2021 Week 3 Preview

What an amazing second week of the college football season! Oregon went into the ‘Shoe and took down Ohio State, Stanford beat USC so bad that Clay Helton was fired, Notre Dame almost lost to Toledo, Texas A&M almost lost to Colorado, and Jacksonville State stunned Florida State with a touchdown to win as time expired. Another super fun thing happened: Arkansas absolutely stomped Texas and I got to see it in person. I’ll talk more about it in this week’s Arkansas preview. Much like week two, besides a couple marquee games, it doesn’t seem like too many upsets could happen. Here’s hoping for some more chaos (but not for you, Georgia Southern).

My Record: 4-2 last week, 7-5 overall

Notable Games
1Alabama at 11Florida
What a great early season SEC matchup! Neither team has played a very tough opponent yet (I know Miami was ranked and the App State game probably had a lot to do with how Bama beat them up, but still), but I think I can say that both Bama and Florida are good. The Gators still don’t really have a firm grasp on who should be the starting QB and that makes me worry. I know Alabama still has some things they need to tune up, but they are the most complete team I’ve seen so far this season. I’m hoping it’s a good and competitive game, but I don’t think it’s smart to pick against Alabama.
I am picking Alabama

8Cincinnati at Indiana
Unfortunately, the Indiana team we all loved from last season doesn’t seem to have come back. In week one they got pummeled by (a very good) Iowa team. They did beat up on Idaho last weekend, but most teams should do that. Cincinnati has only played Miami of Ohio and Murray State this season. The Bearcats have this game then, after a bye next week, travel to Notre Dame. Cincy needs those two wins to put themselves in the CFP conversation. Both are extremely winnable games, but both will be in hostile environments. I think they will win this week, but I think Indiana will make it very close.
I am picking Cincinnati

22Auburn at 10Penn State
I’m not really sure who has the better team in this game. I do know that Penn State has beat Wisconsin on the road and ended Ball State’s win streak whereas Auburn has only played Akron and Alabama State. It’s a White Out in Happy Valley, the fans are going to be rowdy. There is no way I am picking the Tigers in that kind of atmosphere.
I am picking Penn State

19Arizona State at 23BYU
This game has potential to be a big-time hangover game for BYU. The Cougars beat Utah last week after losing the previous nine matchups. Arizona State hasn’t played a good team yet (sorry, UNLV) so I don’t know much about them. I do know I am still surprised that Herm Edwards was able to transition to the college game so successfully. I just don’t think this is an ideal situation for BYU. I doubt we will learn too much about either team in this game.
I am picking Arizona State

Utah at San Diego State
I will be interested to see if Utah comes out angry in this game. Losing to a rival is never fun, especially when it was the first time losing to them in more than 10 years. The Utes have to do a better job on offense this week to win. Utah should technically have the better team in this game, but I think SDSU will make it closer than expected. It all depends on Utah’s mindset for this game.
I am picking Utah

Oklahoma State at Boise State
The uniform potential alone makes me interested in this game. It looks like Boise State will be doing a “Blue Out”. Oklahoma State has not looked very good so far this season. They have two close losses to two not good teams (beat FCS Missouri State by 7 and Tulsa (who lost to FCS UC Davis) by 5). Boise State had a nice lead against UCF in their first game of the season but ended up losing in the 4th quarter. They took care of business against UTEP last weekend. This will be a tough road trip for the Pokes, it’s hard to come in and win on the Smurf Turf.
I am picking Boise State

Georgia Southern at 20Arkansas
I really hope the Razorbacks don’t overlook Georgia Southern. The Hogs beat Texas in what was probably the biggest win for them since the last time they beat Texas. It had been a long time since I have seen the Hogs look so complete in a game. They overcame some early brain farts and some stalled drives to just take it to the Longhorns. There are some things that still need to be fine-tuned, but overall, I am hopeful for the rest of the season. It was amazing to watch the fans rush the field and for our AD to be happy to pay the fine. These players have been through a lot. I’m happy for them after all of the hard work they have done. I’m just really proud to be a Razorback.

Top 25
1Alabama at 11Florida
South Carolina at 2Georgia
Nebraska at 3Oklahoma
Stony Brook at 4Oregon
Kent State at 5Iowa
Georgia Tech at 6Clemson
New Mexico at 7Texas A&M
8Cincinnati at Indiana
Tulsa at 9Ohio State
22Auburn at 10Penn State
Purdue at 12Notre Dame
Fresno State at 13UCLA
14Iowa State at UNLV
15Virginia Tech at West Virginia
16Coastal Carolina at Buffalo
Tulane at 17Ole Miss
18Wisconsin BYE
19Arizona State at 23BYU
Georgia Southern at 20Arkansas
Virginia at 21North Carolina
Michigan State at 24Miami
Northern Illinois at 25Michigan

Other Games
Minnesota at Colorado
Nevada at Kansas State
USC at Washington State
Mississippi State at Memphis
Arkansas State at Washington
Stanford at Vanderbilt