Each week during the college football season, Sportsvival will select six of the biggest and most interesting games for our weekly Pick-6. We will provide a quick preview of every matchup, identify some of the top NFL Draft prospects to watch and make a final score prediction. Week 2 gives us a Top 5 showdown, several major non-conference tests and a pair of heated rivalry games.
Pick 1: #1 Ohio State at #4 Texas
The biggest game of Week 2 brings together two legitimate national championship contenders. Ohio State looked dominant during its 56-3 victory over Ball State, while Texas rolled past Texas State, 59-7. The Buckeyes have one of the most dangerous passing combinations in college football with quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Texas will counter with Arch Manning, who gets another opportunity to prove that he can deliver against an elite opponent. The Longhorns have the home-field advantage, but Ohio State appears to have more explosive playmakers.
NFL Draft prospects to watch: WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State; QB Arch Manning, Texas; EDGE Colin Simmons, Texas
Sportsvival prediction: Ohio State 31, Texas 27
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Pick 2: #9 Oklahoma at #23 Michigan
Michigan may be 1-0, but the Wolverines looked like a team that deserved to lose against Western Michigan. They committed three turnovers and needed a controversial second chance followed by a last-second Hail Mary to escape with a 13-12 victory. Oklahoma had no such problems, dominating UTEP, 51-0. The Sooners will pressure Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood and force him to make quick decisions. Michigan must protect the football and establish its running game if it wants to avoid another disappointing performance.
NFL Draft prospects to watch: QB John Mateer, Oklahoma; DT David Stone, Oklahoma; CB Jyaire Hill, Michigan
Sportsvival prediction: Oklahoma 27, Michigan 17
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Pick 3: Missouri at Kansas
Neither Missouri nor Kansas is currently ranked in the Sportsvival Top 25, but the return of the Border War makes this one of the most interesting games of Week 2. These programs do not like each other, and the atmosphere in Lawrence should be outstanding. Missouri appears to have the stronger overall roster, but rivalry games are often decided by turnovers, special teams and fourth-quarter execution. Kansas will need its offense to create explosive plays and keep Missouri from controlling the clock.
NFL Draft prospects to watch: QB Austin Simmons, Missouri; EDGE Damon Wilson II, Missouri; QB Isaiah Marshall, Kansas
Sportsvival prediction: Missouri 30, Kansas 24
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Pick 4: #6 Oregon at Oklahoma State
Oregon survived a serious challenge from Boise State, winning 34-27 after entering the season ranked fourth by Sportsvival. Quarterback Dante Moore passed for 378 yards and three touchdowns, but the Ducks cannot afford another slow start in Stillwater. Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker is one of the most intriguing draft-eligible quarterbacks in the country and could turn this game into a shootout. Oregon owns the deeper and more talented roster, but Oklahoma State is dangerous enough offensively to keep the pressure on the Ducks.
NFL Draft prospects to watch: QB Dante Moore, Oregon; DT A’Mauri Washington, Oregon; QB Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
Sportsvival prediction: Oregon 38, Oklahoma State 27
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Pick 5: Arizona State at #11 Texas A&M
Texas A&M opened its season with a dominant 50-0 victory over Missouri State, while Arizona State crushed Morgan State, 70-7. Both teams looked impressive, but this game will give us a much better idea of where they stand nationally. Quarterback Marcel Reed gives the Aggies a dangerous dual-threat weapon, while linebacker Taurean York is the leader of an athletic Texas A&M defense. Arizona State must handle the crowd at Kyle Field, protect the football and prevent the Aggies from taking control early.
NFL Draft prospects to watch: QB Marcel Reed, Texas A&M; LB Taurean York, Texas A&M; RB Raleek Brown, Arizona State
Sportsvival prediction: Texas A&M 34, Arizona State 20
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Pick 6: Iowa State at #21 Iowa
The battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy is usually physical, emotional and decided by a small number of critical plays. Iowa looked outstanding in its 40-0 victory over Northern Illinois, while Iowa State defeated Southeast Missouri, 38-10. Cyclones quarterback Jaylen Raynor accounted for four touchdowns in the opener and gives Iowa State a playmaker capable of challenging Iowa’s defense. The Hawkeyes will try to control field position, establish the running game and force Raynor into mistakes. Expect another close, low-scoring rivalry game.
NFL Draft prospects to watch: QB Jaylen Raynor, Iowa State; EDGE Isaac “Bobby” Terrell, Iowa State; RB Kamari Moulton, Iowa
Sportsvival prediction: Iowa 20, Iowa State 17
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Sportsvival’s Week 2 Pick-6 Selections
Ohio State over Texas, 31-27
Oklahoma over Michigan, 27-17
Missouri over Kansas, 30-24
Oregon over Oklahoma State, 38-27
Texas A&M over Arizona State, 34-20
Iowa over Iowa State, 20-17
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