Bill Connelly’s Week 2 preview: Big Ten-SEC challenge, early conference tests

Which conference is healthier, the Big Ten or SEC? I obtained requested that query greater than ever this offseason, and I patented a reasonably constant response: For practically 20 years, the SEC demanded that you just decide it by its titles, and by that customary the Big Ten is clearly superior — it has won the past three, in spite of everything, and with three totally different groups. If that is all that issues, crown the Big Ten.

Of course, within the present AP top 25, the SEC additionally has seven of the top-12 groups and 11 of the highest 22. Last yr, three Big Ten groups have been higher than one of the best SEC staff per SP+, however seven Big Ten groups have been additionally worse than the worst SEC staff. The Big Ten is a top-heavy league with fairly a little bit of useless weight, although the SEC is a parity-heavy league that produces countless shut video games, a great deal of CFP contenders and, for the previous couple of years, no genuinely elite groups.

This is usually a fairly enjoyable debate since you see no matter reply you need, however we’ll all have the identical non permanent reply Saturday evening as a result of Week 2 is principally giving us a three-game Big Ten-SEC Challenge: No. 11 Oklahoma at Michigan to start out the day, adopted by a Mississippi State–Minnesota interlude and the Saturday night headliner, No. 1 Ohio State at No. 4 Texas.

It’s a best-of-three for bragging rights! And it is not all that Week 2 has to supply. We additionally get old-school rivalry video games (Missouri at Kansas, Iowa State at Iowa), a high-stakes Group of 6 matchup (Memphis at Boise State), big early-season conference tests for 2 top-15 groups (Alabama and BYU) and several other different Big 12 prove-it video games.

Here’s every little thing it is advisable observe in a loaded and narratives-heavy Week 2.

The Big Ten-SEC Challenge

This is a properly balanced set of three video games. The Big Ten has home-field benefit in two, however the SEC staff is favored in two. Per SP+ projections, there is a 64% probability that the SEC wins no less than two of three. The SEC groups undoubtedly want wins extra, although, due to normal conference insecurity and lots of extra challenges await.

Based on this week’s SP+ scores, the SEC has 10 of the toughest 11 full-season schedules and 14 of the highest 17. The median SP+ SOS rating within the SEC is 9.5. In the Big Ten, Michigan’s schedule ranks sixth, adopted by 12 extra groups between twelfth and thirtieth. Because the center and backside of the SEC are a lot stronger, and since the league simply moved to 9 conference video games — a needed step to feeling like a conference (and creating extra big-game inventory) — the distinction continues to be fairly stark.

Texas will face 5 extra present SP+ top-15 groups after the Ohio State sport Saturday evening; the Longhorns’ SOS ranks second behind Arkansas, whereas Oklahoma’s is available in at fourth. (Ohio State’s, for what it is value, is a strong twelfth.) A 1-1 begin could possibly be fairly damaging, contemplating what’s nonetheless to return.

No. 1 Ohio State at No. 4 Texas (7:30 p.m., ABC)

Stars alone do not a staff make, however in our preseason CFB Player Rank, Ohio State and Texas mixed to have six of the top-15 gamers within the nation. Ohio State had WR Jeremiah Smith (No. 1) and QB Julian Sayin (No. 8), whereas Texas boasted DE Colin Simmons (No. 3), LT Trevor Goosby (No. 12), QB Arch Manning (No. 13) and WR Cam Coleman (No. 15).

Aside from maybe Simmons, everybody seemed the half in snug Week 1 wins. Sayin went for 320 yards and three TDs, and Smith caught eight balls for 151 yards and two of the scores. Manning, in the meantime, leaned on Coleman and returnee Ryan Wingo to throw for 305 yards and 4 TDs (and one interception).

Smith’s first landing may need been essentially the most casually sensible play of the weekend.

In a millisecond, Smith caught a deflected ball, switched it to his different hand after which principally confirmed it off to the ref and the gang as he was going to floor. His and Sayin’s excellence — plus a beautiful debut from UTSA switch receiver Devin McCuin — distracted from a run sport that produced simply 46 yards within the first 16 non-sack carries earlier than Bo Jackson broke a protracted one.

Texas’ run sport had related outcomes, solely in reverse: Hollywood Smothers‘ first carry gained 45 yards, however the subsequent 20 for Smothers and Raleek Brown picked up simply 61.

