College Football News

LSU vs Ole Miss Prediction: It's About More Than Lane Kiffin

Pete Fiutak — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:16:42 GMT

Let’s get this whole Lane Kiffin returning to Ole Miss soap opera thing out of the way.

Of course fans are going to be mad whenever someone leaves for another school, but Ole Miss, how were you doing before the Lane Train rolled into Oxford?

Try four straight years without a winning season. And after his first season in 2020 – a weird ten-game rebuilding year – how did Kiffin do?

He went 50-14 with two ten-win seasons, two 11-win seasons, and he put together the talent that not only got the program to the College Football Playoff Semifinals last year, but still has the parts around to do it again.

Would Ole Miss have made the CFP at any point over the last five years without Kiffin? Probably not.

(The answer is “no,” but I’m being polite).

Would Ole Miss be No. 8 in the latest AP Poll right now if it wasn’t for Kiffin? Almost certainly, no. And that goes to the most important part of this.

Ole Miss is No. 8 in the nation, LSU is No. 7, and the winner of this will take a giant leap toward the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff.

LSU vs Ole Miss: Quick Hits

LSU took its foot off the gas and still beat Clemson 51-10. Last week it beat Louisiana Tech 45-14. Next week it gets Texas A&M.
Ole Miss survived a 41-38 thriller over Louisville and last week took it easy on Charlotte in a 41-9 win.
So how did Lane Kiffin do against LSU when he was at Ole Miss? He went 3-3, the home team won each time.

How To Watch LSU vs Ole Miss

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ABC
Location: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS
– Week 3 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 3

Why LSU Will Win

LSU has been dominant on both sides of the ball on third downs, the passing attack averages 358 yards per game, the best in the SEC. The run defense has allowed just 36 yards in two games, partly thanks to the nation’s best pass rush, with 12 sacks so far.

The Tigers are No. 1 in the nation in total defense, No. 3 in total offense, and at all times they’ve been in total control, holding the ball for well over 35 minutes per game.

That, and who knows Trinidad Chambliss and the Rebel players still around from last year better than Kiffin? And …

Sep 21, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin (left) shares a laugh with defensive coordinator Pete Golding (right) during warm ups prior to the game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Why Ole Miss Will Win

Who knows how Lane Kiffin works and coaches better than Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding?

Yeah, LSU has been amazing, but Ole Miss has been fantastic, too. Chambliss has played like his dynamic self, the running game has been good enough, and the defense … let’s just say the offense should be able to keep up the pace.

As great as LSU has been in the first two games, it’s had two massive issues. Penalties – ten last week – and turnovers. Sam Leavitt threw an early interception against Clemson, and last week got hit with a 100-yard pick-six as part of the four giveaways against Louisiana Tech.

LSU vs Ole Miss Prediction, Betting Lines

Strip away the emotion and hype, and these are two really good teams that will trade punches all game long. The difference will be in the overall speed and talent on the Tiger defense.

Unless the Ole Miss defense got night-and-day better since getting lit up by Louisville, Leavitt will have a huge day. It won’t all kick in until late in the third quarter, but eventually, the LSU lines will take over.

LSU 34, Ole Miss 26
Latest Consensus Line: LSU -3, o/u: 58.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 5

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Kentucky vs Texas A&M Prediction: Are We All Sleeping on the Aggies?

Pete Fiutak — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 07:44:51 GMT

Yeah, Texas A&M (2-0) is No. 9 in the latest AP Poll and No. 8 in the Coaches Poll, but it’s been hard to stand out with Lane Kiffin and LSU sucking the oxygen out of the SEC room, with Texas beating Ohio State, and with all the other national storylines.

It’s playing well, blowing out Missouri State to start the season and passing the test against a strong Arizona State team 48-20.

Kentucky (1-1) has just started rebooting the system under new head coach Will Stein. The team looked better against Alabama than the 45-17 final score, but it has to play far better to hang with this Aggie team on the road.

Kentucky vs Texas A&M: Quick Hits

Texas A&M goes to LSU after this, and then things ease up a bit with Arkansas a week later.
Kentucky gets a bit of a break against South Alabama next week, and then it’s all SEC games the rest of the way, starting back up at South Carolina, followed by LSU and a trip to Oklahoma.
These two have played just three times, and the only SEC matchup was Texas A&M’s 20-14 win in 2018. The Aggies won 7-6 to start the 1953 season, and Kentucky won 10-7 in 1952.

How To Watch Kentucky vs Texas A&M

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: ABC
Location: Kyle Field, College Station, TX
– Week 3 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 3

Why Kentucky Will Win

It’s hard to find happiness in a 28-point blowout to Alabama, especially after allowing 32-unanswered points, but it was 17-14 Kentucky at halftime. The Wildcats were outmanned, but the defense didn’t give up a touchdown in the first half, and there were glimpses on offense of what might be coming.

Kenny Minchey is a solid starting quarterback, and Stein knows how to put together a game plan – how’s Oregon doing without its former offensive coordinator? As long as the Wildcats can chill on the turnovers – three against the Tide – they have a chance to hang around.

Why Texas A&M Will Win

Yeah, the turnovers – that’s going to be a problem for Kentucky.

Texas A&M’s defense has been brilliant at attacking the ball so far, with six takeaways in the first two games. It’s getting around the ball, pressuring the backfield, and it’s forcing the action. Arizona State couldn’t keep up.

The defense is setting up the offense. There’s no need to press too much, but quarterback Marcel Reed has been great at working in the system to control the clock.

Kentucky vs Texas A&M Prediction, Betting Lines

Yes, Texas A&M really is playing well, but the running game didn’t do much against Arizona State, third down conversions didn’t come easily, and … it was a dominant fourth quarter performance. The Aggies were up 24-20, the defense took over with two pick-sixes, and everything was on cruise control from there.

So are we all sleeping on the Aggies? Not really; they’re getting the right amount of respect, but they could use a good four quarters offensively against Kentucky to look like a true national title contender. They won’t get that, but they’ll put together another strong defensive performance to win easily.

Texas A&M 34, Kentucky 17
Latest Consensus Line: Texas A&M -16.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

North Carolina vs Clemson Prediction: Can Belichick Beat Dabo?

Pete Fiutak — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 06:36:50 GMT

It’s the ACC opener for both Clemson (1-1) and North Carolina (2-0), but this means more than just a big start to the conference campaign.

This is about the Tigers vs the Tar Heels, but the showdown of legendary head coaches, Bill Belichick and Dabo Swinney, makes this one of the biggest ACC games of the season.

Bill Belichick has started the season hot, but the schedule is about to get brutal – beating Clemson would go a long way toward making the season a success.

On the other side, Dabo Swinney is still smarting from the 51-10 loss to LSU to start the season. Lose, and it’ll be a second straight 1-2 start.

North Carolina vs Clemson: Quick Hits

This starts a run of three road games in four for North Carolina. There’s a week off after this, and then comes the home game in the run: Notre Dame.
Clemson continues a run of five home games in six this week, but it goes to Cal next and hosts Miami the week after.
North Carolina holds a 40-18-1 lead in the series but lost the last seven, including the team’s ACC opener last year, 38-10.

How To Watch North Carolina vs Clemson

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC
– Week 3 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 3

Why North Carolina Will Win

The offense has been good enough to get by, but it’s the defense that continues to do the heavy lifting.

The Tar Heels haven’t allowed 180 passing yards in either of the first two games, and TCU and East Tennessee State were both held to under three yards per carry. Clemson started to generate a little bit of push against Georgia Southern, but it went nowhere against LSU.

Clemson has to rely on the midrange passing game, and that means Belichick will get to prepare for a true freshman under center.

Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds (2) passes playing Georgia Southern University during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 12, 2026. Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Why Clemson Will Win

Christopher Vizzina hasn’t been bad, but he had to deal with the LSU defense to start the season and then suffered an elbow injury against Georgia Southern; he’s questionable.

Enter Tait Reynolds, a 6-2 true freshman who threw for 200 yards and ran for 29 more in the win over Georgia Southern.

As long as he’s able to limit the mistakes – the Tigers turned it over twice last week – the defense should be able to hold up against a North Carolina offense designed to live to fight another day. The Tar Heel attack won’t put 40 on the board.

North Carolina vs Clemson Prediction, Betting Lines

North Carolina is great on defense, okay enough on offense to get by, and it needs the other side to screw up. That’s where Clemson comes in.

The Tigers are getting hit with too many penalties. The three turnovers in two games weren’t great, and so far, they can’t convert a third down. They’ve been successful on just three of their 27 attempts – third worst in the nation.

This won’t be pretty. It’ll be a tough defensive game that’s exactly the way Belichick would like it.

North Carolina 23, Clemson 20
Latest Consensus Line: Clemson -3.5, o/u: 43.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4

Penn State vs Buffalo Prediction: Another Nittany Lion Scrimmage

Pete Fiutak — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 05:37:54 GMT

Penn State (2-0) continues to treat the first few weeks of the season like light scrimmages, beating Marshall and Temple by a combined score of 102-9 to get the Matt Campbell era off to a big start.

Before the start of the Big Ten season, the Nittany Lions aren’t exactly pushing the envelope against Buffalo (1-1). The Bulls struggled against FIU last week, but there’s just enough talent in place to keep this from getting too brutal.

Penn State vs Buffalo: Quick Hits

Buffalo gets a breather against Robert Morris next week – its second game of the year against an FCS team. The MAC Season starts in early October against Western Michigan.
Penn State starts the Big Ten season against Wisconsin next week, its third home game in the first four weeks.
Penn State is 3-0 all-time against the Bulls, winning 45-13 in 2019, 27-14 in 2015, and 45-24 in 2007.

How To Watch Penn State vs Buffalo

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: BTN
Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
– Week 3 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 3

Why Buffalo Will Win

The Buffalo run defense has been solid so far, and Penn State is struggling to get the ground attack going.

It’s the one aspect of the Penn State start of the season that’s been relatively inexcusable – it’s averaging fewer than four yards per carry, even though it has committed to the ground game.

Buffalo has a great pair of safeties in Ronnell Davis and SaVeon Brown who hit everything, and linebacker Stevie Bracey should get in on at least ten tackles. However …

Why Penn State Will Win

Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht has been magnificent from the start. The Iowa State transfer is getting time to throw, and he’s connecting, hitting 76% of his throws with seven touchdowns and no picks.

Buffalo generated three sacks in the opener against Albany, and then got picked clean by FIU’s JJ Kohl – another Iowa State transfer, by the way – for 367 yards and three touchdowns, hitting big play after big play.

Penn State vs Buffalo Prediction, Betting Lines

Penn State’s offensive line has been fine, but again, the ground game has to find a groove. There aren’t any plays happening in the backfield, but the Nittany Lions are just not blasting away.

Buffalo will hold up okay against the Nittany Lion ground game, but Becht will play pitch-and-catch all afternoon. There won’t be any drama.

Penn State 45, Buffalo 6
Latest Consensus Line: Penn State -40.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

Week 3 College Football Predictions: Expert Picks & Lines

College Football News — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:50:48 GMT

There are plenty of interesting games, and not just the Ole Miss showdown against LSU. Week 3 is a bit of a reset before the season really takes off, but from Houston at Texas Tech to North Carolina at Clemson to Michigan State at Notre Dame, this will be another fun weekend. The CFN experts make their picks for every big game.

Jump for each game
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA
Results So Far | * means will win, but not cover

Syracuse at Pitt

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Pitt -10.5
Big Game Ben: Pitt*
Andre Cherry: Pitt
Riley Donald: Pitt
E: Pitt
Pete Fiutak: Pitt
John Kennedy: Pitt
Jackson Langendorf: Pitt
Andrew Margolick: Pitt
Jake Margolick: Pitt
Doug Millen: Pitt
Connor O’Gara: Pitt*
Johnny Rosenstein: Pitt*
Nick Shepkowski: Pitt
Clucko the Chicken: Syracuse
Consensus Pick: Pitt
Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

Miami at Wake Forest

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Miami -22.5
Big Game Ben: Miami
Andre Cherry: Miami
Riley Donald: Miami
E: Miami
Pete Fiutak: Miami*
John Kennedy: Miami
Jackson Langendorf: Miami*
Andrew Margolick: Miami*
Jake Margolick: Miami
Doug Millen: Miami*
Connor O’Gara: Miami
Johnny Rosenstein: Miami
Nick Shepkowski: Miami
Clucko the Chicken: Wake Forest
Consensus Pick: Miami
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

Houston at Texas Tech

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Texas Tech -8.5
Big Game Ben: Texas Tech*
Andre Cherry: Texas Tech*
Riley Donald: Texas Tech
E: Texas Tech*
Pete Fiutak: Houston
John Kennedy: Texas Tech*
Jackson Langendorf: Texas Tech
Andrew Margolick: Texas Tech
Jake Margolick: Texas Tech
Doug Millen: Texas Tech*
Connor O’Gara: Texas Tech*
Johnny Rosenstein: Texas Tech*
Nick Shepkowski: Texas Tech*
Clucko the Chicken: Houston
Consensus Pick: Texas Tech*
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

North Carolina at Clemson

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Clemson -3.5
Big Game Ben: North Carolina
Andre Cherry: Clemson*
Riley Donald: North Carolina
E: Clemson
Pete Fiutak: North Carolina
John Kennedy: North Carolina
Jackson Langendorf: North Carolina
Andrew Margolick: Clemson
Jake Margolick: North Carolina
Doug Millen: Clemson
Connor O’Gara: North Carolina
Johnny Rosenstein: North Carolina
Nick Shepkowski: North Carolina
Clucko the Chicken: Clemson
Consensus Pick: North Carolina
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

Georgia at Arkansas

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Georgia -24.5
Big Game Ben: Georgia
Andre Cherry: Georgia*
Riley Donald: Georgia
E: Georgia*
Pete Fiutak: Georgia
John Kennedy: Georgia
Jackson Langendorf: Georgia
Andrew Margolick: Georgia*
Jake Margolick: Georgia*
Doug Millen: Georgia*
Connor O’Gara: Georgia
Johnny Rosenstein: Georgia
Nick Shepkowski: Georgia
Clucko the Chicken: Arkansas
Consensus Pick: Georgia
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

Kent State at Ohio State

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Ohio State -52.5
Big Game Ben: Ohio State
Andre Cherry: Ohio State*
Riley Donald: Ohio State
E: Ohio State
Pete Fiutak: Ohio State*
John Kennedy: Ohio State*
Jackson Langendorf: Ohio State*
Andrew Margolick: Ohio State*
Jake Margolick: Ohio State
Doug Millen: Ohio State
Connor O’Gara: Ohio State
Johnny Rosenstein: Ohio State
Nick Shepkowski: Ohio State
Clucko the Chicken: Ohio State
Consensus Pick: Ohio State
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

Kentucky at Texas A&M

Sep 12, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats linebacker Tavion Wallace (25) celebrates during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Texas A&M -16.5
Big Game Ben: Texas A&M
Andre Cherry: Texas A&M*
Riley Donald: Texas A&M*
E: Texas A&M
Pete Fiutak: Texas A&M
John Kennedy: Texas A&M
Jackson Langendorf: Texas A&M
Andrew Margolick: Texas A&M*
Jake Margolick: Texas A&M
Doug Millen: Texas A&M
Connor O’Gara: Texas A&M
Johnny Rosenstein: Texas A&M
Nick Shepkowski: Texas A&M
Clucko the Chicken: Kentucky
Consensus Pick: Texas A&M
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

Florida State at Alabama

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Alabama -20.5
Big Game Ben: Alabama
Andre Cherry: Alabama*
Riley Donald: Alabama
E: Alabama
Pete Fiutak: Alabama
John Kennedy: Alabama
Jackson Langendorf: Alabama
Andrew Margolick: Alabama
Jake Margolick: Alabama
Doug Millen: Alabama*
Connor O’Gara: Alabama*
Johnny Rosenstein: Alabama*
Nick Shepkowski: Alabama*
Clucko the Chicken: Alabama
Consensus Pick: Alabama
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

USC at Rutgers

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: USC -24.5
Big Game Ben: USC*
Andre Cherry: USC
Riley Donald: USC
E: USC
Pete Fiutak: USC
John Kennedy: USC
Jackson Langendorf: USC*
Andrew Margolick: USC
Jake Margolick: USC
Doug Millen: USC*
Connor O’Gara: USC
Johnny Rosenstein: USC*
Nick Shepkowski: USC
Clucko the Chicken: Rutgers
Consensus Pick: USC
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

SMU at Louisville

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Louisville -1.5
Big Game Ben: Louisville
Andre Cherry: SMU
Riley Donald: Louisville
E: SMU
Pete Fiutak: Louisville
John Kennedy: SMU
Jackson Langendorf: Louisville
Andrew Margolick: SMU
Jake Margolick: Louisville
Doug Millen: Louisville
Connor O’Gara: Louisville
Johnny Rosenstein: SMU
Nick Shepkowski: Louisville
Clucko the Chicken: SMU
Consensus Pick: Louisville
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

UTEP at Michigan

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Michigan -35.5
Big Game Ben: Michigan
Andre Cherry: Michigan*
Riley Donald: Michigan*
E: Michigan*
Pete Fiutak: Michigan
John Kennedy: Michigan
Jackson Langendorf: Michigan*
Andrew Margolick: Michigan
Jake Margolick: Michigan
Doug Millen: Michigan
Connor O’Gara: Michigan*
Johnny Rosenstein: Michigan*
Nick Shepkowski: Michigan*
Clucko the Chicken: UTEP
Consensus Pick: Michigan*
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

Western Kentucky at Indiana

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Indiana -44.5
Big Game Ben: Indiana
Andre Cherry: Indiana
Riley Donald: Indiana
E: Indiana
Pete Fiutak: Indiana
John Kennedy: Indiana
Jackson Langendorf: Indiana*
Andrew Margolick: Indiana
Jake Margolick: Indiana
Doug Millen: Indiana*
Connor O’Gara: Indiana
Johnny Rosenstein: Indiana*
Nick Shepkowski: Indiana
Clucko the Chicken: Indiana
Consensus Pick: Indiana
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

Mississippi State at South Carolina

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: South Carolina -3.5
Big Game Ben: South Carolina*
Andre Cherry: South Carolina
Riley Donald: Mississippi State
E: Mississippi State
Pete Fiutak: South Carolina
John Kennedy: Mississippi State
Jackson Langendorf: Mississippi State
Andrew Margolick: South Carolina
Jake Margolick: Mississippi State
Doug Millen: South Carolina
Connor O’Gara: Mississippi State
Johnny Rosenstein: South Carolina
Nick Shepkowski: Mississippi State
Clucko the Chicken: Mississippi State
Consensus Pick: Mississippi State
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

Florida at Auburn

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Florida -2.5
Big Game Ben: Florida
Andre Cherry: Auburn
Riley Donald: Florida
E: Florida
Pete Fiutak: Florida
John Kennedy: Florida
Jackson Langendorf: Auburn
Andrew Margolick: Auburn
Jake Margolick: Florida
Doug Millen: Florida
Connor O’Gara: Auburn
Johnny Rosenstein: Auburn
Nick Shepkowski: Auburn
Clucko the Chicken: Florida
Consensus Pick: Florida
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

Michigan State at Notre Dame

Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald, left, and the team gets fired up before the football game against Eastern Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Notre Dame -29.5
Big Game Ben: Notre Dame*
Andre Cherry: Notre Dame*
Riley Donald: Notre Dame
E: Notre Dame
Pete Fiutak: Notre Dame
John Kennedy: Notre Dame*
Jackson Langendorf: Notre Dame*
Andrew Margolick: Notre Dame
Jake Margolick: Notre Dame*
Doug Millen: Notre Dame*
Connor O’Gara: Notre Dame*
Johnny Rosenstein: Notre Dame*
Nick Shepkowski: Notre Dame*
Clucko the Chicken: Michigan State
Consensus Pick: Notre Dame*
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

LSU at Ole Miss

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: LSU -3.5
Big Game Ben: Ole Miss
Andre Cherry: Ole Miss
Riley Donald: LSU
E: Ole Miss
Pete Fiutak: LSU
John Kennedy: LSU
Jackson Langendorf: LSU
Andrew Margolick: LSU
Jake Margolick: LSU
Doug Millen: Ole Miss
Connor O’Gara: Ole Miss
Johnny Rosenstein: Ole Miss
Nick Shepkowski: LSU
Clucko the Chicken: LSU
Consensus Pick: LSU
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

BYU at Colorado State

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: BYU -17.5
Big Game Ben: BYU
Andre Cherry: BYU
Riley Donald: BYU
E: BYU
Pete Fiutak: BYU*
John Kennedy: BYU
Jackson Langendorf: BYU*
Andrew Margolick: BYU
Jake Margolick: BYU*
Doug Millen: BYU
Connor O’Gara: BYU*
Johnny Rosenstein: BYU*
Nick Shepkowski: BYU
Clucko the Chicken: Colorado State
Consensus Pick: BYU
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

New Mexico at Oklahoma

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Oklahoma -22.5
Big Game Ben: Oklahoma
Andre Cherry: Oklahoma
Riley Donald: Oklahoma
E: Oklahoma
Pete Fiutak: Oklahoma*
John Kennedy: Oklahoma
Jackson Langendorf: Oklahoma
Andrew Margolick: Oklahoma
Jake Margolick: Oklahoma*
Doug Millen: Oklahoma
Connor O’Gara: Oklahoma*
Johnny Rosenstein: Oklahoma
Nick Shepkowski: Oklahoma
Clucko the Chicken: Oklahoma
Consensus Pick: Oklahoma
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

Colorado at Northwestern

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Northwestern -3.5
Big Game Ben: Colorado
Andre Cherry: Colorado
Riley Donald: Northwestern
E: Colorado
Pete Fiutak: Northwestern
John Kennedy: Colorado
Jackson Langendorf: Northwestern
Andrew Margolick: Northwestern
Jake Margolick: Northwestern
Doug Millen: Northwestern
Connor O’Gara: Colorado
Johnny Rosenstein: Colorado
Nick Shepkowski: Colorado
Clucko the Chicken: Colorado
Consensus Pick: Colorado
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

UTSA at Texas

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: Texas -29.5
Big Game Ben: Texas
Andre Cherry: Texas
Riley Donald: Texas
E: Texas
Pete Fiutak: Texas
John Kennedy: Texas
Jackson Langendorf: Texas*
Andrew Margolick: Texas*
Jake Margolick: Texas
Doug Millen: Texas*
Connor O’Gara: Texas*
Johnny Rosenstein: Texas
Nick Shepkowski: Texas*
Clucko the Chicken: Texas
Consensus Pick: Texas
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

Purdue at UCLA

Game Preview and Prediction
Consensus Line: UCLA -14.5
Big Game Ben: UCLA
Andre Cherry: UCLA
Riley Donald: UCLA
E: UCLA
Pete Fiutak: UCLA
John Kennedy: UCLA
Jackson Langendorf: UCLA*
Andrew Margolick: UCLA
Jake Margolick: UCLA*
Doug Millen: UCLA*
Connor O’Gara: UCLA
Johnny Rosenstein: UCLA
Nick Shepkowski: UCLA
Clucko the Chicken: Purdue
Consensus Pick: UCLA
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

Expert Picks Results So Far

Big Game Ben
SU: 39-10 ATS: 21-28
Andre Cherry
SU: 41-8 ATS: 25-24
Riley Donald
SU: 40-9 ATS: 29-20
E
SU: 38-11 ATS: 28-21
Pete Fiutak
SU: 37-12 ATS: 24-25
John Kennedy
SU: 41-8 ATS: 27-22
Jackson Langendorf
SU: 34-15 ATS: 27-22
Andrew Margolick
SU: 39-10 ATS: 25-24
Jake Margolick
SU: 37-12 ATS: 27-22
Doug Millen
SU: 40-9 ATS: 28-21
Connor O’Gara
SU: 40-9 ATS: 28-21
Johnny Rosenstein
SU: 40-9 ATS: 24-25
Nick Shepkowski
SU: 38-11 ATS: 25-24
Clucko the Chicken
SU: 27-42 ATS: 22-27
Consensus Pick SU: 39-10 ATS: 27-22
Syra at Pitt | Miami at Wake | Houston at TTech
UNC at Clemson | Georgia at Ark | Kent St at OSU
Kentucky at TA&M | FSU at Bama | USC at Rutgers
SMU at UofL | UTEP at Michigan | WKU at Indiana
Miss St at SoCar | Fla at Auburn | Mich St at ND
LSU at Ole Miss | BYU at Col St | New Mex at OU
Colorado at NW | UTSA at Texas | Purdue at UCLA

Georgia vs Arkansas Prediction: Can the Bulldogs Stay Focused?

