Week 2 Picks: Yawn

Last week had some exciting games but little actual movement. Auburn snagged victory from the jaws of defeat vs. Utah State, LSU was impressive without their starting QB but Oregon couldn't get out of their own way, and Baylor upset the 'back-to-normal' TCU with no defense to speak of.

South Carolina @ Georgia
Draper: This is an absolute MUST win for Mark Richt after getting picked apart by Kellen Moore. The Cocks looked iffy under Connor Shaw but came back to beat down the ECU upset bid under Stephen Garcia. Hint to the Ole Ball Coach: Start Garcia. He is better. UGA will fight like mad between the hedges but Marcus Lattimore will throw his hat in the ring for the Heisman by running for 3-4 TDs in a booming start to the repeat bid for the SEC East champs. USC: 41--UGA: 30
Auer: After proving last week that the Dawgs are once again an overrated team, UGA will be in full desperation mode to win this week against the Cocks. Mark Richt is 7-2 in this series and should his defense find even a little bit of mojo, it should be a knock-down, drag-out type of game. Not to mention, Steve Spurrier is a douche. USC: 13--UGA: 21

Notre Dame @ Michigan
Draper: In my opinion, this is the most intriguing game of the weekend. Brian Kelly freaked on the sideline in the upset special by yours truly and swapped Crist for a 10 year old boy in Tommy Rees at QB. Michigan got 2 defensive TDs (yeah I'm stunned too) which led to a win over WMU that was much closer than the score indicated. Miscues killed WMU and ND last week. Look for the Irish to clean up their act this week. Without the turnovers, Wolverines can't score enough with Robinson running a pro-style offense. He'll try to carry the team but will end just short in the first night game in the Big House. ND: 33--UM: 31
Auer: After watching a decent chunk of last week's mostly rain-interrupted UM and ND games, it's clear that one of these teams has quickly regained some long-lost swagger, and the other still seems to be searching for direction. Losing at home on opening day to the South Florida Bulls is unacceptable and laughable for all who don a Notre Dame sweater in the falls. Brady Hoke looks to have UM back on the right track, with a solid offensive showing and a defense that just doesn't stand there when the other team has the ball. Both teams deserve to die a slow death, but I'm going with Big Blue as usual in this historical rivalry. ND: 17--UM: 41

Alabama @ Penn State
Draper: Just put this on here because it's a ranked non-conference matchup, but this should be a blow out (just like last year). Bama is too tough on defense for PSU to score consistently. While the Tide isn't going to wow the world on offense (5 turnovers vs. Kent State), they still scored 48. I expect the Paternos to hang for a half or so but it won't be close. Saban will congratulate JoePa on the win to make him happy (even though he lost by 30). Bama: 38--PSU: 13
Auer: As much as PeeSU is a hated Big Ten Rival, it would be oh so awesome to see the Crimson Tide of the Ess Eee Cee go down in flaming fashion. Unfortunately the Lions just don't have the horses to hang with 'Bama, and this one won't be as close as I would like it to be. The Tide's running game will carry them through this sure-to-be fired up atmosphere. Bama: 31--PSU: 9


Toledo @ Ohio State
Draper: The Bucks looked very strong versus the completely mismatched Zip squad but Toledo is a definite step up (although not world beaters). I loved what I saw from the Bullets last week and expect much of the same. The growth of Miller will continue while Bauserman continues his Krenzel game management. Joe B. looked solid last week reminding people that he was recruited to be more than a backup. I look to see if Jordan Hall will step back into the running back starter role after impressive performances from Smith and Hyde. Drew Basil will get on the right track with 2 field goals and will ease the special teams worries. Bucks win solidly. Toledo: 9--OSU: 34
Auer: The Bucks will come out again and show they are worthy or a higher ranking. Despite how poor of a challenge Akron was, I believe this year's Buckeye team is legitimate. Toledo does have recent wins over scUM and Purdon't, but I'm sorry, the silver bullets won't let them get close. Toledo: 6--OSU: 47

Upset Special: Draper: (ranking upset) ASU over Missouri and (betting upset) Utah over USC
Auer: Oregon State over Wisconsin