Defense outlined final season’s sport, and with each of those items taking over important change this offseason, the higher protection may carry this one. Ohio State returns solely three starters, however edge rusher Kenyatta Jackson Jr., nook Jermaine Mathews Jr. and security Jaylen McClain ought to all stay elements of a superb move protection, and freshman nickel Jay Timmons was dynamite towards Ball State.

Texas’ modifications have been extra voluntary. Despite a mean defensive SP+ rating of 13.8 over the previous 4 seasons, Steve Sarkisian changed defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski with veteran Will Muschamp. Sarkisian added three key transfers as nicely: linebackers Rasheem Biles and Justin Cryer and nook Bo Mascoe. Biles was nice towards Texas State, recording a run cease, a pressured fumble and an interception, however the Longhorns gave up 225 first-half yards earlier than settling in.

Texas’ protection was simply the shakiest unit right here, however that was final week. The season begins Saturday. This is the primary of 20 regular-season video games between groups at the moment within the SP+ prime 15. Let’s get it on.

Current line: Horns -1.5 | SP+ projection: Buckeyes by 2.0 | FPI projection: Horns by 3.4

No. 11 Oklahoma at Michigan (midday, Fox)

Only one staff fell out of the AP prime 25 this week: Your 1-0 Michigan Wolverines, who dropped 12 spots after what was technically a win however certain didn’t feel like one. Their offense disappeared for many of 55 minutes towards Western Michigan, and former blue-chip quarterback Bryce Underwood could not have seemed extra misplaced. Head coach Kyle Whittingham didn’t exactly offer a roaring protection of Underwood, saying, “He’s our QB right now. It’s not something that’s infinite. At some point, we’ve got to turn a corner, and we’ve got to see improvement.”

Through the years, gifted groups have responded with vigor to Week 1 duds. Maybe that is attainable with Michigan, particularly as a result of the protection was principally wonderful, permitting 3.3 yards per play and solely two drives over 30 yards. If the Wolverines can hold Oklahoma’s offense in verify, they would not want that a lot offensive competence to drag an upset.

As good as WMU’s protection seemed, nonetheless, OU’s is healthier. So is the Sooners’ offense, even when we do not but know if Oklahoma’s run sport has improved from final season. Quarterback John Mateer seemed nice towards UTEP, throwing to Isaiah Sategna III and newcomers Trell Harris and tight finish Rocky Beers, however main backs Lloyd Avant and Xavier Robinson gained merely respectable 109 yards in 22 carries and can probably discover the operating lanes way more cluttered in Ann Arbor.

Current line: OU -5.5 | SP+ projection: OU by 7.0 | FPI projection: OU by 5.0

Mississippi State at Minnesota (3:30 p.m., CBS)

Will Michigan-Oklahoma be intense, bodily and necessary? Absolutely. Will or not it’s aesthetically pleasing? Lord, no.

That’s wonderful as a result of whereas Mississippi State-Minnesota in all probability will not be as necessary, it could possibly be enjoyable as hell from a styles-make-fights perspective. Minnesota is mostly a fixture close to the highest of the defensive SP+ rankings — the Gophers have been within the defensive SP+ prime 15 for 4 of the previous seven seasons and are at the moment twentieth — and Mississippi State has one of the tantalizing younger quarterbacks within the nation.

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Kamario Taylor on how MS State’s unified offense is usually a risk quickly

Sophomore Kamario Taylor is an eye-popping athlete who threw for 354 yards and 4 touchdowns, plus a 26-yard landing run, towards UL Monroe. ULM’s protection is not good, however the Bulldogs averaged 9.7 yards per play, carving by the Warhawks as in the event that they have been a low-level FCS opponent.

Minnesota, in the meantime, carved up a low-level FCS opponent, beating Eastern Illinois 59-7 behind a 19-for-24 efficiency from Drake Lindsey and a pair of punt return scores (and 98 receiving yards) from Javon Tracy. As far as undercard matchups go, this one ought to be a blast.

Current line: Minnesota -1.5 | SP+ projection: Minnesota by 2.7 | FPI projection: MSU by 3.4

Two pivotal video games within the Group of 6

I typically attempt to focus as little as attainable on the College Football Playoff early within the season, however I’ll make an exception for the hunt for the Group of 6’s automatic bid. It’s a enjoyable race to trace. The stakes have been apparent when Memphis visited UNLV in Week 0, and it was clear what it may need meant for groups reminiscent of Western Michigan or Boise State to attain massive power-conference wins final weekend. (Both fell quick, clearly.)

