Week 3 College Football Predictions and Results

Thursday
West Virginia at Maryland: Even though they struggled in the first half against Marshall this past weekend, the Mountaineers still found a way to score 42 second half points and their explosive offense will be too much for the 'Terps.
West Virginia 45 Maryland 24
West Virginia 31 Maryland 14 (1-0)

TCU at Air Force: TCU had a strong first half showing against Texas last week, but fell flat in the second half, especially offensively. Air Force is no push-over, especially in Colorado Springs, but I still like TCU to rebound from their loss with their quick and aggressive defense getting the best of the Falcons' option attack.
TCU 24 Air Force 17
Air Force 20 TCU 17 OT (1-1)

Friday
Oklahoma State at Troy: Due to Okie State's explosive offense, I'm going to take them, but don't be surprised if Troy pulls off the upset. Troy has already played SEC stud Arkansas in a 46-26 loss to the Razorbacks and scored 31 points on the defending National Champion Florida Gators in their 59-31 loss to Urban Meyer's club. While they have allowed 105 points in two games against stellar competition, they've scored 57 points (28.5 ppg). So, while I do see OSU coming out of Troy, Alabama with a victory, don't be surprised to see the Trojans fight the Cowboys with everything they've got and don't be surprised to see Troy score some points.
Oklahoma State 45 Troy 35
Troy 41 Oklahoma State 23 (1-2)

Saturday
Temple at Connecticut: UConn is on the verge of starting the year 3-0, but will they potentially be bowl bound? That's hard to say, as the three wins would've come against the likes of Duke, Maine, and Temple. Either way, with a dominating victory over the Owls on Saturday, they will indeed be 3-0.
Connecticut 45 Temple 3
Connecticut 22 Temple 17 (2-2)

Akron at Indiana: The Hoosiers have begun the season with a similar philosophy as the just mentioned Huskies, after squaring off with the likes of Indiana State, Western Michigan, and Akron. Oddly enough, Western Michigan and Akron are better than Duke and Temple, in football anyway. Like UConn, Indiana, with a win on Saturday, will improve to 3-0.
Indiana 38 Akron 17
Indiana 41 Akron 24 (3-2)

Pittsburgh at Michigan State: Who to pick? Who to pick? Pittsburgh has spanked the likes of Eastern Michigan (the worst of the Division I-A Michigan schools) and I-AA Grambling, while Michigan State pounded UAB, before receiving a threat versus Bowling Green. With the game in East Lansing, I give the slight edge to the Spartans.
Michigan State 31 Pittsburgh 24
Michigan State 17 Pittsburgh 13 (4-2)

Virginia at North Carolina: Where's George Welsh when you need him? UVA, while never spectacular, could always be counted on for a 7-4 regular season under Welsh. That has been anything but the case in the years since. They're in even more trouble than usual this year, following a 20-point loss to Wyoming and a narrow victory over Duke. Carolina, meanwhile, appears to have the quickness and talent offensively to put up a few points here and there, but too much inexperience on the defensive side of the ball will make them more prone to giving up a few points as well. Even with that, I give the edge to the Heels in Chapel Hill. It'll only be a matter of time before Butch Davis gets the Heels rolling again.
North Carolina 31 Virginia 24
Virginia 22 North Carolina 20 (4-3)

Illinois at Syracuse: Even with the Illini falling a bit short against Mizzou in their opener, they have a golden opportunity to start the year 2-1 with a victory on Saturday. They don't have an excuse not to with how Syracuse has been playing. The Orange have been outscored 77-12 in their two games thus far and while this game should be a bit closer than their previous two games, I still look for Illinois to get the victory.
Illinois 24 Syracuse 10
Illinois 41 Syracuse 20 (5-3)

Cincinnati at Miami (Ohio): Just how good is Cincinnati? As usual, it's hard to say at this point, but with their 34-3 exhibition against Oregon State this past week, one can't say they're not impressed by the Bearcats' quick start this season. While a potential let-down from such an impressive outing on the national scene is possible, even that won't prevent the 'Cats from defeating the Red Hawks on Saturday.
Cincinnati 42 Miami (Ohio) 7
Cincinnati 47 Miami (Ohio) 10 (6-3)

Buffalo at Penn State: Turner Gill, fresh off a 42-7 triumph over Temple, is now ready to gear his Bulls up for a victory in Happy Valley! Alright, so I kid. Congrats on your victory, Mr. Gill. Enjoy it, because you'll be wishing you were facing Buffalo again this upcoming weekend. PSU improves to 3-0.
Penn State 38 Buffalo 6
Penn State 45 Buffalo 24 (7-3)

Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois: Does one need to even pick this game? Both clubs come into the contest at 0-2. Eastern Michigan was beaten 27-3 against Pittsburgh in their opener and then lost 38-16 to Ball State. NIU fell to Iowa 16-3 and then to Division I-AA Southern Illinois 34-31. Since both squads have looked so pitiful thus far, I'm going to pick the home team.
Northern Illinois 27 Eastern Michigan 21
Eastern Michigan 21 Northern Illinois 19 (7-4)

Central Michigan at Purdue: Toledo, Eastern Illinois, and now Central Michigan. Joe Tiller's Boilermakers certainly are having to rev up their engines early in the season, aren't they? Granted, they should not take CMU lightly, the defending MAC Champs, but while the Chippewas should score a few points in this game, it won't be enough for the victory.
Purdue 48 Central Michigan 27
Purdue 45 Central Michigan 22 (8-4)

Mississippi State at Auburn: For how porous Auburn's offense has been, not only this season thus far, but the final half of their '06-'07 campaign, one has to believe they can lose just about every SEC game they play. The potential is there. But, thanks to their quick, stingy, and aggressive defense against the inconsistent Bulldogs' offense, Auburn should come out of this game unscathed.
Auburn 24 Mississippi State 6
Mississippi State 19 Auburn 14 (8-5)

Minnesota at Florida Atlantic: Minnesota has played two overtime games in two weeks, one of which consisted of three overtimes. That streak should come to an end this weekend with a comfortable victory over Howard Schnellenberger's club.
Minnesota 38 Florida Atlantic 24
Florida Atlantic 42 Minnesota 39 (8-6)

Iowa at Iowa State: While Iowa didn't look impressive in their opening win over Northern Illinois, compared to Iowa State, the Hawkeyes have looked reminiscent to LSU. On that note, they should have no problem defeating the Suckclones.
Iowa 24 Iowa State 10
Iowa State 15 Iowa 13 (8-7)

Ohio at Virginia Tech: Hyped Freshman sensation Tyrod Taylor will make his first collegiate start for the Hokies in this game. He looked pretty good (all considering) in his half of work against LSU this past weekend. It'll be a good situation for him, as he has seen the tremendous defense of LSU up close and in person (and in Baton Rouge at night), so his first start at home against Ohio? No problem.
Virginia Tech 31 Ohio 3
Virginia Tech 28 Ohio 7 (9-7)

Western Michigan at Missouri: Mizzou shouldn't take the Broncos lightly, but they should be able to garner enough yards and score enough points to put away WMU in the 3rd, maybe the 4th quarter.
Missouri 38 Western Michigan 24
Missouri 52 Western Michigan 24 (10-7)

New Mexico at Arizona: When will Mike Stoops take Arizona to a bowl game? This may not appear to be an important game for Stoops and company, especially in regard to their potentially going bowling this year, but if they fall to New Mexico in Tucson and drop to 1-2 before conference play begins, the Wildcats could be in for another long season. Fortunately for them, I don't see that happening, well, losing to the Lobos anyway.
Arizona 24 New Mexico 17
New Mexico 29 Arizona 27 (10-8)

Tennessee at Florida: As usual, this was an extremely difficult game for me to pick. With it being at the Swamp, I initially gave the slight edge to the Gators. However, it's just been noted that Florida receiver Caldwell will not be playing on Saturday. Also, Tennessee is much more prepared for Florida than vice versa. The 'Vols have already had to play Cal in Berkeley and an always pesky Southern Miss club. Florida has faced Western Kentucky in the Hilltoppers' first game as a Division I-A team and Troy. Weighing all those factors, I like the 'Vols to pull off a minor upset over the defending champs.
Tennessee 34 Florida 31
Florida 59 Tennessee 20 (10-9)

Notre Dame at Michigan: For the first time in history, both Notre Dame and Michigan are off to 0-2 starts. Those losses haven't been pretty either (losses usually aren't, but anyway...). Notre Dame has been outscored 64-13 against Georgia Tech and Penn State. Michigan has been outscored 73-39 against Appalachian State and Oregon. Both teams have lost their last four games, going back to last season. While Notre Dame may be a bit more prepared from a competition standpoint, I can't see Michigan losing three consecutive home games to start the season. Look for Mike Hart to have a huge game on Saturday to lead the Wolverines to their first victory of the season.
Michigan 31 Notre Dame 17
Michigan 38 Notre Dame 0 (11-9)

