With David posting his Week 3 NFL picks earlier this week, I feel somewhat obligated to predict this weekend's biggest college football games. After I nailed all three picks last weekend, why not try to keep the streak alive?
↵#14 Arkansas Razorbacks at #3 Alabama Crimson Tide - 2:30 PM, CBS
After struggling to put away Troy last weekend, I have a hard time believing that the Razorbacks will be much of a challenge for Alabama. This game pits Arkansas' high-scoring offense against Nick Saban's suffocating Crimson Tide defense. Arkansas squandered a late two-score lead last year in Fayetteville, but I think Alabama leads wire to wire this afternoon.
Prediction: Alabama 30, Arkansas 17
#7 Oklahoma State Cowboys at #8 Texas A&M Aggies - 2:30 PM, ABC
I have personally been waiting for this game for a while, and I can't wait to see both high-octane offenses square off against each other. The winner of this game will certainly have the best chance of unseating Oklahoma for the Big 12 title and a BCS bowl berth. It's tough to give either team's offense an advantage, but I do feel more confident in A&M's defense over the Cowboys. Defensive coordinator Tim Deruyter is doing great things in College Station with the 3-4, and I think the Aggies get a few stops and force some turnovers late to win this one.
Prediction: Texas A&M 38, Oklahoma State 34
#11 Florida State Seminoles at #21 Clemson Tigers - 2:30 PM, ESPN
After suffering a shoulder injury in last weekend's loss to Oklahoma, Florida State QB E.J. Manuel's status is still uncertain. This game is very significant to the ACC standings, and Clemson is most certainly on cloud nine after beating Auburn last Saturday. Clemson accounted for 624 total yards, but I think Florida State presents a much tougher challenge on defense than Auburn did. I'm making this prediction assuming that Manuel plays and leads the Noles to a victory. If he doesn't play, Clemson wins by two scores.
Prediction: Florida State 24, Clemson 21
#2 LSU Tigers at #16 West Virginia Mountaineers - 7:00 PM, ABC
This is my upset special of the week folks, LSU is going down. I'm expecting a raucous environment in Morgantown tonight, and I think the Mountaineers' spread attack is going to confuse the Tigers. Don't get me wrong; LSU's defense is one of the best in the country, but West Virginia QB Geno Smith is the real deal. Unless Les Miles connects with some big-time trick plays, I think LSU loses by a field goal.
Prediction: West Virginia 31, LSU 28