College Football Picks: Week 2

In case you missed it last week, I pick what I think are the 5 biggest games of the week, and then pick who I think will win.

Minnesota at (22) California
We all know about Cal's game last week, where they took a trip to Knoxville and promptly got embarrassed. This week, they stay at home, with a Minnesota squad that's feeling good about itself coming. There was RB questions coming in for the Gophers, but then converted LB Alex Daniels ran for 155 yards and 3 TD, and Amir Pinnix chipped in 124 yards and a TD. Meanwhile, Cal still has Lynch & Forsett, but the QB position is unsettled, as both starter Nate Longshore and Joe Ayoob struggled last week. Still, even with the QB questions, I think Cal is too talented a team to lose at home to Minnesota... CALIFORNIA 34-24.

(18) Clemson at Boston College
Boston College was less than impressive in the NCAA opener against Central Michigan, aside from a big day from the QB. The victory was not in hand until Central Michigan tried an absurdly awful trick play in a 31-24 game. Meanwhile, Clemson was one of the most impressive teams in the ACC last week, led by RB James Davis and freshman CJ Spiller. I suspect it is the rushing attack from those guys that will lead Clemson to a tough ACC road win. CLEMSON 20-17.

(12) Georgia at South Carolina
It was a rough go of it for South Carolina last week in Year 2 under the Ole Ball Coach, even if they did beat Mississippi St. 15-0. The line was awful, and because of that Blake Mitchell had very little time to throw, and Sidney Rice was a non-factor. Well, now throw in a team that is a lot better defensively and offensively, and I see a lot of strugging for the Gamecocks. The offense should be better this week, but not good enough. GEORGIA 31-14.

(19) Penn St. at (4) Notre Dame
Well, how good is Anthony Morelli? That seems to be the big unknown going in here. Notre Dame didn't look overwhelming in a 14-10 win, but we know all about that offensive firepower, and what it should do to a largely inexperienced Penn St. defense. Morelli has some weapons as his disposal - young receivers like Derrick Williams, and a good RB in Tony Hunt. So what does that all mean? I think we could have a relatively high-scoring game with these talented offenses. But, playing in South Bend, I like the Irish in this matchup. NOTRE DAME 34-27.

(1) Ohio St. at (2) Texas
Finally... the rematch and the game we've all been waiting for. Even better now that's it's 1 vs. 2 in the polls. In the classic battle last year, Texas won in a hotly contested matchup. This year, Troy Smith, Ted Ginn, and co. look to get even in Austin. Texas initially had some questions at the QB positions, but Colt McCoy answered a lot of those with a great performance against North Texas.

It's almost sick how much offensive talent will be on display here... for the Buckeyes, there's Troy Smith, Ted Ginn Jr, Antonio Pittman, and Chris Wells. For Texas, there's the aforementioned McCoy, Jamaal Charles (pictured), Selvin Young, and Limas Sweed. Not to mention a couple of solid O-Lines. Um, yes, there's the potential for a few big plays here. So who do I like here? At home, with the emergence of McCoy, I like Texas. With everything the Bucks lost on defense, I think the Longhorns are definitely the better defensive team at this point, and they should be able to contain Ginn just enough to allow the offense to do the work and control the ball. In another classic, I'll take TEXAS 27-24.

Last Week: 3-2
Season: 3-2