CFW Week 3 Forecast - Will Billy Napier be fired on Sunday?

CFW Week 3 Forecast – Will Billy Napier be fired on Sunday?

A bit of a weird and strange week

 

This is a bit of a weird week in college football. There are no games you can really get your arms around. There are no games that knock you off your feet. The Week 3 games seem to be lacking in excitement, enthusiasm, whatever.

 

Last week, we had Texas at Michigan. This week’s equivalent is Alabama (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0). Close, but not quite the same. Last week, we had the Colorado-Nebraska revenge game. This week, there are no revenge games. We thought the Georgia-Kentucky game was going to be good. But it’s looking like a dud, after South Carolina trashed Kentucky (1-1) last week.

 

Don’t get me wrong. There are some good games this week. But they are like big movies with poor acting. Big movies with poor scriptwriting. Big movies with poor soundtracks. Something’s missing. Hopefully, once we get into the weekend, all that will change. Hopefully, these games will turn into blockbusters. Hopefully, some of these games will knock your sox off.

 

Let’s take a look at what we have to work with. My Game of the Week is Boston College (2-0) at Missouri (2-0). It doesn’t sound real exciting, does it? But to me, it has lots of intrigue. Perhaps more than any other game. Both teams have exciting quarterbacks – Brady Cook for Missouri and Thomas Castellanos for BC. After watching the BC-Florida State game, we know the Eagles are good in the trenches. Can Bill O’Brien perform his magic again?

 

BC at Missouri is the ACC vs. the SEC. There are three other SEC teams in my Top 10 games this week. I already mentioned Alabama (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0). But can the Badgers hang with the Tide? Bama is a 17-point favorite.

 

The other two SEC teams in my Top 10 games are LSU (1-1) at South Carolina (2-0). The problem here is South Carolina’s offense is so flat. I mean really boring. But the game could turn out good.

 

The Big 12 actually has seven teams in my Top 10 games. First and foremost is Arizona (2-0) at Kansas State (2-0). Arizona’s first Big 12 conference game. Kansas State is an eight-point favorite. Then, we’re staying in Kansas for the UNLV (2-0) at Kansas (1-1) game. Yeah, I know, a Group of Five team. But have you seen UNLV play this year? They are exciting. Like K-State, Kansas is an eight-point favorite. Go Dorothy!

 

Up next, among the Big 12 teams, is UCF (2-0) at TCU (2-0). Now this one could knock your socks off. TCU is a mere one-point favorite. And when Gus Malzahn is around, there is never a dull moment. Okay, I know, the next one is a little strange – Arizona State (2-0) at Texas State (2-0). But like UNLV, have you seen Texas State play? The Bobcats quarterback – Jordan McCloud – is something else. Believe it or not, Texas State is a two-point favorite.

 

And my last Top 10 game with a Big 12 team is West Virginia (1-1) at Pitt (2-0). Surprise, surprise. But when you have a “Backyard Brawl,” I guess you could say it’s a lot like a Colorado-Nebraska revenge game – without Deion. And Pitt fired its athletic director this week. What was that about?

 

My final two Top 10 games take you back to the good ole days of the Pac-12 – Oregon (2-0) at (2-0) Oregon State and Washington State (2-0) at Washington (2-0). First of all, these two games could be dying rivalries. It remains to be seen. But for now, they are still playing, and they hate each other. And Dillon Gabriel needs to get his Heisman stats built up. Right now, he is trailing Quinn Ewers.

 

So, that is my Top 10 games this week in a bit of a weird, lackluster week.

 

Texas A&M (1-1) plays at Florida (1-1) this week. Word on the street says if Florida loses, Billy Napier will be fired after the game. The Aggies are only a three-point favorite. Stay tuned!

 

The Texas A&M-Florida game and the West Virginia-Pitt game are on TV at the same time. So, Swamp Mama and I will not be watching football in the same room on Saturday afternoon. It’s not often that happens.

 

And while we are in Florida, FSU (0-2) hosts Memphis (2-0). Memphis is no pushover. Will the Noles win their first game, or will they fall to 0-3. Florida State is a four-point favorite.

