Week 3 picks

After a subpar first week, I went 4-1 last week to bring my record to 6-4 through 2 weeks. As always I'll try to predict 5 of the week's marquee matchups and pick a potential upset.

Virginia Tech - Nebraska
Virginia Tech is ranked higher according to the official polls, but in my poll and my opinion Nebraska is the better team. Playing in Lane Stadium will aid the Hokies and the emergence of former scout team star Ryan Williams as the number 1 tailback. The x-factor in the game however is Zac Lee. The inexperienced quarterback has put up tremendous statlines in the first two games, albeit weak competition. If Lee can handle the pressure of the Hokie defense and crowd, Nebraska should be able to take a win back home. Tyrod Taylor still looks like a run only quarterback and just isn't there yet as a passer. Virginia Tech stole last years game from the home team and look for Nebraska to return the favor.
The Pick - Nebraska

Oregon - Utah
What a disappointing start to the season for the Ducks. After coming into the season with top 10 expectations and a shot at the Pac 10 title, the team has struggled in the early going. After the terrible offensive performance against Boise State, the Ducks put 38 points up on Purdue. The problem is Masoli still struggled, they're without their top back in Blount for the remainder of the season, and Purdue is a subpar team. Purdue also took Oregon to the brink of overtime, only being denied by a missed extra point and a subsequent missed 2 point conversion. Autzen Stadium better live up to their reputation if the want to rattle the Utes and Masoli needs to start throwing the ball better. Utah is not the same team that went undefeated last year and are possibly the fourth best non-BCS school (BYU, Boise State, Houston) but this is their chance to make their statement.
The Pick - Utah

Georgia - Arkansas
Georgia has had an interesting start to the season. The first week their offense couldn't do anything, but the defense played well against an explosive offense from Stillwater. Against South Carolina the defense struggled against an average at best offense in Carolina, but the offense and special teams played well. What Georgia team is going to show up on Saturday? Arkansas is an interesting team to watch this season. With a strong duo at running back in Michael Smith and Broderick Green and a high ceiling quarterback in Ryan Mallett, the Razorbacks could compete in the SEC West. LSU and Ole Miss have looked less than stellar so far and Arkansas could make a statement with a home win over Georgia this weekend. The offense should put up some points, if only the defense can hold Georgia to less.
The Pick - Arkansas

West Virginia - Auburn
I'm not sold on Auburn quite yet. Through two games Chris Todd has put up a decent amount of yards but the alarming statistic is still his completion percentage. 55.1% is not going to cut it versus better competition especially when SEC play starts. West Virginia has seen the emergence of Jarrett Brown as a worthy successor to Pat White completing over 75% of his passes in the first two while also racking up yards on the ground. The running backs should aid both teams and the game will come down to which quarterback plays better. Brown is a better quarterback than Todd even with Todd's experience. Although the game is at Auburn, West Virginia should bring this one home.
The Pick - West Virginia

Texas - Texas Tech
Texas is looking for revenge and revenge they shall get. Although Texas struggled against Wyoming last week, don't expect another subpar performance by the Longhorns this week. It's hard to get up and go play at Wyoming and Texas has had this date marked on their calendar all offseason for destroying a possible national championship game birth last season. Taylor Potts has led his team to countless touchdowns the first two weeks, but it would take superman himself to quarterback Texas Tech to a win in Austin this weekend.
The Pick - Texas

Upset Pick - Minnesota (California)
Minnesota hasn't played well this season, but lucky for them California has travel across part of the country to come play in a new stadium. Minnesota should be up for this game and you can't discount the offensive potential of Adam Weber and Eric Decker. If those two can get going and the defense can get to Jahvid Best early and get in Kevin Riley's head, California could have a hard time with the Golden Gophers.

Views