Saturday Stakes: Week 2

Now that we are officially in the swing of things, I am excited for this upcoming weekend of football to be better than the last. Although non-conference matchups are still in play, the level of competition seems to have ramped up this Saturday. Several key matchups take place and will teach us a lot about where certain programs stand.

We should make it a weekly competition to see if you can drink more beers than the number of points Brian Ferentz puts up. Consider Iowa’s bye week your reward for partaking in these courageous endeavors. Although, there might be some weeks they don’t score enough to give you a buzz. Nonetheless, grab you a few cold ones and make a great imprint on your couch cushion; we got 12 hours of nonstop football (and watching Sean Strickland knockout the Chinese champion) ahead of us.

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TEXAS A&M (-3.5) @ MIAMI

ABC / 2:30 PM KICKOFF

This was an ugly game a year ago, totaling 26 points between the two programs. With another year of experience under Tyler Van Dyke’s belt and the emergence of Conner Weigman - 13 TDs and 0 INT in 6 games played - expect this year’s contest to be much more exciting.

Both teams finishing 5-7 a year ago adds extra nerves to this matchup; neither wants to head down the trajectory of last year with an early season loss. The key matchup of the game lies within the trenches: Miami’s offensive line vs the Aggies defensive line. I don’t question that A&M can put points on the scoreboard, so if they can slow down the Hurricane’s run game, it will be a good day for fans in maroon.

PREDICTION & LOCK:

Do you really think I’m taking a team who has to travel over 20 miles to their own “home” stadium?

Texas A&M 34 - Miami 23

No question he gets his catches in this week, I just hope he is safer with receiving punt returns.

Ainias Smith over 40.5 receiving yards (-125).

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OREGON (-6.5) @ TEXAS TECH

FOX / 6:00 PM KICKOFF

Bo Nix and the high powered Ducks offense travel down to Raider Rashville to take on the mighty 0-1 Red Raiders. The most overhyped Big 12 team in the offseason looks to rebound after an embarrassing Week 1 loss to Wyoming. The same Wyoming that hasn’t had a top 100 recruiting class since 2019.

Let’s take a moment to meet Jordan Guskey: the AP voter who still gave Texas Tech a ranked vote. Why is this sudden praise warranted? They have won 9 games or more once in the last fourteen years. All signs indicate this one could get ugly, but I think Tech keeps this one close enough to avoid getting blown out. Tough start to year two, Joey McGuire.

PREDICTION & LOCK:

Mr. Heisman dropped 81 last week and you think he will struggle against these dorks?

Oregon 44 - Texas Tech 28

If you bet the over/under, I believe you will be sweating this one the whole game. All the more reason to attack it.

Total score over 69 (-110).

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TEXAS @ ALABAMA (-7)

ESPN / 6:00 PM KICKOFF

Rightfully so, the overly privileged fan base in Tuscaloosa hosts yet another College Gameday. It feels as if every Texas fan has had this marked on their calendar since last year's game ended. I am rooting for the Longhorns, but going into the Crimson Tide’s home and coming out victorious is a feat rarely done; only happened once since 2016.

The tune of “if Quinn didn’t get hurt, we would’ve won” has rang through my ears way too many times. The time is here. Quinn Ewers is healthy and can take hold of his draft stock this Saturday evening. Alabama has the talent to compete for a championship, but with questions under center, this game comes down to if Texas can bottle up Jalen Milroe in the open field.

PREDICTION & LOCK:

Contrary to my initial prediction, Texas covers the spread. They’ve got the skill to compete, but the Tide wear them down late.

Alabama 38 - Texas 34

Big time players make big time plays. Wouldn’t be surprised if this happens more than once.

Xavier Worthy longest reception over 26.5 yards (-115).