Army at Wake Forest: The defending ACC Champs, Wake Forest, has started the year 0-2 overall and 0-1 in the ACC conference. To their credit, with all they lost on defense (their entire secondary just about), it's rather difficult to start the year off with Boston College and Nebraska, and Wake only lost those two games by the combined score of 58-45 (average of 29-22.5). Army is looking pretty awful, even by their standards, so Wake should have no problem notching their first victory of the season at home against the Black Knights.
Wake Forest 34 Army 0
Wake Forest 21 Army 10 (12-9)

Utah State at Oklahoma: Oklahoma put up 79 points in their opener against North Texas (who's probably better than Utah State) and 51 points this past weekend against Miami (Florida) (who's definitely better than Utah State). Expect plenty of points by the Sooners in this one and not too many from the Aggies.
Oklahoma 84 Utah State 10
Oklahoma 54 Utah State 3 (13-9)

Ohio State at Washington: Here we have it. My upset of the week. Last week, I picked South Florida to defeat Auburn and this week, I'm taking the Huskies over the Buckeyes. Ohio State has been anything but spectacular thus far. A 3-2 halftime lead over Akron? Meanwhile, Washington looks to have improved for the second consecutive season and have started the year 2-0 with wins over Syracuse and Boise State by the combined score of 66-22. Their victory over BSU last weekend snapped the Broncos nation-leading 14-game win streak. With the game in Seattle, with the Buckeyes still trying to find some chemistry and answers to their young club, I look for UW to get exactly that, the W and improve to 3-0.
Washington 21 Ohio State 17
Ohio State 33 Washington 14 (13-10)

Texas at Central Florida: The 'Horns looked asleep in the first half against TCU a week ago, but they finally played with some life and motivation in the second half. I look for that to carry over into this game and for the Longhorns to improve to 3-0 on the season.
Texas 45 Central Florida 17
Texas 35 Central Florida 32 (14-10)

Florida International at Miami (Florida): Good memories. Remember last year's battle between these two teams? The fight? The brawl? The helmets flying? The stepping on guys' heads? The suspensions? Yeah, that's the game I'm referring to. I'll be interested to see what occurs in this game. Will it be a sequel to last year's blood-bath or do the coaches treat the players with shock therapy if they so much as talk trash to the opposing team? Either way, Miami should win this one rather easily.
Miami (Florida) 38 Florida International 0
Miami (Florida) 23 Florida International 9 (15-10)

UCLA at Utah: Oregon State, Air Force, and now UCLA - not an easy start to the season for Utah. They won a bowl game just a season ago, but with this loss on Saturday, they'll fall to 0-3, including an 0-1 start in the Mountain West Conference. Meanwhile, it'll be a 3-0 start for Karl Dorrell and his Bruins, including a 1-0 start in the Pac-10.
UCLA 31 Utah 13
Utah 44 UCLA 6 (15-11)

Ball State at Navy: Ball State should be able to make this one interesting and entertaining, but Navy's option offense at home will be too much for the Cardinals.
Navy 35 Ball State 24
Ball State 34 Navy 31 OT (15-12)

Southern Mississippi at East Carolina: This was an extremely difficult game to pick, especially with ECU playing at home, but it's hard for me to pick against Southern Miss in Conference USA games. My gut is telling me to go for the Pirates, but I just can't do it. As usual, I'll probably have wished that I went with my gut.
Southern Mississippi 27 East Carolina 24
Southern Mississippi 28 East Carolina 21 (16-12)

Louisiana Tech at California: Cal got very lucky last weekend, as they snuck by Colorado State 34-28, following their impressive 45-31 victory over Tennessee. They shouldn't have any problems this week at home and should roll past the Bulldogs.
California 52 Louisiana Tech 21
California 42 Louisiana Tech 12 (17-12)

Arkansas at Alabama: While Alabama is extremely tough in Tuscaloosa, I'm still not sold on Saban having turned this team around in his first season there. In saying that, I think the 'Hogs stud tailback, Darren McFadden, will be a bit much for the Tide in this one. It should be close, but I like the Razorbacks.
Arkansas 24 Alabama 17
Alabama 41 Arkansas 38 (17-13)

Mississippi at Vanderbilt: If Vandy wants to become the Kentucky (from last year) of this season, they have to win games like this. They have to win conference games at home, especially against the likes of Mississippi. It'll be no gimme, but I look for the Commodores to improve to 2-1 on the young season and 1-1 in conference.
Vanderbilt 24 Mississippi 17
Vanderbilt 31 Mississippi 17 (18-13)

