The Big E College Football Picks: Week 2

We're no longer all undefeated.

LEAGUE STANDINGS

Congratulations to Cooparchy! who takes the week one lead after an impressive 17-3 start to the season. His only misses were picking Diaco to cover against BYU, Navy to cover on OSU (they should have, damn), and Okie Light keeping things close with Florida State.

It was a nice opening week for most of us as 87 out of 100 were over .500 and that's with 6 people forgetting to make their picks.

BIG E: 14-6 (26th place)

Week two is generally a cream puff party so this week we'll see 8 games against FCS teams. Think about it as 8 free wins in our league, hopefully. Now on to the rest of the picks...

No. 20 Kansas State (-12) at Iowa State

Pick: Kansas State

Iowa is coming off a blowout loss to North Dakota State. Sure, NDSU is a FCS powerhouse and owns the country's longest winning streak but anytime you give up 300 rushing yards and K-State is your next opponent I'm not feeling too good about your chances. Jack Trice Stadium has a little upset potential so keep that in mind. I still think the Wildcats win easily.

No. 24 Missouri (-4.5) at Toledo

Pick: Missouri

Look at Toledo getting some respect! The Rockets dropped 54 on New Hampshire last week and are 11-1 in their last 12 home games. It's kind of interesting to see Mizzou playing this game on the road, no? I have to think Mauk & Co. come through and pull away against a MAC team.

Florida Atlantic (+40) at No. 2 Alabama

Pick: Alabama

I thought FAU would give Nebraska a fight last week. I was way off. I don't know how they re-group and visit another brutal road venue and keep things close. There was a lot of poking fun at Kiffin last week when the Tide played West Virginia but Alabama did pile up 538 yards. I'm looking for a big blowout and the Tide offense gaining more comfort in the new system.

Buffalo (+3.5) at Army

Pick: Buffalo

I think the Bulls are flat out better. They will win outright.

No. 4 Oklahoma (-24.5) at Tulsa

Pick: Oklahoma

Tulsa just isn't the program it was circa 2009 when they were flying through their conference with offensive fireworks. OU came out on fire last week but slowed down in the second half, missing a cover on an enormous spread. I think they can cover here against the Golden Hurricane. The Sooners have historically roughed up their in-state neighbors.

Navy (-3) at Temple

Pick: Navy

Temple crushed Vanderbilt last week but I'll chalk that up to a fluke occurrence with that long weather delay and a new coach in Nashville. The Owls fall from grace this week as a pissed off Navy team visits Philadelphia.

No. 14 USC (+2.5) at No. 13 Stanford

Pick: USC

I'll happily take the points in this matchup. I really think USC has a chance to be a great team as long as they stay healthy. Since this game is in week two I like their chances. Stanford lost a lot on offense and I don't know if they'll be able to keep up.

No. 15 Ole Miss (-20) at Vanderbilt

Pick: Ole Miss

I wanted to make this pick for Vanderbilt as they rebound from an embarrassing loss to Temple and give Ole Miss a close game. That Rebel defense looks to be too filthy, unfortunately. If you can't gain 300 yards against Temple what will you get against Ole Miss?

No. 7 Michigan State (+12.5) at No. 3 Oregon

Pick: Michigan State

Who isn't taking Michigan State and the points? I'd like the Ducks a little more if this was a night game, and I still think they win, but by nearly 2 touchdowns against Narduzzi? Child, please.

East Carolina (+16.5) at No. 21 South Carolina

Pick: East Carolina

The Gamecocks got virtually nothing out of star running back Mike Davis last week and he's doubtful this week too. I need to pick more underdogs and this is a trendy cover among the wiseguys.

San Jose State (+31) at No. 5 Auburn

Pick: Auburn

The question is when will I not pick Auburn to cover this year? It won't be this week.

No. 17 Arizona State (-25) at New Mexico

Pick: Arizona State

I'm not sure if New Mexico stays within 25 against your average major conference opponent. I'm certain Taylor & Co. will have a field day on offense. Although, perhaps I should think more about the Sun Devils defense. Nah, they signed up enough JUCO's.

BYU (+1) at Texas

Pick: BYU

David Ash is hurt, again. Texas will also be without several suspended players. This feels like the one early Charlie Strong-era loss that needs to take place in order for some learning to take place.

Michigan (+4) at No. 16 Notre Dame

Pick: Michigan

Always take the underdog.

San Diego State (+15) at No. 21 North Carolina

Pick: North Carolina

Alert! Alert! A cross-country trip for a West Coast team. Take the home team.

Virginia Tech (+11) at No. 8 Ohio State

Pick: Virginia Tech

I feel like Meyer is going to have to open things up more with Barrett this week if they are going to cover. I can see a major defensive battle here that floats into the fourth quarter. Ohio State should take care of business with a win but it'll be close.

Memphis (+24) at No. 11 UCLA

Pick: UCLA

After last week I'm sure many will be staying away from UCLA. Here's a pick that sees Mora making some adjustments and Hundley having a big day against a poor opponent.