What a wild opening of College Football we just witnessed. If it’s one thing we can expect from college football, it’s that things are going to happen that make no sense at all. The ending of the LSU-Florida State game, App State scoring 40 points in a quarter and still losing, and the ending of the Backyard Brawl are prime examples of what we love about college football. The Pac-12 is cooked after week one, with Oregon getting demolished by Georgia and Utah losing a close one in the swamp. Ohio State’s offense was held down most of the night by Notre Dame, but the Buckeyes found a way to prevail and beat the Irish. Now that week one is in the books it’s time to set up the slate for week two.
#1 Alabama (-20) vs Texas:
Texas is about to have its welcome to the SEC moment this weekend in Austin. This will be a future SEC match up and the Longhorns are going to see what it takes to play with the likes of Alabama. Vegas isn’t giving Texas much of a shot vs the Tide. Bevo will be 20-point underdogs vs Nick Saban’s crew. Bama is on a redemption tour after losing in the national title game last season and this one could get ugly in a hurry.
#24 Tennessee (-6.5) vs #17 Pittsburgh:
In another SEC vs ACC match up, the Vols will take on the defending ACC champs of Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh barely squeaked by West Virginia in week one and now will take on a Vols team that is improving – led by Greensboro, NC native Hendon Hooker. Hooker was efficient in his first game, going 18-25 for 221 yards and 2 TDs. USC transfer, Kedon Slovis also played well in his first game for the Panthers. Slovis threw for 308 yards and a touchdown. For Pitt to win this game they will need to be better upfront, as the Panthers only rushed for 76 yards vs West Virginia.
#20 Kentucky vs #12 Florida (-4.5):
Fresh off upsetting Utah, the Gators went from being unranked to #12 in the country under new coach Billy Napier. Anthony Richardson was one of the biggest stars of week one. Richardson threw for 168 yards and ran for another 106 yards and three touchdowns. Now Florida will be looking to avenge last seasons loss to Kentucky in the swamp. Wildcats’ quarterback Will Levis was solid in Kentucky’s win over Miami, OH and will need to be on point versus a team that is hungry for revenge. This could be the best game of the weekend.
#10 USC (-9) vs Stanford:
The Lincoln Riley era got off to a good start for the USC Trojans. USC scored on every one of its possessions vs Rice. Caleb Williams was sharp, throwing for 249 yards and rushing for another 68 yards. Now USC will travel to Stanford – a place where they have traditionally struggled. Yes, Stanford is coming off a poor season, but Vegas is aware of USC’s struggles there and that’s why the spread is only nine points. If Lincoln Riley really has USC going in the right direction they should win this game