 

Still in Florida, the Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum game is this week – FIU (1-1) at FAU (0-2).

 

Hopefully, your team wins.

 

 

The voice of Darth Vader, Mufasa and “This is CNN” went silent this week. Actor James Earl Jones, known for his film roles, his work in theater and his voice, died on September 9. He is one of the few performers to receive the EGOT – Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. Jones was a graduate of the University of Michigan. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. His theater work included numerous Broadway plays, including “The Great White Hope” (1968), “The Iceman Cometh (1973-1974),” “Of Mice and Men,” (1974-1975), “On Golden Pond (2005),” “Cat On a Hot Tin Roof (2008),” “Driving Miss Daisy (2010-2011)” and “You Can’t Take It With You (2014).” He appeared in such films as “Dr. Strangelove” (1964), “The Great White Hope” (1970), “Matewan” (1987), “Coming to America” (1988); “Field of Dreams (1989); “The Hunt for Red October” (1990), “Patriot Games” (1992), “Clear and Present Danger” (1994) and many more. A native of Arkabutla, Mississippi, James Earl Jones was 93.

 

Touchdown Tom

September 12, 2024

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

Touchdown Tom’s Predictions for

Week Three’s 10 Biggest and Most Intriguing Games….and then some

 

GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Boston College (2-0) at Missouri (2-0) – (ACC vs. SEC) – 12:45 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – Which team is for real? This game should let us know. Both are undefeated. Missouri has not played a Power Four team. Boston College has a win over a Power Four team. That team was Florida State. We are not sure about Florida State yet, other than the Noles are 0-2. In two games, we know that BC appears to have a strong ground game. The Eagles are averaging 285 yards a game rushing. BC’s defense is strong against the run, holding opponents to 41 rushing yards a game. Missouri has a strong offense – running and passing. The Tigers are averaging 504 total yards a game. Mizzou’s defense overall is good – against the pass and the rush. No one has scored on the Tigers. But again, the competition has been weak. So this could be a delightful battle. Eagle souffle, anyone? – Missouri 30, Boston College 16.

 

RUNNER-UP: 2. Arizona (2-0) at Kansas State (2-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 8 pm ET, Friday, FOX – This is Arizona’s inaugural Big 12 conference game. The Wildcats will be out to make a good impression. They have the capability with quarterback Noah Fifita. In two games, Fifita is averaging 298 yards a game passing. If the Wildcats have a weakness, it is defense. They gave up 39 points to New Mexico. Overall, on offense and defense, the other Wildcats – Kansas State – seem to have the better team. But K-State struggled to beat Tulane last week. Quarterback Avery Johnson needs to have a breakout game. This is his opportunity. Willie tackles Wilbur – Kansas State 27, Arizona 24.

 

REST OF THE BEST: 3. Alabama (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0) – (SEC vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FOX – Alabama has been feasting on Little Debbie Cupcakes for two weeks. Now the Tide are ready to play some football. Wisconsin is the non-cupcake opposition. The Badgers are 2-0, however, they have struggled to beat two non-Power Four teams. Wisconsin had to rally in the fourth quarter to beat Western Michigan, 28-14. Ohio State beat Western Michigan, 56-0. The Badgers offense has stalled. They are led by old Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. But Van Dyke has been lame so far. Alabama has scored a lot of points – 105 – but the Tide hasn’t shown a lot of offense scoring those points. Quarterback Jalen Milroe is still waking up. His best stat so far is his completion rate – 70.4%. The Badger is a Big Debbie Cupcake – Alabama 28, Wisconsin 18.

 

4. LSU (1-1) at South Carolina (2-0) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC – The outlook on this game changed big-time last week when South Carolina beat Kentucky, 31-6. It also changed the venue of ESPN’s College GameDay from Lexington, Kentucky, to Columbia, South Carolina. If the Gamecocks are to beat LSU, they are going to have to come up with an offense. They beat Kentucky on defense. Quite frankly, the South Carolina offense is one of the worst in the country. LSU doesn’t have a running game, but the Tigers have a big passing attack. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is averaging 303 yards a game through the air. South Carolina’s defense has its challenger there. Mike feasts on Cocky cordon bleu – LSU 23, South Carolina 16.