Pete Fiutak — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:41:03 GMT

Georgia (2-0) is going about its business with frightening devastation, hanging 63 on Tennessee State to start the season and 70 against Western Kentucky last week. The 133 points are the most the program has ever scored in the first two weeks of a season.

And then there’s Arkansas (1-1).

The Hogs were just okay against North Alabama, and barely showed up in a 43-10 loss at Utah. Everything changes in the early Ryan Silverfield era if they can pull off the shocker.

Georgia vs Arkansas: Quick Hits

Georgia is 12-4 all-time against Arkansas, but they haven’t played since 2021 – the Dawgs won 37-0.
Georgia is at home for three of the next four games, starting with Oklahoma next week.
Arkansas has a suddenly dangerous-looking game against Tulsa next, and then picks back up the SEC schedule with a trip to Texas A&M.

How To Watch Georgia vs Arkansas

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ABC
Location: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR
– Week 3 Schedule, Picks

Why Georgia Will Win

There hasn’t been as much as a blip so far offensively.

Gunner Stockton is razor-sharp, averaging over 11 yards per attempt. The ground game is averaging over eight yards per carry, and if the Utah game was any indication, Arkansas can’t and won’t stop any of it.

The Utes were more punishing than explosive on the ground, but quarterback Devin Dampier was hitting the big shots with ease against a Hog defense that didn’t apply a lick of pressure. Georgia has yet to allow a sack.

Why Arkansas Will Win

Okay, so maybe not everything is perfect with Georgia.

There are a few too many penalties – 15 in the first two games – the defense has allowed a few third-down conversions here and there, and … this is reaching. Georgia has been great, and Arkansas has to be close to perfect.

There have been moments. Quarterback KJ Jackson is a big thrower who can run, the offense isn’t bad on third downs, and because of both of those things, Arkansas is among the best in the nation in time of possession. It should hold the ball for close to 37 minutes.

Georgia vs Arkansas Prediction, Betting Lines

Georgia has to focus on taking down the Hogs from the start. Arkansas might be struggling, but this is still an SEC road game against a team just getting started against Silverfield. It’ll play like there’s nothing to lose.

Arkansas has to focus on the next play. Georgia will hit the Hogs with plenty of big, splashy plays, but those have to be blown off.

Arkansas will have a good drive or two, but Georgia’s offense is too sharp for this to be any sort of a tight battle.

Georgia 41, Arkansas 16
Latest Consensus Line: Georgia -24.5, o/u: 54.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2.5

Ohio State vs Kent State Prediction: The Buckeyes Have to Buck Up

Pete Fiutak — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 18:02:10 GMT

For the first time since 2021, Ohio State (1-1) lost a game in September. Now it has to pick up the pieces fast, reestablish its dominance, and go on as if the 24-23 meltdown against Texas never happened.

Kent State (1-1) got a win over Wofford after being blasted by South Carolina 57-0. It’s here collecting a paycheck, but this isn’t the Golden Flash team of two years ago. It’s more competitive, far more competent, and just decent enough to be a tad bit more than a light speed bump.

Ohio State vs Kent State: Quick Hits

The two teams have only played three times, and it hasn’t been pretty. 66-0 in 2014, 48-3 in 2007, and 51-17 in 2002.
The Buckeyes start the Big Ten season with Illinois next week, and then go on the road for three of its next four games with the away dates against Iowa, Indiana, and USC.
Kent State starts MAC play with Ball State next, followed up by Ohio. Four of the five games after that are on the road.

How To Watch Ohio State vs Kent State

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
– Week 3 Schedule, Picks

Why Kent State Will Win

The short-to-midrange passing game isn’t bad. Quarterback Dru DeShields is accurate and experienced, with the legs to take off and make things happen on the move. The offensive line hasn’t been bad so far at giving him time to work.

The Golden Flash defense showed off a pass rush against Wofford. It has just enough playmakers to be a bother if the Buckeyes aren’t sharp from the start.

Why Ohio State Will Win

Short memory. They might not be No. 1 in the rankings, but the Buckeyes are still, probably, the best team in the nation – if Connor Hawkins’ kick goes straight, they coast into the win in Austin.

Obviously, it’s not even close talent-wise, so now it’s time to work on doing more on the offensive front, getting a big game out of the defense after the problems late against Texas, and that starts by attacking DeShields and not letting him get comfortable.

Ohio State vs Kent State Prediction, Betting Lines

Over the last few years, how has Ohio State done after a loss?

Last year, it followed up its lone loss in the Big Ten Championship with a College Football Playoff loss to Miami. In 2024, it was blah in a 21-17 win over Nebraska after losing to Oregon, but it destroyed Tennessee after having three weeks off following the loss to Michigan.

The Buckeyes followed losses to Michigan in 2022 and 2023 with losses in the respective bowl games.

This won’t be a problem, but don’t assume Ohio State will feel the need to come out and hang 80 on the board.

Ohio State 55, Kent State 3
Latest Consensus Line: Ohio State -52.5, o/u: 59.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

Kansas State vs Tulane Prediction: Are the Wildcats Really This Good?

Pete Fiutak — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:45:40 GMT

The Collin Klein era has kicked off with a bang at Kansas State (2-0), beating Nicholls and Washington State by a combined score of 105-10. The team looks sharp, the offense is strong, and now it’s about focus.

Tulane (1-1) hasn’t been great. It couldn’t do much in a 17-3 loss to Duke, struggled at home against South Alabama, and this doesn’t look or feel like the team that got to the College Football Playoff last year. Shock Kansas State, though, and the first year under Will Hall will crank up fast.

Kansas State vs Tulane: Quick Hits

Tulane is 2-1 all-time against Kansas State, losing in a 34-27 fight in 2024, and winning in 2022 and 1988.
Kansas State starts the Big 12 season next week at Cincinnati.
Tulane gets a funky date with head coach Will Hall’s former team, Southern Miss, before diving into American Conference play at Army.

How To Watch Kansas State vs Tulane

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Location: Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS
– Week 3 Schedule, Picks

Why Tulane Will Win

Kansas State will give the ball away. Everything else has gone close to perfectly for the Wildcats so far, but the three turnovers in two games are a bit much. Tulane has hardly been great, but it has a chance if it can be +2 in turnover margin.

Offensively, the Green Wave found something in fifth-year back Jaylin Lucas, who tore off 214 yards in the win over South Alabama – they have to commit to the ground game early on.

Why Kansas State Will Win

Yeah, the three turnovers … everything else so far has been flawless.

Three penalties – No. 1 in the nation. No. 2 in the nation in defense, no sacks allowed, No. 1 pass defense, No. 2 in third down conversions. Everything is working.

On the flip side, Tulane has been flagged 19 times in two games, is awful on third downs, and has the second-fewest first downs in the nation. The offense is stalling early on.

Kansas State vs Tulane Prediction, Betting Lines

Again, can Kansas State keep its focus? It’s playing far, far better than Tulane, with the efficiency and line play that Tulane can’t handle if it plays like it did offensively over the first two weeks. The Green Wave defense, though, is just decent enough to keep this from getting out of hand.

Kansas State keeps on rolling.

Kansas State 38, Tulane 10
Latest Consensus Line: Kansas State -20.5, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2.5

Oregon vs Portland State Prediction: The Ducks' Season Starts Over Now

Pete Fiutak — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 07:02:32 GMT

Oregon (1-1) and Portland State (0-3) aren’t having a whole lot of fun.

The Vikings of Portland State are winless, the defense hasn’t been close, and now after getting rocked by San Diego State and North Dakota, and losing to UC Davis, they get a very, very desperate and grouchy Oregon team.

It’s as if the Ducks don’t quite realize the season has started. They slept through the 34-27 win over Boise State, and it didn’t bring its interest along for the trip to Stillwater in a puzzling 39-31 loss. But that’s what Portland State is for.

Oregon, this is the first game of the rest of your 2026 college football life.

Oregon vs Portland State: Quick Hits

It’s the seventh time these two have met. Oregon is 6-0 by a combined score of 366-49 – an average of 61-8.
Oregon goes to USC next, and then three of the four Big Ten games are at home before going to Ohio State.
Oregon has won 34 straight games against teams outside of the FBS/D-I. The last non-win was a 0-0 tie against North Dakota in 1931. A 31-6 defeat to St. Mary’s in 1929 was the last loss.

How To Watch Oregon vs Portland State

Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Game Time: 10:30 PM ET
TV: BTN
Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
– Week 3 Schedule, Picks

Why Portland State Will Win

Portland State will wing it around a little bit. It might not have the high-powered attack to keep up, but Gabe Downing and Tyrese Smith combined for close to 800 yards with four touchdowns over the first three games.

What’s Oregon’s problem? It’s getting bombed on, giving up too many midrange throws to Boise State’s Maddux Madsen that mattered – even if the stats weren’t that great – and last week, it allowed 317 yards to Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker.

Why Oregon Will Win

Portland State got powered on by San Diego State late, couldn’t do enough to stay in the game against UC Davis, and now it’s about to deal with an Oregon team with as much talent as anyone in college football.

This is supposed to be the game for the Ducks to get the backups some reps so everyone else can rest up and be ready for USC, but after the way the first two weeks have gone, this had better be when the team decides to show up.

Oregon vs Portland State Prediction, Betting Lines

Okay, we’ve all had our fun, but enough is enough. Oregon can still win the national title, but it can realistically lose just one more game the rest of the regular season. The team needs a spark, and while beating up Portland State won’t solve anything, the Ducks will do it just to prove that they can.

Oregon 65, Portland State 3
Latest Consensus Line: Oregon -56.5, o/u: 66.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 1.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 1

Houston vs Texas Tech Prediction: Are the Cougars Ready to Pull This Off?

Pete Fiutak — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 06:24:38 GMT

Houston (2-0) is coming off a ten-win 2025 season that flew deep under the radar because 1) the Big 12 didn’t receive enough attention and 2) last year was all about Texas Tech’s (2-0) rise to power.

The Red Raiders hadn’t won a conference championship in decades, but helped by the 35-11 win over the Cougars, they got to the College Football Playoff. Now, Houston appears to be a little bit better, Texas Tech appears to be a little bit worse, and for both teams, the Big 12 starts now.

Houston vs Texas Tech: Quick Hits

Oregon State is 0-2, losing to Houston 33-20 in Week 1, and 35-24 to Texas Tech last week. Both the Red Raiders and Cougars beat FCS teams in their other games.
Texas Tech gets Sam Houston next week, and then it’s off to Colorado. This starts a run of five of the next seven games at home.
It’s a battle of former Southwest Conference teams. Houston has an 18-17-1 lead in the series, but the Red Raiders won the first meeting 6-0 in 1951.

How To Watch Houston vs Texas Tech

Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: Galaxy Stadium, Lubbock, TX
– Week 3 Schedule, Picks

Why Houston Will Win

Texas Tech has been just okay so far. Last year’s team came out roaring, but this version seems like it hasn’t woken up yet.

The passing game is fine, and it’s hard to argue with two double-digit wins, but last year, the defense stuffed everything. It only allowed more than 20 points in the two losses to Arizona State and Oregon, and last week Oregon State was up 24-21 with seven minutes to play in the 35-24 Red Raider win.

Houston ran the ball far better against Oregon State than Texas Tech did, and while it’s early, that’s setting up easy opportunities to move the chains. The Cougars are No. 1 in the nation in third down conversions, hitting 15-of-21 (71%) so far. On third downs, the Texas Tech defense has been … okay.

Why Texas Tech Will Win

Texas Tech is 2-0. No, it hasn’t come out with its hair on fire like it did last season, but this version is still solid, the talent level is terrific, and quarterback Will Hammond is getting the job done.

The veteran is hitting 77% of his passes with just one pick, and Houston hasn’t seen anything in the first two games like it’ll see with the Red Raider receiving corps.

And about that third down conversion thing for Houston, it’s partly because the running game is setting up easy chances, taking off for over seven yards per carry, with over 600 yards with nine touchdowns in the first two games.

The Texas Tech run defense has been fantastic.

Houston vs Texas Tech Prediction, Betting Lines

This is where the Texas Tech intensity ramps up a few notches.

Houston is terrific, and quarterback Conner Weigman will play like the veteran he is, but here comes the Red Raider pass rush that will dial it up this week. No, this isn’t the same team as last year, but it’s still very, very good …

And Houston is a bit better. The experience will matter; the Cougar run defense will hold up late against a good day from Hammond, and Friday night college football will go Friday night college football – this is when the first curveball of the weekend is thrown.

Houston 27, Texas Tech 26
Latest Consensus Line: Texas Tech -7.5, o/u: 53.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4.5

Syracuse vs Pitt Prediction: Do or Die Time in the ACC Race

Pete Fiutak — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 05:23:08 GMT

If you’re Syracuse (1-1) and Pitt (2-0), you have to win your 50/50 games – the ones you’re supposed to have a good shot at taking down.

Syracuse already lost a tough one to Cal last week, Pitt has a slew of big ACC games down the road, and for both, this is a moment to show something better after rough offensive performances last week.

Syracuse vs Pitt: Quick Hits

The Syracuse offense put up yards in the first two weeks, but three interceptions in the 21-18 loss to Cal were devastating. This is the start of a whopping three road games in a row and four in the next five.
Pitt got by UCF 12-7, but the offense only managed 315 total yards. It’ll likely be 4-0 if it wins this – Bucknell is up next – and then it’s three ACC road games in four dates, including Miami and Virginia Tech.
Pitt won this matchup 30-13 last year and seven of the last eight going back to 2017.

How To Watch Syracuse vs Pitt

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Game Time: 11:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
– Week 3 Schedule, Picks

Why Syracuse Will Win

Syracuse, this is when that passing game thing needs to rock.

Steve Angeli is back from the leg injury that knocked him out last season, and he looked great in the opener against New Hampshire. Against Cal, not so much – he missed more than half his throws with three picks. However, he threw for over 300 yards, and he needs to do that in this.

Pitt’s pass defense hasn’t been awful so far, but it’s Pitt. It’ll have its moments when the pass rush doesn’t get the job done, and the big plays will come.

Why Pitt Will Win

Syracuse is having a few problems screwing up. The three picks in the loss to Cal were bad, but the penalties in the first two games have been brutal.

The Orange hung 66 on the board against New Hampshire, so the 12 penalties didn’t matter, but the 14 against Cal stalled the momentum on both sides of the ball time and again.

Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel has yet to throw an interception, was fine against UCF, and hit Miami University for seven touchdown passes, and now …

Syracuse vs Pitt Prediction, Betting Lines

Heintschel is looking to get past his game against Syracuse last year. The Panthers won, but he struggled in one of the worst games in his breakout freshman season. As long as he’s okay, the defense should take care of the rest.

Angeli will connect on his share of shots, but the running game won’t go anywhere on a Panther defense allowing just over a yard per carry.

Pitt 31, Syracuse 20
Latest Consensus Line: Pitt -10.5, o/u: 51.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

Miami vs Wake Forest Prediction: The Hurricanes' First Test

Pete Fiutak — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 03:04:40 GMT

Miami has been brilliant so far, dominating Stanford and Florida A&M to start the season, but … Stanford and Florida A&M. The Hurricanes haven’t broken a sweat.

Now they get a real test in the ACC opener against a good Wake Forest team that gut-checked its way to a double-overtime win over Purdue.

Miami vs Wake Forest: Quick Hits

Miami has won the last eight games in the series, but Wake Forest won the first two – back in 1939 and 1944.
Miami gets a bit of a breather with Central Michigan up next, and then comes the trip to Clemson.
It’s a make-or-break early run for the Wake Forest ACC hopes with a trip to Louisville after this, starting a run of three road games in four weeks.

How To Watch Miami vs Wake Forest

Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC
– Week 3 Schedule, Predictions

Why Miami Will Win

The Miami passing game has been on a tear. Again, playing Stanford and Florida A&M help make everything look better, but Duke transfer Darian Mensah has looked every bit the part of a big-time passer on the way to a monster season.

Flawless, he’s hitting 91% of his passes, averaging well over 14 yards per throw. It helps that he’s getting all the time in the world to throw and has a receiver in Malachi Toney who’s hitting home runs from everywhere.

Why Wake Forest Will Win

Wake Forest has its own hot quarterback. Transfer Gio Lopez has yet to throw a pick, is running well, and he held up late in the thrilling win over Purdue. It’s the other side of the ball, though, that has to get the job done.

The Demon Deacon defense had its issues over the first two weeks, but it’s getting into the backfield. Mensah has yet to be pressured at all, but that’s about to change against Gabe Kirschke and the Wake Forest front.

Miami vs Wake Forest Prediction, Betting Lines

Wake FOorest is good, experienced, dangerous, and it does a lot of things right. There’s one big problem, though – it’s getting lit up through the air so far.

Akron has a good passing game, and Purdue can throw the ball, but Mensah will take things up a few notches. He won’t hit 90% of his passes in this, but he won’t have to. The Miami running game will be the star in this, at least early on.

Miami 38, Wake Forest 17
Latest Consensus Line: Miami -20.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

College Football Week 3 Schedule, Predictions & Scoreboard

College Football News — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 20:30:28 GMT

Week 3 is like the calm before the storm. Next week, the conference schedules start to kick in, and everyone is still buzzing about last week. But there are more than enough interesting games around the biggest soap opera moment of the season when Lane Kiffin and LSU go to Ole Miss. Below is the full schedule for all the Week 3 games.

