A Huge CFB Week Two Features LSU-Texas, Cal-Washington, Stanford- USC, and Texas A&M-Clemson

Week One in college football is always a little anti-climactic. Sure the season is starting and the energy is high, but then you see the opposing teams of most of the ranked teams, and then you see the halftime scores of most of the games, and, well, you already start looking forward to week two.

Well, this year, week two doesn’t disappoint. Two Top Ten teams battle it out in Texas, huge conference games start in the Pac 12, and the top ranked team has to stay focused against a team that came close to upsetting them last year.

Let’s break down some of the bigger games.

No. 6 LSU (-235) at No. 9 Texas (+175)

The biggest game of the weekend takes place in Austin, where Texas faces a huge statement game against LSU. What’s the statement? Well, in a nutshell, that UT is back. Sure last year they beat Oklahoma, then made it to the Big 12 title game, and beat Georgia in the Sugar Bowl to finish in the Top 10, but the folks in Austin aren’t here for “pretty good.” A win against a higher ranked opponent this early in the year would help them take the next step towards being a perennial CFB title contender. 

So what’s this year look like? In their opener against Louisiana Tech, Texas QB Sam Ehlinger looked sharp, going 28/38 with 4 TDs and zero interceptions. And the D shut down the Bulldogs for three quarters before the backups gave up 14 late points. But the young men from Louisiana State are a pale comparison to their in-state compatriots the Louisiana State.

LSU once again has a dynamic, speedy defense, which should give Ehlinger and his beat up set of running backs fits. And for the first time in a while, the Tigers look to have some offense to match their defensive prowess, with Joe Burrow looking sharp in the first game, albeit against Georgia Southern. 

The key to the game will be the Texas O-line. If they can keep the speedy LSU D in check and give Ehlinger time to make decisions, look for Texas to force it’s way into the national title conversation. But, for us, the Tigers still look like the better team, even being on the road and even with the power of McConaughey.

California ( +390) at No. 14 Washington (-625)

Last year, Cal played spoiler to UW’s season with their win in Berkeley, 12-10, a game in which the Bears D completely befuddled what had previously been a strong Huskies offense, especially Jake Browning, who ended up being pulled by Coach Chris Peterson. This year, the Huskies have a different quarterback, Jacob Eason, a different set of receivers, led by the acrobatic Aaron Fuller, and have restocked the defense with a new set of weapons.

Cal looks strong again on defense, led by LB Evan Weaver and a set of big, aggressive defensive backs. But they’re less strong on offense, and in Husky Stadium at night, it’ll be a tough ask against this new Husky D.

Look for Eason to show off the difference between his arm and Browning’s, while giving Huskies’ TE Hunter Bryant a bunch of deep balls to haul in in a revenge game against the Bears.

No 12 Texas A&M (+500) at No. 1 Clemson (-835)

Last year, Texas A&M put a rare scare into the Tigers, coming up just short 28-26 in a strange early-season game that saw an ineffective Trevor Lawrence replaced in the 2^nd half by Kelly Bryant, Travis Etienne only had 8 carries, and WR Justyn Ross was only on the field for one snap. While the Aggies are brewing with confidence after last week’s huge defensive effort (only 8 rushing yards and 7 points against Texas State) Clemson is a whole different beast. If you want to take Texas A&M, look at the spread, but Clemson won’t be surprised this year by the Aggies, and they’re at home.  

No. 23 Stanford (+123) at USC (+162)

A much different game than anyone thought in the pre-season, with Trojans QB J.T. Daniels out for the season and replaced by freshman Kedon Slovis, and Stanford star QB K.J. Costello having to sit out with a concussion and replaced by 5-star recruit Davis Mills. 

So with so much inexperience at QB, we look to the defenses to see who will take advantage. Last week, Stanford took on the challenge of a good Northwestern team and only allowed 4 of their 12 drives to enter Stanford territory on the way to a 17-7 win. Meanwhile, USC allowed 23 points to Fresno State, despite a strong debut by freshman defensive lineman Drake Jackson.

Stanford and David Shaw rarely have an off game, and they seem the stronger team against a USC team that still seems lost in their search for an identity.

Have fun and good luck!!!