 

5. Oregon (2-0) at Oregon State (2-0) – (Big Ten vs. Pac-2) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – These two teams are rivals – it’s a “Civil War” when they play. But no one knows how much longer they will be competing against each other. They are no longer in the same conference. Oregon has had two close calls in its first two games, winning both by a combined 13 points. In spite of the precarious start, Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a Heisman Trophy candidate, is off to a great start. Gabriel has passed for 623 yards in two games, completing 84.7% of his passes. Oregon State’s strength is its ground game. The Beavers, in two games, are averaging 300 yards a game rushing. The Duck gives Benny a toothache – Oregon 27, Oregon State 22.

  

6. UNLV (2-0) at Kansas (1-1) – (MWC vs. Big 12) – 7 pm ET, Friday, ESPN – UNLV is off to a great start. The Rebels may be off to a great season. They are averaging 349 yards rushing in two games. UNLV’s defense isn’t bad either. All of this could be a problem for Kansas. The Jayhawks were stunned by Illinois last week, suffering four turnovers. Three of those turnovers were interceptions thrown by quarterback Jalon Daniels. Both Daniels and running back Devin Neal have yet to have a great game. They need one against UNLV. The Jayhawk makes the Rebels yell – Kansas 27, UNLV 25.

   

7. Washington State (2-0) at Washington (2-0) – (Pac-2 vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, Peacock – This contest is similar to the Oregon-Oregon State game – two longtime rivals who are no longer in the same conference. And it is not known how much longer this game will be played. Washington State has looked good in its first two games – especially in the win over Texas Tech. Quarterback John Mateer has passed for 467 yards and he also leads the team in rushing. The Cougars have a strong offense. It is their defense that is suspect. Washington has been good on offense and defense. But the defense has been the better of the two. In two games, the Huskies’ opponents have been weak. Quarterback Will Rogers has completed 78.9% of his passes. Harry chases Butch away – Washington 30, Washington State 26.

 

8. UCF (2-0) at TCU (2-0) – (Big 12 vs. Big 12) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, FOX –

We think UCF is good. We’re not real sure. The Knights have looked impressive in their wins over lackluster opponents. UCF’s offense is very strong, especially the rushing game. The Knights are averaging 419 yards a game – No. 1 in the country. Running back R.J. Harvey has done well. The defense has also looked good. It will be tested this week. TCU has really been good passing. Quarterback Josh Hoover has passed for 620 yards in two games. Both teams will find out what they have this week. The Knight can’t gig the Frog – TCU 27, UCF 26.

 

9. Arizona State (2-0) at Texas State (2-0) – (Big 12 vs. Sun Belt) – 7:30 pm ET, Thursday, ESPN – Texas State is one of the better Group of Five teams in the country. The Bobcats have a good quarterback in Jordan McCloud and a good running back in Ismail Mahdi. In two games, McCloud has passed for 547 yards, completing 68.4% of his passes. Last week, the Bobcats beat a good UTSA team, 49-10. Meanwhile, Arizona State has been surprising people. The Sun Devils may be better than expected. Running back Cameron Skattebo is better than expected. He has rushed for 311 yards in two games. ASU is averaging 294 yards a game on the ground. The Arizona State defense is good too, especially against the run – No. 2 in the country. The Bobcats take the Sun out of the Devils – Texas State 35, Arizona State 33.

  

10. West Virginia (1-1) at Pitt (2-0) – (Big 12 vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – Nothing like a good ole “Backyard Brawl.” It makes for excitement when WVU and Pitt get together. In two games this season, West Virginia’s offense has not been good, and its defense has been worse – especially the pass defense. The bad news for West Virginia: Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein has passed for 635 yards in two games. And he’s hitting on 66.1% of his throws. The good news for West Virginia: Pitt’s defense is pretty bad too. So, this could be a high-scoring game. Garrett Greene needs to get his passing game going for the Mountaineers. C.J. Donaldson and Jahiem White need to get their running game going for the Mounties. The Eers have the Panthers doing the Backyard Crawl – West Virginia 27, Pitt 19.

