Week 2 picks - Return of the Buckasaurus

OHIO STATE +7 v. Southern California

I will admit right up front that this is a “gut feeling” pick and I don’t have any stats to back it up.

Normally Sir Pix a Lot would be unlikely to pick a Big 10 team against a fast, nonconference opponent and the Buckeyes have lost all of their big nonconference games over the past few years.

But it just looks like Vegas has finally over reacted to this trend, giving OSU a touchdown at home.

Throw out last week’s matchup with the Navy, as they are a unique and tough opponent and OSU was no doubt looking forward a bit to this game. I have a feeling that QB Pryor is due for a breakout game and the young USC defense might just lose track of somebody on a broken play.

The biggest reason I like OSU to cover here is that USC comes into the Horseshoe with a true freshman QB playing his first road game. Also, USC has had one or two slip ups on the road each of the past few seasons. If Ohio State can score on defense the Buckeyes might just get a big time win for the Big 10.

TEXAS CHRISTIAN -11 @ Virginia

Virginia lost at home 26-14 to 1-AA William & Mary last week.

Virginia’s new spread offense flopped out of the gate by giving up 7 turnovers with three different Virginia QBs all struggling.

This is not a good sign for their matchup with TCU. TCU was #1 in total defense and #2 in scoring defense last season and star DE Jerry Hughes led the nation with 15 sacks and 6 forced fumbles.

The ACC looked pitiful last week, going 0-4 against teams from other BCS conferences and only 3-2 against 1-AA competition. Take the Horned Frogs in a blowout.

HOUSTON +15.5 @ Oklahoma State

I guess T. Boone and that silly theme song had the last laugh last week. I still think OSU is overrated though, as Georgia practically gave them the game with turnovers and poor special teams.

This week I am betting that Okie St. will have a let down after capturing a win in their “biggest non-Oklahoma game ever” and getting patted on the back all week.

Houston is led by a quick and accurate passer in QB Keenum and is super potent on offense, coming in second in the nation in total offense last season.

This is a really big spread against a high scoring team that will keep passing until the final gun.

Even if the Cowboys come out strong and take control of the game, Houston will keep plugging away and a soft late TD could cover the spread.

EAST CAROLINA +6.5 @ West Virginia

Last year ECU dominated in a 24-3 win. West Virginia is trying to break in a new QB to replace Pat White in an offense that is extremely QB dependent.

ECU senior QB Pinkney has tons of experience and won’t be intimidated going on the road. I also like Skip Holtz in the coaching matchup with glorified cheerleader Bill Stewart.