Week One Record (no spread): 2-2

Week One Record (with spread): 3-1

#10 Notre Dame @ NC State (Notre Dame -7.5)

The Notre Dame Fightin’ Irish started the year 2-0 with blowout wins over Navy and Tennessee State. Former Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman transferred to Notre Dame and could be one of the heisman canidates at the end of the year. Through two games Hartman has seven total touchdowns and has a 82.5 completion percentage. The rushing attack has also been strong for the first two games for the Irish, rushing for 412 yards total, but will have their toughest test yet with a better defensive team in NC State.

NC State opened the year with a 24-14 win at UConn on Thursday, Aug. 31. The Wolfpack also are led by a transfer in former Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong. Armstrong threw for close to 4,500 yards and had 39 total touchdowns at Virginia last year. He led the game with his running ability against UConn, rushing 19 times for 96 yards and two touchdowns. Under coach Dave Doeren, the defense has been the strongest part of the team and one of the best in the conference. Despite losing some key players last season, the defense is still solid with senior linebacker Payton Wilson, who led the team in the first game with eight tackles and an interception.

Game Prediction: NC state did struggle stopping the run against UConn and the Notre Dame rushing attack with running back Audric Estime. He has been strong early, even if it was against some weaker teams. I am not a huge believer in the NC State offense and going against a pretty good defense in Notre Dame, I have to take the Fightin’ Irish. ND wins 24-14 over NC State.

Nebraska @ #22 Colorado (COL -3)

Coach Deion Sanders and Colorado shocked the football world after defeating TCU 45-42 last Saturday. The transfers showed this Colorado team is different and is not the same team as last year. Quarterback Sheduer Sanders threw for 510 yards, breaking a school record. Along with the performance from Sanders, Colorado had four players with over 100 receiving yards, one being running back Dylan Edwards who also finished with four touchdowns on the day as well. Previous top high school recruit Travis Hunter played over 120 snaps, dominating on defense and offense.

Nebraska dropped their first game of the season to Minnesota 13-10. The Cornhuskers now have a record of 2-14 since the 2021 season in one-score games. Nebraska also has new coach Matt Rhule and some talent on both sides of the ball. Despite throwing three interceptions the first game, quarterback Jeff Sims can run, make plays and possibly keep up with this Colorado offense.

Game prediction: Maybe if Nebraska can get the run game going and slow the game down a little, they can control and win this game. I am not sure of that though. Despite not looking good at all, the Colorado defense led by Hunter can force some turnovers. Sims may have a good day all around, but I see a few more interceptions in his future. Give me Colorado winning this game 38-24.

#22 Ole Miss at #24 Tulane (Ole miss -7.5)

I really like what I saw from quarterback Jaxon Dart and the Ole Miss offense. Even though they only played Mercer, the Rebels did put up 73 points. Despite Tulane having a good offense as well, I am not a believer in the defense once they face a good team. I expect this game to be fun and high scoring. I am picking Ole Miss to win 42-28.

#23 Texas A&M at Miami (A&M -4.5)

This is probably the toughest game of the week for me. Despite a rough year last year, the Aggies do have talent on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Conner Weigman had a great week one, but this will be a real test. The Hurricanes have one of the best two safety’s in the country and a strong defensive line. I like this game to be close and I’m going to take Miami to win 21-20.

#11 Texas at #4 Alabama (Bama -7.5)

There is two ways I think this goes. I think Alabama steam rolls them in Tuscaloosa or I think Texas wins a close game. As much as I think Alabama has great running attack and Jalen Milroe looked pretty good in the first game, I am taking Texas to win. I like the Longhorns defense and could see this game being similar to last year. Give me Texas to win 27-24.