ACC | American | Big Ten | Big 12 | CUSA
IND | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | SEC | Sun Belt
– CFN Week 3 Top 25
– Latest Bowl Projections
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 3

ACC Week 3 Schedule

Straight Up: 23-6
Against the Spread: 17-12
Point Total: 18-11

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Syracuse at Pitt
Game Time: 11:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Consensus Line: Pitt -10.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction

Friday, September 18, 2026

Miami at Wake Forest
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Consensus Line: Miami -20.5, o/u: 55.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Mercer at Georgia Tech
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ACC Network
Consensus Line: Georgia Tech -41.5, o/u: 60.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

North Carolina at Clemson
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Consensus Line: Clemson -3.5, o/u: 44.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction

NC State at Vanderbilt
Game Time: 12:45 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Consensus Line: Vanderbilt -3.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Maine at Boston College
Game Time: 3:00 PM ET
TV: ACC Network
Consensus Line: Boston College -39.5, o/u: 52.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Florida State at Alabama
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: ABC
Consensus Line: Alabama -20.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

SMU at Louisville
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: COMING
Consensus Line: Louisville -1.5, o/u: 59.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Wagner at Cal
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: ACC Network
Consensus Line: COMING, o/u: COMING
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Stanford at Duke
Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
TV: CW
Consensus Line: Duke -9.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

West Virginia at Virginia
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ACC Network
Consensus Line: Virginia -9.5, o/u: 53.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Virginia Tech at Maryland
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: COMING
Consensus Line: Virginia Tech -3.5, o/u: 53.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING
ACC | American | Big Ten | Big 12 | CUSA
IND | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | SEC | Sun Belt

American Conference Week 3 Schedule

Straight Up: 21-6
Against the Spread: 15-12
Point Total: 16-11

Tulane at Kansas State
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Consensus Line: Kansas State -20.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction

North Texas at Texas State
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: USA Network
Consensus Line: Texas State -2.5, o/u: 63.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Temple at Toledo
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Consensus Line: Toledo -5.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

East Carolina at Old Dominion
Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Old Dominion -2.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

FIU at Florida Atlantic
Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Florida Atlantic -6.5, o/u: 62.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Charlotte at App State
Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: App State -19.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

UT Martin at Memphis
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Memphis -35.5, o/u: 56.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Western Michigan at Rice
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Western Michigan -9.5, o/u: 43.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Delaware State at USF
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: USF -37.5, o/u: 62.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

UTSA at Texas
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Consensus Line: Texas -29.5, o/u: 58.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

East Texas A&M at Tulsa
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Tulsa -29.5, o/u: 57.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

UAB at Louisiana
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Louisiana -7.5, o/u: 56.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING
ACC | American | Big Ten | Big 12 | CUSA
IND | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | SEC | Sun Belt

Big Ten Week 3 Schedule

Straight Up: 28-7
Against the Spread: 20-15
Point Total: 21-14

Friday, September 18, 2026

Portland State at Oregon
Game Time: 10:30 PM ET
TV: BTN
Consensus Line: Oregon -56.5, o/u: 65.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Kent State at Ohio State
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
Consensus Line: Ohio State -52.5, o/u: 58.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction

Buffalo at Penn State
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: BTN
Consensus Line: Penn State -40.5, o/u: 50.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction

Akron at Minnesota
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: BTN
Consensus Line: Minnesota -24.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Eastern Michigan at Wisconsin
Game Time: 12:30 PM ET
TV: Peacock
Consensus Line: Wisconsin -24.5, o/u: 45.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Southern Illinois at Illinois
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: Peacock
Consensus Line: Ilinois -41.5, o/u: 53.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

USC at Rutgers
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: CBS
Consensus Line: USC -24.5, o/u: 59.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Western Kentucky at Indiana
Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
TV: Peacock
Consensus Line: Indiana -44.5, o/u: 60.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

UTEP at Michigan
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: BTN
Consensus Line: Michigan -35.5, o/u: 47.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Northern Iowa at Iowa
Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
TV: FS1
Consensus Line: Iowa -41.5, o/u: 48.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Eastern Washington at Washington
Game Time: 7:15 PM ET
TV: BTN
Consensus Line: Washington -44.5, o/u: 56.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

North Dakota at Nebraska
Game Time: 7:15 PM ET
TV: BTN
Consensus Line: Nebraska -24.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Michigan State at Notre Dame
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: NBC
Consensus Line: Notre Dame -29.5, o/u: 52.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Colorado at Northwestern
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: COMING
Consensus Line: Northwestern -3.5, o/u: 48.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Virginia Tech at Maryland
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: COMING
Consensus Line: Virginia Tech -3.5, o/u: 53.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Purdue at UCLA
Game Time: 11:00 PM ET
TV: BTN
Consensus Line: UCLA -14.5, o/u: 52.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING
ACC | American | Big Ten | Big 12 | CUSA
IND | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | SEC | Sun Belt

Big 12 Week 3 Schedule

Straight Up: 27-4
Against the Spread: 19-12
Point Total: 21-10

Friday, September 18, 2026

Houston at Texas Tech
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
Consensus Line: Texas Tech -7.5, o/u: 53.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Tulane at Kansas State
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Consensus Line: Kansas State -20.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction

Bowling Green at Iowa State
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ESPNU
Consensus Line: Iowa State -23.5, o/u: 44.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Arizona State at Kansas
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: FS1
Consensus Line: Arizona State -5.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Utah State at Utah
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: FOX
Consensus Line: Utah -28.5, o/u: 56.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Miami University at Cincinnati
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Cincinnati -14.5, o/u: 50.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Louisiana Tech at Baylor
Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
TV: ESPNU
Consensus Line: Baylor -17.5, o/u: 53.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Georgia State at UCF
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: UCF -20.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Murray State at Oklahoma State
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Oklahoma State -57.5, o/u: 69.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

BYU at Colorado State
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: CBS
Consensus Line: BYU -17.5, o/u: 52.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

West Virginia at Virginia
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ACC Network
Consensus Line: Virginia -9.5, o/u: 53.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Colorado at Northwestern
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: COMING
Consensus Line: Northwestern -3.5, o/u: 48.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Arkansas State at TCU
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: ESPNU
Consensus Line: TCU -20.5, o/u: 57.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Northern Illinois at Arizona
Game Time: 10:30 PM ET
TV: TNT
Consensus Line: Arizona -34.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING
ACC | American | Big Ten | Big 12 | CUSA
IND | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | SEC | Sun Belt

Conference USA Week 3 Schedule

Straight Up: 19-2
Against the Spread: 13-8
Point Total: 14-7

Coastal Carolina at Delaware
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Consensus Line: Delaware -4.5, o/u: 57.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Western Kentucky at Indiana
Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
TV: Peacock
Consensus Line: Indiana -44.5, o/u: 60.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Ball State at Liberty
Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Liberty -14.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

FIU at Florida Atlantic
Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Florida Atlantic -6.5, o/u: 62.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Marshall at Missouri State
Game Time: 6:30 PM ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Consensus Line: Marshall -3.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Nevada at Middle Tennessee
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Nevada -5.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Georgia Southern at Jacksonville State
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Jacksonville State -4.5, o/u: 52.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Nicholls at Sam Houston
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Sam Houston -18.5, o/u: 50.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Kennesaw State at Tennessee
Game Time: 7:45 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Consensus Line: Tennessee -35.5, o/u: 59.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING
ACC | American | Big Ten | Big 12 | CUSA
IND | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | SEC | Sun Belt

College Football Independents Week 3 Schedule

Straight Up: 4-0
Against the Spread: 2-2
Point Total: 1-3

UConn at Southern Miss
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: UConn -3.5, o/u: 54.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Michigan State at Notre Dame
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: NBC
Consensus Line: Notre Dame -29.5, o/u: 52.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

MAC Week 3 Schedule

Straight Up: 26-2
Against the Spread: 19-9
Point Total: 19-9

Kent State at Ohio State
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
Consensus Line: Ohio State -52.5, o/u: 58.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction

Buffalo at Penn State
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: BTN
Consensus Line: Penn State -40.5, o/u: 50.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction

Bowling Green at Iowa State
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ESPNU
Consensus Line: Iowa State -23.5, o/u: 44.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Akron at Minnesota
Game Time: 12:00 PM E
TV: BTN
Consensus Line: Minnesota -24.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Eastern Michigan at Wisconsin
Game Time: 12:30 PM ET
TV: Peacock
Consensus Line: Wisconsin -24.5, o/u: 45.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Wyoming at Central Michigan
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Central Michigan -1.5, o/u: 39.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Temple at Toledo
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Consensus Line: Toledo -5.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Miami University at Cincinnati
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Cincinnati -14.5, o/u: 50.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Stonehill at UMass
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: UMass -34.5, o/u: 48.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Ball State at Liberty
Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Liberty -14.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Western Michigan at Rice
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Western Michigan -9.5, o/u: 43.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Ohio at South Alabama
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: South Alabama -4.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

North Dakota State at Sacramento State
Game Time: 10:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Consensus Line: North Dakota State -27.5, o/u: 52.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING
ACC | American | Big Ten | Big 12 | CUSA
IND | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | SEC | Sun Belt

Mountain West Week 3 Schedule

Straight Up: 15-6
Against the Spread: 13-8
Point Total: 15-6

Wyoming at Central Michigan
Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Central Michigan -1.5, o/u: 39.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

UTEP at Michigan
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: BTN
Consensus Line: Michigan -35.5, o/u: 47.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Nevada at Middle Tennessee
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Nevada -5.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

New Mexico at Oklahoma
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Consensus Line: Oklahoma -22.5, o/u: 46.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Northern Illinois at Arizona
Game Time: 10:30 PM ET
TV: TNT
Consensus Line: Arizona -34.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

North Dakota State at Sacramento State
Game Time: 10:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Consensus Line: North Dakota State -27.5, o/u: 52.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Fresno State at San Jose State
Game Time: 11:00 PM E
TV: FS1
Consensus Line: Fresno State -6.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING
ACC | American | Big Ten | Big 12 | CUSA
IND | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | SEC | Sun Belt

Pac-12 Week 3 Schedule

Straight Up: 15-1
Against the Spread: 11-5
Point Total: 8-8

North Texas at Texas State
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: USA Network
Consensus Line: Texas State -2.5, o/u: 63.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Utah State at Utah
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: FOX
Consensus Line: Utah -28.5, o/u: 56.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Duquesne at Washington State
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: USA Network
Consensus Line: Washington State -28.5, o/u: 52.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

BYU at Colorado State
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: CBS
Consensus Line: BYU -17.5, o/u: 52.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

South Dakota at Boise State
Game Time: 10:00 PM ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Consensus Line: Boise State -22.5, o/u: 56.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

James Madison at San Diego State
Game Time: 10:00 PM ET
TV: CW
Consensus Line: San Diego State -1.5, o/u: 46.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Montana at Oregon State
Game Time: 11:00 PM ET
TV: USA Network
Consensus Line: Oregon State -9.5, o/u: 53.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Fresno State at San Jose State
Game Time: 11:00 PM ET
TV: FS1
Consensus Line: Fresno State -6.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING
ACC | American | Big Ten | Big 12 | CUSA
IND | MAC | MWest | Pac-12 | SEC | Sun Belt

SEC Week 3 Schedule

Straight Up: 28-3
Against the Spread: 18-13
Point Total: 22-9

Georgia at Arkansas
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ABC
Consensus Line: Georgia -24.5, o/u: 54.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction

NC State at Vanderbilt
Game Time: 12:45 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Consensus Line: Vanderbilt -3.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Kentucky at Texas A&M
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: ABC
Consensus Line: Texas A&M -16.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction

Florida State at Alabama
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: ABC
Consensus Line: Alabama -20.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Mississippi State at South Carolina
Game Time: 4:15 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Consensus Line: South Carolina -3.5, o/u: 59.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Troy at Missouri
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Consensus Line: Missouri -27.5, o/u: 50.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Florida at Auburn
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Consensus Line: Florida -2.5, o/u: 52.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

LSU at Ole Miss
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ABC
Consensus Line: LSU -3.5, o/u: 58.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction

New Mexico at Oklahoma
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Consensus Line: Oklahoma -22.5, o/u: 46.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Kennesaw State at Tennessee
Game Time: 7:45 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Consensus Line: Tennessee -35.5, o/u: 59.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Sun Belt Week 3 Schedule

Straight Up: 26-2
Against the Spread: 15-13
Point Total: 24-4

Louisiana Tech at Baylor
Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
TV: ESPNU
Consensus Line: Baylor -17.5, o/u: 53.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

SE Louisiana at ULM
Game Time: 4:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: ULM -12.5, o/u: 47.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

East Carolina at Old Dominion
Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Old Dominion -2.5, o/u: 49.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Charlotte at App State
Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: App State -19.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Marshall at Missouri State
Game Time: 6:30 PM ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Consensus Line: Marshall -3.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Troy at Missouri
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Consensus Line: Missouri -27.5, o/u: 50.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Georgia State at UCF
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: UCF -20.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

UConn at Southern Miss
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: UConn -3.5, o/u: 54.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Ohio at South Alabama
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: South Alabama -4.5, o/u: 51.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Georgia Southern at Jacksonville State
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Jacksonville State -4.5, o/u: 52.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Arkansas State at TCU
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: ESPNU
Consensus Line: TCU -20.5, o/u: 57.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

UAB at Louisiana
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN+
Consensus Line: Louisiana -7.5, o/u: 56.5
Prediction: COMING
Final Score: COMING
– Game Preview and Prediction COMING

Welcome to the CFN Week 3 Bowl Projections, Oklahoma State, Mississippi State, Oregon

College Football News — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 08:47:24 GMT

It’s crazy how quickly everything can change within a few hours on a college football Saturday.

Last week at this time, Oklahoma State was coming off an awful opening-week loss to Tulsa, Mississippi State was just an interesting team going to Minnesota, and Oregon was looking like a program on a College Football Playoff track.

The Cowboys beat the Ducks, the Bulldogs whacked the Gophers, and now, for very different reasons, all three teams are among the programs in a crowded field of schools in our latest bowl projections. (Notice, we have to shoehorn in a few teams, but that’s how this actually works.) – Pete Fiutak
– Week 3 College Football Playoff Projections
– Week 3 CFN Top 25 Rankings

Cricket Celebration Bowl

South Carolina State vs Alabama State
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Game Time: 12:00, ABC
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Last Season: South Carolina State 50, Prairie View A&M 38 4OT
Bowl Affiliations: MEAC, SWAC

IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl

FIU vs Old Dominion
Tuesday, December 15, 2026
Game Time: 5:30, ESPN
Location: Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, AL
Last Season: Jacksonville State 17, Troy 13
Bowl Affiliations: CUSA, MAC, Sun Belt

Frisco Football Classic

Kennesaw State vs Oklahoma State
Tuesday, December 15, 2026
Game Time: 9:00, ESPN
Location: Ford Center at the Star, Frisco, TX
Last Season: No Game
Bowl Affiliations: CUSA, Sun Belt

Boca Raton Bowl

Florida Atlantic vs Washington State
Friday, December 18, 2026
Game Time: 11:00 am, ESPN
Location: Flagler Credit Union Stadium, Boca Raton, FL
Last Season: Louisville 27, Toledo 22
Bowl Affiliations: Group of 6

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl

USF vs Mississippi State
Friday, December 18, 2026
Game Time: 3:30, ESPN
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Last Season: NC State 31, Memphis 7
Bowl Affiliations: AAC, CUSA (ACC, SEC)

Myrtle Beach Bowl

James Madison vs Western Michigan
Monday, December 21, 2026
Game Time: 11:00 am, ESPN
Location: Brooks Stadium, Conway, SC
Last Season: Western Michigan 41, Kennesaw State 6
Bowl Affiliations: Group of 6, (Not Pac-12 or Mountain West)

Sep 12, 2026; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Nathan Hayes (2) attempts a pass in the first quarter against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Ohio vs North Dakota State
Monday, December 21, 2026
Game Time: 2:30, ESPN
Location: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID
Last Season: Washington State 34, Utah State 21
Bowl Affiliations: MAC, Mountain West

Puerto Rico Bowl

Toledo vs San Diego State
Tuesday, December 22, 2026
Game Time: 1:30, ESPN
Location: Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Last Season: No Game
Bowl Affiliations: MAC, Group of 6 or Pac-12

StaffDNA Cure Bowl

East Carolina vs Georgia Southern
Tuesday, December 22, 2026
Game Time: 5:00, ESPN
Location: Exploria Stadium, Orlando, FL
Last Season: Old Dominion 24, USF 10
Bowl Affiliations: Group of 6

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl

Tulane vs Cal
Tuesday, December 22, 2026
Game Time: 8:30, ESPN
Location: Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA
Last Season: Louisiana Tech 23, Coastal Carolina 14
Bowl Affiliations: AAC, Former Pac-12 (or Big 12)

New Orleans Bowl

Jacksonville State vs Louisiana Tech
Wednesday, December 23, 2026
Game Time: 2:00, ESPN
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Last Season: Western Kentucky 27, Southern Miss 16
Bowl Affiliations: CUSA, Sun Belt

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

Army vs West Virginia
Wednesday, December 23, 2026
Game Time: 5:30, ESPN
Location: Amon G Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX
Last Season: Texas State 41, Rice 10
Bowl Affiliations: AAC, CUSA, (or Big 12)

Poinsettia Bowl

Arizona State vs New Mexico
Wednesday, December 23, 2026
Game Time: 7:30, CW
Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA
Last Season: No Game
Bowl Affiliations: Former Pac-12, Mountain West

Frisco Bowl

UTSA vs Fresno State
Wednesday, December 23, 2026
Game Time: 9:00, ESPN
Location: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX
Last Season: Ohio 17, UNLV 10
Bowl Affiliations: Group of 6

Isleta New Mexico Bowl

Colorado State vs Louisiana
Thursday, December 24, 2026
Game Time: 2:30, ESPN
Location: University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM
Last Season: North Texas 49, San Diego State 47
Bowl Affiliations: Mountain West, CUSA or Sun Belt

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

Hawaii vs Tulsa
Thursday, December 24, 2026
Game Time: 7:00, ESPN
Location: Clarence TC Ching Athletics Complex, Honolulu, HI
Last Season: Hawaii 35, Cal 31
Bowl Affiliations: Mountain West, CUSA (or AAC)

Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl

North Carolina vs Nebraska
Saturday, December 26, 2026
Game Time: 12:00, ABC
Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Last Season: Penn State 22, Clemson 10
Bowl Affiliations: ACC, Big Ten

Wasabi Fenway Bowl

Memphis vs Pitt
Saturday, December 26, 2026
Game Time: 2:00, ESPN
Location: Fenway Park, Boston, MA
Last Season: Army 41, UConn 16
Bowl Affiliations: AAC, ACC

Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Duke vs Wisconsin
Saturday, December 26, 2026
Game Time: 3:30, ABC
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Last Season: Wake Forest 43, Mississippi State 29
Bowl Affiliations: ACC, Big Ten (or SEC)

68 Ventures Bowl

Western Kentucky vs Troy
Saturday, December 26, 2026
Game Time: 5:30, ESPN
Location: Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile, AL
Last Season: Delaware 20, Louisiana 13
Bowl Affiliations: CUSA, MAC, Sun Belt

Cactus Bowl

Illinois vs TCU
Saturday, December 26, 2026
Game Time: 7:30, ABC
Location: Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
Last Season: Minnesota 20, New Mexico 17 OT
Bowl Affiliations: Big Ten, Big 12

Freedom Mortgage Military Bowl

Navy vs Wake Forest
Monday, December 28, 2026
Game Time: 2:00, ESPN
Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD
Last Season: East Carolina 23, Pitt 17
Bowl Affiliations: AAC, ACC

Holiday Bowl

Virginia Tech vs UCLA
Monday, December 28, 2026
Game Time: 5:00, CW
Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA
Last Season: SMU 24, Arizona 19
Bowl Affiliations: ACC, Former Pac-12

JLab Birmingham Bowl

North Texas vs Auburn
Tuesday, December 29, 2026
Game Time: 2:00, ESPN
Location: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
Last Season: Georgia Southern 29, App State 10
Bowl Affiliations: AAC, SEC

Pop-Tarts Bowl

Virginia vs Kansas State
Tuesday, December 29, 2026
Game Time: 5:30, ABC
Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
Last Season: BYU 25, Georgia Tech 21
Bowl Affiliations: ACC, Big 12

Valero Alamo Bowl

Oregon vs BYU
Tuesday, December 29, 2026
Game Time: 9:00, ESPN
Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
Last Season: TCU 30, USC 27 OT
Bowl Affiliations: Former Pac-12, Big 12

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

SMU vs Oklahoma
Wednesday, December 30, 2026
Game Time: 11:30 am, ESPN
Location: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
Last Season: Virginia 13, Missouri 7
Bowl Affiliations: ACC, SEC

The Iowa football team swarms onto the field during the Cy-Hawk football game against the Iowa State Cyclones Sept. 12, 2026 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl

Iowa vs Ole Miss
Wednesday, December 30, 2026
Game Time: 3:00, ESPN
Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
Last Season: Illinois 30, Tennessee 28
Bowl Affiliations: Big Ten, SEC

ReliaQuest Bowl

Michigan vs Tennessee
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Game Time: 12:00, ESPN
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Last Season: Iowa 34, Vanderbilt 27
Bowl Affiliations: Big Ten, SEC

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

Clemson vs Arizona
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Game Time: 2:00, CBS
Location: Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX
Last Season: Duke 42, Arizona State 39
Bowl Affiliations: ACC, Former Pac-12

Las Vegas Bowl

Missouri vs Washington
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Game Time: 3:45, ESPN
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Last Season: Utah 44, Nebraska 22
Bowl Affiliations: SEC, Former Pac-12

Kinder’s Texas Bowl

Texas Tech vs South Carolina
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Game Time: 7:30, ESPN
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
Last Season: Houston 38, LSU 35
Bowl Affiliations: Big 12, SEC

Citrus Bowl

Penn State vs Texas A&M
Saturday, January 2, 2027
Game Time: 12:00, ABC
Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
Last Season: Texas 41, Michigan 27
Bowl Affiliations: Big Ten, SEC

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

Air Force vs NC State
Saturday, January 2, 2027
Game Time: 3:30, ESPN
Location: Gerald R Ford Stadium, University Park, TX
Last Season: UTSA 57, FIU 20
Bowl Affiliations: Group of 6 (or ACC)

AutoZone Liberty Bowl

Houston vs Florida
Saturday, January 2, 2027
Game Time: 7:30, ESPN
Location: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, TN
Last Season: Navy 35, Cincinnati 13
Bowl Affiliations: Big 12, SEC, (or AAC)

Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop

Miami University vs UNLV
Date TBD
Game Time: TBD
Location: Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ
Last Season: Fresno State 18, Miami University 3
Bowl Affiliations: MAC, Mountain West

College Football Playoff Predictions Week 3: What Now After This Weekend's Shockers?

Pete Fiutak — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 08:10:37 GMT

It’s only mid-September and the college football season will take dozens of wild twists and turns before we get to early December and the final College Football Playoff rankings. But there’s a good chance that this last weekend changed everything.

Oregon was a mortal lock in our projections to not just make the playoff, but maybe play for the national title. It still has to play at USC and Ohio State – 9-3, at least in the brief history of how the committee does things, doesn’t get you into the tournament.

Oklahoma’s inclusion depended on whether or not it could beat Michigan. After losing to the Wolverines, and with Georgia and Texas up soon, the Sooners could be reasonably done by mid-October.

So now what? Who takes their place, and how does the College Football Playoff look several weeks out? Here’s our call.
– Week 3 Bowl Projections

2026 College Football Playoff Predictions

Predicted College Football Playoff Final Top 12 Ranking
1. Notre Dame 12-0
2. Ohio State 12-1*
3. Georgia 12-1*
4. Miami 11-2* 
5. Utah 11-2*
6. Indiana 11-2
7. LSU 11-2
8. Texas 10-2
9. Alabama 10-2
10. USC 10-2
11. Louisville 11-2
12. Boise State 11-2*
*Projected conference champion

CFN Projected First-Round College Football Playoff Matchups

Sep 11, 2026; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals offensive line Ben Corhei (73) before a snap during the game against the Villanova Wildcats at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Carter-Imagn Images

All first round games will be at the home stadiums, and then the bowl games take over starting in the quarterfinal round.

Texas (9) at Alabama (8)
Friday, December 18, 2026
Game Time: 8:00, ESPN
Location: To Be Determined
The Texas win over Ohio State was amazing, but with trips to Tennessee, LSU, and Texas A&M, and with Ole Miss, Florida, Oklahoma, and a dangerous Mississippi State to deal with, there should be two losses in there somewhere.

We’re predicting one will be the regular-season finale at Texas A&M, which knocks the Longhorns into the 9-seed behind an Alabama team that will lose twice but win its last three games to come in on a bit of a roll.

Louisville (11) at Indiana (6)
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Game Time: 12:00, ABC/ESPN
Location: To Be Determined
Indiana will lose once along the way – likely against Ohio State – and will get to the Big Ten Championship, lose again to the Buckeyes, and grab the 6-seed. Here’s one of our biggest calls of the week: Louisville runs the table before losing the ACC Championship to Miami.

USC (10) at LSU (7)
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Game Time: 3:30, TNT/truTV
Location: To Be Determined
LSU loses once along the way, gets to the SEC Championship, and drops it to Georgia. The committee will put the one-loss Big 12 Champion and Big Ten Championship loser a little higher. USC will be one of the few Power Four teams that go 10-2.

Boise State (12) at Utah (5)
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Game Time: 7:30, TNT/truTV
Location: To Be Determined
Welcome to two of our three biggest calls of the week (Louisville being the third). 1) Utah will lose a game, but will still go on to win the Big 12 Championship. 2) The projected Utah win over BYU, and a Texas Tech stumble, will make the Big 12 a one-bid league again. The winner of Boise State at Western Michigan on September 26th will be our call to be the top Group of Six champion to get in.