 

 

YE OLDE STOMOPING GROUNDS:

 

Texas A&M (1-1) at Florida (1-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – My dentist tells me word on the street in Gainesville says Billy Napier will be fired after the game if Florida loses. We’ll see how much my dentist knows. Then again, Florida might win. After all, Texas A&M has not been good on offense or defense. The Aggies might be just what the Gators need. Napier is going to alternate quarterback Graham Mertz and D.J. Lagway. That could be enough to throw the Aggies off. In his first start, Lagway passed for 456 yards last week. It’s all hanging in the balance for Napier. How soon after the game? – Texas A&M 21, Florida 20.

 

Northern Iowa (2-0) at Nebraska (2-0) – (MVC vs. Big Ten) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – After that win over Colorado last week, Nebraska has to be feeling pretty good. The offense played a good first half. The defense played well all game. The defense is definitely the better part of the Nebraska team. The offense really hasn’t come together yet. But quarterback Dylan Raiola has the potential. The Huskers can’t afford to sit back on their laurels. Northern Iowa is a feisty little team. But the Panthers aren’t quite what they used to be. Still, they can cause some problems. No problem is too big for Herbie – Nebraska 30, Northern Iowa 17.

 

Connecticut (1-1) at Duke (2-0) – (Ind. vs. ACC) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN – Last week, in Evanston, a rabbit brought the Dookies luck. They shouldn’t need much luck to subdue UConn. The Huskies have one of the worst, if not the worst, defenses in the country. Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy has passed for 533 yards in two games. The Devil’s in a blue dress – Duke 31, Connecticut 15.

 

Georgia (2-0) at Kentucky (1-1) – (SEC vs. SEC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – The perspective on this game sure changed after Kentucky’s loss to South Carolina. Believe it or not, the Wildcats are playing halfway decent defense. It’s the offense that stinks. So, the Cats might give Connor Beck a little bit of a problem. However, Kentucky’s offense won’t even cause Uga to blink. It’s going to be three-and-punt, three-and-punt, three-and-punt all day for Kentucky. The Wildcats’ punter may even need a break from the action. Uga soils the blue grass – Georgia 35, Kentucky 9.

 

UTSA (1-1) at Texas (2-0) – (AAC vs. SEC) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – Last week, UTSA was a no show against Texas State. I can’t imagine the Road Runners will have anything to show against Texas. Like the opening week against Colorado State, this should be one of those Texas games where Arch Manning sees a good bit of action. Quinn Ewers just needs to stay in long enough to keep his Heisman numbers up. On offense, UTSA has no running game. On defense, the Road Runners have nothing. The Road Runners go weep-weep – Texas 45, UTSA 7.

 

Notre Dame (1-1) at Purdue (1-0) – (Ind. Vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, CBS – I have to tell you, Notre Dame has one of the worst offenses in the country. And the Irish defense isn’t much better. Purdue’s offense and defense is looking pretty good. However, the Boilers have only played one game and it was against Indiana State. This game could end up being a good quarterback battle between Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard and Purdue’s Hudson Card. Boilers fizzle – Notre Dame 20, Purdue 17.

 

 

ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:

 

Memphis (2-0) at Florida State (0-2) – (AAC vs. ACC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN –

Stetson (2-0) at Furman (0-2) – (Pioneer vs. Southern) – 2 pm ET, Saturday….

 

Ball State (1-0) at Miami (2-0) – (MAC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ACCN….

FIU (1-1) at Florida Atlantic (0-2) – (C-USA vs. AAC) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

 

Bethune-Cookman (0-2) at Western Michigan (0-2) – (SWAC vs. MAC) – 6:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

South Florida (1-1) at Southern Miss (1-1) – (AAC vs. Sun Belt) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….

 

 

Quotes of the Week

 

“GameDay is great, but the idea that GameDay is going to LSU at South Carolina? I mean, that is one of the more bizarre GameDay choices in its history,” ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum, questioning ESPN’s decision to hold this week’s College GameDay in Columbia, South Carolina.

 

Touchdown Tom

https://collegefootballweek.blogspot.com

 

(Note: The next CFW – Week 3 Results – will be posted Monday morning, September 16.)