Week 2 Predictions

#12 Clemson (1-0, 0-0) vs Ball St (1-0, 1-0)

When: Saturday, September, 8 2012, 12:30 PM
Where: Clemson, SC, Memorial Stadium

Preview: 

Ball State returns to Death Valley for the first time since 2002 when the Tigers defeated the Cardinals 30-7. Ball State has lost their last 12 games against Top 25 opponents Both teams are coming off wins to start the season. Last week, Clemson knocked off Auburn in Atlanta in the Georgia Dome 26-19 Saturday evening while Ball St beat Eastern Michigan 37-26 on Aug. 30. Both teams run an high-tempo offense which should make for an "exciting" fast-paced game.

Prediction:

Clemson answered a lot of questions last weekend, though some are still on the table and a few new came to surface. Many people thought the Tigers could not win without wide out Sammy Watkins. DeAndre Hopkins made sure the entire nation knew how dangerous of a threat he was reeling in a school record 13 receptions.  Arguably the biggest one of his career thus far in the 4th quarter that put the Tigers head 23-19. Andre Ellington is finally healthy and the star RB leads the nation in rushing after opening weekend with 228 yards. Watkins will be sitting out this game as well but will be on the sidelines to cheer on his teammates. Dabo Swinney praises Ball States QB Keith Wenning. The mobile and dangerous dual threat QB threw for 267 yards against E. Michigan last week. RB Jawhan  Edwards in the backfield is also no scrub and rushed for a career best 200 yards on 20 carries last week. Ball St also runs an up-tempo offense and ran nearly 90 plays in Week 1. (Clemson ran 87) This will be the first game in Death Valley since Clemson was crowned ACC Champions. It should be a great "homecoming". Lets be serious, if Clemson takes care of business and "plays to the standard set..against a faceless, nameless opponent" as Dabo has noted, the Tigers should have no issues. Should be a great opportunity to get young players some action and experience that should be helpful later in the season.

The Pick:
Clemson 40 Ball State 21

#9 South Carolina (1-0, 0-0) vs East Carolina (1-0,0-0)

When: Saturday, September 8, 12:30pm
Where: Columbia, SC, Williams Brice Stadium

Preview:

South Carolina opens up home-play Saturday when ECU comes calling. Last year ECU gave the then ranked #12 Gamecocks a headache and took a 24-14 lead into halftime. However, S. Carolina was too much in the 2nd half and they rallied and won 56-37 in a game that was played in the Panthers' Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Lattimore was huge in that game scoring 3tds and racking up 112 yards on the ground. Based on last year added with the possiblity of having to play without Shaw, the Gamecocks have to be extremely focused at the task at hand or could find themselves in a dog fight this Saturday. Both teams will look to move to 2-0 on the year as South Carolina beat Vanderbilt 17-13  and East Carolina had their way with App St 35-13 in week one.

Prediction:

Last season, this game started off as a nightmare for Steve Spurrier's crew but he made some adjustments and in the end, ECU couldn't keep up in the 2nd half. Again this year South Carolina "should" be able to handle this game but it is one that should be approached carefully. As of Thursday evening, Shaw's status is still in the air and he, according to Spurrier, will be a "game-time decision". Shaw however believes he will be ready. It will be interesting to see who is under center when the Gamecocks take the field. If Shaw does play how effective will he be and will play-calling me altered to protect him more? Lattimore will again be the difference this year. Playing at home for the first time since his leg injury last season he will be fired up to be back in front of the Gamecock faithful. I think he is the difference and has a monster game. HOWEVER, I do exepect this one to be scrappy. It may not be pretty, but South Carolina will get it done.

The Pick:

South Carolina 27  ECU 14




Take Your Pick: Week 2         My Record: (6-3) 


I was 6-3 opening weekend and nearly came out 7-2 but my upset pick of Ga Tech over Va Tech fell just short. Anyways, I'll take the good start and hope to keep it rolling this week. Here. We. Go!!!!

Spotlight Game of the Week

#7 UGA travels to new SEC newcomer Missouri in a prime time feature at Faurot Field in Columbia, MO.
Veteran QB Aaron Murray with weapons not only on the ground with Gurley (pictured right) who rushed for 100 yards and 2 TDs last week on 8 carries, but through the air with Tavarres King who also surpassed the century mark and added a TD against Buffalo. UGA's defense is among the best in the nation. Missouri also had a 100 yard rusher last week in Kendial Lawrence who racked up 121 yards a 2 TD's. The Tigers defeated Southern Lousiana 62-10 in opening week. It should be a great atmosphere in Columbia as reports say the game is a sellout. However, UGA is just too talented on both sides of the ball. Bulldogs get it done and open up SEC play with a win.

The Pick:

Georgia 27  Missouri 13


Other Picks:


#1 Alabama over Western Kentucky
#2 USC over Syracuse
#3 LSU over Washington
#13 Wisconsin over Oregon State
#16 Nebraska over UCLA
#19 Michigan over Air Force Academy
#21 Kansas St over Miami (FL)
#22 ND over Purdue
Furman over Coastal Carolina
Georgia Tech over Presbyterian College

Upset Watch 

Texas A&M over #24 Florida