Week 2 has even greater stakes. Memphis heads west once more, this time to face Boise State. It may function an apparent tiebreaker if each groups end with the identical document, and if Memphis scores one other street win, that may make the Tigers’ potential résumé powerful to beat.

There’s a second fascinating sport this week as nicely, although. After bolting to 2-0 and blowing out two-time CUSA title sport participant Jacksonville State, FBS newcomer North Dakota State may burnish its résumé with a win in its first Mountain West sport.

Memphis at Boise State (6 p.m., USA)

It’s nearly complicated to comprehend that, within the 12-year CFP period, Memphis and Boise State have mixed to complete because the highest-ranked mid-major staff simply thrice. They could be the 2 most persistently strong applications within the Group of 6, having mixed for 9 ranked finishes and 12 seasons of double-digit wins in that span. I really like that they are taking part in a home-and-home, and the primary matchup within the collection, a 35-32 Memphis win that featured a 17-point comeback in 2023, was dynamite. This will make an important quad-box complement for Ohio State-Texas.

Memphis has been wonderful to date, beating UNLV with disruptive protection — Southern Miss transfers J’Mond Tapp and Elijah Kinsler have been phenomenal — after which outrunning Arkansas State with massive performs. Marcus Stokes averaged over 15 yards per completion towards the Red Wolves, and Jaylin Carter and Manny Covey averaged 8.4 yards per carry.

Boise State gave up 5 features of 39 yards or extra to Oregon, however the Broncos nonetheless had the ball with an opportunity to tie late due to a fairly environment friendly run sport, capitalizing on errors and sensible third-down protection. They’re skilled and resilient, however an 0-2 begin could be very laborious to beat. They want this one desperately.

Current line: BSU -8.5 | SP+ projection: BSU by 5.6 | FPI projection: BSU by 9.7

North Dakota State at Air Force (10 p.m., FS1)

After 4 straight seasons of rating within the defensive SP+ prime 30, Air Force slipped to 76th in 2024, then a hundred and first final yr. The Falcons ranked 129th in yards allowed per carry (not together with sacks), and now they face one of many burliest run video games in school soccer. The NDSU trio of the hyper-efficient DJ Scott and big-play backs Myles Mitchell and Nyeoti Punni has mixed for 64 carries and 319 yards in two wins, and quarterback Nathan Hayes is finishing environment friendly passes to veterans Mekhi Collins and Jackson Williams and explosive ones to West Virginia switch Jordan McCants.

Both of those groups desperately need to management the ball, and Air Force may spoil NDSU’s plans with a wholesome option-based dose of quarterback Liam Szarka and senior fullback Owen Allen. On Saturday evening, we’ll be taught if NDSU is in retailer for a merely good first season in FBS or if the Bison are a real CFP risk proper out of the gate.

Current line: NDSU -2.5 | SP+ projection: Air Force by 1.0 | FPI projection: NDSU by 3.7

Two big early conference video games

We’re nonetheless a few weeks from the true immersion level of conference play, however Week 2 offers us an opportunity to ease in with a few potential midafternoon doozies.

Arizona at No. 15 BYU (3:30 p.m., Fox)

Last October, these groups placed on a incredible present. Arizona (4-1) used a 24-0 run to grab management and led 5-0 BYU into the ultimate 5 minutes, however freshman Bear Bachmeier‘s quick landing with 19 seconds left pressured additional time, and one other Bachmeier rating ultimately gained it.

Eleven months later, Bachmeier stays unbeaten in his profession towards groups not named Texas Tech, whereas Noah Fifita and Arizona have gained six of their previous seven. Both groups thumped their buy-game opponents final week, however their seasons start in earnest Saturday afternoon.

Two rebuilt items may resolve this one: BYU’s receiving corps vs. Arizona’s secondary. Both have been wonderful final week. BYU obtained second-quarter catches of 26 and 33 yards from freshman Legend Glasker, whereas Oregon switch Kyler Kasper led the way in which with 4 receptions. Arizona’s DBs, in the meantime, have been supported by a ferocious move rush (six sacks, together with 2.5 from ace Chase Kennedy), although corners Jay’Vion Cole and Dwight Bootle II allowed 3-for-6 passing for 62 yards in main protection. If BYU can shield Bachmeier, the Cougars ought to have the sting, however that is simpler stated than carried out.