Louisiana-Monroe at Texas A&M: A&M may be a bit bushed after last week's three overtime affair with Fresno State, but lucky for them, they're playing in College Station against Louisiana-Monroe. Aggies in a rout.
Texas A&M 38 Louisiana-Monroe 14
Texas A&M 54 Louisiana-Monroe 14 (19-13)

SMU at Arkansas State: Not much is known about Arkansas State at this juncture, just that they played an unfocused Texas squad tough in Week 1. SMU is coming off a 6-6 campaign from a year ago and seem poised to do something similar again this season. With their weapons on offense, I look for that to be a bit too much for ASU.
SMU 31 Arkansas State 21
Arkansas State 45 SMU 28 (19-14)

Toledo at Kansas: A perfect third week match-up for Kansas. They've scored 114 points in two games (average of 57.0). They were against Central Michigan and Southeast Louisiana, but still, CMU is the defending MAC Champion. Toledo, meanwhile, has allowed 104 points in two games (average of 52.0), including giving up 52 to those same Chippewas. Look for a lot of points to be scored in Lawrence on Saturday, especially by the Jayhawks.
Kansas 59 Toledo 17
Kansas 45 Toledo 13 (20-14)

Fresno State at Oregon: If Fresno had won the game at College Station this past weekend and the game didn't go into three overtimes, I may have been tempted to pick against the Ducks in this one, especially following their dominating 39-7 victory over Michigan. They'd be due for a let-down. But, Fresno will be exhausted and even with a slight let-down, I can't see the Ducks losing this one at Autzen.
Oregon 45 Fresno State 21
Oregon 52 Fresno State 21 (21-14)

Houston at Tulane: Where Houston goes, points will travel and this game will be no different. Look for the Cougars to light up New Orleans on Saturday, meaning, the Green Wave defense.
Houston 45 Tulane 24
Houston 34 Tulane 10 (22-14)

Louisville at Kentucky: As usual, I couldn't handle just one big upset for the week, so here is my second. Louisville's defense allowed 42 points last week to Middle Tennessee State of all teams, the same Blue Raiders' squad that lost to Florida Atlantic by two touchdowns in Week 1. While Kentucky hasn't faced any stiff competition yet (neither team has), I look for their offense to explode against the Cardinals and hold off the ever efficient UL offense just enough for the victory.
Kentucky 48 Louisville 45
Kentucky 40 Louisville 34 (23-14)

Boston College at Georgia Tech: Two of only three teams in the ACC looking halfway decent thus far. Yet, it's difficult to evaluate either club fully, especially Georgia Tech. They looked mighty impressive in their 33-3 shellacking of Notre Dame in their first game, but as we've seen since then, the 119th ranked offense in the country, the Irish, don't look very good this year. Then Tech annihilated Division I-AA Samford, but then again, it was Samford. Meanwhile, Boston College is 2-0, with both those games coming in conference, one against defending ACC Champ Wake Forest and the other against former head coach Tom O'Brien's new club, North Carolina State. Based on what all I've seen thus far, I'm giving the slight edge to Boston College. Quarterback Matt Ryan is one of the more unheralded and underrated quarterbacks in the country and should lead the Eagles to a big victory in Atlanta.
Boston College 24 Georgia Tech 21
Boston College 24 Georgia Tech 10 (24-14)

Wyoming at Boise State: The Blue Turf provides miracles for the home team Broncos and that should be no different in this game, as Boise comes off their first loss in over a year. Fortunately for them, the loss was out-of-conference and they have an opportunity with a win against Wyoming to get back into a groove, especially offensively, heading into conference play in the next week or two. They should do just that and improve to 2-1 on the young season.
Boise State 31 Wyoming 20
Boise State 24 Wyoming 14 (25-14)

Duke at Northwestern: Duke playing away from home? Easy pick...whomever they play against! The 'Cats improve to 3-0 and Duke "surprisingly" falls to 0-3.
Northwestern 38 Duke 14
Duke 20 Northwestern 14 (25-15)

Middle Tennessee State at LSU: MTSU put up 42 points against Louisville, 14 points against Florida Atlantic. How many against LSU? Considering the fact LSU has allowed only 7 points in two games (versus Mississippi State and Virginia Tech), I'm not thinking very many.
LSU 49 Middle Tennessee State 0
LSU 44 Middle Tennessee State 0 (26-15)