CFN Projected Quarterfinal Matchups

Sep 10, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Sep 10, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes cheerleader looks on before the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

Texas (9) vs Notre Dame (1)
Wednesday, December 30, 2026
Game Time: 7:30, TNT/truTV
Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
The powers-that-be will lose their collective minds over the idea of Arch Manning and CJ Carr going head-to-head – by this point in the season, it could be a battle of the top two picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. That, and it’s Notre Dame vs Texas. It’ll be a whale of a way to kick off the CFP Quarterfinals.

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

Indiana (6) vs Georgia (3)
Friday, January 1, 2027
Game Time: TBD
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Indiana and Curt Cignetti will love the idea of going into Atlanta and taking on the SEC Champion – they went to Miami and took down the Hurricanes for the national title last season. This will help get the new year off to a red-hot start in a thriller.

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

Utah (5) vs Miami (4)
Friday, January 1, 2027
Game Time: TBD
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
It wouldn’t get the love of the other three monster quarterfinal matchups, but it would be every bit as strong. It’s the ACC Champion vs. Big 12 Champion. Utah fans would pack the place, while Hurricane fans would mostly be hoping their team lands a spot in the semifinals in Miami.

Rose Bowl Presented by Prudential

LSU (7) vs Ohio State (2)
Friday, January 1, 2027
Game Time: TBD
Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
This has to happen. Lane Kiffin and a high-powered LSU team on New Year’s Day in Pasadena against Ohio State? The Rose Bowl doesn’t have to take a Big Ten team this year, but it would certainly love to have the Big Ten Champion if possible.

CFN Projected College Football Playoff Semifinals

Sep 12, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) looks downfield against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Capital One Orange Bowl

Miami (4) vs Notre Dame (1)
Thursday, January 14, 2027
Game Time: 7:30, TNT/truTV
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
This would be a problem on two fronts. First, the Hurricanes and Irish play in the regular season – and we’re predicting a classic. Second, it’s in Miami, and Notre Dame is the 1-seed. The Irish would be well-represented.

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Georgia (3) vs Ohio State (2)
Friday, January 15, 2027
Game Time: 7:30, ABC/ESPN
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Can we please get a repeat of the 42-41 classic that these two played in the 2022 College Football Semifinal in the Peach Bowl? No matter what, a showdown between the SEC and Big Ten champions would be special.

CFN National Championship Prediction

Georgia (3) vs Notre Dame (1)
Monday, January 25, 2027
Game Time: 7:30, ABC
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Can there really be a national title without a Big Ten team? This year is projected to be the toughest field in the short history of the 12-team playoff format, and no matter what the matchup, it’ll be fantastic. It’ll be in Las Vegas, it’ll be a blast, and the fan bases of both programs will invade the town, with Notre Dame playing in its second national championship in three years and Georgia going for a third national title in the last six seasons.

CFN College Football Rankings Week 3, Teams 26-138: Oklahoma State, Oregon, Tulsa

College Football News — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:05:11 GMT

We got it right, at least for now. It’s only Week 2, and things will change wildly as the season goes on, but for now, we respect the results.

Is Tulsa better than Oregon? Nah, but that’s a thought – we can’t prove it. What we can prove is that Tulsa is 2-0, and it dominated Oklahoma State 24-10. Oregon beat Boise State in Week 1, and then got smacked by Ohio State 39-31. So Tulsa has to be ranked higher than Oklahoma State, and Oregon, and Boise State, and Memphis, and UNLV, and on from there.

There’s lots of other big movement in our Week 3 rankings from 26 to 138.

CFN Week 3 Rankings
CFN Top 25 | 26 to 50
51 to 75 | 76 to 100

CFN Week 3 Rankings 101 to 138

Sep 12, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Temple Owls cornerback Asa Locks (21) reacts after breaking up a pass during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

138. Northern Illinois Huskies

Record: (0-2)
Last Week Rank: 133
Week 2: Illinois State 28, Northern Illinois 24
Up Next: at Arizona

137. Charlotte 49ers

Record: (0-2)
Last Week Rank: 138
Week 2: Ole Miss 41, Charlotte 9
Up Next: at App State

136. Bowling Green Falcons

Record: (0-2)
Last Week Rank: 137
Week 2: Nebraska 56, Bowling Green 7
Up Next: at Iowa State

135. ULM Warhawks

Record: (0-2)
Last Week Rank: 134
Week 2: UAB 26, ULM 20
Up Next: SE Louisiana

134. Sacramento State Hornets

Record: (1-2)
Last Week Rank: 135
Week 2: Fresno State 49, Sacramento State 3
Up Next: North Dakota State

133. Sam Houston Bearkats

Record: (0-2)
Last Week Rank: 136
Week 2: Tulsa 23, Sam Houston 17
Up Next: Nicholls

132. Missouri State Bears

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 130
Week 2: Missouri State 48, Lindenwood 17
Up Next: Marshall

131. WKU Hilltoppers

Record: (0-2)
Last Week Rank: 108
Week 2: Georgia 70, Western Kentucky 20
Up Next: at Indiana

130. Liberty Flames

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 93
Week 2: Liberty 24, Gardner-Webb 23
Up Next: Ball State

129. Kent State Golden Flashes

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 131
Week 2: Kent State 36, Wofford 14
Up Next: at Ohio State

128. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 125
Week 2: Marshall 28, Middle Tennessee 26
Up Next: Nevada

127. Buffalo Bulls

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 127
Week 2: FIU 33, Buffalo 20
Up Next: at Penn State

126. Southern Miss Golden Eagles

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 126
Week 2: Auburn 43, Southern Miss 8
Up Next: UConn

125. Ball State Cardinals

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 122
Week 2: Ball State 41, Stony Brook 17
Up Next: at Liberty

124. New Mexico State Aggies

Record: (1-2)
Last Week Rank: 123
Week 2: Hawaii 29, New Mexico State 19
Up Next: OPEN DATE

123. Akron Zips

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 128
Week 2: Akron 45, Robert Morris 10
Up Next: at Minnesota

122. Eastern Michigan Eagles

Record: (1-2)
Last Week Rank: 129
Week 2: Michigan State 35, Eastern Michigan 7
Up Next: at Wisconsin

121. Utah State Aggies

Record: (0-2)
Last Week Rank: 132
Week 2: Washington 16, Utah State 14
Up Next: at Utah

120. Rice Owls

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 112
Week 2: Notre Dame 52, Rice 0
Up Next: Western Michigan

119. Jacksonville State Gamecocks

Record: (1-2)
Last Week Rank: 115
Week 2: Ohio 29, Jacksonville State 27 4OT
Up Next: Georgia Southern

118. Delaware Blue Hens

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 116
Week 2: Vanderbilt 35, Delaware 26
Up Next: Coastal Carolina

117. South Alabama Jaguars

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 114
Week 2: Tulane 28, South Alabama 24
Up Next: Ohio

116. UTEP Miners

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 121
Week 2: UTEP 51, Texas Southern 10
Up Next: at Michigan

115. UAB Blazers

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 111
Week 2: UAB 26, ULM 20
Up Next: at Louisiana

114. Marshall Thundering Herd

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 113
Week 2: Marshall 28, Middle Tennessee 26
Up Next: at Missouri State

113. Miami University RedHawks

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 110
Week 2: Miami University 45, Holy Cross 7
Up Next: at Cincinnati

112. San Jose State Spartans

Record: (1-2)
Last Week Rank: 109
Week 2: San Jose State 30, Cal Poly 20
Up Next: Fresno State

111. East Carolina Pirates

Record: (0-2)
Last Week Rank: 79
Week 2: App State 27, East Carolina 24
Up Next: at Old Dominion

110. Central Michigan Chippewas

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 119
Week 2: Central Michigan 13, Colgate 10
Up Next: Wyoming

109. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Record: (0-2)
Last Week Rank: 120
Week 2: Boston College 28, Rutgers 21
Up Next: USC

108. Kennesaw State Owls

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 105
Week 2: Georgia State 31, Kennesaw State 17
Up Next: at Tennessee

107. Arkansas State Red Wolves

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 99
Week 2: Arkansas State 52, West Georgia 7
Up Next: at TCU

106. Troy Trojans

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 107
Week 2: Troy 34, Alabama State 17
Up Next: at Missouri

105. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 98
Week 2: Coastal Carolina 45, Fordham 7
Up Next: at Delaware

104. Wyoming Cowboys

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 96
Week 2: Wyoming 21, Northern Colorado 13
Up Next: at Central Michigan

103. FIU Panthers

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 102
Week 2: FIU 33, Buffalo 20
Up Next: at Florida Atlantic

102. Nevada Wolf Pack

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 97
Week 2: Montana State 20, Nevada 7
Up Next: at Middle Tennessee

101. Temple Owls

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 103
Week 2: Penn State 27, Temple 9
Up Next: at Toledo

CFN Week 3 Rankings
CFN Top 25 | 26 to 50 | 51 to 75

CFN Week 3: 76 to 100

Sep 11, 2026; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles offensive lineman Kristian Phillips (71) warms up before a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

100. Georgia State Panthers

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 124
Week 2: Georgia State 31, Kennesaw State 17
Up Next: at UCF

99. UMass Minutemen

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 118
Week 2: UMass 37, Sacred Heart 10
Up Next: Stonehill

98. App State Mountaineers

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 117
Week 2: App State 27, East Carolina 24
Up Next: Charlotte

97. UConn Huskies

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 87
Week 2: Maryland 38, UConn 14
Up Next: at Southern Miss

96. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors

Record: (1-2)
Last Week Rank: 88
Week 2: Hawaii 29, New Mexico State 19
Up Next: OPEN DATE

95. Texas State Bobcats

Record: (0-2)
Last Week Rank: 86
Week 2: UTSA 31, Texas State 26
Up Next: North Texas

94. Ohio Bobcats

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 91
Week 2: Ohio 29, Jacksonville State 27 4OT
Up Next: at South Alabama

93. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 100
Week 2: USC 48, Louisiana 30
Up Next: UAB

92. Georgia Southern Eagles

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 94
Week 2: Clemson 22, Georgia Southern 7
Up Next: at Jacksonville State

91. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 92
Week 2: LSU 45, Louisiana Tech 14
Up Next: at Baylor

90. Stanford Cardinal

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 83
Week 2: OPEN DATE
Up Next: at Duke

89. Toledo Rockets

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 75
Week 2: Toledo 63, Central Connecticut 10
Up Next: Temple

88. Army Black Knights

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 77
Week 2: USF 28, Army 24
Up Next: OPEN DATE

87. Fresno State Bulldogs

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 74
Week 2: Fresno State 49, Sacramento State 3
Up Next: at San Jose State

86. Navy Midshipmen

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 69
Week 2: Florida Atlantic 38, Navy 30
Up Next: OPEN DATE

85. UNLV Rebels

Record: (1-2)
Last Week Rank: 82
Week 2: North Texas 44, UNLV 6
Up Next: OPEN DATE

84. Old Dominion Monarchs

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 101
Week 2: Virginia Tech 44, Old Dominion 21
Up Next: East Carolina

83. Tulane Green Wave

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 85
Week 2: Tulane 28, South Alabama 24
Up Next: at Kansas State

82. North Texas Mean Green

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 95
Week 2: North Texas 44, UNLV 6
Up Next: at Texas State

81. Air Force Falcons

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 81
Week 2: North Dakota State 38, Air Force 32
Up Next: OPEN DATE

80. Florida Atlantic Owls

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 90
Week 2: Navy 38, Florida Atlantic 30
Up Next: FIU

79. UTSA Roadrunners

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 78
Week 2: UTSA 31, Texas State 26
Up Next: at Texas

78. James Madison Dukes

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 89
Week 2: ames Madison 87, Wagner 3
Up Next: at San Diego State

77. Boston College Eagles

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 71
Week 2: Boston College 28, Rutgers 21
Up Next: Maine

76. Colorado State Rams

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 84
Week 2: Colorado State 58, Southern Utah 24
Up Next: BYU

CFN Week 3 Rankings
CFN Top 25 | 26 to 50 | 76 to 100

CFN Week 3: 51 to 75

Sep 12, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) passes the ball against the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

75. Arkansas Razorbacks

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 64
Week 2: Utah 43, Arkansas 10
Up Next: Georgia

74. Washington State Cougars

Record: (0-2)
Last Week Rank: 73
Week 2: Kansas State 34, Washington State 7
Up Next: Duquesne

73. Memphis Tigers

Record: (2-1)
Last Week Rank: 67
Week 2: Boise State 38, Memphis 20
Up Next: UT Martin

72. Syracuse Orange

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 65
Week 2: Cal 21, Syracuse 18
Up Next: at Pitt

71. Vanderbilt Commodores

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 72
Week 2: Vanderbilt 35, Delaware 26
Up Next: NC State

70. USF Bulls

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 80
Week 2: USF 28, Army 24
Up Next: Delaware State

69. Oregon State Beavers

Record: (0-2)
Last Week Rank: 76
Week 2: Texas Tech 35, Oregon State 24
Up Next: Montana

68 San Diego State Aztecs

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 70
Week 2: UCLA 28, San Diego State 10
Up Next: James Madison

67. Iowa State Cyclones

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 67
Week 2: Iowa 16, Iowa State 13
Up Next: Bowling Green

66. New Mexico Lobos

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 66
Week 2: New Mexico 70, Mercyhurst 7
Up Next: at Oklahoma

65. Michigan State Spartans

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 63
Week 2: Michigan State 35, Eastern Michigan 7
Up Next: at Notre Dame

64. UCF Knights

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 59
Week 2: Pitt 12, UCF 7
Up Next: Georgia State

63. Maryland Terrapins

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 60
Week 2: Maryland 38, UConn 14
Up Next: Virginia Tech

62. Purdue Boilermakers

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 61
Week 2: Wake Forest 38, Purdue 36 2OT
Up Next: at UCLA

61. West Virginia Mountaineers

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 62
Week 2: West Virginia 52, UT Martin 7
Up Next: Virginia (in Charlotte)

59. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 56
Week 2: Wake Forest 38, Purdue 36 2OT
Up Next: Miami

59. North Dakota State Bison

Record: (3-0)
Last Week Rank: 58
Week 2: North Dakota State 38, Air Force 32
Up Next: at Sacramento State

58. Florida State Seminoles

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 47
Week 2: OPEN DATE
Up Next: at Alabama

57. Kansas Jayhawks

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 52
Week 2: Missouri 38, Kansas 21
Up Next: Arizona State (in London)

56. Northwestern Wildcats

Record: (1-0)
Last Week Rank: 54
Week 2: OPEN DATE
Up Next: Colorado

55. NC State Wolfpack

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 57
Week 2: NC State 73, Richmond 0
Up Next: at Vanderbilt

54. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 28
Week 2: Mississippi State 38, Minnesota 23
Up Next: Akron

53. Pitt Panthers

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 42
Week 2: Pitt 12, UCF 7
Up Next: Syracuse

52. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Record: (0-2)
Last Week Rank: 46
Week 2: Tennessee 45, Georgia Tech 24
Up Next: Mercer

51. Cal Golden Bears

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 43
Week 2: Cal 21, Syracuse 18
Up Next: Wagner

CFN Week 3 Rankings
CFN Top 25 | 51 to 75 | 76 to 100

CFN Week 3: 26 to 50

Tulsa quarterback Baylor Hayes (10) hands off the ball to Tulsa running back Damari Alston (6) during the first half of a college football game between Oklahoma State (OSU) and Tulsa at H.A. Chapman Stadium in Tulsa, Okla., on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.

50. Cincinnati Bearcats

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 51
Week 2: Cincinnati 62, Western Carolina 10
Up Next: Miami University

49. Clemson Tigers

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 35
Week 2: Clemson 22, Georgia Southern 7
Up Next: North Carolina

48. Wisconsin Badgers

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 44
Week 2: Wisconsin 36, Western Illinois 9
Up Next: Eastern Michigan

47. Boise State Broncos

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 33
Week 2: Boise State 38, Memphis 20
Up Next: South Dakota

46. Oregon Ducks

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 8
Week 2: Oklahoma State 39, Oregon 31
Up Next: Portland State

45. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 106
Week 2: Oklahoma State 39, Oregon 31
Up Next: Murray State

44. Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 104
Week 2: Tulsa 23, Sam Houston 17
Up Next: East Texas A&M

43. TCU Horned Frogs

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 53
Week 2: TCU 63, Grambling 7
Up Next: Arkansas State

42. Illinois Fighting Illini

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 31
Week 2: Duke 31, Illinois 27
Up Next: Southern Illinois

41. North Carolina Tar Heels

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 48
Week 2: North Carolina 35, East Tennessee State 3
Up Next: at Clemson

40. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 50
Week 2: Nebraska 56, Bowling Green 7
Up Next: North Dakota

39. Western Michigan Broncos

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 39
Week 2: Western Michigan 49, Monmouth 14
Up Next: at Rice

38. Houston Cougars

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 40
Week 2: Houston 77, Southern 6
Up Next: at Texas Tech

37. Iowa Hawkeyes

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 17
Week 2: Iowa 16, Iowa State 13
Up Next: Northern Iowa

36. Kentucky Wildcats

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 34
Week 2: Alabama 45, Kentucky 17
Up Next: at Texas A&M

35. Arizona Wildcats

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 37
Week 2: BYU 28, Arizona 17
Up Next: Northern Illinois

34. Arizona State Sun Devils

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 26
Week 2: Texas A&M 48, Arizona State 20
Up Next: Kansas (in London)

33. Colorado Buffaloes

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 41
Week 2: Colorado 52, Weber State 21
Up Next: at Northwestern

32. Baylor Bears

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 32
Week 2: Baylor 44, Prairie View A&M 3
Up Next: Louisiana Tech

31. SMU Mustangs

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 36
Week 2: SMU 56, UC Davis 10
Up Next: at Louisville

30. Duke Blue Devils

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 55
Week 2: Duke 31, Illinois 27
Up Next: Stanford

29. Washington Huskies

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 16
Week 2: Washington 16, Utah State 14
Up Next: Eastern Washington

28. Virginia Tech Hokies

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 49
Week 2: Virginia Tech 44, Old Dominion 21
Up Next: at Maryland

27. Auburn Tigers

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 27
Week 2: Auburn 43, Southern Miss 8
Up Next: Florida

26. Virginia Cavaliers

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 38
Week 2: Virginia 59, Norfolk State 3
Up Next: West Virginia (in Charlotte)

CFN Week 3 Rankings
CFN Top 25 | 26 to 50
51 to 75 | 76 to 100

Coaches Poll Week 3: SEC Dominance, Big Ten Big Drops

Pete Fiutak — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 21:30:51 GMT

The Coaches Poll has its problems, but like the AP Top 25 Poll, it went with Texas at No. 1 after its win over Ohio State, and it’s all SEC dominance from there.

Georgia is still the No. 2, and LSU (7), Texas A&M (8), Ole Miss (9), and Alabama (10) means that half of the Coaches Poll top ten is made up of SEC teams.

With Tennessee at 14, Oklahoma 21, and Missouri 22, it keeps on going. And it doesn’t stop there. Florida (26), South Carolina (30), Mississippi State (31), and Vanderbilt (32) mean a whopping 12 of the top 32 are all SEC.
– CFN Top 25

Coaches Poll Week 3 Quick Hits

Yes, the Big Ten has plenty of teams in prominent spots, but Ohio State fell to fifth, Oregon dropped 12 spots, and Washington fell five spots.
The Oregon problem is even worse than the AP Poll’s issue, which has the Ducks at 21. Oregon is 18, and Oklahoma State is 36th. Even worse, Boise State – who lost to Oregon – is ahead of Oklahoma State.
2-0 Tulsa beat Oklahoma State. It’s behind the Cowboys, Oregon, and Boise State, and received only seven votes.

25. Virginia

Points: 249
Last Week Ranking: 25
Record: 2-0

24. Washington

Points: 268
Last Week Ranking: 19
Record: 2-0

23. Houston

Points: 290
Last Week Ranking: 22
Record: 2-0

22. Missouri

Points: 340
Last Week Ranking: 23
Record: 2-0

21. Oklahoma

Points: 395
Last Week Ranking: 10
Record: 2-0

20. Iowa

Points: 423
Last Week Ranking: 21
Record: 2-0

19. Michigan

Points: 426
Last Week Ranking: 24
Record: 2-0

18. Oregon

Points: 564
Last Week Ranking: 6
Record: 2-0

17. Utah

Points: 590
Last Week Ranking: 20
Record: 2-0

16. SMU

Points: 605
Last Week Ranking: 17
Record: 2-0

15. Penn State

Points: 676
Last Week Ranking: 16
Record: 2-0

14. Tennessee

Points: 679
Last Week Ranking: 18
Record: 2-0

13. BYU

Points: 975
Last Week Ranking: 15
Record: 2-0

12. Texas Tech

Points: 977
Last Week Ranking: 13
Record: 2-0

11. USC

Points: 1023
Last Week Ranking: 14
Record: 2-0

10. Alabama

Points: 1206
Last Week Ranking: 12
Record: 2-0

9. Ole Miss

Points: 1228
Last Week Ranking: 11
Record: 2-0

8. Texas A&M

Points: 1311
Last Week Ranking: 9
Record: 2-0

7. LSU

Points: 1405
Last Week Ranking: 8
Record: 2-0

6. Ohio State

Points: 1480
Last Week Ranking: 1
Record: 1-1

5. Miami

Points: 1549
Last Week Ranking: 7
Record: 2-0

4. Indiana

Points: 1611
Last Week Ranking: 5
Record: 2-0

3. Notre Dame

Points: 1639
Last Week Ranking: 4
Record: 2-0

2. Georgia

Points: 1732
Last Week Ranking: 2
Record: 2-0

1. Texas

Points: 1804
Last Week Ranking: 3
Record: 2-0

AP Top 25 Week 3: How Far Did Ohio State Fall?

Pete Fiutak — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 20:17:50 GMT

The AP Top 25 voters had a tough week.

They moved up Texas to No. 1 after beating the previous No. 1 Ohio State, punished Washington and Oklahoma big, and moved 16 teams up. So what’s the problem?

Oregon, and that mistake threw the entire Top 25 out of whack. The Ducks are 21st after losing to Oklahoma State. Where are the Cowboys? 29th, behind the Boise State team that Oregon beat. And how about the 2-0 Tulsa team that beat Oklahoma State? It received 18 votes, and it’s well behind the Cowboys, Broncos, and Ducks.

