2021 Week 2 Preview

Week 1 gave us some interesting results. The big Georgia v Clemson matchup was a defensive show that saw no offensive points. FCS Montana took down 20th ranked Washington. There were some head scratchers, but week 1 really doesn’t mean anything.

My Record: 3-3 last week

I am super excited this week because I will get to be in Fayetteville to see Arkansas play Texas! This will probably be the longest span between seeing a game live since I started going to Arkansas games.

Notable Games
12Oregon at 3Ohio State
This is one of the two ranked vs ranked matchups for the weekend. Oregon barely survived Fresno State last week, but that is potentially because they were looking ahead to this game. I don’t really think it will matter. Ohio State is the better team, and even though they started out a little slow against Minnesota, I doubt they are going to have much trouble against the Ducks. I’m hoping the game is at least competitive, but I think Ohio State will win comfortably.
I am picking Ohio State

10Iowa at 9Iowa State
I’ve been going back and forth with my pick for this game, but I am going to settle on my original pick of Iowa. I think Iowa State’s close game last week had a lot to do with looking ahead to this one. Iowa pounded Indiana, but had two pick sixes, so there are some questions on offense. Ames is a tough place to play, and the Cyclones are a weird team, but Matt Campbell has not beat Kirk Ferentz yet. I think this game should be fun and close. It will probably come down to a non-offensive play.
I am picking Iowa

21Utah at BYU
Ah yes, the Holy War. This game is almost always close and exciting. These games are also pretty chippy. If you are able to stay up late enough to watch this game, it should be a fun one. BYU will need more offense than they had last week in their win over Arizona. Utah had no problems with Weber State and will face their first real test of the season this week. Utah is on a winning streak, and I don’t see them breaking that this season. I look forward to looking up the recap of this game on Sunday morning.
I am picking Utah

Memphis at Arkansas State
The pickings are a bit slim when it comes to matchups this week, but this is a very interesting one. Both of these teams have been very good over the last few seasons. If you like offense, this is the game for you. Though it is technically an away game for the Tigers, they don’t have to travel that far (and now that the bridge is fixed, it’s even easier). I trust Memphis more than I do Arkansas State, especially since they have a new head coach (even if it is Butch Jones… or maybe because it is Butch Jones). The Sun Belt has become one of the better Group of 5 conferences, and I hope this game shows that.
I am picking Memphis

Missouri at Kentucky
This will be the first SEC game of the season! I think it will be a fun one. It at least has the potential to be fun. Kentucky looked pretty strong last week despite 3 turnovers. Missouri didn’t look as good as they could’ve against Missouri State, but I don’t think that necessarily means anything. I think both of these teams are pretty decent, and if they play to their potential in this game it should be very competitive. If it sounds like I don’t have much analysis for this game, it’s because I don’t. It’s week 2.
I am picking Kentucky

Washington at Michigan
Washington laid an egg last week and lost to FCS Montana. At this point we don’t know if that was just an overlooking of the Griz or a bigger problem for Washington. Michigan looked pretty good, but I don’t think this will be an easy game for the Wolverines. I expect Washington to come out a bit angry, but Michigan should be able to play a better and more consistent four quarters. I don’t want to overreact too much to Washington’s loss, but it’s not a good look.
I am picking Michigan

15Texas at Arkansas
I’m just excited to get to go to a game in person. The Hogs have a ton of things to improve on, and if I’m wearing my analyst hat, I don’t think that they have much of a chance against Texas. I don’t see how Arkansas will be able to contain RB Bijan Robinson or stop big plays down the field. I do think the atmosphere in DWRRS is going to be amazing and the Hogs will come out swinging. As of now, I don’t have much confidence in the OL or the play calling. I’ll be there cheering for every down. I cannot wait to call the Hogs in person! They did beat Texas the last time the two faced off in one of my favorite games I’ve ever been to. “Borderline erotic” indeed.

Top 25
Mercer at 1Alabama
UAB at 2Georgia
12Oregon at 3Ohio State
Western Carolina at 4Oklahoma
5Texas A&M at Colorado (Denver)
South Carolina State at 6Clemson
Murray State at 7Cincinnati
Toledo at 8Notre Dame
10Iowa at 9Iowa State
Ball State at 11Penn State
13Florida at USF
Stanford at 14USC
15Texas at Arkansas
16UCLA BYE
Kansas at 17Coastal Carolina (Friday)
Eastern Michigan at 18Wisconsin
MTSU at 19Virginia Tech
Austin Peay at 20Ole Miss
21Utah at BYU
Appalachian State at 22Miami
UNLV at 23Arizona State
Georgia State at 24North Carolina
Alabama State at 25Auburn

Other Games
Tulsa at Oklahoma State
California at TCU
Air Force at Navy
North Carolina State at Mississippi State