Week of Sept 19 Preview

Our first full week of college football did not disappoint. The Sun Belt dominated the Big 12. Georgia Tech beat Florida State (ha). Getting to watch football was such a welcome thing. On a sadder note, the Dallas Stars beat the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Finals (NHL). But we are Stars fans too. Tonight kicks off the Stanley Cup Finals, and in the Tumbleson house will be wearing our green and watching the Stars take on the Tampa Bay Lightning.

My Record: (4-2)

Notable Games
Tulsa at 11Oklahoma State
These two teams were supposed to face off last week. Their opened has been pushed to today and it will be our first look at Chuba Hubbard this season. The Cowboys “only” won 8 games last season, but they are more experienced this year and should contend for the Big 12 title. Tulsa was better than their record last year, but I don’t think they are good enough to beat this Oklahoma State team. The Big 12 really struggled last week, and Tulsa isn’t a team you can overlook.
I am picking Oklahoma State

14UCF at Georgia Tech
The football gods knew I would need some laughs. Georgia Tech upset Florida State last week in a strangely low scoring and defensive game. I don’t really know if we learned anything about the Yellow Jackets because I don’t think Florida State is that good. UCF hasn’t played yet, but I have more confidence in them than I do in GT. They have lost 10 players to opt outs, but I don’t think that will cause too much trouble in this game. Should be an interesting game.
I am picking UCF

17Miami at 18Louisville
This is the biggest game of the weekend. We were supposed to have another ranked game (21BYU vs 22Army), but Covid. Both of these teams won their games against good CUSA teams last week. Miami was able to hold UAB to just 14 points while scoring 31 and Louisville beat WKU 35-21. I think this will be a very back and forth game. I have more confidence in D’Eriq King at QB than I do with Louisville’s QB. Some are saying this winner of this game might have the best chance to challenge Clemson, but still think that #2 spot in the ACC is Notre Dame’s to lose.
I am picking Miami

24Appalachian State at Marshall
This will be the second game for both of these teams. Appalachian State beat Charlotte by 15 (a bit closer than expected) last week and Marshall demolished FCS Eastern Kentucky two weeks ago. This should be a close game. I am giving the edge to App State because I think they are a bit more proven than the Thundering Herd. The Mountaineers will be a much tougher test than Eastern Kentucky.
I am picking Appalachian State

Louisiana Tech at Southern Miss
Louisiana Tech hasn’t played yet, but Southern Miss started off this season with a concerning loss to South Alabama. I do think they will play a little bit better this week, but Louisiana Tech should be a better opponent. The Bulldogs are inexperienced, especially on defense, and that is something to watch. This is an important game in the CUSA West and I expect both teams to come out fighting.
I am picking Louisiana Tech

Troy at Middle Tennessee
My new team, Middle Tennessee, got absolutely dominated by Army in their opener two weeks ago. The Black Knights won 42-0 and the Blue Raiders turned the ball over 4 times (all four times on their own side of the field and one pick six). Luckily for them, they don’t have to play the triple option every week. MTSU needs to bounce back in this game. They need to take care of the ball and cross midfield mid-field more than twice. I think they will be able to bounce back and they get to be on the main ESPN thanks to FAU and Georgia Southern’s game being postponed.
I am picking Middle Tennessee

Top 25
The Citadel at 1Clemson
2Alabama BYE
3Oklahoma BYE
4Georgia BYE
5Florida BYE
6LSU BYE
USF at 7Notre Dame
8Auburn BYE
9Texas BYE
10Texas A&M BYE
Tulsa at 11Oklahoma State
12North Carolina BYE
Austin Peay at 13Cincinnati
14UCF at Georgia Tech
15Tennessee BYE
16Memphis BYE
17Miami at 18Louisville
19Louisiana at Georgia State
20Virginia Tech BYE
21BYU BYE
22Army BYE
23Kentucky BYE
24Appalachian State at Marshall
Syracuse at 25Pittsburgh

Other Games
Coastal Carolina 43 Campbell 21 (Friday)
Liberty at WKU
Navy at Tulane
Boston College at Duke
Stephen F Austin at UTSA
SMU at North Texas
Texas State at ULM
Wake Forest at NC State
Abilene Christian at UTEP