Can Delaware hang with the Dukes?
Last week record: 3-4
Overall record: 13-10
The Blue Hens will finally be tested at the FCS level. Through its first three games the Hens have looked impressive hanging with now No. 13 Virginia Tech (at least defensively), and throttling low tier FCS programs Delaware State, and Cornell, both of which are a combined 0-6. However, now the Hens will be entering CAA play and are hosting the defending champion James Madison Dukes.
Also, this week are three top-25 matchups that include unbeaten USC, Washington State, Clemson, and Virginia Tech.
No. 5 USC at No. 16 Washington State: What better way to start my picks than with an upset. Both programs are 4-0 in a Pac-12 conference that almost always seems to favor the home team. I am not yet sold on the Trojans being the fifth best team in the country. I watched Washington State battle and grind against a Boise State team that always seeks to upset a power 5 team. Despite Boise leading 31-10 with less than nine minutes to go, the Cougars didn’t give up. Their determination to win will prevail them this week. Washington State 34, USC 28.
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No. 24 Mississippi State at No. 13 Auburn: Georgia exposed Mississippi State last week. Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald was absolutely shut down at Georgia throwing for just 83 yards and two interceptions. Auburn has a tougher defense than the Bulldogs of Georgia. They held defending champion Clemson to just 14 points on the road. I don’t believe it’ll be a blowout like last week, but Auburn will get the win. Auburn 22, Mississippi State 21.
No. 2 Clemson at No. 12 Virginia Tech: The game of the week. Virginia Tech hasn’t fared well historically against top-5 teams. Clemson’s defense has been lights out this season. Only Heisman candidate Lamar Jackson has been able to tally more than seven points against the Tigers this year. I see this game coming down to the final possession, and it will be Kelly Bryant’s turn to play hero. Clemson 26, Virginia Tech 25.
Southern Virginia at Wesley: It’s the home opener for Wesley College. The Wolverines are 2-1 and take on another winless opponent in Southern Virginia. Don’t be surprised if the Wolverines win by 50, however, I’ll be a little more generous. Wesley 35, Southern Virginia 10.
James Madison at Delaware: The Hens couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to take on a defending champion. Delaware is coming off its bye week before entering CAA play and should be well rested and hopefully prepared for the Dukes. James Madison is undefeated with a crushing win at FBS East Carolina. Delaware will have to play an error-free game to keep up with the Dukes. The Hens will need all the help they can get to win this one, and that means they'll need their faithful fans to pack Delaware Stadium. Unfortunately, the Hens offense haven't shown me they can be effective against a top-notch opponent. James Madison 31, Delaware 17.
Tweet @jeffreytaviano or email jtaviano@delawareonline.com for questions concerning games you may be looking forward to.