Ahead of the Game - HPSWBT Week 2

The HPSWBT compiled an 8-2 record in Week 1, Nebraska looked dominant in their opener and Michigan is out of the Top 25. All is right with the world.

Due to work conflicts I wasn't able to watch as much football as I would've liked last Saturday, but has that ever stopped me from throwing out a pick or two? Never. The good news is I'm heading for the hills for this weekend's Wake-Nebraska match-up then meandering over the next week to Lincoln for USC-Nebraska. Starting on Friday, it's nothing but college football which, really, is the way it should always be.

And, for the record, the goalposts won't come down after Nebraska beats the Trojans. Not on my watch. I can't even believe we're talking about this. Act like you've been there before. (Fair warning, that last link is an audio link so have your volume adjusted accordingly.)

___________________________________________________________

Oregon St. @ Cincinnati (+3.5)

The very definition of the IDGOOSBITC pick is to generate a rooting interest for a game in which you have none. Do I really like Oregon State here? Not really, but in a seeming toss-up I'll take a team that can run the ball even on the road. Sure Cincinnati has former Demon Deacon Ben Mauk spreading things out and throwing for 300 yards last week but the Bearcats also gave up 175 yards rushing to FCS SEMO. Should be a tight game, but I think Oregon State can control the ball so that's where I'm going. Look at that, I have a rooting interest come Thursday. Go Beavers!

Alabama @ Vanderbilt (+3.5)

I could be very wrong but I'm making a Saban play here. I'm not willing to believe in Alabama simply after a 52-6 win over Western Carolina, not yet, but they have a lot less history to overcome than Vanderbilt does. The talent deficit at Alabama will be their ultimate undoing down the road in the SEC this year but this weekend is not that week.

Boise State @ Washington (+3)

Can we officially invite Boise State to the Pac-10 now? They're favored on the road against U-Dub. Everybody is high on Jake Locker after 265 total yards last week. Of course, that was against Syracuse, perhaps the worst BCS conference team in the country. Still, I'm willing to take Ty Willingham with a promising yet unproven QB and the points at home.

Virginia Tech @ LSU (-12.5)

This number is going down?! How? Sean Glennon looked awful against ECU last week so how is he going to fare against Bo Pelini's marauders? I'll be everything I have that VT doesn't score an offensive touchdown.

Fresno St. @ Texas Ag. & Mech (-17)

This isn't the Fresno State of three or four years ago, but they still have Pat Hill and the Aggies were still out gained on offense last week by FCS Montana State (i.e. D1-AA...see, I'm trying to adapt to the times). Dennis Franchione had this to say after the game, "We're not Michigan tonight." Does that inspire confidence in anyone? Me neither.

TCU @ Texas (-9)

The worst thing to happen to the Frogs last week was Texas looking unimpressive against Arkansas State. Does anyone really think that the Longhorns 21-13 win last week exposed some major deficiencies? Not yet. Not in week two. TCU is a quality squad with a salty defense that should only get stronger with the probable return of Tommy Blake but I can't believe Mack Brown will let the eyes of Texas wander off his Longhorns for long.

California @ Colorado State (+14)

Forget for a moment the home field advantage. How is Cal, clearly the superior team in the Pac-10, less of a favorite against CSU than Arizona State is over a Colorado team that just beat the Rams? The Golden Bears defense will be good enough again in the foothills. Good enough against USC? That remains to be seen.

Missouri @ Ole Miss (+6)

For one half Ole Miss looked pretty decent. Defensively, Missouri never looked decent. If not for Pig Brown and some fortuitous turnovers courtesy of the Illini the Tigers would've been looking at a long road and a must-win against Nebraska to crack the Top 25. Now they're supposed to win in the SEC? I don't care if it's the Rebels, I don't see any reason to lay the points on the road.

La. Tech @ Hawaii (-28)

I normally hate these huge spread games but I don't really see a better one on the board. Hawaii should be up 21 points by the time Louisiana Tech steps off the plane. Colt Brennan and his Hawaii head will take care of the rest.

Nebraska @ Wake Forest (+8)

This early in the season, my fortunes will ride with my team. Add in the fact that Riley Skinner likely won't be there and Nebraska did nothing to dissuade me with their performance against Nevada and I'll be rooting for more than a win Saturday in Winston-Salem.

Last Week: 8-2

Year to Date: 8-2

___________________________________________________________

Further Reading: There are a number of intriguing lines this week that I can't quite bring myself to take a stand on. I'm still not sure how the Sun Deveils are two touchdown favorites against a Colorado team that everyone says was way better than 2-10 last year...I'm not certain Miami is quite ready to go into Norman and win, but Sam Bradford will find the going considerably tougher against the Hurricanes...Jimmy Clausen may not survive Saturday's game against Penn State, but something is still holding me back from hammering the Nittanies, namely their offense...South Carolina didn't win anyone over with last week's performance against the Ragin' Cajuns, but on the road against Georgia seems like the sort of situation Head Ball Coach lives for...Is South Florida really a touchdown better than K-State right now? According to the wise-guys they are. I'd love to take the Bulls here...we'll find out what Kentucky is made off this week against Kent State; historically aren't Lexington and Ames about equal when it comes to football?