USC at Nebraska: The game of the week - #1 USC vs. #14 Nebraska in Lincoln. Please, I beg that it's not like last week's Game of the Week! I don't think it will be, but wouldn't entirely rule out that possibility. While Nebraska may have been slightly looking past Wake this past weekend and onto their big match-up with the Trojans, their inconsistency in many phases from Game 1 to Game 2 worries me some. What Nebraska has going for them are three things: 1) Home atmosphere (weather potentially), 2) Two games under their belt against perennial bowl contenders (Nevada and Wake Forest), and 3) Motivation - to avenge for last year's loss to the Trojans and make a showing on the national stage against the top ranked team in the country. USC has played only one game thus far, a 38-10 victory over Idaho, with this past weekend being a bye. While I think that Nebraska will be a bit less conservative in their playcalling this year than last and while I believe they'll play it close through about halftime, I just don't see USC losing this one. Pete Carroll always has his team geared up to play, especially in these big nationally-hyped and televised games. With LSU demolishing Virginia Tech 48-7 last Saturday and Oklahoma pummeling Miami (Florida) 51-13, USC, like Nebraska, has something to prove on Saturday, to themselves and the rest of the country. I don't expect and don't want to see a blow-out, but at the same time, I won't be surprised if it happens. In any manner, I look for USC to pull away late in the 3rd quarter en route to their 10-point victory.
USC 31 Nebraska 21
USC 49 Nebraska 31 (27-15)

UTEP at New Mexico State: Mike Price vs. Hal Mumme. Expect plenty of gadget plays and lots of points. Price and Mike Leach went head-to-head last week, with Leach winning the battle 45-31. Expect something similar this time around, but with Price being the victor.
UTEP 45 New Mexico State 31
New Mexico State 29 UTEP 24 (27-16)

Texas Tech at Rice: Rice is 0-2 against the likes of Nicholls State and Baylor. Even at home, don't expect a close game from the Owls. Tech should win and win big in this one.Texas Tech 63 Rice 21
Texas Tech 59 Rice 24 (28-16)

BYU at Tulsa: Not much is known about either team at this point. BYU has beaten Arizona by 13 points and lost to UCLA by 10. Tulsa, in their only game to date, defeated Louisiana-Monroe by 18 points. With the game at home, I'm tempted to go with the Golden Hurricane, but feel that the Cougars' offense may be a bit too much for Tulsa's defense to handle.
BYU 34 Tulsa 24
Tulsa 55 BYU 47 (28-17)

Hawaii at UNLV: After a scare against Louisiana Tech a week ago, Hawaii should be ready for this one. UNLV has to be emotionally and mentally torn following their 20-13 loss to Wisconsin. Keeping that in mind, I look for the Warriors to do what they typically do, score a lot of points and with that, improve to 3-0 on the season.
Hawaii 66 UNLV 17
Hawaii 49 UNLV 14 (29-17)

San Diego State at Arizona State: With three consecutive wins to start the season, Sundevils' new head coach, Dennis Erickson, is off to a great start in Tempe. Wait, check that, he's 2-0, but will be 3-0 following a victory on Saturday against the Aztecs.
Arizona State 49 San Diego State 13
Arizona State 34 San Diego State 13 (30-17)

San Jose State at Stanford: This is a difficult game to pick, but San Jose State appears to be having a bit of a down year following their bowl run a season ago. With the game at home, I look for Stanford to garner their first victory of the season.
Stanford 24 San Jose State 21
Stanford 37 San Jose State 0 (31-17)

Florida State at Colorado: The Mystery Men do battle. FSU fell behind Clemson 24-0 early on in their first game of the season, before coming back and making the game a bit more respectable, only to fall 24-18. Then, after falling behind 17-3 to UAB in their second game, they came back again, only to win 34-24. Colorado needed a comeback of their own to send their duel with Colorado State in overtime, only to win 31-28. They got off to a good start against Arizona State this past weekend before the Sundevils' dominated the second half of play in the Buffaloes' 33-14 loss to the Sundevils. Even with the game at home, it's difficult for me to see Colorado victorious in this one. While I think it's quite obvious that Florida State has underachieved thus far, I can't make that same assessment of Colorado.
Florida State 31 Colorado 17
Florida State 16 Colorado 6 (32-17)

Idaho at Washington State: The Vandals facing a Pac-10 squad on the road? I don't care who that Pac-10 team is, I'm going with the Pac-10 school. Cougars in a blow-out.
Washington State 45 Idaho 14
Washington State 45 Idaho 28 (33-17)

Week 3 Record: 33-17 (.660)
Overall Record: 75-25 (.750)