San Jose State Spartans at Texas Longhorns

Saturday, September 6
9:00 AM PT, ABC

Line: Texas -36.5
Over/Under: 51.5

While the Longhorns are feeling frustrated after losing a Top 3 matchup at Ohio State, their loss seems far less devastating than one the Spartans suffered vs. Central Michigan.

San Jose State should have overwhelmed the Chippewas. Instead, the Spartans fell behind 13-0 and could not claw their way back.

The ground game never got going in the loss, and SJSU had no answer for the rushing attack of the Chips. That does not bode well for a trip to Austin.

Texas ran for 166 yards against the Ohio State defense, and they could end up a lot closer to 300 yards on the ground after this one.

San Jose State got good production from Walker Eget in the loss, and the redshirt senior quarterback seemed to have found his new favorite target with Danny Scudero hauling in nine passes for 189 yards.

If the pair can continue to click, the Spartans may keep things close for a bit.

The loss to the Chips in Week One didn’t destroy the San Jose State season, but it did put a damper on expectations.

That might not be a bad thing. The Spartans will not leave Austin with a win, and I don’t even think they’ll leave with a cover, because the Texas run game will be too much.

But I believe San Jose State has a good shot of leaving the Lone Star State a much better team heading into Week Three than they are today.

Against the spread: Texas
Points Total: Under
Outright winner: Texas

Utah State Aggies at Texas A&M Aggies

Saturday, September 6
9:45 AM PT, SEC Network

Line: Texas A&M -29.5
Over/Under: 53.5

The Aggies of Texas relied on a punishing run game last season.

In the opener, the offense was more wide open, and transfer imports KC Concepcion and Mario Craver proved to be the threats at WR that were promised.

This could pose a problem for the Aggies of Utah.

USU’s defense did a good job of keeping the UTEP offense in check in the opener, but A&M will offer a completely different challenge.

Utah State had a very balanced attack on offense in Week One and will need to stay balanced if they look to shock the SEC power on the road.

Keeping a balanced attack will be tough, but I think USU should be able to find some success on that side of the ball.

A&M was gashed at times by UT San Antonio, allowing 5.6 yards per play and giving up 203 on the ground.

Utah State will need to protect the football. Turnovers by the Aggies of Utah will allow the game to get off the rails in a hurry.

The A&M defense could give up some big plays, and this one could stay closer than expected.

It will be interesting to see if Texas A&M sticks to the aerial show or if they try to pound the ground game.

Regardless, while I don’t think Utah State leaves with the win, I think they could keep it tight enough to cover.

Both teams will score some points

Against the Spread: Utah State
Points Total: Over
Outright winner: Texas A&M

Fresno State Bulldogs at Oregon State Beavers

Saturday, September 6
12:30 PM PT, The CW

Line: Oregon State -3
Over/Under: 47.5

This one seems ripe for a Fresno State upset on the road.

The Beavers gave up too many big plays in their loss to Cal last week at home. The seven plays allowed of 20+ yards in the opener have OSU ranked 119th in the nation in that category.

Oregon State cannot afford to allow so many explosive plays, but Fresno State might be able to capitalize on them.

EJ Warner has played a lot of football, so no moment will be too big for him. The veteran QB could be poised to deliver for Fresno State.

In fact, the Bulldogs have proven vets all over the field. Al’zillion Hamilton is second among active FBS players with 31 passes defended in his career.

The defensive line has playmakers and will not get pushed around by the Beavers. I think Fresno State gets the win outright.

Against the spread: Fresno State
Points Total: Under
Outright winner: Fresno State

UCLA Bruins at UNLV Rebels

Saturday, September 6
5:00 PM PT, CBSSN

Line: UCLA -2.5
Over/Under: 53.5

The Rebels have two games under their belt and have come away with a pair of wins, but have not looked great in either victory.

That brings us to this one, with the Big Ten squad a narrow favorite on the road.

The biggest problem for UCLA last week was running into a much-improved Utah team. The Bruins are not yet at the level of development needed to challenge superior programs.

UCLA’s offensive line did not hold up against the Utes, allowing five tackles for loss and four sacks of Nico Iamaleava in the blowout defeat.

If the Bruins can’t do a better job of keeping their QB upright, they will be in for a long season.

UNLV’s performance in Week One was better than in the previous week. The four interceptions thrown by Idaho State in the opener saved the Rebels.

The Las Vegas crew performed much better against Sam Houston, specifically at the QB position, as Anthony Colandrea completed 82.6% of his passes for 249 yards against the Bearkats.

UCLA is competent at the back end of the defense and could make things more difficult for the Rebel passing game.

The big question is whether UNLV can handle the Bruins the way some of the better Power Four teams might?

This is a chance for the Rebels to make a statement, especially with both San Jose State and Boise State falling flat.

With a win, the Rebels can lay claim as the team to beat in the MW this season.

The Bruins have an opportunity to get a big non-con road win and take a big step toward six wins and a bowl.

I think UCLA gets better line play in this one, allowing Iamaleava to play closer to expectations.

Against the spread: UCLA
Points Total:  Under
Outright winner: UCLA

San Diego State Aztecs at Washington State Cougars

Saturday, September 6
7:15 PM PT, The CW

Line: Washington State -1.5
Over/Under: 45.0

Last season’s contest was a classic, with WSU storming back late. But this Cougar squad is a completely different unit.

SDSU rolled to a huge 42-0 win last week over Stoney Brook.

The Cougars also picked up a win over an FCS opponent last week, but were far less dominant in their 13-10 win over Idaho.

Now the Vandals are a better opponent than the Seawolves, but it is safe to say the Aztecs took care of business better than the Cougs against a lesser team.

Wazzu was stingy against the pass last week, allowing just 33 yards through the air.

San Diego State tossed it around pretty well in the opener but were balanced as they averaged 5.6 yards per play while running for 228 and throwing for 236.

The Aztecs were almost as good against the pass, allowing just 46 yards passing and 49 on the ground.

Whichever team can get the passing game going could have the edge in this one.

A big reason I like the Aztecs to get the road win is their ability to cause issues with their pressure. Last week they showcased their diversity in that area, recording three sacks.

Trey White might be the premier pass rusher in the nation, and he did not even record a TFL in the comfortable opening win.

The Cougars allowed seven TFLs in their first outing. If they can’t stop the Aztecs defensive front in this one, they will struggle to move the ball.

Against the spread: San Diego State
Points Total: Under
Outright winner: San Diego State

Sam Houston Bearkats at Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors

Saturday, September 6
9:00 pm PT, Spectrum

Line: Hawai’i -6.5
Over/Under: 47.5

Hawai’i followed up its season-opening win over Stanford with a dud at Arizona, in which they were completely outclassed after halftime.

I thought UH would have been more competitive against the Wildcats and the 17-6 halftime score held some promise.

Nonetheless, I believe the win over Stanford will be more indicative of of the Warriors’ potential this season than the last 30 minutes of Game Two.

This is a chance for Hawaii to get back on track against a C-USA squad that has allowed 16 sacks in their first two games.

The Warriors have not been able to generate much pressure this season but that could change on Saturday.

I think Micah Alejado could carve up the Bearkats on offense and the defense could cause a lot of issues in the backfield. UH gets their third straight win at home.

Against the spread: Hawai’i
Points Total: Under
Outright winner: Hawai’i