Season record: 5-5-1

Last week: 2-2-1 (Florida/Ole Miss over 57, Pittsburgh -3, LSU -16.5, Georgia -26, Texas A&M -30.5)

The struggle to get over .500 is real. It all started when LSU failed to cover, which is exactly what their defensive backs did on the field as Mississippi State threw for 623 yards. However, it is a new week and that means new opportunity.

TCU Horned Frogs (0-1) @ #9 Texas Longhorns (2-0) | October 3 | 11:00 AM CT | Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium

Line: Texas -13 | Total: 62.5

Texas survived an overtime shootout against Texas Tech last week. The Longhorn defense gave up 447 yards of offense, but did force three turnovers.

Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger continues to marvel. Against Texas Tech, Ehlinger threw five touchdowns and completed passes to nine different receivers. He also had a nice day running the ball with 69 yards and a touchdown.

TCU had 499 yards of offense against Iowa State. However, the Horned Frogs struggled to put together drives most of the day. Two of their touchdowns were scored in the fourth quarter, with one being at the final whistle.

I do not see TCU challenging the Texas defense the way that Texas Tech did. Ehlinger and the Texas offense are playing with a ton of confidence, so I am going with Texas -13.

#13 Texas A&M Aggies (1-0) @ #2 Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0) |October 3 | 2:30 PM CT | Bryant-Denny Stadium

Line: Alabama -17 | Total: 51.5

Alabama dominated Missouri as they typically do against opening week opponents. However, the final score shows they only won 38-19. Defensive mistakes allowed Missouri to score 16 points in the second half.

I expect Nick Saban to emphasize that all week in practice in preparation for Texas A&M. The Aggies are coming off of a pedestrian win against Vanderbilt. In what should have been a beatdown, Texas A&M won 17-12.

Texas A&M Kellen Mond has yet to turn the corner. Mond threw for 189 yards and a touchdown, and also lost two fumbles. I have little faith that he can keep pace in a game against Alabama’s passing game and their talented receiver. Mond will also be facing a hungry, talented defense.

Alabama -17

#17 Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-0) @ Kansas Jayhawks (0-2) | October 3 | 2:30 PM CT | David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

Line: Oklahoma State -21 | Total: 54

Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders is expected to play this weekend after missing the West Virginia game due to injury. This should be a big boost for the Cowboys’ offense.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ defense has been impressive. Through two games, they have only allowed 20 points.

Then there is Kansas. The Jayhawks finished 3-9 last season, and look to be on a similar road this season. In their first two games, Kansas has been outscored 85-37.

On Saturday, I expect more of the same. Oklahoma State -21 is the pick.

#7 Auburn Tigers (1-0) @ #4 Georgia Bulldogs (1-0) | October 3 | 6:30 PM CT | Sanford Stadium

Line: Georgia -7 | Total: 44.5

After giving up a touchdown on Kentucky’s opening series, Auburn tightened up and only surrendered 13 points on the day. Similarly, Georgia fell behind Arkansas 7-0. The Bulldogs would rally to win by a score of 37-10.

These are two teams that can turn it up defensively. Last season, both teams were both top 20 nationally in scoring defense. While Auburn lost key players on defense, the returning unit shined in the opener against Kentucky. Georgia, meanwhile, has eight returning starters on a defense that led the country in scoring defense.

Both offenses have question marks heading into this game. Auburn was not very effective running the ball against Kentucky. In fact, quarterback Bo Nix was their leading rusher with 34 yards. Georgia was better in the rushing department, but must address who will be the starter at quarterback moving forward. Freshman D’Wan Mathis started, but was pulled due to mistakes. Stetson Barrett came in and led the comeback with 211 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Also in the mix is J.T. Daniels, an incoming transfer from USC. Daniels was recently cleared to play as he comes off a knee injury suffered last September.

I am going with under 45. It is not my favorite handicapping tool to use, but recent history suggests this will be a low scoring affair. The past three meetings have been as follows:

All of these games fall well short of the posted total. I am going to ride that trend.

#18 Oklahoma Sooners (1-1) @ Iowa State Cyclones (1-1) | October 3 | 6:30 PM CT | MidAmerican Energy Field at Jack Trice Stadium

Line: Oklahoma -7 | Total: 62.5

Through two games, Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler has thrown for eight touchdowns. He has also thrown three interceptions, which all came against Kansas State. Rattler’s mistakes cost the Sooners as they fell 38-35.

The Oklahoma defense had struggles of its own as Kansas State came back to score 17 points in the fourth quarter. Kansas State quarterback had 334 passing yards on the day.

After a disappointing loss to UL-Lafayette, Iowa State rebounded to defeat TCU. Quarterback Brock Purdy’s improved play was a big reason. Purdy threw for 211 yards and a touchdown, completing 18 of 23 passes. Running back Breece Hall was also a huge part of the offense, running for 155 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Oklahoma is going to score points and Iowa State will, too. I am going over 62.5.

OUTTA HERE!