Penn State Nittany Lions

Four great games are on tap week 2 and I like Alabama.

Here are the big games that are on tap for week 2 of college football:

• No. 20 Florida State @ No. 7 Oklahoma (-9)
• Michigan @ Notre Dame (-4)
• No. 13 Miami @ No. 2 Ohio State (-9.5)
• No. 19 Penn State @ No. 1 Alabama (-11.5)

We’ll be sure to preview those games. Here are my early thoughts on those games.

I really like Alabama next week. I would absolutely love this spread at -9.5. I think they should win by 14-21. At 11.5, PSU has a shot at covering, but I doubt it.

If Michigan was at home, I would absolutely love that pick, but ND’s home-field advantage is undeniable. I thought Michigan would get 3 in this one, so the 4 is generous. It looks like Rich Rodriguez found his next Pat White in Denard Robinson. Robinson was lights out in the Connecticut game (19/22, 186 passing yards, 196 rushing yards, 1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD) and if he can repeat that type of performance, Michigan could pull off the upset in South Bend.

I think Ohio State wins, but I count on Miami on keeping the game within reach.

Despite Oklahoma not crushing Utah State this past week, I think Oklahoma has no problem covering the 9 points in this game. Florida State gives up a lot of points. Last year Florida State gave up 37 to Florida, 38 to Miami, 49 to Georgia Tech, 27 to North Carolina, 40 to Clemson, and 26 to Maryland. At home, Oklahoma is due for at least 35 and I don’t think the Seminoles can put up 24 against a Sooners defense that will be …

There are some big “must watch” college games this Saturday and that’s what I want to cover. These are really tough to call, but here are my two cents. I actually like the Maryland and Pittsburgh picks more than the high-profile matchups below.

#8 OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS @ #1 TEXAS LONGHORNS -12.5

I was a bit surprised the line was this high. I love Texas to win this one. Oklahoma St. is playing at a high level. Both teams are 7-0 and averaging more than 45 PPG. Both teams are perfect against the spread this year. Texas has the edge at QB with Colt McCoy who is the frontrunner to win the Hiesman and Texas has the better defense. With the home field, I see them winning this one, but will they run away with the game just like the Missouri game? That’s difficult to say. I don’t like the high spread for a game that should be an offensive showdown. This one is too close to call with the spread. I love Texas to win outright, but I don’t like giving up 12.5 in what should be a close game. I’m not indicating to take the points by the prediction as I can also see a Texas beat down just like the Missouri game. It’s just your best bet to avoid this spread or tease it to Texas -5.5 with another game.

Prediction — Texas 38 – Oklahoma State 28

#9 GEORGIA BULLDOGS @ #11 LSU TIGERS -1.5

I like the Bulldogs in this one. They have a much better QB in Matthew Staffard than LSU and have more playmakers with WRs JR Green and Mohamed Massaquoi and RB Knowshon Moreno (6.0 YPC, 11 TDs). Both teams are averaging …