College Football once again threw up some incredible drama in week 2. In the most unpredictable of sports, trying to achieve Pick 6 prediction perfection is like trying to get a win for Tennessee. Sorry Vols fans, you’re just an easy target right now!
It’s inconceivable that you’re reading Pick 6 as a newcomer, however if you are, the premise is simple. We select 6 games from the College Football schedule that week, and the trio of College Chaps select the winners. Each week we’ll be joined by a guest who contributes to an overall guest score. They also have their own leader board to compete for.
Last week we were joined by the NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger, who was let down by Miami and Washington in the late games. His total of 4 correct scores tied Trevor Sikemma. The leaderboards look like this after week 2:
Predictions Table After Week 2:
- George Somerville – 8
- Guest – 8
- Alex Chinery – 6
- Oliver Hodgkinson – 6
Guest Leaderboard After Week 2:
- Trevor Sikemma – 4
- Brian Baldinger – 4
This week we’re lucky to be joined by Dane Brugler. Dane is an NFL Draft analyst for The Athletic. Prior to his work for The Athletic he covered the NFL Draft for CBS Sports and NFL Draft Scout. You can find his work on theathletic.com and follow him on Twitter @dpbrugler for his latest prospect pieces. His latest work is a look at Joe Burrow’s performance for LSU versus Texas, the marquee matchup from last week.
So, to this week’s Pick 6 games!
Washington State @ Houston – Saturday 14th September 02:15
At 2-0, Washington State will come in to this one as a firm favourite. Mike Leach’s passing offence has the best part of 1000 yards through the two games. The Houston defence has been one of the worst in recent times. They bounced back after a week 1 thrashing at the hands of Oklahoma, but still gave up 17 points to Praire View A & M. They’ll need to see more from senior quarterback, D’Eriq King, than he’s shown the last two games if they’re to keep up.
Alex Chinery: Washington State
Did someone order a late night offensive explosion?! College football’s two resident preppers coaching their uber-offensive teams in what could be a classic shootout. As good as D’Eriq King is, I think the genius of Leach gives State enough to pull this off.
George Somerville: Houston
A great match up. Wazzu should be favourites, but I still like Houston, especially at home.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Washington State
I think the WSU offense will prove too strong for a poor Houston defense.
Dane Brugler: Washington State
Leach vs. Dana has the makings of a fun shoot out, but experience wins out.
Pitt @ Penn State – Saturday 14th September 17:00
Penn State suffered a first half shocker against Buffalo in week 2, but 28 third quarter points took them to 2-0. Pitt put a opening day defeat behind them, to go 1-1 with a win over Ohio. Maurice Ffrench had a standout performance in that game. It may be difficult to replicate against a defence that features Yetur Gross-Matos. The Pitt defence will be a bigger test for Sean Clifford than he’s faced against Idaho and Buffalo.
Alex Chinery: Penn State
Penn State have too much talent and are playing too well for Pitt to trouble them. Pitt is usually good for a shock win at some point, just not this week.
George Somerville: Penn State
Penn at home. Never bet against them in Happy Valley.
Oliver Hodgkinson: Penn State
The Nittany Lions will prove to strong for Pitt, with Gross-Matos leading the way on defense.
Dane Brugler: Penn State
Both teams have been inconsistent, but Penn State are the more talented team.
Stanford @ UCF – Saturday 14th September 20:30
The bookies make the 2-0 UCF a firm favourite in this one. After a dismal defeat to USC, Stanford return QB K.J. Costello from a concussion. Unfortunately for him, and the Cardinals, they have suffered a blow on the o-line with the loss of Walker Little. UCF are averaging 55 points a game, and the Cardinals are giving up 351 yards per game.
Alex Chinery: UCF
The knights have started the season running all over opponents. On the other hand, Stanford is beat up and missing their most talented players. Give me the Knights.
George Somerville: Stanford
Despite last week’s defeat to USC, the Cards will be too strong for UCF.
Oliver Hodgkinson: UCF
Can K.J. Costello bounce back? I think this comes down to an offensive explosion and UCF have all the dynamite.
Dane Brugler: UCF
Stanford is spluttering on offence, and UCF won’t be at home.
Iowa @ Iowa State – Saturday 14th September 21:00
Pick 6 wouldn’t be Pick 6 without a rivalry game! What a game this could be. Iowa State have had a bye week to reflect on the near disaster that was the 3OT win over northern Iowa. The 19th ranked Iowa Hawkeyes are 2-0, after comfortable wins over Miami (OH) and a shutout over Rutgers. Plenty of intrigue, but the biggest battle could be A.J. Epenesa taking on State’s young QB, Brock Purdy.
Alex Chinery: Iowa
“El Assico” as it is known, is always mental. Iowa will win the battle of the trenches in this game. That will be enough to come out on top. Expect them to bring lots of pressure against Brock Purdy, who could struggle.
George Somerville: Iowa State
My heart says Iowa State but my head says Iowa. Tricky as it’s a rivalry. I said last week, go with the home side in a rivalry, so State!
Oliver Hodgkinson: Iowa
I was hot on Iowa coming in to the season, and I think they continue to 3-0 with a win here.
Dane Brugler: Iowa
Iowa State won’t be able to block A.J. Epenesa, and Nate Stanley can do enough if he cuts down on the mistakes.
Clemson @ Syracuse – Sunday 15th September 00:30
At the start of the season, we talked about this game being one of the matchups of the year. Since then, Clemson have been Clemson-like and Syracuse haven’t lived up to their pre-season potential. The Orange played Clemson close last year, and in Alton Robinson have the defensive threat to trouble Lawrence. The issue for Syracuse is that if you stop Lawrence, you have Travis Etienne to contend with. Clemson will be a huge favourite.
Alex Chinery: Clemson
Syracuse was embarrassed last week against Maryland. They are better than they showed but are still growing as a team. Clemson are also still yet to reach their peak, however the athletes in this team will be too much for the Orange.
George Somerville: Clemson
No explanation required (George hates Clemson, this must be killing him inside – OH)
Oliver Hodgkinson: Clemson
Tommy DeVito, meet Isaiah Simmons and Xavier Thomas! Clemson strangle the Orange offense and run all over the defence.
Dane Brugler: Clemson
Syracuse is struggling to find rhythm on both sides of the ball, and Clemson is too talented.
TCU @ Purdue – Sunday 15th September 00:30
This has the potential to be the closest game of them all. Rondale Moore has shown the world exactly what he is made of. The exciting sophomore has 344 yards and 2 touchdowns in two games. At the time of writing, however, it was unclear if he would have his starting QB available for this game. Elijah Sindelar was diagnosed with a concussion during their win over Vanderbilt. That could be a difference maker. TCU are 1-0 and coming off a bye week. They have some serious NFL draft talent, but need it all to click this year.
Alex Chinery: TCU
Purdue was shocked in week one by Nevada. The Boilermakers run their offense through Rondale Moore, however TCU have enough athletes to shut him down. I think TCU’s offense is too good for Purdue to hang with.
George Somerville: Purdue
I have hopes for TCU to bounce back this year but it’s Purdue for me.
Oliver Hodgkinson: TCU
Give me Jalen Reagor every day of the week. The uncertainty over Sindelar is a difference maker too.
Dane Brugler: Purdue
Two of the best playmakers are in this game with Reagor and Moore, a lot of points in this one.
Feature Image Credit: USA TODAY Sports