College Football Picks: It’s now or never for Delaware State

Delaware State hasn’t won a game since edging Howard on November 21, 2015 by a score of 32-31.

DSU, now 0-3, are playing their home opener against fellow 0-3 Norfolk State. One of the Spartans' losses was to Division II Virginia State.

This is likely the easiest game on Delaware State's schedule and their best chance at a win. In the FBS, two local Big Ten football programs are feeling good about where they are right now, as they should.

Penn State and Maryland are a combined 5-0 and have high hopes for the 2017 season. The Nittany Lions are the defending Big Ten champions and are entering Big Ten play ranked No. 4 after going 3-0 against relatively mediocre competition. This week, they face their first Big Ten test.

Maryland started its season out with a bang knocking off then ranked No. 23 Texas, but now have freshman Kasim Hill leading the squad after their starting quarterback, Tyrrell Pigrome, suffered a season-ending injury.

This week, I pick on both top-25 matchups as well as our Big Ten neighbors Penn State, Maryland, and Rutgers.

No. 16 TCU at No. 6 Oklahoma State: The Big 12 is resurging into dominance. The conference got its signature win with a Sooner victory over Big Ten pride and joy Ohio State. The Horned Frogs downed the SEC's Arkansas, and the Cowboys dropped ACC member Pittsburgh. Something has to give in this pivotal conference contest. The Cowboys have an offense built to score fast. They average more than 400 yards a game through the air while still grinding out 200 on the ground. It’ll be a challenge for TCU to keep up on the road. Oklahoma State 34, TCU 33.

No. 17 Mississippi State at No. 11 Georgia: My upset pick of the week! Once again, I believe Georgia is ranked well above its talent level. Mississippi State’s offense doesn’t appear to be stoppable after trucking through LSU a week ago. Georgia, however, has struggled against FBS opponents and were lucky to leave Notre Dame with a win. I like the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. Mississippi State 31, Georgia 20.

No. 4 Penn State at Iowa: The Nittany Lions are finally facing a competitive football team after running through the likes of Akron, Pittsburgh, and Georgia State. Penn State running back Saquon Barkley is certainly making a case for the Heisman Trophy as he leads Penn State in both rushing and receiving yards. He also has five touchdowns through three games. I don’t think the Hawkeyes are capable enough to stop him. No bold pick here. Penn State 35, Iowa 19.

UCF at Maryland: The Terrapins got off to a great start with a shocking upset at Texas, a Big 12 team that was hyped to make a run for the conference title. Unfortunately, they lost their starting quarterback in the game, and freshman Kasim Hill has had to take over. Fortunately, he was able to close out Texas and get acquainted with the offense against FCS Towson. UCF has played just one game with cancellations due to Hurricane Irma. This should be a good warm-up game for the Terrapins as they enter Big Ten play next week. Maryland 28, UCF 14.

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Rutgers at Nebraska: Rutgers football has had a tough time finding wins since joining the Big Ten. The Scarlet Knights are still searching for their first FBS victory of the season, and are heading to the loud confines of Memorial Stadium to play their first road game of the year in front of 90,000 Nebraska fans. I think the Big Ten is a bit too competitive for Rutgers, so no win this week. Nebraska 21, Rutgers 13.

Norfolk State at Delaware State: If the Hornets don’t win this week, you can bet on another 0-11 season. It’s the home opener for DSU, and the Spartans are coming off a 75-14 drubbing at James Madison. Perhaps my boldest pick of the week, I’m choosing DSU. Delaware State 24, Norfolk State 23.

Wesley at William Paterson: My easiest pick of the week. William Paterson has been outscored 149-21 this season. Wesley is playing the last of a three-game road stretch. I like the Wolverines to roll in this one. Wesley 38, William Paterson 10.

Last week's record: 3-2

Overall record: 10-6

Tweet @jeffreytaviano or email jtaviano@delawareonline.com for questions concerning games you may be looking forward to.