Zach & I were both 6-5 in last weekend’s supersized round of action, but now we settle into our normal routine. I feel like it’s a bit too early in both the college & NFL seasons to draw any concrete conclusions, but I’ve seen enough  to know it’ll be a be a fun ride with a few surprises, with an emphasis on the few. Hell, we didn’t even get thru September before more conference realignment news, which is exactly the kind of predictable surprise we should expect at this point. At any rate, Zach retains the season lead, but I’m a patient man and won’t chase wins.

My Season: 9-9

Zach’s Season: 11-7

Alabama (-15.5) at Wisconsin 

I still don’t view ‘Bama as a serious title contender, but the talking heads are thus far treating them as if nothing has changed and the greatest college football coach of all time didn’t walk into the sunset. They’re 2-0, having outscored their opponents 105-16, so the results have been impressive. The Badgers are also 2-0, although their output has been more prosaic. It’s a Noon kickoff from Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, and the home crowd will be fired up. I do not believe Wisky will win the game outright, but I think it’ll be slightly more competitive than the folks in Vegas are anticipating. Zach concurs, pointing out Alabama’s tendency to start slow & finish strong, and Wisconsin’s tradition of controlling the line of scrimmage with their big uglies.

My Pick: Wisconsin

Zach’s Pick: Wisconsin 

Washington State at Washington (-4.5)

It’s a little early in the season for a rivalry game, but conference realignment simply bends tradition over a chair and violates it. Anyway, The Apple Cup has been contested since 1900, and I suppose we should appreciate its continuation no matter where it falls on the calendar. The Huskies have won 9 of the last 10 meetings. Both teams have dispatched their first two opponents with ease, but someone has to lose now, and I think it’ll be the Cougars by a touchdown. Conversely, Zach opines that the Huskies lost alot of talent from last season’s championship runner-up squad. He foresees a shootout and thinks the underdogs can score the upset.

My Pick: Washington

Zach’s Pick: Washington St.

Arizona at Kansas State (-7)

2-0 K-St. had all they could handle against Tulane last weekend, while 2-0 Arizona will now get their first taste of Big 12 action. This is a Friday night game on Fox, and one thing is certain…the Wildcats will win. I expect these teams to be in the hunt for the conference title until the end, so a victory this week could be huge. It should be a tough battle, but I believe the home favorites get the job done. Zach really likes Arizona sophomore QB Noah Fifita, who was the Pac 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year a season ago. He likes the visitors in a close game.

My Pick: Kansas St.

Zach’s Pick: Arizona

Chicago at Houston (-6.5)

The Hype Machine is all in on QB Caleb Williams, and the Bears did win their season opener over Tennessee. Meanwhile, the Texans also won their first game, but it was a nail biter. This is the Sunday night game on NBC, and I think Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, who received so much love from the talking heads last year during his rookie season, needs to remind everyone what he’s capable of doing. That being said, Houston needs to utilize ball control and keep Chicago’s defense on the field with sustained drives that eat the clock. Zach likes Williams’ future, but right now the favorites are just a better team.

My Pick: Houston

Zach’s Pick: Houston

Atlanta at Philadelphia (-6)

How will traveling to & from Brazil last weekend affect the Eagles?? I don’t get out much, so perhaps it’s nothing to be concerned about…but I can’t shake the idea that maybe it is. Unlike Philly, the Falcons lost their season opener. Their defense didn’t give up a touchdown to our Steelers, yet were still defeated by six field goals & their own inability to score in the second half. Atlanta paid QB Kirk Cousins $180 million (over the course of four years) this offseason, but the rumblings for rookie signal caller & first round pick Michael Penix have already begun. That chatter will only become louder if the offense sputters again Monday night. Cousins can throw water on the fire by leading his team to victory, which would shock nearly everyone. Don’t be surprised if this is a real dandy…a low scoring defensive tug-o’-war decided deep into the 4th quarter. I don’t know who comes out on top, but I predict it’ll be won by a field goal. Conversely, Zach doesn’t foresee any issues with the home team winning easily.

My Pick: Atlanta

Zach’s Pick: Philadelphia