Last week felt so good. So good. Even though I ultimately went basically even on the weekend (shout out to the Akron/Nebraska game cancellation for that one), I gave you a perfect 3-0 on the Early Bird Special last Thursday. Am I a man of the people or what? Week 1 in College Football is always tough. You have new coaches all over the place with new systems, teams losing sometimes 30% of their squad from the year before, and on top of it all they’re kids. Week 2 is typically a bit more predictable but unfortunately the slate is kind of snooze worthy. Luckily this doesn’t stop a man like me. I know you need your picks, credit to me for giving them to you.
(24) South Carolina vs. (3) Georgia: South Carolina +10
We know Georgia is good. Jake Fromm and company put on a clinic last weekend, picking up right where they left off. But just how good are they? A weak SEC East last season helped them run train, but teams like the Gamecocks are much improved this season. Deebo Samuel will be looking to break the Bulldogs backs at home in Williams-Brice stadium. Maybe he’ll just knock’em the fuck out – classic Deebo. I think the Bulldogs ultimately take this game but I believe in South Carolina to give them a run for their money.
Final Score: Georgia 32, South Carolina 23
(2) Clemson vs. Texas A&M: Clemson -12
I really didn’t want to have to pick this game. But all over twitter last weekend I saw A&M fans claiming the national championship after beating Northwestern State by 52. Get over your damn selves PLEASE! Kelly Bryant, Tee Higgins, and Amari Rodgers will pick your Aggies secondary apart while Travis Etienne finds the gaps on the ground. I cannot wait to see your reaction to the final score of this one, you all need a wakeup call.
Final Score: Clemson 38, Texas A&M 13
(13) Penn State vs. Pitt: Penn State -7.5
It’s a real shame Penn State almost lost to App State in their home opener. Real shame. And what’s even more of a shame? I have to bet on them this weekend. Pitt does tend to always have that one game a year where they silence a top ranked team (see Miami last season). But it’s too early for that to happen (they play Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, AND Miami later this season). Penn State is coming off a fluke defensively– so look for them to step it up on that side of the ball. As for the offense, Trace McSorley is the sole reason they won last week, he’ll be looking to carry the momentum from that impressive overtime drive into Heinz Field for this classic rivalry game.
Final Score: Penn State 33, Pitt 24
(17) USC vs. (10) Stanford: Stanford -5.5
Is the Stanford passing game really that good? Bryce Love was basically invisible last week because of it. This is the exact reason why Stanford will be whipping the floor with used Trojans today. They’re going to be able to attack both aspects of the USC defense, regardless of the hype surrounding it this season. And as impressive as true freshman JT Daniels was last week against UNLV, he’s just not going to be able to get it done today in Stanford. This game is simple, don’t let the line scare you.
Final Score: Stanford 28, USC 17
(15) Michigan State vs. Arizona State: Arizona State +5.5
I said it before the season started and I’ll say it again especially after last week’s performance against Utah State. The Spartans are overrated. I mean seriously, you almost lost to UTAH STATE! Nope nope nope, sell sell sell. I’m going to keep the spread just in case based off sheer roster talent they are able to pull out a field goal victory but I really want to lean with Herm Edwards and Manny Wilkins at home in Sun Devil Stadium.
Final Score: Arizona State 30, Michigan State 27
This Digest is dedicated to Mac Miller. Rest Easy.