Three big games, three big upset picks: Taviano
An opening week where the University of Maryland stunned Texas on the road, and UCLA came back from a 34-point deficit against Texas A&M reminded us why college football is so great.
This week looks to be just as exciting with four top-25 matchups and two local games.
No. 13 Auburn at No. 3 Clemson
Year two of a home-and-home series between SEC power Auburn and the defending national champion Clemson. Last season, Clemson got off to a slow start and struggled on the road at Auburn before limping away with a 19-13 victory. Nonetheless, the ACC favorites are poised to get back to the college football playoff, and after tallying over 600 yards of offense in their opener, I think they are ready. Clemson 32, Auburn 22.
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No. 5 Oklahoma at No. 2 Ohio State
The game of the week and my upset pick of the week. Last Saturday, Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield went 19 for 20 for 329 yards and three touchdowns. Yes, it was against UTEP. Meanwhile, Ohio State struggled to pull away from Indiana until late in the second half. That kind of slow start will cost the Buckeyes, even at home. If Mayfield can keep himself out of trouble, I see him starting for an NFL squad in the near future. Oklahoma 39, Ohio State 28.
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No. 15 Georgia at No. 24 Notre Dame
I have never been a fan of picking Georgia to win big games. Bulldog nation has alway lets me down. That’s why I have a second upset pick of the week. Notre Dame is loaded with weapons on the ground with quarterback Brandon Wimbush, and running backs Josh Adams and Dexter Williams tallying over 100 yards on the ground against Temple. Georgia is starting a true freshman quarterback in South Bend. Notre Dame 30, Georgia 24.
No. 14 Stanford at No. 6 USC
It has never happened before. I'm picking upsets in three top-25 games. It’s the 10-year anniversary of Stanford pulling off a 40-point upset over USC. The Cardinal have won eight of their last 11 games against the Trojans. I don’t think this matchup stays close for very long. Stanford 47, USC 28.
Delaware State at Hampton
Delaware State has not won a game since 2015. That streak has to come to an end sometime. Why not now? The Hornets played exceptionally well against a very strong Blue Hen team. Hampton is coming off of a 5-6 season and a 59-0 loss at FBS Ohio. DSU should have a much easier time scoring points against the Pirates, and if their defense can match the intensity it had against Delaware, they'll win this game. Delaware State 17, Hampton 13.
Delaware at No. 18 Virginia Tech
Sources told The News Journal that the Blue Hens will earn roughly $400,000 for playing Virginia Tech. This is a chance for UD to play elite competition ahead of a difficult upcoming CAA schedule. The Hens need to make improve a passing game that was plagued by mistakes against Delaware State. No win this week for Delaware. Virginia Tech 45, Delaware 3.
Last week record: 4-1
Tweet @jeffreytaviano or email jtaviano@delawareonline.com.