Current line: BYU -7.5 | SP+ projection: BYU by 6.7 | FPI projection: BYU by 10.2

No. 12 Alabama at Kentucky (3:30 p.m., ABC)

Alabama supplied constructive, if partial, solutions to a legion of questions last week whereas blowing out East Carolina. Five-star redshirt sophomore Keelon Russell threw for 256 yards, rushed for 90 (not together with one sack) and obtained strong assist from his ability corps (other than a few early drops from star receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams). The Bama protection was nearly as good as anticipated, too.

Russell’s first street begin could possibly be a lot harder. Will Stein’s Kentucky held Youngstown State, in all probability one of the best FCS offense within the nation, to simply 4.0 yards per play earlier than rubbish time, and Notre Dame switch Kenny Minchey threw for 301 yards and 4 touchdowns in a straightforward win.

The Wildcats may wrestle towards the Bama protection, however they are going to problem Russell and Co. I felt like SEC coaches put an excessive amount of of a premium on SEC expertise of their portal recruiting this offseason, however I really like the precise guys whom Stein grabbed, particularly security Jordan Castell (Florida) and edge rusher Ahmad Breaux (LSU). They seemed wonderful towards YSU. This extraordinarily SEC lineup will inform us loads about Bama’s SEC prospects.

Current line: Bama -10.5 | SP+ projection: Bama by 9.0 | FPI projection: Bama by 14.5

The Big 12’s massive week

Though BYU-Arizona is the headliner, a lot of the remainder of the Big 12 could have alternatives for thrilling nonconference wins.

No. 23 Missouri at Kansas (Friday, 8 p.m., Fox)

In 1997, as a freshman at Mizzou, my first official soccer street journey was to Lawrence to look at the Tigers’ Corby Jones undergo one of many worst video games of his life in a 15-7 loss. Two years later, I watched a good worse Tigers efficiency in a 21-0 shutout. When Mizzou gained an additional time thriller there in 2001, I retired from Lawrence soccer journeys. I understood that the chances of me having fun with one other expertise there weren’t nice.

Sure sufficient, Mizzou hasn’t gained in Lawrence since. Granted, the Tigers are a mere 0-2 in that span — the rivalry moved to Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium in 2007 (and produced a series of classics), and the Tigers moved to the SEC in 2012 — nevertheless it has been some time. And the thought of a brand new Mizzou QB getting his first massive check in Lawrence is terrifying for Tiger followers of a sure age.

Austin Simmons was practically excellent in Missouri’s opener towards UAPB, however the Tigers’ run sport was shakier than anticipated with out both star again Ahmad Hardy or left deal with Cayden Green. Green returns, however operating again Jamal Roberts wants a very good efficiency to maintain Simmons out of apparent passing conditions. Meanwhile, Kansas quarterback Isaiah Marshall seemed scary together with his arm and legs towards the Long Island Sharks, speeding for 49 yards in seven carries and finishing passes of 46 and 47 yards. If the Jayhawks can stress Simmons and get some massive performs out of Marshall, an upset may be very a lot inside attain.

Current line: Mizzou -5.5 | SP+ projection: Mizzou by 2.9 | FPI projection: Mizzou by 4.6

Iowa State at No. 21 Iowa (Saturday, 7:30 p.m., NBC)

The battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy has turn out to be one of many sport’s most reliably messy (in a great way) rivalry video games: Over the previous eight contests, the common margin of victory has been simply 4.8 factors. ISU has gained three of the previous 4, however the Cyclones are nearly ranging from scratch in Jimmy Rogers’ first season. They began nicely sufficient towards Southeast Missouri State, however Iowa outgained Northern Illinois by a ridiculous 507-120 margin and outrushed the Huskies 289-7.

On paper, Rogers’ first Cy-Hawk could possibly be a wrestle, however that is provided that this rivalry is sensible for as soon as.

Current line: Iowa -14 | SP+ projection: Iowa by 17.4 | FPI projection: Iowa by 14.5

Kentucky switch Cutter Boley obtained off on the proper foot as Arizona State’s beginning QB, going 21-for-27 for 387 yards and 6 TDs towards Morgan State. The stage of competitors ramps up only a bit on Saturday: Texas A&M allowed simply 67 whole yards towards Missouri State. The Aggies’ offense wants some sharpening, however we should always learn how excessive ASU’s offensive upside is in College Station.