Here’s the AP Top 25 going into Week 3.
– Week 3 Coaches Poll

AP Top 25 Week 3 Quick Hits

Ohio State fell from No. 1 to five. The voters decided to record-rank and moved the Buckeyes down past teams – Georgia, Indiana, and Miami – that have yet to play anyone.
Washington was blah against Washington State to start the season and struggled in a 16-14 win over Utah State this week. It dropped from 19 to out of the AP Top 25.
Oregon fell 15 spots, and Oklahoma was punished almost as much, dropping 13 spots to 24 after losing to Michigan.

Also Receiving Votes: Washington 172, Florida 83, Boise State 57, Oklahoma State 36, Western Michigan 35, Tulsa 18, Mississippi State 17, South Carolina 15, Virginia Tech 11, UCLA 9, James Madison 6, Arizona 5, North Dakota State 3, Kansas State 1, Pittsburgh 1

25. Virginia

Points: 182
Last Week Ranking: 25
Record: 2-0

24. Oklahoma

Points: 222
Last Week Ranking: 11
Record: 1-1

23. Louisville

Points: 244
Last Week Ranking: 24
Record: 1-1

22. Houston

Points: 292
Last Week Ranking: 22
Record: 2-0

21. Oregon

Points: 324
Last Week Ranking: 6
Record: 2-0

20. Missouri

Points: 344
Last Week Ranking: 23
Record: 2-0

19. Michigan

Points: 382
Last Week Ranking: 16
Record: 2-0

18. Iowa

Points: 391
Last Week Ranking: 21
Record: 2-0

17. Utah

Points: 558
Last Week Ranking: 20
Record: 2-0

16. SMU

Points: 636
Last Week Ranking: 17
Record: 2-0

15. Tennessee

Points: 676
Last Week Ranking: 18
Record: 2-0

14. Penn State

Points: 692
Last Week Ranking: 16
Record: 2-0

13. Texas Tech

Points: 910
Last Week Ranking: 13
Record: 2-0

12. USC

Points: 944
Last Week Ranking: 14
Record: 2-0

11. BYU

Points: 966
Last Week Ranking: 15
Record: 2-0

10. Alabama

Points: 1068
Last Week Ranking: 12
Record: 2-0

9. Texas A&M

Points: 1165
Last Week Ranking: 10
Record: 2-0

8. Ole Miss

Points: 1216
Last Week Ranking: 9
Record: 2-0

7. LSU

Points: 1334
Last Week Ranking: 8
Record: 2-0

6. Ohio State

Points: 1407
Last Week Ranking: 1
Record: 1-1

5. Miami

Points: 1452
Last Week Ranking: 7
Record: 2-0

4. Indiana

Points: 1466
Last Week Ranking: 5
Record: 2-0

3. Notre Dame

Points: 1531
Last Week Ranking: 3
Record: 2-0

2. Georgia

Points: 1551
Last Week Ranking: 2
Record: 2-0

1. Texas

Points: 1678
Last Week Ranking: 4
Record: 2-0

College Football Rankings Week 3: CFN Top 25 Shaken Up After All the Stunners

Pete Fiutak — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 10:01:11 GMT

How could you not have fun as a college football fan this weekend? From Texas pulling off an all-timer of a comeback – or Ohio State’s collapse, if you’re on the other side of the epic showdown – to Michigan stepping up large and shutting down Oklahoma.

From the bizarre performance by Oregon, to Texas Tech and Washington underwhelming, to near-perfection from Notre Dame, Georgia, and LSU, there’s a lot to mess around with in our shaken-up Week 3 CFN Top 25.
– CFN Rankings 26 to 138

CFN Week 3 Top 25 Teams: Where Do We Put Ohio State, Michigan, and Oklahoma?

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day watches his players leave the field following the NCAA football game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

25. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 15
Week 2: Texas Tech 35, Oregon State 24
Up Next: Houston
We blew off the blah 33-10 win over Abilene Christian to start the season, and even though it was a road game, it took way too much to put Oregon State away – the game was far tighter than the 35-24 final score. We’re waiting to see the 2025 dominance.

24. UCLA Bruins

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 30
Week 2: UCLA 28, San Diego State 10
Up Next: Purdue
It took a while to get warmed up against San Diego State, but the pattern has been established under head coach Bob Chesney. Get physical, wear the other side down, and the running game will take over in the fourth quarter.

23. Missouri Tigers

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 29
Week 2: Missouri 38, Kansas 21
Up Next: Troy
After an occasionally ugly week when it came to the rivalry game rhetoric – from the other side – leading up to the Border War at Kansas, but Missouri took care of business. The Jayhawks brought the fire and the energy, and the Tigers did their job in a strong test.

22. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 45
Week 2: Mississippi State 38, Minnesota 23
Up Next: at South Carolina
WOAH. Minnesota is far, far better than it played on Saturday, and Mississippi State had everything to do with that. It wasn’t just star quarterback Kamario Taylor. The Bulldogs bullied the Big Ten team in its own house.

21. Louisville Cardinals

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 24
Week 2: Louisville 59, Villanova 13
Up Next: SMU
It was only a blowout win over an FCS team, but combined with a strong showing in the Week 1 loss to Ole Miss, the Cardinals are looking dangerous.

20. South Carolina Gamecocks

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 18
Week 2: South Carolina 45, Towson 9
Up Next: Mississippi State
We loved the Gamecocks in the preseason, so don’t get hung up on the slight drop in our rankings. This is a placeholder spot after blowing out Kent State and Towson. Now it’s on with Mississippi State and Alabama up next.

19. Florida Gators

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 23
Week 2: Florida 52, Campbell 3
Up Next: at Auburn
The 66-21 win over Florida Atlantic didn’t seem like anything special at the time, and then the Owls came out and handled Navy this week with a great game. Everything is working pretty close to perfectly so far under Jon Sumrall.

18. Penn State Nittany Lions

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 19
Week 2: Penn State 27, Temple 9
Up Next: Buffalo
Don’t read anything into only beating Temple by 18. This was a well-coached and under-the-radar Owl squad the Nittany Lions just pushed past.

17. Oklahoma Sooners

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 7
Week 2: Michigan 17, Oklahoma 10
Up Next: New Mexico
It became fashionable on Saturday to honk at Oklahoma for being overrated, with plenty of unkind words for quarterback John Mateer. That’s not fair. It was a tough game with both sides pitching defensive gems.

16. Michigan Wolverines

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 25
Week 2: Michigan 17, Oklahoma 10
Up Next: UTEP
2-0 doesn’t care where 2-0 came from. For all the controversy and concern over the strange way the Western Michigan game ended, Michigan needed to come out and show that it’s for real. It just beat an Oklahoma team that’s better than the College Football Playoff version of last year.

15. BYU Cougars

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 13
Week 2: BYU 28, Arizona 17
Up Next: at Colorado State
Arizona is no joke. That was a dogfight the Cougars were involved in, and it was just the sort of tough Big 12 opener that will help them as the season goes on. They’re battle-tested now.

14. Utah Utes

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 22
Week 2: Utah 43, Arkansas 10
Up Next: Utah State
It was a late-night game likely watched by dozens, and those who did see it were able to go to bed early. Utah ripped through an SEC team like it was standing in mud. The Utes are playing at Big 12 Championship level early on.

13. Ole Miss Rebels

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 21
Week 2: Ole Miss 41, Charlotte 9
Up Next: LSU
The Rebels didn’t turn it loose against a painfully overmatched Charlotte team. They can be forgiven if they just wanted to get through this and move on to what’s next: LSU and Lane Kiffin.

12. Tennessee Volunteers

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 14
Week 2: Tennessee 45, Georgia Tech 24
Up Next: Kennesaw State
Oooooooh, Georgia Tech had a meeting with the whole team and all the coaches. They discussed things, came out fired up, and … Tennessee took all of that, balled it up, threw it away, and won by three touchdowns on the road. It’s playing well.

11. Kansas State Wildcats

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 20
Week 2: Kansas State 34, Washington State 7
Up Next: Tulane
Get in on the hot stock early. This is a different-looking Kansas State team under Collin Klein. It’s early, but so far it’s ruthlessly efficient, and it’s getting the job done with a running game that’s ripping off yards in bunches so far.

Sep 12, 2026; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed (10) looks to pass the ball during the first quarter against Arizona State Sun Devils at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

10. Texas A&M Aggies

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 11
Week 2: Texas A&M 48, Arizona State 20
Up Next: Kentucky
Arizona State gave the Aggies a fight, and it was still a 28-point win. It was a big moment for the A&M program that flew under the radar with all the other important games of the day, but this mattered. It was a terrific all-around game against a solid team.

9. Alabama Crimson Tide

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 12
Week 2: Alabama 45, Kentucky 17
Up Next: Florida State
Alabama hasn’t put together a full game yet, and it’s not time to crown anyone based on wins over East Carolina and Kentucky, but Kalen DeBoer has put together a team that’s really young, really fast, and seemingly on the verge of something special.

8. Miami Hurricanes

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 10
Week 2: Miami 77, Florida A&M 7
Up Next: at Wake Forest
Seriously, America, don’t get caught looking at the shiny object. Of course Miami has fun playmakers, and the pyrotechnics from the offense have been amazing. The team beat Stanford and Florida A&M – let’s not go crowning anyone quite yet.

7. USC Trojans

Record: (3-0)
Last Week Rank: 9
Week 2: USC 48, Louisiana 30
Up Next: at Rutgers
USC was ultra-intense in the shutout win over Fresno State in Week 1, and it let down its guard a bit against Louisiana. Don’t worry about the final score; the defensive fire will be there for the Big Ten opener at Rutgers next.

6. Georgia Bulldogs

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 5
Week 2: Georgia 70, Western Kentucky 20
Up Next: at Arkansas
In case you haven’t noticed — and why would you, considering Georgia played Tennessee State and an oddly mediocre Western Kentucky — this might be the most tuned-up team in the country, and it’s not messing around. It won its first two games by a combined score of 133-23.

5. Indiana Hoosiers

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 4
Week 2: Indiana 55, Howard 0
Up Next: Western Kentucky
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Curt Cignetti will make up something that didn’t go quite right and pretend there’s a big problem somewhere. After two exhibition games, everything is clicking just fine.

4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 3
Week 2: Notre Dame 52, Rice 0
Up Next: Michigan State
Don’t blow off a win over Rice. Yeah, Notre Dame was supposed to win in a blowout, but the Owls have a funky running style that’s hard to prepare for. One 52-0 Irish win later, and it’s on to the Michigan State game.

3. LSU Tigers

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 2
Week 2: LSU 45, Louisiana Tech 14
Up Next: at Ole Miss
LSU appeared bored by Louisiana Tech, and why wouldn’t it? It was the ultimate sandwich game between the hype of the Clemson opener and the trip to Ole Miss next week. When it was time to step on the gas, the Tigers floored it.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

Record: (1-1)
Last Week Rank: 1
Week 2: Texas 24, Ohio State 23
Up Next: Kent State
That field goal attempt with four minutes to play goes straight, and we’re talking about the unquestioned No. 1 Buckeyes and having a very different discussion about the future of Texas football under Steve Sarkisian. The defense just got its wake-up call – it’s not good enough … yet.

1. Texas Longhorns

Record: (2-0)
Last Week Rank: 6
Week 2: Texas 24, Ohio State 23
Up Next: UTSA
Yeah, we’ll give it up for now. It took an all-time comeback, a legendary fourth quarter, and Ohio State getting tired and screwing up for Texas to pull it off, but let’s put it this way. You know how many teams scored more than 16 points on Ohio State last year before the loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff? Zero.
– CFN Rankings 26 to 138

Coaches Poll Prediction: How Far Will Ohio State and Oregon Fall?

Pete Fiutak — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 06:10:19 GMT

Ohio State started the season No. 1, and now it’ll drop after just Week 2. Oregon was No. 2 to start the season, and now it’ll probably be out of the top 25 entirely after its rough loss to Oklahoma State.

The Coaches will probably give a little more love and respect to Michigan’s win over Oklahoma, but the Sooners will drop big, making this one of the most interesting early Coaches Polls in a long time. Here’s our prediction of what it will be on Sunday.
– AP Top 25 Prediction

Coaches Poll Week 3 Prediction: Quick Hits

Michigan was dropped from the AP Top 25 last week following the controversial win over Western Michigan. The Coaches Poll put the Wolverines 24th, and now they should be ahead of previously No. 10 Oklahoma.
Will Georgia move up to No. 1 or will it be Texas? The Bulldogs were only 70 points ahead of the Longhorns last week – Texas will likely get the top spot after taking down the Buckeyes.
Washington and Texas Tech struggled in Week 2, but the Coaches Poll won’t punish them too much. They like to record rank, for the most part, and if they do drop the Huskies or Red Raiders, it won’t be far.

25. Florida

Last Week Ranking: 25
Record: 2-0

24. Virginia

Last Week Ranking: 25
Record: 2-0

23. Missouri

Last Week Ranking: 23
Record: 2-0

22. Houston

Last Week Ranking: 22
Record: 2-0

21. Iowa

Last Week Ranking: 21
Record: 2-0

20. Utah

Last Week Ranking: 20
Record: 2-0

19. Washington

Last Week Ranking: 19
Record: 2-0

18. Tennessee

Last Week Ranking: 18
Record: 2-0

17. SMU

Last Week Ranking: 17
Record: 2-0

16. Oklahoma

Last Week Ranking: 10
Record: 1-1

15. Penn State

Last Week Ranking: 16
Record: 2-0

14. BYU

Last Week Ranking: 15
Record: 2-0

13. Michigan

Last Week Ranking: 24
Record: 2-0

12. USC

Last Week Ranking: 14
Record: 2-0

11. Texas Tech

Last Week Ranking: 13
Record: 2-0

10. Alabama

Last Week Ranking: 12
Record: 2-0

9. Ole Miss

Last Week Ranking: 11
Record: 2-0

8. Texas A&M

Last Week Ranking: 9
Record: 2-0

7. LSU

Last Week Ranking: 8
Record: 2-0

6. Miami

Last Week Ranking: 7
Record: 2-0

5. Ohio State

Last Week Ranking: 1
Record: 1-1

4. Indiana

Last Week Ranking: 5
Record: 2-0

3. Notre Dame

Last Week Ranking: 4
Record: 2-0

2. Georgia

Last Week Ranking: 2
Record: 2-0

1. Texas

Last Week Ranking: 3
Record: 2-0

AP Top 25 Poll Prediction: Who Will Be No. 1 Going Into Week 3

Pete Fiutak — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 05:40:54 GMT

Seriously, now what? How will the AP Top 25 voters pick their teams this week after making a statement by leaving Michigan out last week, and with Oregon losing to Oklahoma State, and after Texas made its big comeback win over Ohio State?

After one of the most interesting Week 2 weekends in a long time, there should be plenty of movement, and we try to predict what the voters will do.

AP Top 25 Week Three Prediction Quick Hits

The call: Texas will make the move up from 4 to 1 after beating the previous No. 1, Ohio State – but this is a true guess. No. 2 Georgia has been dominant so far.
Michigan was technically 28th after its close call win over Western Michigan. But after taking down No. 11 Oklahoma, the 2-0 Wolverines will move back into the top 25.
Oregon was No. 2, was mediocre in a win over Boise State and dropped to 8. After losing to an Oklahoma State team that lost to Tulsa the week before, the Ducks will (probably) drop out of the top 25 entirely.

Top Others Receiving Votes: Boise State, South Carolina, Western Michigan, UCLA, Oregon, Pitt, Virginia Tech, Colorado

25. Florida

Last Week Ranking: 25
Record: 2-0

24. Virginia

Last Week Ranking: 25
Record: 2-0

23. Oklahoma

Last Week Ranking: 11
Record: 1-1

22. Missouri

Last Week Ranking: 23
Record: 2-0

21. Houston

Last Week Ranking: 22
Record: 2-0

20. Washington

Last Week Ranking: 19
Record: 2-0

19. Iowa

Last Week Ranking: 21
Record: 2-0

18. Michigan

Last Week Ranking: 16
Record: 2-0

17. Utah

Last Week Ranking: 20
Record: 2-0

16. Tennessee

Last Week Ranking: 18
Record: 2-0

15. SMU

Last Week Ranking: 17
Record: 2-0

14. Penn State

Last Week Ranking: 16
Record: 2-0

13. BYU

Last Week Ranking: 15
Record: 2-0

12. USC

Last Week Ranking: 14
Record: 2-0

11. Texas Tech

Last Week Ranking: 13
Record: 2-0

10. Alabama

Last Week Ranking: 12
Record: 2-0

9. Texas A&M

Last Week Ranking: 10
Record: 2-0

8. Ole Miss

Last Week Ranking: 9
Record: 2-0

7. LSU

Last Week Ranking: 8
Record: 2-0

6. Miami

Last Week Ranking: 7
Record: 2-0

5. Indiana

Last Week Ranking: 5
Record: 2-0

4. Ohio State

Last Week Ranking: 1
Record: 1-1

3. Notre Dame

Last Week Ranking: 3
Record: 2-0

2. Georgia

Last Week Ranking: 2
Record: 2-0

1. Texas

Last Week Ranking: 4
Record: 2-0

College Football Saturday: Oregon, Oklahoma Go Down and Other Big Game Takeaways

Pete Fiutak — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 22:16:37 GMT

Week 2 of the college football season went full Week 2, with a shocking upset from Oklahoma State, redemption for Michigan, and giant College Football Playoff implications just before September really gets rolling.
– Week 2 Scoreboard, Results

The Texas Epic Comeback to Beat Ohio State: Arch Manning Has His Moment

Sep 12, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Hollywood Smothers (2) scores a touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

What Happened? Arch Manning engineered a historic comeback, capping it off with a one-yard touchdown run by Hollywood Smothers for a 24-23 lead with just 25 seconds to play, and held on for the epic win.

The Texas comeback. According to ESPN, AP No. 1 teams were 197-0 when up 20 or more in the fourth quarter – until this.

Ohio State was up 23-3, and it seemingly had it in the bag. The Buckeyes just missed on a few fumble recoveries, and there were a few little breaks here that didn’t seem like a big deal. With just over four minutes to go, Buckeye kicker Connor Hawkins had a 45-yard field goal attempt with a chance to put Ohio State up nine, and … wide left.

The Arch Manning legacy has its moment. He only threw for 195 yards and a touchdown with a pick, and he only ran for 24 yards, but he came up massive when he absolutely had to in the fourth quarter.

It was as if he didn’t have to worry about the game plan and could simply ball out. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was a powerhouse – eight catches for 164 yards and a score – but with the game on the line, 16 in burnt orange was the best player on the field.

Is that it for Ohio State? Certainly not, but realistically, it can only lose one more regular season game to get into the College Football Playoff – or, of course, it can win the Big Ten Championship. However, at Indiana, at USC, at Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan. There might not be two losses on the slate, but there might be one.

Michigan Takes Down Oklahoma: Are the Sooners Done?

Sep 12, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines players and fans celebrate after defeating the Oklahoma Sooners in the game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

What Happened? Michigan held on to take down Oklahoma 17-10 with a great defensive performance and huge day – don’t get caught up in the stats – from Bryce Underwood, who threw for 111 yards, ran for 87 yards and a score, and kept control of the game.

Michigan bounced back big. After all the controversy following the miraculous win over Western Michigan, the defense pitched a gem, the offense didn’t make a ton of mistakes, and even though it hasn’t been pretty, the Wolverines are 2-0 in the Kyle Whittingham era.

Is Oklahoma done in the College Football Playoff chase? Yeah, probably. It’s a good team with a great defense, but after New Mexico next week comes this nightmare: at Georgia, Texas, and there’s still a trip to Florida, home dates against Ole Miss and Texas A&M, and the Sooners can only afford to lose once more.

Oklahoma State Stuns Oregon: What Happened to the Ducks?

Sep 12, 2026; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Drew Mestemaker (17) runs with the ball as Oregon Ducks defensive back Ify Obidegwu (7) chases during the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

What Happened? Oklahoma State roared back from a horrible opening-week loss to Tulsa with a 39-31 win over Oregon. The Cowboys got 317 yards and two touchdown passes from Drew Mestemaker, the defense stuffed the Ducks on one final drive, and there’s the upset. The Eric Morris era is here in Stillwater.

What’s with the lethargic Ducks? There was zero energy in the win over Boise State, and there didn’t appear to be any fire or crispness against Oklahoma State. Even after getting outgained 554 yards to 281, they still had every shot to pull this off.

The defense hasn’t been good, star quarterback Dante Moore hasn’t been sharp, and now there’s a huge problem with road games at USC, Ohio State, and Illinois still to go, along with home dates against Michigan and Washington.

But this was Oklahoma State’s day. After two awful seasons, including a 69-3 loss to the Ducks last year, this is how it was supposed to work. All of the star power talent that came over from North Texas showed up, the team took down one of the most talented teams in college football, and Big 12, good luck dealing with this.

USC vs Louisiana Prediction: Another Chance For the Trojans To Shine

Pete Fiutak — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 08:34:29 GMT

USC is playing like a team that’s had enough.

It’s USC. It’s supposed to be a player in the College Football Playoff chase, and last week against Fresno State, it put up a 39-0 performance that showed that it’s locked in and ready to be special.

Louisiana is a good team with plenty of potential to be a fighter in the Sun Belt. It didn’t play all that well last week, but it still beat Lamar 38-7.

USC vs Louisiana: Quick Hits

It’s the first time the two schools have ever played. USC beat Georgia State from the Sun Belt last year 59-20. Louisiana last played a Big Ten team in 2023, losing to Minnesota 35-24.
USC starts the Big Ten season at Rutgers next week, and then come the home showdowns against Oregon and Washington.
Louisiana gets UAB next week – the Sun Belt season starts the first weekend of October against Arkansas State.

How To Watch USC vs Louisiana

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 11:00 PM ET
TV: BTN
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2
– 10 Best Picks Against the Spread

Why Louisiana Will Win

Quarterback Lunch Winfield has to keep firing away. He threw two picks against Lamar, but he was able to keep things moving with the midrange passing game, and his legs. Dangerous on the move, he and running back Darrell Smith each ran for 84 yards.

Granted, it was mostly against the backups, but San Jose State got hot late in the opener against USC by dinking and dunking its way down the field. Winfield has to do that from the start.

Why USC Will Win

What’s working so well over the first two games? The run defense has been a rock, and the offense is getting a Heisman-caliber start out of quarterback Jayden Maiava. All he has done is hit 89% of his passes for 635 yards and five scores. He’s taking target practice.

USC isn’t making the big mistakes the Ragin’ Cajuns will need to make this a fight.

USC vs Louisiana Prediction, Betting Lines

Can USC be as focused and sharp as it was against Fresno State? Maybe not, and it still won’t matter.

The Louisiana defensive front will bring a little bit of pressure, but the offense will struggle to close out decent drives with points. It’ll be another day for the Trojans to show off.

