FAVORITE TEAMS

10) #23 WAKE FOREST AT VANDERBILT – 9AM PT/12PM ET [SEC NETWORK]

Vanderbilt is 2-0 for the first time since 2018. Their next step is going 3-0 since 2017, but this will be their third attempt for a 3-0 start in six seasons. What’s even more interesting is their third attempt at a 3-0 start is against a ranked opponent again since 2017. Wake Forest should be ecstatic to have quarterback Sam Hartman back after a blood clot issue. Whether he plays or not, they’re on the road and Vandy is playing with confidence. However, Vandy allowed 31 points to Elon last week, which could be an issue especially when Hartman returns to the field.

MY PICK: WAKE FOREST

9) MISSISSIPPI STATE AT ARIZONA – 8PM PT/11PM ET [FOX SPORTS 1]

Mike Leach returns to Pac-12 territory to battle Arizona. He’s 4-2 against the Wildcats all-time when he coached at Washington State. Quarterback Will Rogers carved up Memphis’s defense and looks to repeat. Quarterback Jayden de Laura did the exact same to San Diego State’s defense last week with the help of UTEP transfer receiver Jacob Cowing. There are times where the SEC goes out West and sometimes struggle, especially in evening games. Arizona gives them a fight, but the Bulldogs survive the desert with their defense coming through.

MY PICK: MISSISSIPPI STATE

8) #1 ALABAMA AT TEXAS – 9AM PT/12PM ET [FOX]

I’m generous enough to put this game in the Top 10. It’s best to see how Texas fares against Alabama before the inevitable loss. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers played solid in his debut and running back Bijan Robinson got in his carries with a score. They welcome Bama to Austin and hope they find some way to slow down the Tide and overcome their defense. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown must set the tone against quarterback Bryce Young and the backfield. That’s the only way the Longhorns have a remote chance. Otherwise, the Tide rolls over the Longhorns.

MY PICK: ALABAMA

7) APPALACHIAN STATE AT #6 TEXAS A&M – 12:30PM PT/3:30PM ET [ESPN2]

Appalachian State scoring 40 points in the 4th quarter is monstrous, but it was also against UNC’s defense (fatigued or not). They travel to College Station, and Texas A&M is a whole different animal on defense. However, App State challenged big time programs since joining the FBS level. This makes for a potential upset alert because of A&M’s offense. They smacked around Sam Houston like a ragdoll, but they started off slow and quarterback Haynes King threw 2 interceptions. If the offense sputters like that again, App State is not afraid to attack the field, creatively. Be aware of that game.

MY PICK: TEXAS A&M

6) SOUTH CAROLINA AT #16 ARKANSAS – 9AM PT/12PM ET [ESPN]

The game sounds intriguing but I’m not so sure I’m sold unless South Carolina plays better offensively. Running the ball would be a start to build Spencer Rattler’s confidence to attack the field more efficiently. The offensive line has work cut out because Arkansas got 8 tackles for losses and three sacks last week. It could add up if South Carolina’s unable to protect their quarterback. Defensively, they must find ways to slow down KJ Jefferson and keep him in the pocket. The one bright spot for SC is Arkansas players Jalen Catalon and Myles Slusher are questionable this weekend. Let’s see if Rattler can be the player the Gamecocks are looking for.

MY PICK: ARKANSAS

5) NORTH CAROLINA AT GEORGIA STATE – 9AM PT/12PM ET [ESPNU]

I hope I’m not the only person watching the Tarheels game thoroughly. The offense is electric with Drake Maye as their quarterback. What I can’t figure out is why their defensive struggles isn’t mentioned more? They struggled against Florida A&M that couldn’t play 25 players due to eligibility issues. Then, they allowed 40 points to App State in the 4th quarter to force overtime. 40 POINTS!!! What the Tarheels’ defense must shape up because Georgia State is not afraid to challenge a Power 5 opponent. If UNC somehow struggles on offense, there’s no telling what will happen if this defense can’t stop the Panthers.

MY PICK: GEORGIA STATE

4) #24 TENNESSEE AT #17 PITTSBURGH (THE JOHNNY MAJORS CLASSIC) – 12:30PM PT/3:30PM ET [ABC]

Pittsburgh welcomes Tennessee and will test their defense again since the Volunteers lack a consistent pass rusher. The Volunteers make their debut in the Top 25, but can they maintain it? As I said, their defense will be tested and they need their pass rush to succeed. Tennessee’s offense will keep up with Pitt, but let’s see if their defense shows up like an SEC defense in that one moment.

MY PICK: PITTSBURGH

3) #20 KENTUCKY AT #12 FLORIDA – 4PM PT/7PM ET [ESPN]

Florida celebrated their big upset over Utah last week with a game-winning interception by Amari Burney. They must rap it up and prepare for another home showdown against their 2nd straight ranked opponent. The Gators have work to do after their defense struggled against Utah’s balanced offense. Kentucky technically plays like that, but they need more from their run game without Chris Rodriguez, who’s still not eligible to play. Will Levis can throw, but he must avoid turning the ball over. Florida has quarterback Anthony Richardson leading the way with backs Montrell Johnson Jr., Trevor Etienne (Travis’s brother), and company assisting him. Kentucky likely makes the Gators’ life difficult but stopping Richardson is a high priority. Also, the Gators have homefield advantage with fans ecstatic from a big win over Utah.

MY PICK: FLORIDA

2) #10 USC AT STANFORD – 4:30PM PT/7:30PM ET [ABC]

The assumption is that USC beats Stanford for sure. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet. The Trojan offense played impressive in Caleb Williams, Lincoln Riley, and Jordan Addison’s debut as transfers/newcomers, but I saw a few issues that have me questioning them. I thought Rice should’ve easily netted 28 points or more on USC, but the 4 interceptions that went against Rice was by tipped balls from receivers and partially the quarterbacks’ mistakes. Otherwise, USC’s defense could’ve allowed more points. Their defensive line also must play better against the run. Stanford’s EJ Smith (Emmitt’s son) and Tanner McKee leads the offense and hope to attack USC’s defense that Rice at times was able to do. Like USC’s defense, Stanford’s defense must find ways to slow down Caleb Williams and the offense to have a remote shot at a major upset in Week 2. Maybe later in the game, but I have a feeling Stanford will make life hell for the Trojans. It could be closer than the experts think.

MY PICK: STANFORD

1) #9 BAYLOR AT #21 BYU – 7:15PM PT/10:15PM ET [ESPN]

BYU blew by USF and is looking forward to hosting the improved Baylor Bears for their 4th all-time meeting. This is also a big opportunity for BYU if they are able to defeat Baylor this weekend. Baylor is looking to be a consistent threat in the Big 12 again while BYU is attempting to be the next non-Power 5/Non-Notre Dame team vying for a playoff spot. What people don’t know is that BYU met up against former Baylor quarterback Gerry Bohanon last week when the Cougars defeated USF. That should be a reminder of what he did to them last season, and BYU should be motivated to equalize the Bears at home. If BYU wants this quality win, they must slow down the Baylor’s offense while tearing down their defense for four quarters.

MY PICK: BYU