Might as well get the embarrassingly bad week out of the way early on. No excuses. Last week was a disaster for the Locksmith.
But there were some lessons learned. The Big Ten looks to be overrated (again). The Pac-12 got really good in a hurry -- just in time to dissolve. And Dabo's refusal to acknowledge the transfer portal will continue to cost him, making him look out of touch even more than usual.
As for Colorado, kudos to Deion Sanders and his abundantly talented son. Now comes the hard part -- sustaining success.
On to the games:
Nebraska over COLORADO, taking 2 1/2
Curious to see if the Buffs can focus on this week instead of continuing to bask in the glory from last week. Matt Rhule is too good a coach to not have the Cornhuskers ready here after a dismal opening game showing. QB Jeff Sims, the Georgia Tech transfer, threw three interceptions last week in the 13-10 loss at Minnesota. Look for a bounce back here and Colorado coming back to earth.
Utah over BAYLOR, giving 7 1/2
Kyle Whittingham put on a coaching clinic in schooling Billy Napier and Florida last week. No surprise there since he has been doing it for years at Utah. Here's the thing: Utes are expected to have QB Cameron Rising back. Baylor looked like a mediocre football team in its loss to Texas State last week.
Texas A&M over MIAMI, giving 3 1/2
There are a lot of things not to like about Bobby Petrino. But there is no disputing his offensive prowess. Aggies' new OC had an immediate impact as sophomore Conner Weigman threw five TDs in his first game as the full-time starter last week. Not sure how much better Miami is from its 5-7 showing a year ago. Doubt the coaching has improved measurably. SEC gets this one over the ACC.
Texas over ALABAMA, taking 7
Longhorns had last year's meeting won until some late mistakes and a last-second field goal. With QB Quinn Ewers starting year 2, they appear to be even better than last season. Not sure yet that is the case with the Crimson Tide yet, though QB Jalen Milroe is another ultra-talented player at the position for Nick Saban.
Ucf over BOISE STATE, giving 3 1/2
In matchups like these, give me the better QB every time -- and that's UCF's John Rhys Plummer, a proven dual threat. Boise got crushed by Washington last week in the latest sign that the program's days as a national player are over.
WASHINGTON STATE over Wisconsin, taking 6
Thought the Badgers were underwhelming in Luke Fickell's debut as head coach, as was SMU QB transfer Tanner Mordecai (though the running game remains a strength). Didn't the Cougars go into Madison a year ago and beat Wisconsin (answer: yes, they did)? Cameron Ward looked like he picked up where he left off last year, passing for 451 yards and three TDs while running for 40 yards and a score in the opener for WSU.
Home team in CAPS
Last week vs. spread: 1-5 (ouch)
Season to date vs. spread: 1-5 (ouch).
