Predictions: Week 2

Not too many good matchups this weekend - friggin' cupcake games. Oh well - we'll make do...

Marshall (+20.5) @ Wisconsin

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that the Badgers are gonna run it down the Herd's throat. What's the over/under on the number of passes they attempt? 8, 9?

The Call: Wisconsin by 24
_________________________________

Miami (OH) (+14.5) @ Michigan

The Wolverines have a lot of work to do, but they should be able to put away the Redhawks - but not by as much as people think. Miami has an opportunity for a very big win here, and they know it.

The Call: Michigan wins, but Miami covers the spread
_________________________________

Georgia Tech (+7) @ Boston College

The Yellow Jackets fared well in their first game under Johnson, but it was an easy one. The Eagles will be more of a challenge, but I'm liking the Jackets chances, especially with 7.

The Call: Georgia Tech by 3
_________________________________

BYU (-9.5) @ Washington

This is one of the "BCS-buster" litmus tests for the Cougars - can they go on the road to a Pac 10 school (albeit a lowly one at present) and win? I'd say that the way things are going with the Huskies, BYU needs to do more than win this one - they need to win decisively. But Locker's got something to prove here - can he start to save Willingham's job?

The Call: BYU wins, but Washington covers the spread
_________________________________

Central Michigan @ Georgia (-23.5)

Aw, hell. If you recall last season, picking Georgia games absolutely did not work for me. The Dawgs always found a new and exciting way to stymie my calls, just toying with my emotions all season. But not this year - no sir!

The Call: Georgia by 28
_________________________________

Cincinnati (+21.5)@ Oklahoma

The Bearcats were one of the big surprises last year, able to put big points on the board. I'm still really liking the Sooners chances this year, but their D is going to have their hands full. Cincy pulls out all the stops, but doesn't get the big W.

The Call: Oklahoma wins, but Cincinnati covers the spread
_________________________________

Oregon State @ Penn State (-15.5)

The Nittany Lions are riding high on a win over Coastal Carolina (amongst other things), while the Beavers need a quick rebound after a loss to Stanford. Is it me, or are the spreads for these games just looking really big this week? (I don't have the guts to call the straight upset.)

The Call: Penn State wins, but Oregon State covers the spread
_________________________________

West Virginia @ East Carolina (+7.5)

The Pirates scored a huge win over Virginia Tech last week, while the Mountaineers cruised over Villanova. Sorry, Pirates - not gonna happen again. You're gonna be the studio audience for The Pat White Show.

The Call: West Virginia by 17
_________________________________

California (-13.5) @ Washington State

Only 13.5? Really? I'll take those numbers.

The Call: California by 21
_________________________________

Minnesota (+5.5) @ Bowling Green

I know, I know - people are calling for the upset after BG beat Pitt last weekend. But Pitt was overrated, and the Falcons' stats weren't anything to write home about. Sure they'll have a bit of a home-field advantage - the fans in Perry Stadium should be electric. All 23,000 of them. (And Minnesota's getting points?)

The Call: Minnesota by 7
_________________________________

Miami (FL) @ Florida (-21.5)

A bit of a stiffer test this week for the Fightin' Tebows. I'd be shocked if the U pulls this one off.

The Call: Florida by 24
_________________________________