Current line: A&M -14.5 | SP+ projection: A&M by 17.7 | FPI projection: A&M by 17.4

Arkansas at No. 20 Utah (Saturday, 10:15 p.m., ESPN)

Utah is the one Big 12 staff on this record that’s favored, and the Utes made essentially the most of their purchase sport with Idaho, racking up 633 yards in a 52-point win. Arkansas dominated North Alabama as nicely however gave up six TFLs and three turnovers in a mere 17-point win. That sloppiness is not going to fly in what ought to be a incredible Saturday evening environment in Salt Lake.

Current line: Utah -12.5 | SP+ projection: Utah by 12.2 | FPI projection: Utah by 12.8

UCF at Pitt (Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ESPN2)

UCF was closely favored towards Bethune-Cookman Wildcats on Thursday, however main 28-0 after 16 minutes and cruising 73-6 is tidy work. The switch backfield of Alonza Barnett III (James Madison) and Duke Watson (Louisville) seemed extremely harmful.

Pitt, nonetheless, was much more spectacular, getting seven touchdowns and a Week 1 Heisman runner-up efficiency from Mason Heintschel whereas stomping Miami (Ohio) 59-14. The Panthers seemed top-10 caliber, however let’s have a look at if they will hold that up with a step up in competitors.

Current line: Pitt -7 | SP+ projection: Pitt by 6.7 | FPI projection: Pitt by 9.6

Week 2 chaos superfecta

We’re, as soon as once more, utilizing this house to will chaos into existence, 4 rigorously curated video games with fairly massive level spreads and mashing them collectively into a way more upset-friendly quantity. Last week’s FCS-themed superfecta scored a pair of wins — Tarleton State over Bowling Green and Idaho State over Utah State — so let’s attempt to begin the yr 2-for-2!

According to SP+, there’s solely a 39% probability that Alabama (71% win likelihood at Kentucky), Utah (78% vs. Arkansas), Clemson (80% vs. Georgia Southern) and Texas A&M (87% towards Arizona State) all win Saturday. Let’s take down a favourite!

Week 2 playlist

Here are some extra video games you need to take note of if you wish to get absolutely the most out of the weekend, from each info and leisure views.

Friday night

Rutgers at Boston College (7:30 p.m., ESPN2). Only one among these groups will begin 0-2! For all of their early deficiencies, each have attention-grabbing tales at QB. Rutgers will begin sophomore AJ Surace, who seemed strong late within the embarrassing loss to UMass; his main job ought to be throwing to star receiver KJ Duff on each rattling snap. BC, in the meantime, obtained respectable output from D-II switch Mason McKenzie, who threw for 223 yards and carried a heavy speeding load within the Eagles’ loss to Cincinnati.

Current line: BC -3.5 | SP+ projection: RU by 1.3 | FPI projection: BC by 4.2

Early Saturday

No. 6 Oregon at Oklahoma State (midday, ESPN). I used to be form and did not embody this one within the Big 12 Tests part above. Tulsa has a reasonably good defensive entrance, but when Oklahoma State could not hold stress off Drew Mestemaker in final week’s loss to the Golden Hurricane, it’ll in all probability be a protracted afternoon towards Oregon. The Ducks have been sloppy for a bit towards Boise State, however I’m betting they’re going to be sharper of their street opener.

Current line: Oregon -23.5 | SP+ projection: Oregon by 20.3 | FPI projection: Oregon by 22.0

No. 16 Penn State at Temple (midday, ESPN2). Along with Oregon and Texas Tech, Penn State is one among three ranked street groups favored by no less than three touchdowns. Over the previous 20 years, street favorites of no less than 21 factors are a cool 418-24. Most of the losses have been later within the yr in conference play, too. The final time a staff misplaced one among these video games this early within the season was when Virginia Tech fell to Old Dominion in 2019. HEY, SPEAKING OF WHICH…

Current line: PSU -23.5 | SP+ projection: PSU by 22.2 | FPI projection: PSU by 23.7

Old Dominion at Virginia Tech (midday, The CW). The first and final video games of Brent Pry’s head teaching tenure in Blacksburg have been losses to ODU, and these in-state rivals have cut up their previous six conferences. James Franklin’s first Tech staff seemed nice in bullying VMI final week, and ODU wasn’t extremely inspiring towards Norfolk State. But the Monarchs do not must seek for perception on this one; they beautiful clearly know they will win at Lane Stadium.

