Last week: 6-4
Penn State vs. Virginia
There is going to be a lot of buzz surrounding this game, but it's all from the Penn State side. A lot has been made of this being the first road game for Penn State, and given what's happened to them over the last year, it would be a good thing to get away. I don't get it. I thought it was better last week to have the home crowd behind, and it didn't help them, as they lost at home to Ohio. Virginia opened up their season by handling Richmond 43-19. While this sounds like a good matchup in name, it won't be. Penn State allowed 175 yards rushing against Ohio, and I think Virginia can get to that number with their stable of running backs. Penn State's not very deep on defense, so the Cavs should have no trouble running up, down, and all around the Nittany Lions defense. Virginia 30, Penn State 10
NC State vs. Connecticut
The good news for NC State is that after last week against Tennessee, the competition gets a little less imposing for the next few weeks. This week's opponent shut out UMass 37-0 in their debut, but don't let that score fool you. The Huskies weren't that great on offense, amassing 372 total yards and turned the ball over three times. While they were strong on defense, that was more because of the competition. I think Mike Glennon will rebound nicely from last week's putrid effort with a solid passing game, and the water levels around Amerson Island should recede after being flooded over last week. NC State 27, UConn 10
Maryland vs. Temple
If you watched Maryland's game with William & Mary, you have my sympathy. Admittedly, I should feel sorry for myself, because I did watch some of that game. Temple is coming off of a win over Villanova in which the Owls ran for 301 yards and averaged over six yards per carry. These two teams met last year, and Temple ran for 285 yards, and Temple's quarterback did not throw an incompletion. Expect Temple to pound the Terps in to submission with the running game. Temple 27, Maryland 7
Miami vs. Kansas State
Both teams were victorious in their season openers. Miami won a shootout against Boston College, and Kansas State struggled with Missouri State before pulling away with 35 points in the fourth quarter. Both teams were also strong running the ball, with Miami running for 208 yards, and Kansas State running for 324, averaging over eight yards per carry. Miami is a lot more balanced than Kansas State is. Miami threw 45 passes, but it was a lot of dink and dunk stuff. But Kansas State gave up 323 yards passing to Missouri State, so I can see Miami having some success in the air. But I still don't trust Stephen Morris. I think he'll threw a pick that will cost them late. Kansas State 28, Miami 24
Ball State vs. Clemson
These two last met in 2002, with Clemson coming away with a 30-7 win. This game will be closer. Ball State put up nearly 600 yards of offense in a win against Eastern Michigan, so they aren't to be taken lightly. Clemson beat Auburn in their season opener, and now get the advantage of having the home crowd for the first time this year. The offense should continue motoring along without Sammy Watkins. This game will be a bit of a shootout, but Clemson should win. Clemson 38, Ball State 24
Maine vs. Boston College
This game could be interesting. While Boston College lost to Miami last week, they were pretty impressive in the passing game. Through one week, the Eagles are second in the nation in passing. The Black Bears are making their season debut, but are ranked 18th in the FCS poll. These two last met in 2006, with the Eagles pitching a 22-0 shutout. This game should be a little more competitive. Chase Rettig won't put up 441 yards, but he could put up 300 yards, which will lead the Eagles to victory. Boston College 31, Maine 16
Austin Peay vs. Virginia Tech
The competition should be a lot less stiffer for the Hokies this week. Coming off a hard fought overtime win over Georgia Tech, the Hokies should have no problem containing the Governors, who were throttled 49-10 against Western Kentucky. The Governors had 154 total yards of offense, and their quarterback went 2-10 passing for 11 yards. This has the making of a Logan Thomas breakout game. Hopefully the rushing attack will be a lot better as well. Virginia Tech 52, Austin Peay 7
North Carolina vs. Wake Forest
The lone conference game of the week brings us a team in North Carolina that shut out Elon 62-0 and had 524 yards of offense, and a Wake Forest team that barely beat Liberty. The Heels are the better team, and they should pretty much do what they want offensively. Tanner Price should have an effective day passing, but it won't be enough. North Carolina 38, Wake Forest 17
Savannah State vs. Florida State
I have absolutely no compelling reason to give you to watch this game. Florida State beat Murray State 69-3 last week, and Savannah State was the victim of an 84-0 beatdown by Oklahoma State. But on the plus side, Savannah State is getting paid handsomely to be college football's version of a wrestling jobber. There's a good chance EJ Manuel and the rest of the starters will be out of the game by the second quarter. Florida State 70, Savannah State 0
Presbyterian vs. Georgia Tech
Even though Georgia Tech had a tough loss at Virginia Tech, they should have no problem rebounding. Presbyterian is making their season debut, and is playing a FBS school for the fourth time. The previous three times, the Blue Hose has allowed at least 53 points in those games. Make that four, as Georgia Tech will be taking their frustrations out on them all day long. Georgia Tech 56, Presbyterian 10
Duke vs. Stanford
The Blue Devils make the cross country trip to play a Cardinal team that had real problems beating San Jose State last week. Stanford is a completely different team now with Andrew Luck gone. Stanford's quarterback, Josh Nunes, threw for 125 yards in his debut last week. The Cardinal did run the ball effectively last week, and should do the same this week. Duke was impressive in beating Florida International. The passing game was business as usual, as Sean Renfree threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns in their win. The Cardinal defense is still pretty good, and that will make the difference in this game. Stanford 31, Duke 21
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