After what ended up being a crazy week 2 in real life, our sim didn’t quite carry the same entertainment value. That being said, if you like high flying offense and lots of scoring, look no further!
Games of Note and Predictions
#4 Ohio State 29 – #12 Oregon 11
Scott – Ohio State 38, Oregon 13
Gavin – Ohio State 45, Oregon 21
Well this is certainly a welcome sight for Buckeye fans. The free scoring offense from week one was indeed held in check by the Duck’s defense. This time it was a strong defensive showing from tOSU that propelled them to victory and keeps them firmly in the top 4. Oregon will be disappointed at missing this chance to push for national relevance, but the Ducks remain favorites in the Pac 12.
#7 Iowa State 36 – #15 Iowa 29
Scott – Iowa State 24, Iowa 21
Gavin – Iowa 28, Iowa State 21
Cyclones everywhere needed a win of some kind this week. Perhaps they can find some long awaited solace in this simulation. An impressive showing for ISU on offense will be a disappointment for the Hawkeye defense which has been so stout as of late. Perhaps this home cooking in Ames will be a springboard of great things to come this season for Matt Campbell’s group which is finally back on top of the state.
#16 Texas 27 – Arkansas 26 (OT)
Scott – Texas 35, Arkansas 17
Gavin – Texas 31, Arkansas 14
This is the kind of game neither team leaves from very happy. The Hogs came so very close to a massive upset, but couldn’t quite pull it off. Texas struggled to beat an Arkansas team over which they were strong favorites. But at the end of the day, Sark’s team is 2-0, and that is all that really matters. Keep your eye on this Razorbacks squad though as the season progresses. Sam Pittman appears to have his team playing some good football, and look like they might be able to spring a surprise or two.
NC State 39 – Mississippi State 35
Scott – NC State 31, Mississippi State 29
Gavin – Mississippi State 28, NC State 21
How right Scott was to predict a late winning play for the Wolfpack. A close, back-and-forth contest came down right to the wire, and NC State were able to sneak out of Starkville with a quality non-con win. Is this the year NC State finally push Clemson? Let’s be honest, probably not. But this is a solid win all the same, and will give Dave Doeren’s team confidence, now heading into two straight very winnable games.
#22 Miami 56 – Appalachian State 25
Scott – Miami 44, Appalachian State 28
Gavin – Miami 35, Appalachian State 24
It was important for the ‘Canes to move on quickly from a tough week one loss to Bama. That is exactly what they did. Miami gave App State no chance in this one, with an offensive explosion led by D’Eriq King. Manny Diaz will look to keep the momentum rolling next week against a Michigan State team that has been very poor through two weeks.
Kentucky 34 – Missouri 18
Scott – Missouri 27, Kentucky 21
Gavin – Kentucky 28, Missouri 24
Kentucky are on the board in SEC play to start off the season, and it is in impressive fashion. Most expected this to be a tight, hard fought game. But UK prove to be the superior cats with a convincing win at home. Both teams now move on to FCS foes before resuming conference play.
Michigan 31 – #19 Washington 18
Scott – Washington 24, Michigan 16
Gavin – Michigan 24, Washington 21
After looking thoroughly unimpressive in week one, Michigan is able to bounce back in a big way with a huge win over the Huskies. Could this finally be Harbaugh’s year in Ann Arbor? Is Washington in some real trouble? Is asking general questions about teams really fair after only a couple weeks? Regardless, an impressive win for the Wolverines.
#23 Utah 37 – BYU 16
Scott – Utah 31, BYU 16
Gavin – Utah 42, BYU 28
For some reason our sim has not been very friendly to BYU, going back to last year. Utah cruise to a comfortable victory over the Cougars. The good news for BYU is they only have to wait one week for another chance to earn a win over a solid Pac 12 team, with Arizona State up next. The Utes meanwhile look to keep things rolling against SDSU.
Upset Picks:
Troy 37 – Liberty 28
Scott – Liberty 43, Troy 33
Scott had the margin of victory just about right, but unfortunately the wrong team. Turns out Liberty’s offense was not electric enough to trouble Troy too much. Solid win for the Trojans.
Northern Illinois 26 – Wyoming 15
Gavin – Northern Illinois 26, Wyoming 21
The Huskies couldn’t hang tough with GA Tech last week, but seemed primed for an upset against a Wyoming team that struggled mightily week one. It turned out exactly that way. Many pundits were high on the Cowboys coming into this season, but now Wyoming will have to get things figured out in a hurry.
Our Pick Results
Scott 6-3 (14-4)
Gavin 7-2 (16-2)
Another solid showing from both of us this week, to everyone’s surprise. My narrow lead grows (however slightly), and one can only hope that this pace continues.
Other Games of Note
Minnesota 50 – Miami (OH) 17
The Gophers have started out the season red hot on offense. We’ll see if they can keep it rolling against Colorado next week.
Northwestern 46 – Indiana State 0
Speaking of hot offensive starts, how about these Wildcats? They have gotten it done on the defensive side of the ball too so far. Look out Big 10 West, Northwestern look to be the real deal.
#5 Georgia 70 – UAB 0
That’s a lot of points!
Penn State 24 – Ball State 18
The Nittany Lions didn’t get the result they wanted last week, and the hangover clearly showed. PSU will have to get over it quickly, with Auburn up next.
Air Force 34 – Navy 33 (OT)
The Falcons make it two straight over Navy with an OT thriller in Annapolis.
UCF 82 – Bethune-Cookman 0
See Georgia – UAB.
#10 Wisconsin 24 – Eastern Michigan 15
The Badgers perhaps also suffered from a bit of a hangover after last week’s win over Penn State. Escaping with a win is the most important part.
NCAA 2020 Football Simulation 