Current line: Hokies -19.5 | SP+ projection: Hokies by 21.0 | FPI projection: Hokies by 18.4

Washington State at Kansas State (midday, TNT). Wazzu put up a strong combat in Sunday’s Apple Cup however was ultimately carried out in by offensive inefficiency and the elusiveness of Washington QB Demond Williams Jr. Now, the Cougars journey to Manhattan to face one other seasoned dual-threat — senior Avery Johnson — and a protection that has loads of confidence after permitting 18 web passing yards towards Nicholls. Wazzu’s protection may gum issues up, however can the Cougs rating sufficient?

Current line: Ok-State -18.5 | SP+ projection: Ok-State by 18.9 | FPI projection: Ok-State by 17.2

Saturday afternoon

Duke at Illinois (3:30 p.m., FS1). Both of those groups seemed half-awesome final week. Illinois averaged 7.7 yards per play towards UAB and scored TDs on 5 of seven drives, and Duke’s protection held Tulane to a subject objective and a meager 30% success fee. The different two items? Uninspiring. Illinois could not get the ball away from UAB and gave up 413 yards, and Duke additionally had a 30% success fee and scored simply 17. But one half-team can be 2-0!

Current line: Illinois -6 | SP+ projection: Illinois by 3.4 | FPI projection: Illinois by 3.9

UNLV at North Texas (3:45 p.m., ESPNU). UNLV has already misplaced a toss-up sport to Memphis and overwhelmed Hawaii on the islands, and now the Rebels go to Denton to face a Mean Green staff that irritated Indiana for about 45 minutes. Jackson Arnold is simply scraping by because the Rebels’ quarterback — they have not topped 21 factors but, and although he took just one sack towards Hawaii (after six towards Memphis), he additionally went simply 8-for-18. UNLV’s ambitions require higher from him.

Current line: UNLV -3 | SP+ projection: UNLV by 13.0 | FPI projection: UNLV by 6.4

California at Syracuse (3:30 p.m., ACCN). Syracuse obliterated New Hampshire so badly that the Orange’s SP+ ranking rose greater than some other energy conference staff’s; Cal, in the meantime, was so disappointing towards UCLA that the Bears’ ranking fell greater than anybody’s exterior of ACC mates Clemson and Stanford. Steve Angeli and the Orange look to again up their newfound awesomeness, and Cal must rebound earlier than the season spirals away.

Current line: Syracuse -3.5 | SP+ projection: Syracuse by 8.7 | FPI projection: Syracuse by 11.6

Robert Morris at Akron (3:30 p.m., ESPN+). Are fans better playcallers than coaches? Let’s discover out!

Current line: Akron -27.5 | SP+ projection: Akron by 15.4 | FPI projection: Akron by 23.5

Saturday night

No. 18 Tennessee at Georgia Tech (7 p.m., ESPN). Georgia Tech was principally wonderful towards Colorado, however the Yellow Jackets went 0-for-3 within the pink zone, missed a pair of subject objectives and misplaced within the final minute. They restricted Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis, nonetheless; can they do the identical with Tennessee freshman Faizon Brandon? His debut towards Furman was about as clear as attainable.

Current line: Vols -12.5 | SP+ projection: Vols by 15.6 | FPI projection: Vols by 10.0

(*2*)play

Tennessee’s Matthews particulars advantage of Pope’s distinctive coaching methodology

San Diego State at UCLA (7:15 p.m., BTN). I beloved the switch class Bob Chesney introduced with him to UCLA, however I nonetheless anticipated UCLA-Cal to be a toss-up. Whoops. The Bruins harassed Cal’s Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, rushed for 277 yards and laid the hammer down late. Now comes an SDSU staff that gained an odd, sloppy sport over Portland State and has some skilled offensive items. What does UCLA do with precise expectations?

