SEC + 3: Week Two

After going 12-2 straight up (because I don't man up and play the spread) with one push, I was really surprised by a few teams in the SEC. I was dismayed at South Carolina's defense, intrigued by the play of Tennessee and awed by the legs of Todd Gurley. So without further delay, here are my picks for week two:

Florida Atlantic vs. (2) Alabama

The Tide surprised me last week, letting West Virginia hang around for pretty much the whole game. This week won't that won't be the case.

The Pick: Alabama 38 Florida Atlantic 3

(24) Missouri vs. Toledo

The Tigers travel to Toledo, Ohio to face off against the Rockets. This game will be closer than people think.

The Pick: Missouri 24 Toledo 14

Arkansas State vs. Tennessee

I had a sneaky suspicion about the Vols before the season started, even debating to myself if they could be a dark horse in the SEC East. After their performance against Utah State last week, maybe I should've put more thought to it.

The Pick: Tennessee 31 Arkansas State 10

UAB vs. Mississippi State

The Bulldogs looked good last week, even if it was against a weaker Southern Miss team. Mississippi State faces a little tougher "tune-up" game this week, but the Blazers won't give them much trouble.

The Pick: Mississippi State 45 UAB 10

Ohio vs. Kentucky

The Bobcats travel to Lexington to do battle with the Wildcats. Ohio come in after a tough contest against Kent State where they were able to prevail by three points. This game will be a physical contest, but I can't pick against the Wildcats.

The Pick: Kentucky 26 Ohio 21

Eastern Michigan vs. Florida

I really hope the weather holds out for Florida fans this week.

The Pick: Florida 48 Eastern Michigan 6

Nicholls State vs. Arkansas

Even a blind hog finds a trough every once in a while.

The Pick: Arkansas 31 Nicholls State 10

(15) Ole Miss vs. Vanderbilt

The Rebels travel to Nashville after the Commodores were just embarrassed by the Temple Owls last week. Bo Wallace and Ole Miss offense just have too many good skill-players for Vandy's defense to keep up with.

The Pick: Ole Miss 42 Vanderbilt 14

East Carolina vs. (21) South Carolina

The Gamecocks were just annihilated by Texas A&M's offense last Thursday, but I have faith that Lorenzo Ward will adjust his defense accordingly and handle the Pirates' offense.

The Pick: South Carolina 35 East Carolina 14

San Jose State vs. (5) Auburn

This one's gonna be ugly.

The Pick: Auburn 45 San Jose State 3

Sam Houston vs. (12) LSU

The Tigers passed a tough test against Wisconsin this week, and this game certainly won't be anything close.

The Pick: LSU 36 Sam Houston State 7

Lamar vs. (9) Texas A&M 

Another easy pick, as the Aggies won't have any competition here.

The Pick: Texas A&M 56 Lamar 6

PLUS 3

(7) Michigan State vs. (3) Oregon

Tough game to make a choice on, but one thing I've learned is this: always pick the defense, always.

The Pick: Michigan State 31 Oregon 28

Virginia Tech vs. (8) Ohio State

I've seen a couple analysts call this game close, but one has to remember that Urban Meyer has yet to lose a home game since coaching the Buckeyes. There's a reason behind that.

The Pick: Ohio State 27 Virginia Tech 17

BYU vs. Texas

This is an interesting game on the schedule, and I think the Cougars really amp themselves up when they play Big 12 teams. This being said, I think the Longhorns' defense will be able to hold their own in a close one.

The Pick: Texas 21 BYU 20

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