Season record: 6-3

Last week: 3-2 (Arizona +3.5, South Carolina +10, Kentucky +14, Kentucky/Florida u50, Missouri -18.5)

Another week in the books and we are starting to get an idea of how good some teams are. Last week, I had another positive record, but it did not start that way.

Houston dominated Arizona to start the day. The Cougars scored on their first two drives and raced out to a 31-0 first half lead. It was not the return to Houston that Kevin Sumlin was looking for as Arizona fell 45-18. Khalil Tate was held to yet another career-low in rushing yards as he ran seven times for eight yards.

It is time to write off the Arizona Wildcats. However, there is another team making noise in the desert. I will get to that later.

I had faith in South Carolina, and I was very wrong, as they fell 41-17. The Georgia Bulldogs are every bit as talented as they were a year ago when they went to the National Championship. Quarterback Jake Fromm was nearly perfect, completing 15 of 18 passes with a touchdown.

The Kentucky Wildcats finally did it and ended their 31-game losing streak to Florida. Kentucky quarterback Terry Wilson got it done through the air, passing for two touchdowns, and on the ground, running for 105 yards and a touchdown. The Wildcats came out victorious, 27-16. Kentucky easily covered as 14 point underdogs and the under hit despite the wild final play.

Kentucky scores on final play

The Internet found a way to make it even better.

Now set to “My Heart Will Go On”

Missouri once again obliterated an inferior out of conference opponent as they defeated Wyoming, 40-13. The Tigers outgained Wyoming 601 to 248 in offensive yards. Missouri quarterback Drew Lock had another great day throwing for 398 yards and 4 touchdowns. Missouri is now 2-0 for the first time under Barry Odom.

This week I am going to take a stab at a few more games, and even though I am diversifying my portfolio of picks, I must remind you that this is not financial advice. As I am sure you are aware that past performance is not indicative of future success.

That said, here is what I like this week.

Arizona State Sun Devils @ San Diego State Aztecs | September 15 | 9:30 PM CT | SDCCU Stadium

Line: Arizona State -5 | Total: 45.5

The haters were popping off when Arizona State hired Herm Edwards and they were wrong. The Arizona State Sun Devils are now 2-0 with an impressive opening win over UT-San Antonio and another win over #25 Michigan State. Now the Sun Devils are on the road to take on San Diego State. They will meet up with the Aztecs who rely on junior running back Juwan Washington. Washington has rushed for 314 yards and 4 touchdowns through two games. The Arizona State defense leads the country in rushing defense.

The old saying is that defense travels and Herm Edwards knows all about old sayings. The Herm train rolls on in San Diego. I’m taking Arizona State -5.5 and I expect them to leave it all on the grass.

Vanderbilt Commodores @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish | September 15 | 1:30 PM CT | Notre Dame Stadium

Line: Notre Dame -14 | Total: 52

Notre Dame and Vanderbilt are both 2-0. Notre Dame has wins over Michigan and Ball State, with margins of victory of seven and eight, respectively. Notre Dame has not been impressive on offense at all. Quarterback Brandon Wimbush has thrown only one touchdown through two games, while throwing four interceptions. Meanwhile, the running game has been less than stellar as they average only 2.8 yards per carry. The Vanderbilt defense has shown its teeth in the early part of the season only allowing 2.5 yards per carry.

Do not expect Vanderbilt quarterback Kyle Shurmur to be affected by the Notre Dame crowd. The senior has experienced plenty of road environments in the SEC. Shurmur has been effective in 2018, throwing for 2 touchdowns in each game while completing 67% of his passes.

OK, Vanderbilt, do not make me regret this. Vanderbilt +14 is my pick as I think the Commodores have a real chance at winning in South Bend.

LSU Tigers @ Auburn Tigers | September 15 | 2:30 PM CT | Jordan-Hare Stadium

Line: Auburn -10.5 | Total: 44.5

These teams are very similar as both have very good defenses and struggles on the offensive line. Naturally, Auburn is the favorite as the home team has won the last five meetings. There is a stat that favors LSU heavily, but I am not going to mention it to avoid the jinx.

The only thing left to say is LSU +10.5.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights @ Kansas Jayhawks | September 15 | 11:00 AM CT | Memorial Stadium

Line: Kansas -2.5 | Total: 44.5

The Jayhawks ran for a measly 56 yards in their loss to Nicholls. Enter Pooka Williams. The freshman running back ran 14 times for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns in a win over Central Michigan.

Rutgers comes into Lawrence fresh off an absolute beating at the hands of Ohio State. The Scarlet Knights were defeated 52-3 and dominated in all phases of the game.

The Jayhawks are not favored very often against Power 5 schools, but they are riding high after their big win a week ago. Give me Kansas -2.5.

Alabama Crimson Tide @ Ole Miss Rebels (Landsharks) | September 15 | 6:00 PM CT | Vaught-Hemingway Stadium

Line: Alabama -21 | Total: 71

Two of the best quarterbacks in the SEC, possibly all of college football, meet in Oxford this weekend. Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has thrown for six touchdowns and no interceptions while Ole Miss quarterback Jordan Ta’amu has thrown for seven touchdowns and no interceptions. Both teams have a nice complementary running game as well. Alabama has a trio of running backs in Damien Harris, Najee Harris, and Josh Jacobs who average almost seven yards a carry as a group. For Ole Miss, junior running back Scottie Phillips has rushed for 311 yards after two weeks in the season.

On the flip side, the Ole Miss defense has not put up much resistance. Last week, the Rebels’ defense gave up 629 yards to Southern Illinois. I do, however, expect a better effort this week despite the big step up in competition.

Ole Miss can play with anyone offensively, and while their defense will likely take away any chance at victory, I am going to take them +21.

Missouri Tigers @ Purdue Boilermakers | September 15 | 6:30 PM CT | Ross-Ade Stadium

Line: Missouri -6 | Total: 65.5

This one seems too easy, so I should probably approach with caution, but I cannot help myself. Purdue plays two quarterbacks, which means they do not have one. Missouri has Drew Lock, whose name is synonymous with how they typically fare against non-conference opponents.

Missouri -6! Lock it up!

OUTTA HERE!