USC 47, Louisiana 13
Latest Consensus Line: USC -31.5, o/u: 59.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

Arkansas vs Utah Prediction: The Big 12 Can't Lose This

Pete Fiutak — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 07:47:49 GMT

There are games teams can lose and everyone sort of forgets about, and there are games teams lose and they take down an entire conference.

Utah is supposed to be good enough to battle for the Big 12 title. It went 11-2 last year. It should go at least 10-2 this year in the regular season, and it has the stuff to be deep in the mix for a playoff spot.

Arkansas is just getting going under new head coach Ryan Silverfield. It’s expected to do nothing more than be a tough out every week. If one of the projected worst teams in the SEC can win a road game at Utah …

No, the Big 12 really can’t lose this.

Arkansas vs Utah: Quick Hits

It’s a true fish-out-of-water game – the two teams have never played each other.
Arkansas won its opener against North Alabama 31-10, but it took a decent fourth quarter to put it away. It starts the SEC season against Georgia next week.
Utah looked the part from the start, blowing past Idaho 66-14. It gets Utah State next, and then the Big 12 season starts at Iowa State.

How To Watch Arkansas vs Utah

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 10:15 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2
– 10 Best Picks Against the Spread

Why Arkansas Will Win

It didn’t seem like Arkansas released the hounds against the Lions. North Alabama played a tough game, but it couldn’t get the running game going against the Hog defense that time and again did a strong job on third downs.

So what was the problem? Arkansas turned it over three times, struggled to convert drives into points, and played like it was Week One under a new coaching staff. However, it held the ball for over 41 minutes.

Why Utah Will Win

Arkansas isn’t holding the ball for 41 minutes against Utah.

The Hog run defense might have held up against North Alabama, but it’ll have a tough time containing Utah quarterback Devon Dampier and a ground game that couldn’t be stopped last week. The idea is to get physical again under new head man Morgan Scalley, and the tone was set with 49 carries for 364 yards.

Arkansas vs Utah Prediction, Betting Lines

This should be a fun, high-scoring game.

Arkansas has a long way to go to be any sort of SEC player, but it has a few nice parts on both sides of the ball. Again, the opener was more about a team needing to tweak – it should be far more aggressive this week.

It’ll still give up some big numbers to the Big 12 home side.

Utah 37, Arkansas 20
Latest Consensus Line: Utah -12.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

Texas Tech vs Oregon State Prediction: Is This When the Red Raiders Turn It On?

Pete Fiutak — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 07:07:35 GMT

Can Texas Tech be a little better than it was in the season opener?

It scored 14 points in the first quarter against Abilene Christian, and then it went through the motions in a 33-10 win. It got in, got its work in, and moved on.

Oregon State lost to Houston 33-20. It wasn’t really a threat to pull off the win, but it put up a fight all game long.

Texas Tech vs Oregon State: Quick Hits

It’s the third meeting between the two. Texas Tech won 45-14 last year, and Oregon State won 15-14 in 1959.
It’ll be Texas Tech’s turn to play Houston when it starts the Big 12 season next Friday night. It will finish out the non-conference season against Sam Houston a week later.
It’s not like Oregon State gets a true breather next week against Montana. The Pac-12 season starts against Colorado State on October 3rd.

How To Watch Texas Tech vs Oregon State

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: CBS
Location: Reser Stadium, Corvallis, OR
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2
– 10 Best Picks Against the Spread

Why Texas Tech Will Win

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Texas Tech didn’t hang 85 on the board against Abilene Christian. Whatever.

Will Hammond hit 26-of-33 passes for almost 300 yards. The defense didn’t allow anything until the game was effectively over, and the coaching staff used the paycheck game like a big practice – there wasn’t any real drama.

The Red Raiders will turn it on against the rebuilding Oregon State defense when they want to.

Why Oregon State Will Win

The Beavers are going to throw it around the yard under new head coach JaMarcus Shephard.

His team will always give a high-powered effort. It kept on pushing against Houston, with Braden Atkinson throwing for 376 yards with a slew of big pass plays to keep everything moving and make the Cougars work.

Texas Tech vs Oregon State Prediction, Betting Lines

If nothing else, Texas Tech will get to stretch its legs a little bit.

At home, Oregon State will take its game up a few notches. There won’t be any running game, and the defense will be in for a long day, but the game will be far more interesting than the final score.

Texas Tech 40, Oregon State 13
Latest Consensus Line: Oregon State -25.5, o/u: 52.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2.5

LSU vs Louisiana Tech Prediction: Will the Tigers Make Another Statement?

Pete Fiutak — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 06:44:29 GMT

Find two college football teams that had better days than LSU and Louisiana Tech did last Saturday.

Louisiana Tech made its debut as a Sun Belt team with an 80-6 win over Northwestern State, going up 63-3 at halftime. Lane Kiffin’s LSU was even more impressive with a 51-7 destruction of Clemson that was actually merciful.

LSU vs Louisiana Tech: Quick Hits

It’s stunning that these two have only played five times. LSU is 5-0, but it had to work in a 23-7 win last year
This is the first of two paycheck games for Louisiana Tech, going to Baylor next week before hosting Army.
LSU will do whatever it’s going to do against Louisiana Tech, and then … GAME … ON. (Next week is Lane Kiffin’s return trip to Ole Miss.)

How To Watch LSU vs Louisiana Tech

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Location: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2
– 10 Best Picks Against the Spread

Why Louisiana Tech Will Win

Everyone is giving LSU all the love in the world – except for the SEC. The distractions keep piling up, with the SEC threatening to kick out the program (that was totally ridiculous – of course that isn’t going to happen). Combine that with the trip to Ole Miss next week, the praise piled on after last week, and this might not be a focused bunch.

Louisiana Tech showed off an offense with Blake Baker throwing for 232 yards last week, the Bulldog ground game ran for 232 yards, and the team will let it fly to try keeping up.

Why LSU Will Win

If it looked like Clemson was playing like it was running in sand, that’s because LSU looked and played like one of the fastest teams in college football.

The talent brought in through the transfer portal looked and played the part right out of the gate. There was one misfire on an early drive, and then there was no stopping the Tiger offense.

LSU vs Louisiana Tech Prediction, Betting Lines

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt did whatever he wanted, running for 113 yards and two scores, throwing for 230 yards and a touchdown, and as good as Louisiana Tech is, it’s not stopping any of it. The Tigers will name their score – they can start preparing for Ole Miss at halftime.

LSU 49, Louisiana Tech 7
Latest Consensus Line: LSU -35.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 4
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

UCLA vs San Diego State Prediction: Are the Bruins For Real?

Pete Fiutak — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 06:11:40 GMT

It’s already a tired storyline, but we’ll get through it together until it becomes totally exhausted. San Diego State is the Pac-12 team here, UCLA is the Big Ten team, and even if it doesn’t quite feel right, it’s a big game for both.

The Aztecs want to be a player in the hunt for a College Football Playoff spot, but this is the one shot to take down a Power Four program. Coming off a good 53-20 warm-up win over Portland State, SDSU is as ready as it’s going to be.

UCLA is the big story, though. Bob Chesney’s first game as the new head coach was close to perfect, with the ground game pounding away through Cal in a 45-24 win.

UCLA vs San Diego State: Quick Hits

It seems like these two should’ve played more than 17 times. UCLA won the last meeting in 2023 and is 16-1 all-time in the series.
San Diego State can lose this and still be alive for the CFP, but it would need to beat James Madison next week. The Pac-12 season starts against Texas State in early October.
UCLA starts the Big Ten season next week when Purdue comes to Los Angeles. It gets Maryland after that before going to Oregon.

How To Watch UCLA vs San Diego State

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 7:15 PM ET
TV: BTN
Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2
– 10 Best Picks Against the Spread

Why San Diego State Will Win

The offense showed what it’s capable of. It wasn’t razor sharp against Portland State, but Jayden Denegal is healthy; he completed 12-of-17 passes, and he ran a little bit. The running game was great, the receivers are in one piece, and unlike last year, the attack can keep up the pace.

Why UCLA Will Win

This is very, very not the San Diego State defense of last year. That loaded bunch is spread across several big programs and the NFL now. There’s still talent, but it’s not good enough to hold up against a UCLA defense that bashed the stuffing out of Cal last week. It only ran 32 times, but the dam broke in the fourth quarter, and …

UCLA vs San Diego State Prediction, Betting Lines

The UCLA ground game will take over in this as the game goes on.

San Diego State will be decent enough to generate a few scoring drives, but UCLA won’t get too cute. Nico Iamaleava will hit the midrange passes, and the combination of Wayne Knight and Anthony Woods will combine for 150 rushing yards in another strong win.

UCLA 38, San Diego State 16
Latest Consensus Line: UCLA -12.5, o/u: 54.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 4
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

Nebraska vs Bowling Green Prediction: Can the Huskers Dominate?

Pete Fiutak — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 05:47:09 GMT

Nebraska was fine in the 49-21 win over Ohio, but it took a while to get there.

It was 14-13 Huskers at halftime, and the third quarter was still dicey for a while. And then came the explosion over the last 20 minutes, but now they have to get rolling from the start against a Bowling Green team that lost to Tarleton State from the FCS 20-13.

Nebraska vs Bowling Green: Quick Hits

Nebraska did beat Ohio by 28. That makes it five straight wins over the MAC by 24 points or more since losing to Northern Illinois in 2017. The Huskers have never played Bowling Green.
The Huskers keep the easy non-conference games going with North Dakota up next, and then they start the Big Ten season at Michigan State.
Bowling Green stays on the road next week to face Iowa State. The MAC season doesn’t open until early October at Miami University.

How To Watch Nebraska vs Bowling Green

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: FS1
Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2
– 10 Best Picks Against the Spread

Why Bowling Green Will Win

Nebraska really was struggling for a while against Ohio. It looked slow, off, and it seemed like it was ripe to get tagged.

Bowling Green has to somehow hope the Huskers don’t quite have everything in place yet. The Falcons have to force turnovers and generate a slew of special teams mistakes. Their own passing game has to go off – Jay Kastantin wasn’t bad against Tarleton State.

Why Nebraska Will Win

Okay, enough stalling – Bowling Green was awful. The offensive line didn’t generate any sort of a push, and the attack didn’t go anywhere, even though Tarleton State couldn’t come up with a lick of defensive pressure.

And yes, the Nebraska offense did need a little while to get going. But quarterback Anthony Colandrea got warmed up, the running game became explosive, and it’ll do it again this week.

Nebraska vs Bowling Green Prediction, Betting Lines

Bowling Green has been terrible since the middle of last season – it actually started out fine and got worse as the season went on. It doesn’t have the lines to handle a Husker team that will be much, much sharper.

Nebraska 41, Bowling Green 10
Latest Consensus Line: Nebraska -30.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 4
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

Tennessee vs Georgia Tech Prediction: Whose New Quarterback Will Take Over?

Pete Fiutak — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 02:21:27 GMT

The quarterbacks are always the stars, and at Tennessee and Georgia Tech, they’re in a brighter spotlight this year than most.

Handling the high-powered Tennessee offense takes a great all-around playmaker, and freshman Faizon Brandon easily passed his first test in a 56-9 win over Furman.

All Alberto Mendoza has to do is 1) be that guy’s brother and 2) replace a heartbeat-of-the-program player in Haynes King at Georgia Tech.

He was good in the opener against Colorado, but after getting the team in a position to win, the Yellow Jackets lost 14-13 on a blocked field goal in the final moments.

Tennessee vs Georgia Tech: Quick Hits

Only about 200 miles apart, these two have played 44 times, with Tennessee holding a 25-17-2 lead. The Vols won the last meeting 42-41 to open the 2017 season.
Tennessee stays with the Georgia teams hosting Kennesaw State next week, and then it’s on with the SEC opener against Texas to follow.
Georgia Tech gets a break against Mercer, and then packs up to start ACC play at Stanford.

How To Watch Tennessee vs Georgia Tech

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2
– 10 Best Picks Against the Spread

Why Tennessee Will Win

Brandon might not have been perfect against Furman, and he’ll make freshman mistakes, but he looks like a superstar in the making with size, arm, and quickness, running for 68 yards and two scores, and throwing for 226 yards and three touchdowns.

Georgia Tech wasn’t able to get anything going on the ground against Colorado. The Tennessee defensive front might not be a rock as the season goes on, but it’ll get into the backfield enough to at least be a bother for Mendoza.

Why Georgia Tech Will Win

Mendoza did his job. The Yellow Jackets only scored 13 points, but he hit a few big shots, completing 17-of-23 passes for 237 yards and doing what was needed in the final moments. It didn’t work, but he and the team were tested.

Tennessee hasn’t been pushed yet. Brandon didn’t deal with any pressure and didn’t have to worry too much about being perfect. The pass rush wasn’t where it needed to be against the Buffaloes, and now it has to come up with a few new wrinkles.

Tennessee vs Georgia Tech Prediction, Betting Lines

Georgia Tech hung on and fought hard against Colorado, but it couldn’t pull off the one stop it needed, the one block it needed, and Coach Prime’s team took the win.

Tennessee will have a little bit of an easier time against the Yellow Jackets. It’ll be a tough fight throughout, but the Vols will have a little more oomph on the lines, especially with the running game in the second half.

Tennessee 34, Georgia Tech 23
Latest Consensus Line: Tennessee -11.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3.5

Cal vs Syracuse Prediction: The Quarterbacks Will Put on a Show

Pete Fiutak — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:51:51 GMT

Syracuse got a true tune-up, while Cal had a fight on its hands that didn’t go the right way.

The Bears opened up at home with an old-school Pac-12 type of matchup against UCLA, but they were run over late in a 45-24 loss. Star quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele hurt his ankle and was a bit off, but he’s ready to go.

The Orange welcomed the return Steve Angeli, the starting quarterback who started last season on a tear before suffering a horrible injury. He was sharp in the 66-3 win over New Hampshire.

Cal vs Syracuse: Quick Hits

Cal’s loss to UCLA to start the Tosh Lupoi era wasn’t all bad, and with Wagner up next, there’s a chance to bounce back fast before dealing with Clemson.
It’s a must-win moment for Syracuse with four of the next five games and five of the next seven on the road, starting with a trip to Pitt.
It’s the fourth game between the two. The Orange won in 2024, but before that, you have to go back to 1968, when Cal got its revenge after losing to Syracuse the year before.

How To Watch Cal vs Syracuse

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: ACC Network
Location: JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2
– 10 Best Picks Against the Spread

Why Cal Will Win

Sagapolutele has to get into a groove right away. Syracuse might have a high-powered offense that was balanced against New Hampshire, but it needs the pass rush to get to the main man early and often. When Sagapolutele gets time to work, he’s deadly.

But it’s not just about 3. The Bears got 120 yards on the ground from Adam Mohammed, and they’ll lean on him just as heavily early on until the Orange can prove it can hold up.

Why Syracuse Will Win

Angeli looked like he never missed a thing. He hit 20-of-29 passes against New Hampshire and didn’t make any big mistakes. Like Sagapolutele, he won’t have to do it alone, with an Orange rushing attack that forced the issue last week with 43 carries.

UCLA took over the game against Cal in the fourth quarter on the ground, and Syracuse will keep pounding to try to do the same.

Cal vs Syracuse Prediction, Betting Lines

The two quarterbacks will put on a show.

Both teams will dial up the pressure, but the running games will be effective, and in the end, it’ll be Syracuse that gets a few more big plays at home in a fun game you need to go out of your way to watch.

Syracuse 31, Cal 27
Latest Consensus Line: Syracuse -3.5, o/u: 56.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 1.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3.5

Washington vs Utah State Prediction: Will the Huskies Play Better?

Pete Fiutak — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 22:22:26 GMT

Both Washington and Utah State are looking for something better in Week 2.

That was ugly, Part 1: Washington was dealing with a rivalry game against Washington State, but it didn’t look crisp in any way, needing a big fourth quarter to pull away late in a 24-10 win.

That was ugly, Part 2: There’s bad, and there’s losing 29-17 at home to Idaho State to start the season. Utah State couldn’t stop screwing up, the Bengals kept taking advantage, and the result was one of the worst under-the-radar losses of Week 1.

Washington vs Utah State: Quick Hits

It’s the third meeting between the two. Washington won 31-17 in 2015 and 53-12 in 1998.
Washington gets another relatively easy matchup against Eastern Washington next before hosting Minnesota in the Big Ten opener.
It doesn’t get any easier for Utah State with a trip to Utah next week. It doesn’t start the Pac-12 season until early October at Boise State.

How To Watch Washington vs Utah State

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: BTN
Location: Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2
– 10 Best Picks Against the Spread

Why Utah State Will Win

The Utah State offense worked against Idaho State. The running game wasn’t amazing, but the passing attack moved the ball. Yes, it’s in a “Besides that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?” sort of way, but the four interceptions were bad, the 11 penalties were a killer, and these are things that can be cleaned up.

Washington was just plain off for long stretches against Washington State, but …

Why Washington Will Win

Chalk up the Washington issues to Week 1. Demond Williams Jr. is a normally accurate passer, and he looked a little rusty. But when it was time to turn it on, the explosion came through in all three phases.

For all of the problems and concerns – like the 12 penalties – there weren’t any turnovers, and the defense didn’t allow a third down conversion.

Washington vs Utah State Prediction, Betting Lines

Washington won’t be all systems go, but it’ll start to look more like the team that needs to be in the discussion for a College Football Playoff spot.

Utah State will play better, too, but it’ll be at least -2 in turnover margin; the Huskies will turn the lights out with a strong second quarter.

Washington 44, Utah State 16
Latest Consensus Line: Washington -27.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

Georgia vs Western Kentucky Prediction: The New No. 2 Gets to Show Off

Pete Fiutak — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 21:05:33 GMT

Oregon struggled against Boise State, and both the AP and Coaches polls moved it down, and that allowed Georgia to move up into the No. 2 spot behind Ohio State. Now the Bulldogs get a shot to show just how good they are.

Western Kentucky is far, far better than it played in a bizarre 49-14 loss at Nevada to start the season. Even a moral victory – like, the offense getting going for a stretch – would be a big step.

Georgia vs Western Kentucky: Quick Hits

These two opened the 2006 season. Georgia won 48-12 in the only time they’ve met.
Georgia was close to perfect in a 63-3 win over Tennessee State. It begins the SEC season at Arkansas next week.
The Hilltoppers follow this up with … a trip to Indiana. They should get their first win of the season against Mercyhurst at the end of the month.

How To Watch Georgia vs Western Kentucky

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 12:45 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Location: Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2
– 10 Best Picks Against the Spread

Why Western Kentucky Will Win

The WKU defense didn’t make the trip to Reno in the blowout loss to Nevada last week, but the offense had its moments. It’s far, far better than it played, with Ajay Allen having a decent day on the ground and quarterback Rodney Tisdale hitting on a few downfield plays. They’ll let it rip in this.

Why Georgia Will Win

It’s time to work more on the running game against a Western Kentucky defense that wasn’t even close against the Wolf Pack.

Western Kentucky allowed 323 rushing yards with big gash after big gash, and now it’s Georgia’s turn to give everyone some work. 11 Bulldogs got a carry against Tennessee State, averaging over ten yards per carry. They might not be quite as effective this week, but they shouldn’t have any issues.

Georgia vs Western Kentucky Prediction, Betting Lines

Georgia kept the backups working against Tennessee State last week. The score got out of hand because the twos and threes kept running wild.

Quarterback Gunner Stockton was brilliant, completing 15-of-16 passes with three scores. He’ll have another sharp day, but his job will be to turn around and hand the ball off. The Bulldog defense that continues to work on the pass rush will have a day, too.

Georgia 48, Western Kentucky 7
Latest Consensus Line: Georgia -40.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

Purdue vs Wake Forest Prediction: Both Teams Really, Really Need This

Pete Fiutak — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:02:51 GMT

There are games some teams need to win to have any realistic hope of being in the College Football Playoff chase, and there are some games teams need to win because, well, you’re not allowed to lose any game in college football without having to deal with the blowback.

And then there’s Wake Forest’s battle at Purdue. Both teams are solid, but they’re each going to have to scratch and claw to get to six wins and bowl eligibility. Basically, this is a must-win moment early on for both.

Purdue vs Wake Forest: Quick Hits

It’s the sixth time these two have played. Purdue won the last meeting 16-10 in 2003 and is 4-1 overall.
Purdue is coming off a 44-19 win over Indiana State, but up is at UCLA, Notre Dame, at Illinois.
Wake Forest got by Akron 38-16 in its opener. Up next? Miami, followed by a trip to Louisville to start a run of three road games in four weeks.

How To Watch Purdue vs Wake Forest

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: FS1
Location: Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2
– 10 Best Picks Against the Spread

Why Wake Forest Will Win

Gio Lopez was great from the start. The former North Carolina quarterback wasn’t always sharp against Akron, but he hit the deep shots, throwing for 350 yards and three scores, to go along with a decent day on the ground.

Indiana State mostly got its yards against Purdue when the outcome was well-decided, but the Sycamore quarterbacks had a little bit of midrange success.

Why Purdue Will Win

Producing against Indiana State isn’t any big deal, but the Purdue offense was solid after getting a half to warm up. Wake Forest has a solid defense, but if the pass rush isn’t getting to Boilermaker quarterback Ryan Browne, the midrange passing attack will take over.

Purdue vs Wake Forest Prediction, Betting Lines

This should be a fantastic back-and-forth game between two evenly matched teams. Wake Forest has the all-around game to hold up late in the fourth quarter, but this is desperation time for a Purdue program looking to find something big under Barry Odom.

It’ll come down to the final five minutes. Purdue will hold on with one final defensive stop.

Purdue 26, Wake Forest 24
Latest Consensus Line: Wake Forest -3, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3.5

Florida vs Campbell Prediction: Another Gators Chop Coming

Pete Fiutak — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 19:07:11 GMT

Florida didn’t have any issues with the first tune-up of the season – ripping up Florida Atlantic 66-21. And now it’ll try to flex a little more muscle in the second game of the Jon Sumrall era against Campbell.

The Camels beat East Tennessee State 49-37, but this is a true paycheck game for the program.

Florida vs Campbell: Quick Hits

It’s the first time these two programs have ever played each other. Florida won its last three games against FCS teams by a combined score of 149-14.
Jon Sumrall only faced one FCS team at Tulane. His 2024 team beat SE Louisiana 52-0.
The Gators start the SEC season with Ole Miss next week.

How To Watch Florida vs Campbell

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 6:00 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2
– 10 Best Picks Against the Spread

Why Campbell Will Win

The Camels can throw a little bit.

