Xavier Hutchinson. AP Photo/Matthew Putney
UNC at Georgia State, Noon ET
I’m placing UNC on upset alert for this one, people. The Tar Heels are 2-0 on the season, however they barely escaped at App State final week, successful because of a failed two-point conversion try. In truth, UNC’s protection gave up a whopping 40 factors and 338 yards of offense within the fourth quarter alone.
Instead of returning house, the Tar Heels should go on the highway as soon as once more to face Georgia State at Center Parc Stadium. Although the Panthers misplaced 35-14 at South Carolina final week, Georgia State trailed solely 12-7 at halftime. Two blocked punts returned for touchdowns within the second half helped the Gamecocks draw back.
Georgia State completed with 200 speeding yards towards South Carolina and was led by senior Jamyest Williams, who had 76 yards on 13 carries. Panthers quarterback Darren Grainger added 111 yards and a landing with an interception within the air.
This one must be enjoyable. I’ve a sense UNC is due for an upset after final week.
Prediction: Georgia State 28, UNC 26
Iowa State at Iowa, 4 p.m. ET
This in-state rivalry, colloquially referred to as El Assico, must be enjoyable. Iowa has a present six-game successful streak on this rivalry and received 27-17 final 12 months regardless of being an underdog for the primary time since 2000. The Hawkeyes are an early three-point favourite, doubtless on account of this one being on Iowa’s house turf.
But Iowa struggled in Week 1, to say the least. The Hawkeyes barely defeated FCS South Dakota State 7-3 at house. Iowa scored seven factors, nevertheless it’s not as a result of it scored a landing. The Hawkeyes scored seven factors with a discipline purpose and two safeties.
Iowa State is 1-0 after beating Southeast Missouri State 42-10 on Saturday. Cyclones quarterback Hunter Dekkers was spectacular in his debut, throwing for 293 yards and 4 touchdowns with one interception. Running again Jirehl Brock added 104 yards and a landing, as properly.
I’m stunned Iowa opened as the favourite right here, and I would not be stunned if that line flips because the week progresses. I just like the Cyclones to interrupt the six-game shedding streak towards the Hawkeyes,
Prediction: Iowa State 35, Iowa 14
Old Dominion at East Carolina, 6 p.m. ET
These groups are coming off two very completely different video games. Old Dominion upset Virginia Tech on Friday evening, successful 20-17 at house. It was the Monarchs’ second win at house towards the Hokies—Old Dominion beat VT 49-35 in 2018. It was an enormous assertion win for Old Dominion, which is in its ninth 12 months within the FBS.
East Carolina, in the meantime, had an opportunity to knock off then-No. 13 NC State on Saturday at house. The Pirates scored what ought to have been a game-tying landing with lower than three minutes left. But kicker Owen Daffer missed the additional level, permitting the upset to slide via ECU’s fingertips.
The Pirates have received the 2 current video games on this sequence in 2018 and 2019. In 2019’s victory, ECU led 17-3 at halftime however gave up 18 second-half factors to permit Old Dominion to climb again into it. The Pirates needed to get better a Monarch onside kick to place the sport away. Saturday’s recreation must be shut all through, however I just like the Pirates at house.
Prediction: East Carolina 24, Old Dominion 21
Georgia Southern at Nebraska, 7:30 p.m. ET
In another season, this recreation would not be elaborated on in anyway. But given how badly Nebraska has struggled the final couple of weeks, it is on right here.
The Cornhuskers, who misplaced 31-28 to Northwestern in Ireland in Week 0, struggled in Week 1 towards FCS North Dakota at house.
The recreation was tied 7-7 at halftime, and it was nonetheless only a one-score recreation on the finish of the third quarter, with Nebraska having a 24-17 lead heading into the fourth. Nebraska scored two unanswered touchdowns within the fourth quarter, however the Cornhuskers face a a lot stronger opponent in Georgia Southern this week.
The Eagles are 1-0, with a 59-7 victory over FCS Morgan State final week. Georgia Southern quarterback Kyle Vantrease had a formidable day, throwing for 367 yards with 4 touchdowns and one interception. Georgia Southern added 4 extra touchdowns on the bottom from working backs OJ Arnold, Gerald Green and Jalen White, who had two scores.
Obviously Nebraska advantages from getting this one at house, and that is the one purpose I’m not calling for this to be an upset outright. Unfortunately, Scott Frost has to face Brent Venables and Oklahoma in Week 4.
Prediction: Nebraska 34, Georgia Southern 31
Oregon State at Fresno State, 10:30 p.m. ET
If you are wanting for a enjoyable nightcap Saturday, then this recreation is for you. Both groups are 1-0, as Oregon State beat Boise State 34-17 and Fresno State defeated Cal Poly 35-7 in Week 1.
The Beavers path this sequence 5-8 all-time, however this system appears improved below fifth-year head coach Jonathan Smith in 2022 after making a bowl recreation final 12 months. Against Boise State, the Beavers led 24-0 at halftime and did not actually let their opponent again into it. Fresno State, who has quarterback Jake Haener getting back from final season, had no issues towards the Mustangs.
Oregon State can maintain this one shut, however Fresno State will pull it out at house. Chance Nolan had a combined outing towards Boise, throwing for 251 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. Haener ought to have the sting on this quarterback battle. He threw for 377 yards and two touchdowns final week towards Cal Poly.
Prediction: Fresno State 38, Oregon State 35
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