After an entertaining, exciting, and shocking week 1 in College Football, Pick 6 returns for week 2! We may have not been perfect in week 1, but we were damn sure better than Tennessee were against Georgia State!
If you missed our introduction to Pick 6 last week (why?!), here’s a quick recap. The premise is simple, we choose 6 college football games, pick the winners and tally our success (or lack of) throughout the season to crown a winner.
Each week we’ll be joined by a guest who contributes to a season guest score. Plus they, get their own guest leaderboard. Last week, Trevor Sikemma put down a respectable score of 4 to take the early lead.
Predictions Table after Week 1
- Alex Chinery – 4
- George Somerville – 4
- Guest – 4
- Oliver Hodgkinson – 4
This week we’re lucky to be joined by Brian Baldinger. Brian played college football at Duke, before embarking on an NFL career that saw him play in 143 games for the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles. The former offensive lineman can now be found on multiple sports networks, but is most famous for his appearances on the NFL Network. His #BaldysBreakdowns are the stuff of legend, be sure to check them out. You can find him on Twitter at @BaldyNFL.
Now, let’s crack on with this week’s Pick 6 games.
Syracuse @ Maryland – Saturday 7th September 17:00
Despite being the 21 ranked team, Syracuse are a slight underdog with the bookies. The Orange opened the season with a 24-0 win at Liberty. In their season opener, Maryland smashed Howard with a school record first half points total on their way to a 79-0 victory. Syracuse will pose an all together different test. However, Mike Locksley’s offence looked good in Josh Jackson’s hands.
Alex Chinery: Maryland
Upset for the Terps! They’ll use their running game to dominate ‘Cuse, handing a loss to Dino Babers’ side who started slow last week
George Somerville: Syracuse
Mike Locksley has a HUGE job on his hands and it’s too early for him to turn the Terps around. The Orange will be too strong. Cuse win.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Syracuse
After last weeks showing for the two sides, its tempting to go Maryland here. However, I’m sticking with a Syracuse side that I tipped for a strong season earlier in the year.
Brian Baldinger: Maryland
Texas A & M @ Clemson – Saturday 7th September 20:30
Both teams were victorious in week 1. However, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence will look to impress after a lukewarm start to the season against Georgia Tech. Travis Etienne looked in mid-season form in that game, rushing for 3 touchdowns and 200+ yards. Texas A & M quarterback Kellen Mond scored 4 touchdowns as the Aggies smashed Texas State 41-7. They are, however, underdogs against the reigning National Champions.
Alex Chinery: Clemson
A & M fans are very high on their chances after Lawrence struggled last week. However, Clemson have too many weapons around him and win a shootout.
George Somerville: Clemson
It takes a brave man to bet against the Tigers in Death Valley. I’m not that brave. I’m not drinking the Aggies Kool-Aid. Tigers to win handsomely.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Clemson
Isaiah Simmons and Travis Etienne. Two difference makers on each side of the ball who will prove too strong for the Aggies.
Brian Baldinger: Clemson
Nebraska @ Colorado – Saturday 7th September 20:30
Although both teams come in at 1-0, Colorado were arguably more impressive in their defeat of Colorado State than Nebraska were in beating South Alabama. The Huskers had to lean on defense and special teams, with touchdowns on a punt return, a fumble return, and a pick 6! The Buffaloes enjoyed a stellar night on defense in their opener too, forcing 4 turnovers. Running back Alex Fontenot was the difference maker with 3 touchdowns and 125 yards.
Alex Chinery : Nebraska
Scott Frost’s team were disappointing last weekend, barely scraping by South Alabama. Their defense bailed them out in that game, and they should have enough to contain Shenault.
George Somerville: Colorado
I hadn’t quite appreciated how big this game was until I spoke to the Buffs’ Steven Montez and Nate Landman about it. Any rivalry game you have to favour the home team. Buffs win.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Nebraska
Despite a poor start to the season, I believe Adrian Martinez can be the difference maker in this game. It’s going to be mighty close, but I think the Huskers edge it.
Brian Baldinger: Colorado
LSU @ Texas – Sunday 8th September 00:30
This is the big one! Arguably the biggest game of the season, in terms of getting to the final four, especially for Texas. How will Sam Ehlinger fair against the much vaunted LSU defence led by Grant Delpit? Can Joe Burrow replicate his opening week, 5 touchdown performance? Both teams had comfortable opening victories. There will be nothing comfortable about this one!
Alex Chinery: Texas
Joe Burrow needs to produce against a good defense before I jump on LSU for a game like this. Sam Ehlinger is a big game performer. Texas wins a close one.
George Somerville: LSU
This is THE game to watch this week. A real show stopper. As much as I fancy the Horns in Austin, I am big on LSU. Tigers win.
Oliver Hodgkinson: LSU
I am so hyped for this game. LSU are one of my pre-season favourites, and although I like Texas, I can see the Tigers defense, led by Grant Delpit, being the difference maker.
Brian Baldinger: LSU
Miami @ UNC – Sunday 8th September 01:00
Miami opened the college football season in week 0. Unfortunately for them, they came up short in a sloppy game against Florida. The Hurricanes showed some good defence in that game, and they’ll need it to slow down Sam Howell and Javonte Williams. The two combined for nearly 400 yards in the Tar Heels opening day win over South Carolina. Miami are the favourite to win this one.
Alex Chinery: Miami
The U’s offensive line needs to be better than in week 0. However, they don’t have SEC calibre pass rushers coming at them this week. Miami’s offence to click and win this one.
George Somerville: UNC
Well who doesn’t want to see Mack Brown dance again?! Miami played well against Florida but I fancy the Tar Heels to keep Mack dancin’.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Miami
If Miami have anything about them they will ride Deejay Dallas to victory in this one. UNC had big yardage in their win over South Carolina but expect Miami’s defence, especially Trajan Bandy, to be too much.
Brian Baldinger: Miami
Cal @ Washington – Sunday 8th September 03:30
An all PAC-12 matchup to bring the predictions piece to a close this week. Washington QB Jacob Eason lit up Eastern Washington in week 1, to the tune of 349 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Cal defence will be a different proposition this week. The Bears had their own week 1 standout in sophomore RB Christopher Brown JR. He had 197 yards and a touchdown in a 27-13 win over U.C. Davis of the FCS.
Alex Chinery: Washington
Jacob Eason looked solid last weekend. his receiver corps flashed some stellar qualities. Their matchup with the Cal secondary should be fascinating. Look for the Huskies run game to dominate and win the game.
George Somerville: Washington
After Jacob Eason’s great start to life in Seattle, I can’t see beyond the Huskies, especially at home. Cal really aren’t good. Huskies win comfortably.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Washington
We started Justin Herbert over Eason in our fantasy team last week. We won’t be making the mistake of betting against him this week.
Brian Baldinger: Washington
Feature Image Credit: USA TODAY Sports
One thought on “Pick 6! CFB predictions for week 2”