Week 2 Predictions: Buffies at Huskers

Mike: Ah, yes. The most fickle fan base in college football reemerges like cicadas after their long slumber underground. (And just as noisy, I might add…)

Andy: Like the screechy fan klan of screechy brat Caitlin Clark, the Beef-aloes have a crowd of “lifetime” fans of their own and Saturday night they must be tolerated. No need to treat them like they tend to treat their guests. But let them hear the noise. (Why did I throw CC in there? Because Iowa appears to be the only state besides Colorado cheering for CU and I just enjoy upsetting those creeps.)

Texas (-7.5) at Michigan

Mike: This is one of those games where I don’t want either team to win. Bottom line to me, though, is that Michigan has way too many holes still to fill, as their season opener against Fresno State showed. Bovines 38, Weasels 20

Patrick: The University of Texas 32 The University of Michigan 17

Nate M: Did you know that Michigan’s coach Sherrone Moore doesn’t even have a contract?

Texas should win by 18.

Jarek: Texas looks like it should not struggle against this Michigan team, while the Michigan QB situation needs to be a lot more improved than last week. I hate all things Texas, but cannot deny the overall talent they possess. Horns down 31 Meeeeechigan 17

Andy: Texas brings back the core of a competitive playoff team which has won 7 straight true road games including ‘Bama. Michigan’s head coach celebrated his natty by blowing town ahead of his sanctions and taking the core of his staff with him as their offense loses 10 starters and the D loses 5 NFL draft picks.

It’s not like they’re suddenly without talent, but that’s a big hit. They may keep beating the “us against the world” drum, but it’s starting to sound a bit silly the denials ring hollower and hollower. It pains me dearly because I’m all for giving the entire state of Texas to Mexico, but- Burger Meat 27 Michigan 10

Iowa State (+2.5) at Iowa

Mike: Neither team started their season all that impressively against FCS opponents. Iowa’s offense improved in the second half greatly, for what it’s worth. Iowa State let North Dakota control too much clock on the ground, and that would seem to be a formula Iowa can exploit. Squawkeyes 20, Clones 13

Patrick: The University of Iowa 23 Iowa State University 17

Nate M: Iowa wins by only scoring 10 points.

Jarek: My in-laws are all Iowa State fans/alums, and my insider information tells me that the run defense is suspect at best. Couple in the fact that the Clones’ best linebacker got hurt, and I don’t see how the Hawkeyes even attempt a pass. Unfortunately, Iowa 17 Iowa State 10

Andy: Iowa St. was the better team last year but a pick allowed Iowa to pull it out. (And why couldn’t more of the parents of future Iowa fans have pulled it out just for the common good? But I digress.) A second half offensive explosion after wearing down Illinois St. gives me zero confidence the Squawk offense has improved at all. Play it safe and bet the mortgage on the Unders, but let’s say the Cyclones send a deathly pale Kinnick crowd home with a 13-10 loss.

Michigan State (+8.5) at Maryland

Mike: Maryland looked impressive last week against UConn. Terps 34, Sparty 20

Patrick: University of Maryland 31 Michigan State University 23

Nate M: I heart is with MSU but I think Maryland is going to be able to just put up way too many points and win by double digits.

Jarek: I didn’t get the opportunity to watch either of these two teams play last week, but Michigan State struggled, and Maryland handled a wretched UCONN. Maryland should be able to do the same at home. Non-ninja Turtles 31 Spartacus 20

Andy: Michigan State is just flat-out bad, but they have no one to blame but themselves for the disastrous Mel Tucker hire. It makes me feel better about our Mike Riley debacle, not only for the Sparty brain trust lavishing Dabo/Nick/Kirby cash on a guy who just went 5-7 – Tuck even threw in a sexual harassment scandal! And that with a woman who goes around talking to football players about not being sexual harassers! You can’t make this up.

The game? Maryland loses Taulia, but MSU is awful and the Terps always give false hope those first 4 or 5 games before the inevitable collapse. (Oh, and keep betting those unders.) Maryland 27 MSU 13

Kansas (-5) at Illinois

Mike: This is one of those bellweather games that will help us identify just how strong the Big Ten is this season. I don’t think Bert and the Fightin’ Bielemas are getting enough respect this season. This could be the week that happens against a resurrected Kansas program. Berts 28, Beakers 27

Patrick: University of Kansas 28 University of Illinois 10

Nate M: I’ll go with Patrick’s pick.

Jarek: Illinois gave Kansas a lot to handle last year, but I think Kansas is still the better team overall. Jalon Daniels is a lot better than Luke Altmyer at the QB position, and it’s there where this game is decided. Rock Chalk 28 Bert’s Ernie 20

Andy: Kansas won this game easily last year outgaining the Illini by almost 200 yards and there doesn’t seem to be much of a reason this year will be any different. Illinois will struggle to get to 6 wins and it would be a surprise if tis was one of them. Kansas 30 Illinois 20

Colorado (+7.5) at Nebraska

Mike: How does a game between two four-win teams get the NBC prime-time slot? Simple: the Neon Deion hype vs. the reality that Nebraska has too much talent to continually miss bowl games. Nebraska addressed much of their offensive shortcomings this past offseason with a new quarterback and a greatly upgraded group of receivers. Colorado’s group is better than those groups, but the Huskers have the edge EVERYWHERE else. Better running backs, better offensive line, and a better defense overall. Nebraska gifted Colorado the game last season with unforced turnovers, and that doesn’t happen in 2024. As Matt Rhule says: “It’s time to win.” Huskers 38, Buffs 21.

Patrick: University of Nebraska 34 University of Colorado 31

Nate M: Take care of the ball and Nebraska wins by double digits. If Dylan Raiola plays well enough and wins then call me a believer but until then Colorado wins by 3.

Jarek: I was SO DAMN CONFIDENT last year that Nebraska would win that I ended up owing some friends some lunch. I’m going to be more cautiously optimistic this season. I think this can’t become a track meet. Sanders, Hunter and Horn are too good. Keep it under 30 and I like our chances. Nebraska 28 Ralphie 24

Andy: This is the kind of game which usually ends up with a about three paragraphs in this spot. This time, it’s much simpler. The turnovers will be even at worst. We have better, deeper and MUCH more experienced lines on both sides. We have a running game. They’ll get points, but will eat sacks. Our secondary is much better than NDSU. Dylan Raiola.

Mike’s right – it’s time. Nebraska 37 Colorado 24