Quarterback Kamden Sixhiller ran for a team-high 95 yards and two scores against ETSU, and threw for 343 yards and two touchdowns. He’s a baller’s baller who can keep the chains moving. The Gators gave up 276 passing yards to Florida Atlantic last week, but …

Why Florida Will Win

Florida Atlantic throws, and throws some more, but more of the 53 passes didn’t go anywhere. The Gator defense won’t have much of a problem.

The offense did whatever it wanted to do against the Owls, and considering it’s a new coaching staff with a slew of new players, the performance overall was razor sharp with one turnover, just three penalties, and no issues keeping the chains moving.

Florida vs Campbell Prediction, Betting Lines

Sumrall is trying to instill an attitude with the Gators. That doesn’t mean they’re going to be bullies against a hopelessly overmatched opponent, but they’re going to keep working with the backups after getting their reps in.

This will likely be over after the first Florida drive, and the second half will be all about developing the depth.

Florida 65, Campbell 3
Latest Consensus Line: Florida -49.5, o/u: 65.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 1

10 Best College Football Picks Against the Spread for Week 2: Here Comes the Overreaction

Pete Fiutak — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:32:05 GMT

This year has been tougher than most, with absolutely nothing to go off of for Week 1, but now the belief systems start to kick in. While I lean a bit too heavily on the flaky historical trends this week, I’d be doing America a disservice if I didn’t at least point them out.

It’s Week 2. Let’s have some fun.

Results So Far: 13-12
– CFN Week 2 Expert Picks
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks

10. Eastern Michigan at Michigan State

 Line: Michigan State -17.5 
ATS Pick: Michigan State  
– Game Prediction and Preview

Along with Michigan State being far better than an Eastern Michigan team that just lost to San Jose State and struggled against Sacramento State, there’s a historical thing happening here.

Michigan State is 7-0 all-time against Eastern Michigan, and … fine. This is a goofy trend, but the Spartans really should roll in this.  

The Spartans won 73-14 in 2014. 23-7 in 2012, 42-10 in 2008, 52-20 in 2006, 56-7 in 2002, 51-7 in 1999, and 47-0 in 1996. Six total wipeouts and one outlier on the 17.5 in 2012. 

9. Oregon at Oklahoma State

 Line: Oregon -23.5
ATS Pick Oregon
– Game Prediction and Preview

If Oklahoma State is about to turn the machine on, fine, I’ll tip my cap and move on. But I just can’t get past this.   It’s not like 2025 North Texas, and all its star players now with Oklahoma State, did anything against the powerhouses.

The best win was against … Navy?

  The Cowboys didn’t look anywhere near close to being ready for primetime last week in the loss to Tulsa, and now they get an Oregon team coming off a mediocre performance against Boise State.

What happened the week after the last time Oregon had a tough fight against the Broncos? In 2024, it followed up the 37-34 win with a 49-14 domination at Oregon State.

8. Howard at Indiana

 Line: Indiana -56.5
ATS Pick Indiana
– Game Prediction and Preview

I have a personal rule to always pick the underdog that walks into a building up 50 or more against the spread. I whiffed on that last week, taking Utah Tech +51.5 against BYU – the Cougars won 63-7.

I assumed Miami -59.5 would stop scoring at some reasonable point against Florida A&M on Thursday night. The Hurricanes won 77-7.

Indiana beat Indiana State 73-0 last season. In the first year under Curt Cignetti, it beat Western Illinois 77-3. I’ll take the chance that 56.5 might be laughably low against another FCS team if history repeats itself.

7. Iowa State at Iowa

 Line: Point Total 41.5
ATS Pick Under  
– Game Prediction and Preview

I know – I KNOW. I’m being super-flaky so far, but it’s Iowa vs Iowa State.   These two combined for 29 points last year.

They scored 39 in 2024, 33 in 2023, and 17 in 2022. Okay, so the 2021 game was a relative shootout (Iowa State won 27-17), and they didn’t play in 2000, but … 35 in 2019 and 16 in 2018.

6. Bowling Green at Nebraska

 Line: Nebraska -29.5
ATS Pick Nebraska
– Game Preview and Prediction

When I first marked this game, it was Nebraska -28.5. Now it’s 30.5 in some spots, but 29.5 in others. That extra point one way or another shouldn’t matter much.

Nebraska was super-sluggish early on against Ohio, but here’s the positive. It figured it out in the second half, and it was Week One – there was tuning to do.

The Huskers weren’t great, and there seem to be concerns about the tough start, and … they beat a good Bobcat team by 28.   Bowling Green lost to Tarleton State 20-13. Nebraska blasted Akron from the MAC 68-0 last year, and it should open it up in this to keep tuning up.

5. Ohio State at Texas

 Line: Texas -1.5
ATS Pick Ohio State
– Game Prediction and Preview

My mouth has been writing the check all week long on every single appearance when it comes to thinking Ohio State is just that good and will win this. Now it’s up to the Buckeyes to cash it.

4. Navy at Florida Atlantic

 Line: Navy -5.5
ATS Pick Navy

Florida ran all over Florida Atlantic for 281 yards and five touchdowns last week. Last season, the Owls ended the season with a 42-3 loss to East Carolina after allowing 266 rushing yards, were rocked by USF 48-13 after giving up 259 yards, got rolled by FIU and Memphis after giving up way over 200 yards on the ground, and yeah, they played Navy.

The Midshipmen ran for 397 yards and six touchdowns in a 42-32 win over the Owls. I’ll believe Florida Atlantic can slow down the run – and it’s Navy; it will run – when it happens.

3. Arkansas at Utah

 Line: Point Total 55.5
ATS Pick Over
– Game Preview and Prediction

In this week’s edition of If There’s A Reasonable Chance One Side Can Handle the Over By Itself, You Take That Reasonable Chance.

Utah beat Idaho 66-10 last week. I know Arkansas is in the SEC, duh, and I’m aware that it’s better than Idaho, double duh.

I’m also aware that Utah is on a mission to prove that it’s really, really good without Kyle Whittingham, and it’s about to show it off against a Hog defense that, while better under new head coach Ryan Silverfield, is hardly the 1985 Chicago Bears coming into the season.

Six of the last seven Utah games have blown past 55.5, with Utah scoring at least 44 points in all six. (By the way, the Hog offense should help the cause in this, too.)

2. Louisiana at USC

 Line: USC -30.5
ATS Pick USC
– Game Preview and Prediction

That was a solid Fresno State team that USC just dominated in a 39-0 win.

Louisiana is coming off an easy win over Lamar, but quarterback Lunch Winfield and the offense had a problem with interceptions. The game will end about 2 am Ragin’ Cajun time, and while the program has a decent recent history of hanging around against power conference teams, the 52-10 loss last year at Missouri early on is more like what the comp should be.

(I really am buying that this USC team is special. Speaking of USC, and former head coaches, and special …)

1. Louisiana Tech at LSU

 Line: LSU -35.5
ATS Pick LSU
– Game Preview and Prediction

You might be familiar with the developer guy who freaked out everyone this week by warning that there’s an honest chance that AI will destroy all of humanity in a few years.

That was me all offseason setting the fire alarms about something far more important – Lane Kiffin was going to make LSU an unstoppable monster.

It’s only been one week, but what happened? Kiffin handed Dabo his worst loss as a head coach, and remember, Clemson lost to West Virginia 70-33 in the 2012 Orange Bowl. 

I seriously don’t think anyone is getting this quite yet. In normal times, LSU will always be at least very good. Now it’s LSU, only faster, more talented, and with a coach who was good enough to make programs like Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss awesome at football.

And you think Louisiana Tech is going to unplug this thing and it’ll all stop?

Illinois vs Duke Prediction: Big Moment for Both Teams

Pete Fiutak — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 07:22:17 GMT

It keeps getting lost in the narrative, but Duke really did win the ACC Championship last year. But well before that happened, now-superstar Miami quarterback Darian Mensah had a rough day in a 45-19 loss to a nasty Illinois team.

Both teams are a tad worse this time around, but the winner will have something big to build on. Duke wants it, Illinois needs it, and it should be one of the stronger games of the day.

Illinois vs Duke: Quick Hits

It’s the fourth time the two basketball superpowers have played in football. Duke won the first battle 15-13 in 1958, but Illinois is 2-1.
Illinois was fine in the 42-23 win over UAB, but it was a little sluggish at times. It plays Southern Illinois next week before going to Ohio State.
Duke already got revenge for one of last year’s early losses, beating Tulane 17-3. Next week it starts the ACC season against Stanford.

How To Watch Illinois vs Duke

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: FS1
Location: Gies Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2

Why Duke Will Win

The Illinois defense had a hard time with the UAB offense. The Blazers let it rip to try to keep up the pace, but there wasn’t enough of an Illinois pass rush to be a bother.

Duke’s offensive front was terrific in the opener against Tulane. It didn’t allow a sack or a tackle for loss, and it paved the way for over five yards per carry – Nate Sheppard ran for 227 yards and two scores.

Why Illinois Will Win

The Illini running game took over at times. There was one huge run, but the offense mostly relied on new quarterback Katin Houser, who completed 13-of-17 passes for 182 yards and three scores – with 54 of the yards coming on the Hail Mary at the end of the first half.

UAB managed to dominate the time of possession, but Illinois was able to stay ahead, and it didn’t make any big mistakes, with no turnovers and just one penalty. But again …

Illinois vs Duke Prediction, Betting Lines

Controlling the clock. Illinois has to do a better job of that.

It was awful at getting the defense off the field. UAB was able to eat up chunks of time by hitting its third down plays. Duke dominated the time of possession battle against Tulane, and it’ll do what it can to control the tempo. Illinois will change that up by owning the running game and being far sharper on defense.

Illinois 30, Duke 24
Latest Consensus Line: Illinois -5.5, o/u: 51.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3.5

Michigan State vs Eastern Michigan Prediction: Can the Spartans Keep Improving?

Pete Fiutak — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 06:04:38 GMT

Michigan State had a wonderful start to the Pat Fitzgerald era with a 30-20 win over Toledo – the Michigan issues with Western Michigan weren’t a bad part of the equation, either.

But this is a rebuild; it’s going to take a little while, and there are plenty of things to work on when Eastern Michigan comes to town looking for a program-changing upset.

Michigan State vs Eastern Michigan: Quick Hits

Eastern Michigan started the season with a win over Sacramento State, but lost last week at home 27-21 to San Jose State.
Michigan State is 7-0 all-time against Eastern Michigan, and none of the games were remotely close. The Spartans won by an average of 49 to 9.
Eastern Michigan goes to Wisconsin next. Michigan State has to deal with a trip to Notre Dame.

How To Watch Michigan State vs Eastern Michigan

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: BTN
Location: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2

Why Eastern Michigan Will Win

Michigan State needs to get working on its running game. It struggled to move the ball on the ground against Toledo, averaging just over three yards per carry, and Eastern Michigan has to sell out to hold up when the Spartans try to get physical.

The Eagle run defense has been terrific so far, allowing just 3.5 yards per carry in the first two games.

Why Michigan State Will Win

Yes, the Spartans have to get the ground game working, and they have to do a better job of closing out drives with scores, but they showed a bit of what the program will be like under Fitzgerald.

Toledo is a good team, and Michigan State was able to hold the ball for over 43 minutes. There weren’t any turnovers, and the penalties were kept to a minimum. Eastern Michigan needs the Spartans to screw up, and that’s not going to happen.

Michigan State vs Eastern Michigan Prediction, Betting Lines

Michigan State will come out firing again.

It knows it can throw, with Alessio Milivojevic completing a crisp 26-of-34 passes against Toledo. This is the game to hammer away.

Sacramento State didn’t do much running against the Eagles, and San Jose State won through the air. Michigan State will run 50 times, and it should push well past 200 yards in a strong win.

Michigan State 38, Eastern Michigan 13
Latest Consensus Line: Michigan State -17.5, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

Mississippi State vs Minnesota Prediction: Two Passing Games, One Big Showdown

Pete Fiutak — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 05:08:48 GMT

Mississippi State vs Minnesota is after Oklahoma-Michigan and before Ohio State-Texas – it’s a game you’re going to want to see for pure college football candy.

The Bulldogs and Gophers won’t be in the national title hunt. Both are going to be fighting through brutal schedules just to get to a bowl.

But Miss State has one of the most fun passing teams in the country, and if you haven’t seen Minnesota’s Drake Lindsey yet, put your NFL scouting hat on, and let’s go.

Mississippi State vs Minnesota: Quick Hits

Mississippi State is coming off a 62-13 wipeout of ULM last week. It hasn’t played a Big Ten team since losing the ReliaQuest Bowl to Illinois to end the 2022 season.
Minnesota tore up Eastern Illinois 59-7 without any drama. It hasn’t played an SEC team since beating Auburn in the Outback Bowl to end 2019.
The Gophers get Akron next, then the Big Ten season starts at Washington, and then they host Michigan. Mississippi State starts the SEC season at South Carolina next week.

How To Watch Mississippi State vs Minnesota

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: CBS
Location: Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2

Why Mississippi State Will Win

Kamario Taylor is the real deal. The young Mississippi State star quarterback threw for 354 yards and four scores against ULM, ran for 59 yards and a touchdown, and he’ll be a problem for a Minnesota defense that’s fine but will give up plenty of short-to-midrange throws.

Even more interesting was the running game. ULM isn’t anything special, but it’s still an FBS team with people on scholarship, and it gave up 762 yards of total offense and allowed the Bulldog attack to run for 345 yards and over nine yards per carry. Minnesota has to keep up the pace.

Why Minnesota Will Win

Minnesota was in midseason form from the start against Eastern Illinois.

The ground game got some work in – Darius Taylor is as good a running back as the Bulldogs will see all year – and Drake Lindsey looked every bit the part of the high-rising NFL draft pick that he is.

The key here is ball control. Mississippi State doesn’t care a lick about the time of possession battle, and Minnesota will be happy to keep the offense off the field for over 35 minutes.

Mississippi State vs Minnesota Prediction, Betting Lines

This will be a whole lot of fun.

Mississippi State’s offense will work all game long, but it’ll come up empty on a few early second half drives. Minnesota will start grinding, and then the home side will start taking over with tough drives that take over the clock and the game.

Minnesota 30, Mississippi State 26
Latest Consensus Line: Minnesota -1.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4

Iowa State vs Iowa Prediction: Who Will Win the Cy-Hawk Trophy?

Pete Fiutak — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:36:13 GMT

The always fun and intense Cy-Hawk rivalry takes a back seat to a horrific tragedy.

Derek Phillips, a member of the University of Iowa band, passed away after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest during the Hawkeyes’ win over Northern Illinois. Along with a moment of silence, the marching band will pay tribute to him at halftime.

We share our deepest thanks for the overwhelming support shown to our HMB family over the last few days. This Saturday, the HMB, @uiowa, and @TheIowaHawkeyes will honor Derek’s memory in several ways: pic.twitter.com/bAibuZlE2l
— Hawkeye Marching Band (@HawkeyeBand) September 10, 2026

Iowa State vs Iowa: Quick Hits

Iowa comes in 1-0 following the win over Northern Illinois. It gets Northern Iowa next before starting the Big Ten campaign at Michigan.
Iowa State won the first game of the new era under head coach Jimmy Rogers, beating SE Missouri State 38-10. Next up is Bowling Green before kicking off the Big 12 season against Utah.
Iowa State has won the last two meetings and three of the last four. The three wins were by a combined seven points.

How To Watch Iowa State vs Iowa

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: NBC
Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2

Why Iowa Will Win

Iowa State is still starting over.

The Cyclones might have been fine against an FCS school, but they’re starting ten transfers on offense, likely seven on defense, and they’re still working out the kinks, especially on the ground. They only managed 108 rushing yards against SEMO, didn’t control the clock at all, and … to be fair, they were up 28-7 at halftime.

The Iowa defensive front dominated the Northern Illinois line, getting into the backfield for six sacks and allowing just seven net rushing yards on 31 carries.

Why Iowa State Will Win

It’s Iowa State. Even with all the new players and coaches, it didn’t fill up on the appetizer with the main course still to come.

The offense wasn’t sharp enough for a full 60 minutes last week, but the pass rush was terrific, the effort was there, and former Arkansas State quarterback Jaylen Raynor pulled off several big plays with two touchdowns passing and two more on the ground.

Iowa State vs Iowa Prediction, Betting Lines

Iowa will control the clock and the tempo, but will that matter? It’s the battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy – six of the last eight have been decided by a touchdown or less, and the other two were each decided by ten points.

The last blowout was a 42-3 Iowa win in Week 2 of 2016. This won’t be nearly as bad, but Iowa will get the downfield passes going just enough to open it up – it actually threw a bit against Northern Illinois – and the defense will take care of the rest.

Iowa 26, Iowa State 13
Latest Consensus Line: Iowa -13.5, o/u: 40.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4

Arizona vs BYU Prediction: The Very Big Big 12 Game

Pete Fiutak — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:14:53 GMT

Arizona vs BYU will feel like one of a gajillion key moments in the Big 12 season. With so many teams either very good already or improved from last year, every week will seem like a make-or-break moment for almost every team.

But a few of the showdowns will weed out the – all apologies, with the dial set to full cliché here – contenders from the pretenders. (Seriously, sorry, that’s awful – but it actually fits.)

No, this isn’t a Big 12 elimination game in Week 2, but … yeah, it kind of is.

Arizona vs BYU: Quick Hits

Last year’s 33-27 road win by BYU was a big moment in its run to the Big 12 Championship, and it effectively knocked out Arizona.
BYU has won the last five games in the series. Arizona’s last win was in the 2008 Las Vegas Bowl.
So why is this such a big deal in the Big 12 race for both teams? BYU still has to go to Utah and TCU, and host Arizona State – that’s not bad.
Arizona is one of the biggest tests. Arizona still has to go to Texas Tech, Kansas State, and West Virginia, and host Utah, TCU, and Arizona State.

How To Watch Arizona vs BYU

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2

Why Arizona Will Win

The Arizona defense has to pick up where it left off against Northern Arizona.

The Wildcats got their mail delivered to the Lumberjack backfield with five sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and a swarming, dominant performance against the run that was meant to set the tone for the season.

The defense has to hold up, and quarterback Noah Fifita has to be the best player on the field. The veteran had an off day in last year’s loss to the Cougars – hitting 56% of his throws for 218 yards, almost all short-range – and the Wildcats still almost won.

Why BYU Will Win

Talk about setting a tone, BYU scored 63 on Utah Tech because it didn’t feel like scoring 90. This is the team head coach Kalani Sitake has been building up for a while. If it plays like it did last week, forget it.

It was supposed to be a blowout, but that was about as dominant as a team can be right out of the gate. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier was accurate, sharp, and played like a quarterback ready to have a gigantic second season.

Arizona vs BYU Prediction, Betting Lines

Arizona is good, but BYU has the feel of something special this season – the Wildcats having to go to Provo doesn’t help.

It will hardly be a wipeout, but BYU will look the part of a Big 12 Championship contender, doing what it’s supposed to at home.

BYU 30, Arizona 20
Latest Consensus Line: BYU -7.5, o/u: 47.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4

Alabama vs Kentucky Prediction: Can the Tide Keep Rolling?

Pete Fiutak — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:49:16 GMT

Things went about as well as could be reasonably expected for both programs in their respective openers.

Kentucky kicked off the Will Stein era with a 45-13 win over Youngstown State. The passing game was fun, the defense held up well against a dangerous FCS offense, and all things considered, it was a relatively clean performance from all the new parts.

Meanwhile, Alabama wasn’t perfect against a strong East Carolina team, but for the opening game of the season, a 48-10 win with great days from the running game and new starting quarterback Keelon Russell was more than good enough.

Alabama vs Kentucky: Quick Hits

Almost no one has a good record against Alabama, but Kentucky has been particularly bad – it’s 2-39-1 against the Tide. The last win came in 1997.
Things don’t get a whole lot easier for the Wildcats after this. Next week they go to Texas A&M.
Alabama has a revenge game against Florida State next week, and then gets back to the SEC season with a visit from South Carolina.

How To Watch Alabama vs Kentucky

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: ABC
Location: Kroger Field, Lexington, KY
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2

Why Alabama Will Win

Well that’s how the Kalen DeBoer offense is supposed to work.

East Carolina’s defense won’t be confused with Ohio State’s, but it’s not bad. New starting quarterback Keelon Russell ran for 86 yards and a score, threw for 256 yards – and it would’ve been better if it wasn’t for a slew of key drops – and the attack found its groove with an explosive 38-point first half.

The big question coming into the season was the offensive line and the ground game. East Carolina only registered one sack, and the Bama running game rumbled 49 times with five scores.

Why Kentucky Will Win

Youngstown State has a strong FCS running game, and Kentucky was all over it. The Wildcats attacked on both sides of the ball, allowing just two yards per carry on defense, running for over 200 yards on offense, and with a good-paced style that took control right away and stayed there.

For all the “because of me” talk from Stein this offseason, he and his coaching staff really are an upgrade. It was just one game, but Kentucky has playmakers. Former Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey looked great, and UK should be able to keep up the pace.

Alabama vs Kentucky Prediction, Betting Lines

Alabama has to show that Week 1 wasn’t a mirage.

The overall talent might not be at a Nick Saban-era level, but the Tide secondary is potentially as good as any in America, and if Russell can get some help from the backs – and especially with more plays from the receiving corps – this should be the moment when the team proves it’s for real.

But in this giant home game, Kentucky won’t flinch. It might not be able to come through late to pull this off, but Stein will show the fan base what the program could become.

Alabama 31, Kentucky 20
Latest Consensus Line: Alabama -10.5, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3.5

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Ohio State vs Texas Prediction: It Just Means Everything

Pete Fiutak — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:59:00 GMT

Ohio State vs Texas always matters, and that’s even a huge understatement.

The two college football superpowers have only played five times. In 2005, the 25-22 Texas win in Columbus propelled Vince Young and the Longhorns to the national championship. In 2006, Ohio State returned the favor with a 24-7 win in Austin on the way to a perfect regular season and a national title appearance.

The 24-21 Texas win in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl was one of the best games of the season, and then there were the last two meetings.

Steve Sarkisian is now 0-2 against Ryan Day, with his team fumbling away the College Football Playoff Semifinal thriller to the eventual national champion. And last year, had the Longhorns played Ohio instead of Ohio State to start the season, they would have been in the CFP – and Miami would’ve likely been out.

As the SEC likes to say, “It Just Means More.” Ohio State vs Texas? It just means everything.

Ohio State vs Texas: Quick Hits

The loser isn’t out of the College Football Playoff hunt by any means, but considering the committee has always taken 10-2 teams over those who go 9-3, the loser has a lot of work to do.
Ohio State gets Kent State after this, but it still has road games against Indiana, USC, and Iowa to deal with, along with home games against Oregon, Michigan, and Illinois. It’s a far tougher schedule than last year’s.
Texas lost last year, went 9-3, and was left out of the CFP. It plays UTSA next, but still has games away from home against Oklahoma, Tennessee, LSU, Missouri, and Texas A&M, with home dates against Ole Miss and Florida.