Current line: UCLA -12.5 | SP+ projection: UCLA by 8.6 | FPI projection: UCLA by 6.1

No. 13 Texas Tech at Oregon State (7:30 p.m., CBS). Another big street favourite, Texas Tech sleepwalked towards Abilene Christian, racing to a 14-0 lead however then forgetting to essentially draw back. If that Red Raiders staff makes the journey to Corvallis, the unfold’s method too massive. Oregon State threw the ball throughout Houston final week and will flip this into an uncomfortable monitor meet. Texas Tech must take its A-game west.

Current line: Tech -26.5 | SP+ projection: Tech by 23.2 | FPI projection: Tech by 23.5

Georgia Southern at Clemson (7:30 p.m., ACCN). We have expertise watching Clemson rebound from horrible Week 1 performances. The Tigers did it nicely in 2023 and 2024, scoring 60-plus factors each occasions, and ended up with strong seasons. But final yr, they performed poorly towards Troy, then rapidly resumed dropping. Veteran QB Max Johnson and Georgia Southern are able to pulling a shock if Clemson does not pull a 2023-24. (In the tip, I’m unsure how shocking that will be.)

Current line: Clemson -20.5 | SP+ projection: Clemson by 13.5 | FPI projection: Clemson by 17.2

Late Saturday

Louisiana at No. 14 USC (11 p.m., BTN). I will not lie: It’s irritating watching USC begin with three straight purchase video games, understanding the Trojans will not be taking part in Notre Dame in a while. But they’ve dealt with their enterprise: Jayden Maiava was 48-for-54 passing for 635 yards and 5 scores in two straightforward wins. Louisiana quarterback Lunch Winfield is a enjoyable dual-threat, and the Cajuns’ protection dealt with Lamar simply wonderful final week, however, nicely, Lamar is not USC.

Current line: USC -30.5 | SP+ projection: USC by 25.9 | FPI projection: USC by 29.4

Montana State at Nevada (10:30 p.m., The CW). Montana State is one of the best staff within the FCS and, just like NDSU, would threaten to turn out to be a direct contender within the Mountain West. But holy smokes, Nevada seemed good towards Western Kentucky final week. The Wolf Pack rushed for 323 yards towards the Hilltoppers, and in the event that they’re able to matching that Saturday evening, even one of the best FCS staff may not have the ability to sustain.

Current line: MSU -3.5 | SP+ projection: MSU by 3.4 | FPI projection: Nevada by 3.0

Smaller-school showcase

Let’s, as soon as once more, save a shoutout for the wonderful decrease ranges of the game. Here are 4 video games you need to monitor.

FCS: No. 16 William & Mary at No. 8 Lehigh (2 p.m., ESPN+). After slim wins over preseason top-10 Villanova and DeSean Jackson’s Delaware State, William & Mary takes its unbeaten document to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to face a rampant Lehigh. The Mountain Hawks used a 21-0 begin to tempo a straightforward win over Holy Cross, then used a 38-0 run to torch Georgetown. Running again Luke Yoder and linebacker Aidan Williams are dynamite. The Tribe should elevate their sport to get to 3-0.

SP+ projection: Lehigh by 15.7

D-III: No. 1 North Central at No. 10 Wartburg (2 p.m., local streaming). After stomping No. 2 Bethel, North Central will seek for a problem in Iowa. Wartburg is 47-5 for the reason that begin of 2022 and practically upset North Central within the 2023 playoffs. But the top-ranked Cardinals’ passing sport is ridiculous: Garret Wilson threw for 325 yards and 4 touchdowns final week, and half of that went to David Ballard III (160 yards, two TDs).

SP+ projection: North Central by 13.1

D-II: No. 13 Slippery Rock at East Stroudsburg (6:35 p.m., local streaming). Time for some PSACtion! The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference has three of the ten finest groups in Division II, per SP+, plus eight extra unbeatens. Slippery Rock is a continuing risk, however East Stroudsburg is 2-0 and on the lookout for its first PSAC title sport journey since 1983. Can an important run sport drive a slight upset?

SP+ projection: The Rock by 2.2

D-II: No. 1 Ferris State at No. 9 Central Washington (9 p.m., FloCollege). Ferris State, the two-time defending D-II champ, has dominated its first two opponents — together with preseason top-five Pittsburg State — and star quarterback Wyatt Bower is averaging 9.9 yards per move and seven.7 yards per run. Central Washington practically took down a strong FCS staff in Cal Poly final week, although, and this can be a fairly lengthy journey West.

SP+ projection: Ferris by 17.5