One week down, not enough to go.  Last week’s big game was a clunker, as Alabama dominated Michigan.  This week’s lineup features much better matchups throughout the day, highlighted by a couple of big SEC openers.  One piece of interesting info I wanted to share before I move on to the games of the week.  Florida State is expected to have the largest spread in the history of college football.  Poor Savannah State.  For FSU fans (me included), this game will be available live and in replay on ESPN3, you’ll just need a My Services account to watch the game.

Now onto the picks!

Early Game to Watch:  UCF @ Ohio State (noon ET)

This game features two programs that are both ineligible for postseason play because of NCAA sanctions.  For UCF, this will most likely be the biggest game they play all season.  A win against the Buckeye’s in the Horseshoe could put this program back on solid footing as they move to the Big East.  UCF beat one Ohio team last week, can they do it again?

Ohio State will count on Sophomore QB Braxton Miller to keep the upset from happening.  He was average at best last year as the Buckeye’s stumbled to a 6-7 record, but look good last week after a slow start.  Urban Meyer has brought excitement and hope to the mighty Buckeyes, but will that transition to wins?  We shall see.

Other Games to Watch:
Auburn @ Mississippi State (noon ET)
Miami @ Kansas State (noon ET)
North Carolina @ Wake Forest (3:00pm ET)

Midday Game to Watch: Florida @ Texas A&M (3:30pm ET)

Welcome to the SEC, Aggies!  Texas A&M is officially welcomed to the conference this week and this is a team definitely in transition.  The Aggies were a trendy pick to win the Big 12 last year and disappointed big time.  Kevin Sumlin was hired away from Houston to replace the fired Mike Sherman and he brings a high powered offensive philosophy to the Aggies.  He’ll need to replace last year’s starting QB Ryan Tannehill, who was drafted by the Dolphins with the 8^th pick in the NFL draft.  Johnny Manziel will be the guy expected to do it and he’ll also have the honor of be the first Freshman to start an opener for the Aggies in 68 years.

The Gators season opener against Bowling Green didn’t go as planned, but they still walked away with a win.  They also think they found a starting QB in Jeff Driskel.   Driskel completed 10 of 16 passes for 114 years and a TD, but he’ll need to do a lot more if the Gators are going to win on the road.

Other Games to Watch:
USC vs Syracuse (3:30pm ET)
Purdue @ Notre Dame (3:30pm ET)
Savannah State @ FSU (6:00pm ET) This game will be on ESPN3.com only.  You can use your free My Services account to watch the game.  Sign up now

Late Game to Watch: Georgia @ Missouri (7:45pm ET)

Another “Welcome to the SEC Game” highlights the late game for Week 2 of the college football schedule.  These two teams have faced each other only 1 time before, in the 1960 Orange Bowl.  Georgia won that game 14-0, I have a feeling the score will be a little different this time around.

Georgia’s high powered offense is lead by Heisman hopeful Aaron Murray.  Murray threw for over 3,000 yard and 35 TDs last season and he started right where he left off last season against Buffalo.  While the offense did their part by scoring 45 points, the defense struggled a little, allowing 23 points.  The Tigers are a much more potent team than the Bulls, so the D is going to have to step up if the Bulldogs are going to win their conference opener.

Other Games to Watch:
Washington @ LSU (7:00pm ET)
Nebraska @ UCLA (7:30pm ET)
Oklahoma State @ Arizona (10:30pm ET)