How To Watch Ohio State vs Texas

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ABC
Location: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2

Why Ohio State Will Win

Ohio State was pinned at the one-yard line early on against Ball State. The first two runs went for minimal gains, and then, it was on.

Julian Sayin hit Devin McCuin with a laser beam for a big play. Bo Jackson gashed a first down run, followed it up with another good run, and it all set up a 48-yard touchdown pass to a covered Jeremiah Smith for what would be the winning score less than nine minutes into the game.

The Buckeyes are almost unfairly talented at the skill spots, and when they find that groove, forget it.

Defensively, the Ohio State secondary will have its issues with the Longhorn receiving corps, but the Texas running game still has to prove it – averaging 4.3 yards per carry against Texas State isn’t good enough.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leads warm-ups prior to the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 5, 2026. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Why Texas Will Win

Texas State has one of the most dangerous offensive styles of any Group of Six team. Brad Jackson is a dangerous do-it-all quarterback who’ll be a statistical star, and Texas kept him and the Bobcats under wraps, allowing just one lonely touchdown in the 59-7 win.

Texas State isn’t Ohio State offensively, but the Buckeyes weren’t rock solid up front for a full 60 minutes against Ball State. Boo hoo, the ground game averaged almost seven yards per carry, but the Buckeye line allowed a few too many plays in the backfield.

The Texas defensive front should pounce all over the Ohio State ground game from the start. And speaking of unfairly talented offensive skill parts, wide receiver Cam Coleman is a projected top ten pick in next year’s NFL Draft.

Fellow receiver Ryan Wingo, running backs Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown, and that Arch Manning guy – who might go No. 1 overall – are all next-level talents.

Ohio State vs Texas Prediction, Betting Lines

It’ll be another classic thriller between these two. Either Ohio State cements its spot at No. 1, or Texas shows that it’s the team to beat this season.

Both defenses will take their respective games up a few notches, but the superstars will shine. Texas will try to power away with the ground game early on – and it’ll stop working fast. Ohio State will try to power away with the ground game early on – and it’ll stop working fast.

Just like last year, Arch will have the ball in his hands at the end, and it’ll be up to the Ohio State defense to come up with the stop to save the day.

Ohio State 26, Texas 23
Latest Consensus Line: Texas -1.5, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 1.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 5

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Notre Dame vs Rice Prediction: Can the Irish Hit the Curveball?

Pete Fiutak — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:31:22 GMT

Notre Dame did just fine on its world tour of grievances.

The Irish showed against Wisconsin just how focused they are on making a statement. After being ignored by the College Football Playoff committee last season, they’re going to try to crush everything in their path.

In comes Rice, a very well-coached team with a funky rushing style that might just give Notre Dame a few problems.

Notre Dame vs Rice: Quick Hits

Notre Dame needed about a half to get going, and then it took over against Wisconsin in the 41-13 win. Next up is Michigan State.
Rice was wonderful in the 31-3 win over Houston Christian to open up the season. It gets a suddenly dangerous game against Western Michigan next.
It’s the sixth time these two have met. Notre Dame beat Rice 55-2 to end the 1915 campaign and won 48-17 to open the 2014 season. The Irish are 5-0 against the Owls.

How To Watch Notre Dame vs Rice

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
TV: NBC
Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2

Why Rice Will Win

The running game has the curveball to potentially give the Irish a problem.

The only chance a team like Rice has is to get its high-octane, misdirection, precision running game working. The Owls ran 69 times for 458 yards against Houston Christian, and most importantly, they kept the ball for well over 39 minutes.

It’s a nasty offense to try to replicate in practice – Notre Dame will have to deal with it at live speed.

Why Notre Dame Will Win

How do you beat a team with a running attack like Rice runs? You own the interior, stay disciplined on the outside, and let the linebackers take care of the rest.

Wisconsin couldn’t run the ball a lick, with fantastic-running quarterback Colton Joseph held to three yards. The Badgers didn’t have a run of longer than eight yards.

The real star of the win in Lambeau was the Irish offensive line that took over in the second half. The Badger defensive front couldn’t hold up, the Irish battered away, and it was over.

Notre Dame vs Rice Prediction, Betting Lines

(Cover your ears, Notre Dame fans.)

It’s Week 2. What happened last year in Week 2? Texas A&M 41, Notre Dame 40. Fine, that’s Texas A&M. What happened in Week 2 of the 2024 season? Northern Illinois 16, Notre Dame 14. How about in Week 2 in 2022? Marshall 26, Notre Dame 21. The Irish have lost their last three Week 2 games against FBS teams.

Rice will have its moments, but there won’t be any panic after the Irish give up a few early scores. Just like the Wisconsin game, the Notre Dame ground attack and toughness will take over when needed.

Notre Dame 48, Rice 10
Latest Consensus Line: Notre Dame -44.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2

Oklahoma vs Michigan Prediction: Who's Ready To Prove They're CFP Good?

Pete Fiutak — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:00:21 GMT

With all due respect to Oklahoma, we know it’s really good – maybe better than last year – and it’s coming into the showdown in Ann Arbor after pitching a near-perfect game. This is about Michigan.

Anything interesting happening with the Wolverine program lately?

Whether or not you believe Western Michigan was totally hosed in the 13-12 Michigan win – getting a second shot at a Hail Mary with one second put back on the clock – or if you think it’s a lot of hullabaloo about nothing, one thing out of that wonderfully delicious hot mess is crystal clear: Michigan is in for a very, very long year if it’s not night-and-day better than it showed last Saturday night.

Either the Western Michigan game was a case of the Week 1s, and the real team will show up running out of the tunnel, or Oklahoma is about to have a whole lot of fun.

Oklahoma vs Michigan: Quick Hits

Oklahoma beat Michigan 24-13 last year in Norman. It seems impossible, but this is just the third meeting between the two powerhouse programs – OU won 14-6 in the Orange Bowl to end the 1975 season.
Michigan gets a bit of a breather next against UTEP before starting the Big Ten season against Iowa.
Oklahoma already blasted UTEP 51-0 last week. It gets a sneaky-tough game against New Mexico next, before a massive showdown at Georgia to start the SEC season.

How To Watch Oklahoma vs Michigan

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ABC
Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2

Why Oklahoma Will Win

Bryce Underwood.

The Michigan quarterback has all the talent in the world. He’s still very young with a ton of upside, and he was flat awful against Western Michigan. Now, he did complete one very important 47-yard touchdown pass – the guy threw it 60 yards off his back foot while getting tattooed – but that overshadowed a rough day when he was missing too many throws.

Even worse, he led the team with 47 rushing yards – the backs didn’t do much of anything. Oklahoma gave up one big run to UTEP, and that was about it. The defensive front is once again a force that should be all in 19’s face all game long.

Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham watches a replay against Western Michigan during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026.

Why Michigan Will Win

Totally lost in everything about the Western Michigan game was how the Wolverine defense shut down the Broncos.

That might not seem like a big deal – whoop-dee-doo, Michigan is supposed to beat the team from the MAC – but Western Michigan is good enough to roll through the rest of its schedule and be in the mix for the Group of Six champion’s playoff spot.

The Broncos only gained 191 yards and never got into the end zone. Michigan’s defensive front is more than good enough to handle the heavy lifting against Oklahoma, too, and it starts by keeping star quarterback John Mateer from getting time to let the downfield plays develop.

Oklahoma vs Michigan Prediction, Betting Lines

This hasn’t been fair to Oklahoma. Michigan was the big story in college football this week, and everything that happened against Western Michigan made this showdown an existential moment in just the second game of the Kyle Whittingham era.

But this should be about Oklahoma and how strong it is. John Mateer is healthy, his receiving corps is in one piece, and the defense will once again be among the best in America.

Underwood was challenged this week, and he’ll look great here and there, but he won’t be consistent. The Sooner defense will take care of the Wolverine ground game in a second straight low-scoring defensive fight between these two.

Oklahoma 23, Michigan 16
Latest Consensus Line: Oklahoma -5.5, o/u: 43.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 5

Missouri vs Kansas Prediction: Battle in the Border War

Pete Fiutak — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 07:30:26 GMT

It’s not Alabama vs Auburn, Ohio State vs Michigan, or Army vs Navy, but Kansas and Missouri have been doing this Border War thing since 1901 – an 18-12 Mizzou win – and have played it 110 times since.

There’s genuine hatred in this, even though the basketball side tends to get a little more heated. This time around, Kansas is trying to become a factor again after a few down years, and Missouri needs this just to keep the lights on with the SEC season coming up in a hurry.

Missouri vs Kansas: Quick Hits

Missouri beat Kansas 42-31 last year, making it four in a row since a 40-37 Jayhawk win to end the 2008 regular season.
Kansas started the season roaring, with a 51-6 exhibition over an overmatched LIU team. Missouri did its tuning up on Arkansas-Pine Bluff in a 54-14 win.
Missouri gets Troy next, and then starts out the SEC season at Mississippi State. Kansas hops on a plane to London after this to start the Big 12 season against Arizona State.

How To Watch Missouri vs Kansas

Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV: FOX
Location: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2

Why Missouri Will Win

Austin Simmons couldn’t have looked better. The Ole Miss transfer was on from the start against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, hitting 17-of-19 passes for 252 yards and four touchdowns. He spread around the throws, the running game did its job, and the offense did what it was supposed to do.

Yes, it was against an FCS team, but the Kansas defense still has to prove it can hold up against accurate passers who can move. The Tigers should be able to keep up the pace – the line will be good at keeping Simmons upright.

Why Kansas Will Win

Kansas might not have a ton of talent on defense, but it’ll bring the heat and do whatever it can to make Simmons uncomfortable.

The Mizzou line is good, but the Jayhawks will get into the backfield and hurry up the process a bit. Simmons might have been great on his midrange throws, but the ground game didn’t dominate.

The Tiger attack is still without star Ahmed Hardy, who’s still recovering from suffering a gunshot wound at a concert, and the backs are good, but there weren’t any big, gashing runs against UAPB. Kansas showed off the offensive balance against LIU, the defense held up well against the run, and there appears to be a different level of speed this season – again, though, it was LIU.

Missouri vs Kansas Prediction, Betting Lines

It’ll be a firefight between two fun teams with lots of offensive ideas and playmakers ready to show off.

Overall, Missouri is a little worse than last year, Kansas is a little better, and the atmosphere will be fantastic with the rivalry game feel throughout.

Jayhawk quarterback Isaiah Marshall will take off and run more than he did against LIU, the Tigers will come close to running for 200 yards, and it’ll be a good back-and-forth fight until Mizzou takes over in the final five minutes.

Missouri 37, Kansas 31
Latest Consensus Line: Missouri -5.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4

Arizona State vs Texas A&M Prediction: Who Steps Up in the Showdown?

Pete Fiutak — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 06:30:19 GMT

Arizona State won the Big 12 in 2024 and made it into the College Football Playoff – and was bounced in the first round. Texas A&M was deep in the SEC title chase last year and made it into the College Football Playoff – and was bounced in the first round.

These are two programs used to success now, and neither fan base is crazy to dream of getting back into the tournament. However, both have brutal schedules ahead, and one loss this week should be enough to end any realistic playoff hopes. (Yes, either one can still win its respective conference championship, but even though it’s early, that appears unlikely.)

Arizona State vs Texas A&M: Quick Hits

Arizona State was brilliant in a warm-up game against Morgan State, ripping up the Bears 70-7 on six touchdown passes from Cutter Boley.
Texas A&M beat a Missouri State program that went to a bowl game last year 50-0. The Aggie defense allowed 67 yards of total offense.
Arizona State starts the Big 12 season in London against Kansas next week. Texas A&M begins the SEC season against Kentucky, and then goes to LSU.

How To Watch Arizona State vs Texas A&M

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Kyle Field, College Station, TX
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2

Why Arizona State Will Win

Yeah, it was supposed to be a wipeout, but it was still the exact type of performance needed from the new parts of the Sun Devil offense.

Kentucky transfer quarterback Cutter Boley was terrific. The running game showed off all the great backs, and everyone got a chance to get the timing down. Arizona State has playmakers on both sides of the ball, and like all Kenny Dillingham teams, effort is never an issue.

This is a program that doesn’t blink when playing big games on the road – it was the only team to beat Texas Tech last year in the regular season.

Why Texas A&M Will Win

So much for worrying about reloading the defense.

Quarterback Marcel Reed and running back Rueben Owens looked in midseason form against Missouri State. The defense that had to come up with several new parts wasn’t really a massive concern, but it did have to fill in some gaps.

Not only did the Aggies pitch a shutout last week, but they allowed just four first downs. Arizona State isn’t Missouri State, but it’ll have to be ready for a defensive slugfest.

Arizona State vs Texas A&M Prediction, Betting Lines

On a day when the world will be talking about Ohio State vs Texas, and with Oklahoma vs Michigan going on when this is happening, this has a great chance to be the best game of the three.

Both teams will be tough in key moments, there will be mood swings, and just when it seems like Texas A&M has this in hand, Arizona State will rally back late. The Aggies will pull this off, but they’ll get pushed – the final score will look worse than the game.

Texas A&M 34, Arizona State 20
Latest Consensus Line: Texas A&M -14.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4

Oregon vs Oklahoma State Prediction: Will the Ducks or Cowboys Bounce Back?

Pete Fiutak — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 05:31:59 GMT

Everyone relax.

Oregon is way better than it showed in a stunningly lethargic opener against Boise State. You know what happened the last time Oregon had a stunningly lethargic early game against Boise State? It went 13-0, won the 2024 Big Ten Championship, and was the No. 1 seed in the CFP (and got thumped by Ohio State, but you get the point).

Oklahoma State is in a rebuild. You don’t bring in a new coach and almost an entire team of new players and expect it to rock on Day One. Was losing 24-10 to Tulsa okay in the first game under Eric Morris? Nope, but this is obviously going to take a little while.

Oregon vs Oklahoma State: Quick Hits

Oregon annihilated Oklahoma State 69-3 in Week 2 of last season. The Cowboys haven’t won a game since.
Oregon makes the trip to Stillwater, comes back to do more tuning up against Portland State, and then starts the Big Ten season at USC.
If this doesn’t work for the Cowboys, they should finally break the losing streak against Murray State next week before starting the Big 12 season at West Virginia.

How To Watch Oregon vs Oklahoma State

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2

Why Oregon Will Win

Oklahoma State wasn’t even close against Tulsa. The blocking wasn’t there, the fast-fast-fast, go-go-go offensive style stalled, and to be stone-cold about it, Golden Hurricane head coach Tre Lamb and his staff pantsed the Oklahoma State coaching staff.

And here’s the potentially scary part for Oklahoma State. Yeah, the North Texas offense under Morris was amazing last year, and all the top playmakers are now with the Cowboys. It’s not like that UNT offense rolled against Ohio State and Georgia. If they couldn’t do anything against Tulsa, what are they going to do against Oregon?

Why Oklahoma State Will Win

Okay, so it wasn’t all bad. (Seriously, everything should be okay after the offense starts to get the timing down.)

Oklahoma State really does have terrific offensive weapons, Morris really is a good head coach, and this style of attack really does work. To put this as simply as possible, it just wasn’t sharp against Tulsa. There was no rhythm, and it was out of sync from the start.

However, the defense was excellent at getting off the field. Tulsa only converted one of 11 third down chances, and outside of a few big plays, the Cowboys weren’t gouged.

Boise State’s Maddux Madsen wasn’t perfect against Oregon, but he moved the chains and gave the Ducks fits. If, all of a sudden, this Oklahoma State offense works and quarterback Drew Mestemaker gets hot, look out.

Oregon vs Oklahoma State Prediction, Betting Lines

Washington 36, Oregon 33 on October 14th, 2023. That was the last time Oregon lost a regular season game on the road.

Oklahoma State will put together a few great early drives to give everyone hope that this will be a game, and then Oregon will play like the No. 2 team in the nation that it was before the latest round of rankings came out.

Oregon 44, Oklahoma State 16
Latest Consensus Line: Oregon -22.5, o/u: 57.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 4
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

Rutgers vs Boston College Prediction: The Battle For Survival

Pete Fiutak — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 05:01:10 GMT

You think your team had a bad opening to the season? Rutgers and Boston College would both be happy to hold your beer.

Coming off an awful 2-10 season, Boston College got down 24-0 to Cincinnati and never really got back in it, losing 34-15. That was bad, but Rutgers losing at home to UMass 37-21 was infinitely worse.

Both teams desperately need this win, or the season is effectively over (at least in terms of realistically going to a bowl game). Everyone is on a hot seat, and the intensity will be there from the start.

Rutgers vs Boston College: Quick Hits

It’s been a rough run for Dylan Lonergan. The Boston College quarterback last year transferred to Rutgers, threw three picks against UMass, and will be replaced by AJ Surace this week.
Boston College is 20-7-1 in the series – they were both members of the former Big East. Rutgers won the last meeting 22-21 in 2022.
Boston College gets Maine after this, before hosting Virginia Tech to start the ACC season. Up next for Rutgers? USC.

How To Watch Rutgers vs Boston College

Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ESPN2
Location: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2

Why Rutgers Will Win

Boston College wasn’t close to stopping the Cincinnati running game last week. It got gashed by Bearcat quarterback JC French’s running ability, was blown off the ball on too many drives, and even though the offense worked, it wasn’t enough to make it a game late.

It might not have seemed like it, and it certainly wasn’t Dylan Lonergan’s fault, but Rutgers has a lot more of an offense than it showed against UMass. AJ Surace threw for 77 yards in relief.

Why Boston College Will Win

Yeah, the Scarlet Knight offense should be far better than it showed, but that was UMass. It’s one thing for Rutgers to be unable to stop Minuteman quarterback Pop Watson, but that wasn’t the big problem. Rutgers ran 25 times for 27 yards. At home. Against UMass.

Defensively, though, Rutgers wasn’t even close to stopping Watson. Now it has to deal with Mason McKenzie, who wasn’t accurate enough against Cincinnati, but he ran well and threw for 223 yards and a score.

Rutgers vs Boston College Prediction, Betting Lines

Rutgers isn’t nearly as bad as it was against UMass, Boston College is only sort of as bad as it was against Cincinnati, and these two are about to go off with a big-hitting fight on a Friday night.

Boston College will figure out how to move the chains a little bit better in the second half, Rutgers will make a big move, and after a great back-and-forth fight, it’ll come down to a late field goal attempt.

Boston College 30, Rutgers 27
Latest Consensus Line: Boston College -2.5, o/u: 53.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 1.5
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

NC State vs Richmond Prediction: Can the Wolfpack Bounce Back?

Pete Fiutak — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 02:16:55 GMT

How quickly can NC State turn its season back around after a dud of a 34-8 loss to Virginia?

Nothing worked. Defense – bad. Offense – bad. Team – bad. Even worse, the Wolfpack had two weeks to sit and groove on the bad performance, and now it has to come back roaring to get everything worked out for what’s next.

On the other side, Richmond was terrific in a 35-14 win over Bucknell. This is a good Spider team that does a little of everything right.

NC State vs Richmond: Quick Hits

NC State has lost four of its last six Week 2 games, but it hasn’t lost to an FCS team since 1987 against East Tennessee State.
The two teams haven’t played since 2013. NC State is 10-1, with Richmond’s win coming in the 1970 opener.
The Wolfpack have to go to Vanderbilt next. The next ACC game isn’t until October 10 against Wake Forest.

How To Watch Richmond at NC State

Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPNU
Location: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2

Why Richmond Will Win

Totally balanced, Richmond threw for close to 200 yards and ran for 194 against Bucknell. It came out roaring, showed a good balance of explosion and steadiness, and should be able to keep the Wolfpack defense on its heels.

NC State wasn’t close to stopping Virginia’s short-range passing game, got run over, and it needs to ramp up the defensive pressure or there will be a problem.

Why NC State Will Win

NC State had a rough opener, but Virginia might just be that good.

The time off wasn’t kind to the Wolfpack in the media, but it allowed the team to take a deep breath, regroup, and prepare for this. There won’t be any issues with focus or fire against an FCS team. As long as CJ Bailey gets a little time to work, the offense should start to click.

NC State vs Richmond Prediction, Betting Lines

Richmond is a good, sound team that could come up with something interesting if NC State stays in its Virginia funk, but look for a different team than the one that showed up in Charlottesville. The Wolfpack offense will work from jump.

NC State 41, Richmond 10
Latest Consensus Line: NC State -30.5, o/u: 48.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 1.5

Indiana vs Howard Prediction: What Do the Hoosiers Need To Work On?

Pete Fiutak — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 22:11:22 GMT

Indiana did what it was supposed to against North Texas in a 52-16 win, but remember, it struggled against Old Dominion to start last season – it wasn’t a given that the Hoosiers would be red hot from the start this year.

But they picked up where they left off after their epic national title season, and now they get to work on whatever they need to against a Howard team that held on to beat Alabama A&M 31-24.

Indiana vs Howard: Quick Hits

Indiana is 3-0 against FCS teams in the Curt Cignetti era by a combined score of 191 to 10. These two teams have never played each other.
Howard played one game against an FBS team last season – it lost to Temple 55-7.
Indiana finishes its tour of lightweight non-conference games with Western Kentucky next week before starting the Big Ten season against Northwestern.

How To Watch Indiana vs Howard

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: BTN
Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
– Week 2 Schedule, Picks
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 2

Why Howard Will Win

The Bison have a passing game. Ja’Shawn Scroggins threw for 315 yards and three scores against Alabama A&M, and he’s got enough mobility to be a problem.

Of course, Howard knows it’s going to get rocked, but it’ll turn it loose, keep throwing against an Indiana secondary that allowed plenty of midrange North Texas passes to be completed, and it’ll keep on throwing.

Why Indiana Will Win

This is when the Hoosiers work on the ground game. Josh Hoover and the passing attack were terrific against North Texas, but this week, Turbo Richard and the ground attack will start to get moving.

Indiana only ran 30 times against UNT, and it didn’t get much moving out of the running backs – there were a few good runs, but nothing too special. The offensive line was terrific in pass protection, and this week, it should pave the way for well over six yards per carry.

Indiana vs Howard Prediction, Betting Lines

Here’s the problem for Howard – the Indiana twos and threes will go all out, too. Curt Cignetti and the team won’t take any plays off until it’s well out of hand late.

Indiana 65, Howard 0
Latest Consensus Line: Indiana -55.5, o/u: 64.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 1
Must See Rating (out of 5): 1