Season record: 2-2
Last week: 2-2 (Kansas -40.5, Ohio +23.5, Nicholls +40.5, UCLA/Cal over 53.5)
It was a mediocre start to start to the season as we find ourselves at .500 after one week of action. Kansas made it look easy in their 51-6 win over Long Island on Friday night. However, my two underdogs in Ohio and Nicholls were not able to stay inside the number. Ohio kept it close, but Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea threw a touchdown pass with 1:53 to make it a 49-21 final score. Nicholls, however, was never in it as they got rolled 71-3. So much for having a game under their belt. If only I picked the other team from Louisiana last week.
Onward we go…
Maryland Terrapins (1-0) @ UConn Huskies (1-0) | September 12 | 2:30 PM CT | Pratt & Whitney Stadium
Line: Maryland -12.5 | Total: 52.5
After one week of action, Maryland and UConn find themselves among the top defenses in the country in terms of yards per play. Maryland allowed only 1.7 yards per play in their win over Hampton while UConn allowed only 2.9 yards per play in their win over Lafayette.
This week, things will get tougher on both defenses. Maryland sophomore quarterback Malik Washington did not have a big day passing last week. It was the Terrapins’ ground game that did most of the work in their opener. Maryland piled up 365 rushing yards last week.
The UConn offense showed nice balance in their opener as they threw for 370 yards and rushed for 301 more. Quarterback Kalieb Osborne was impressive in both respects, with 265 passing yards and 90 rushing yards.
Osborne’s legs make him a true dual threat which could present a problem for the Maryland defense this week. Give me UConn +12.5.
#12 Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0) @ Kentucky Wildcats | September 12 | 2:30 PM CT | Kroger Field
Line: Alabama -10.5 | Total: 49.5
Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell’s debut received plenty of attention. Russell threw for 256 yards and ran for 86 more in the Crimson Tide’s 48-10 victory over East Carolina.
However, Kentucky quarterback Kenny Minchey was impressive in his own right. Minchey threw for four touchdown passes in his first start at Kentucky.
Minchey and the Kentucky offense rolled up 506 yards of offense against Youngstown State. Running backs Jason Patterson and CJ Baxter added 78 and 48 rushing yards, respectively.
As expected, new head coach Will Stein has added firepower to the Kentucky offense.
I am going with Kentucky +9.5.
UCF Knights (1-0) @ Pittsburgh Panthers (1-0) | September 12 | 2:30 PM CT | Acrisure Stadium
Line: Pittsburgh -7 | Total: 57.5
It is no secret that UCF wants to run the ball. The Knights ran for 360 yards in their season-opening win over Bethune-Cookman. Now, they will face a stout run defense in Pittsburgh. The Panthers were among the top run defenses in the country in 2025, allowing only 95.1 rushing yards per game. Pittsburgh picked up right where they left off in their opener, holding Miami of Ohio to 27 rushing yards.
Speaking of continued success, Pittsburgh Mason Heintschel followed up an impressive freshman campaign in dazzling fashion. Heintschel threw for 453 yards and 7 touchdowns in last week’s victory.
Heintschel may not throw for seven touchdowns this week, but I will take Pittsburgh -7 this week.
South Alabama Jaguars (1-0) @ Tulane Green Wave (0-1) | September 12 | 6:00 PM CT | Yulman Stadium
Line: Tulane -9.5 | Total: 49.5
After a season-opening loss to Duke, Tulane is making a change at quarterback. Kadin Semonza will start for the Green Wave.
Tulane is searching for answers after losing 17-3. Semonza threw for 140 yards on 11 of 21 passing.
Another area where the Green Wave need answers is stopping the run. Duke running back Nate Sheppard rushed for 227 yards on them last week.
South Alabama will pose another challenge with their trio of running backs, PJ Martin, Keenan Phillips, and Trae’von Dunbar. This group combined for 195 rushing yards in their win last week.
I do not care how cool the Mardi Gras jerseys are, I am taking South Alabama +9.5.
#1 Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0) @ #4 Texas Longhorns (1-0) | September 12 | 6:30 PM CT | Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium
Line: Texas -1.5 | Total: 49.5
Ohio State heading to Austin to take on Texas is undoubtedly the biggest game of the weekend. This matchup features stars galore in a rematch of what took place last August.
This year both got tune-up games heading into the big matchup. Ohio State throttled Ball State while Texas overwhelmed Texas State.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning and Ohio State Julian Sayin struggled in last year’s meetings. However, this year both enter with even higher expectations and a nice allotment of weapons. Manning’s newest target is wide receiver Cam Coleman, who transferred in from Auburn. The talented pass catcher had two touchdowns in his debut last week.
Coleman was not even the leading receiver for the Longhorns. That distinction went to Ryan Wingo, who went for 121 yards on 8 catches.
Manning should fare better at home against Ohio State this season. Also making his life easier will be the absence of Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, and Arvell Reese.
I am double-dipping here, with Texas -1.5 and over 49.5.
OUTTA HERE!
Clarknado Sports 