't miss Suh too much but that appears to have been foolhardy. Nebraska has to travel to Washington next weekend, so hopefully the defense improves this week, because Huskies QB Jake Locker could give them trouble.

Prediction: Nebraska 48, Idaho 14

#7 Oregon (1-0) at Tennessee (1-0)

This game has gotten lost in the shuffle of the other big games this weekend but it could be a good one. Both teams posted gigantic shutouts against inferior competition last weekend, so neither team will be lacking confidence. The Ducks appeared like they will be more than capable, even with Jeremiah Massoli at quarterback. The Ducks will be getting back RB LeMichael James for this game, after he served a one-game suspension.

Prediction: Oregon 30, Tennessee 27

South Florida (1-0) at #8 Florida (1-0)

The Gators looked horrible at home against Miami of Ohio. So bad, that they were dropped four spots in the polls despite winning by 22 points. They couldn't even get the center/quarterback exchange right. The Bulls won at Tallahassee last season and if they were able to pull off a shocker in Gainesville it would be a program making win. I think they will come close but be unable to pull it off.

Prediction: Florida 28, South Florida 24

Iowa State (1-0) at #9 Iowa (1-0)

Only people in Iowa give a crap about this game.

Prediction: Iowa 31, Iowa State 20

#17 Florida State (1-0) at #10 Oklahoma (1-0)

The Seminoles started the Jimbo Fisher era off with a bang, while the Sooners barely survived Utah State at home. I smell upset in this one. I think QB Christian Ponder will play well, and I think Choklahoma proves once again that they are overrated, fluke frauds.

Prediction: Florida State 28, Oklahoma 27

Overall Record: 9-1