Jason's Week 2 Picks: Utes going down in Oregon
NCAA Lock - OREGON over Utah
“Yewt” fans have been talking smack about BYU’s success as being overrated. We’ll see just how overrated Utah’s 18th spot in the rankings is once they get pummeled by a LeGarrette Blount-less squad.
NCAA Upset - Navy over PITTSBURGH
Navy pulled off a win for Sam last week, so I’m hoping to ride the luck with the surprising Midshipmen. No team that pushes Ohio State — who nearly upset USC — to the last drive is a fluke.
NFL Lock - PACKERS over Bengals
While the Pack looked a little shaky in their season-opening victory over Chicago, I predict the Bengals suffer from fate-hates-us syndrome after Denver’s miraculous last-minute win against them. Last year, Cincinnati won ONE game on the road — at Cleveland, which is essentially at home anyway.
NFL Upset - EAGLES over Saints
McNabb getting injured is nothing new. And neither is the fact that the Eagles keep finding ways to win. Former QB Jeff Garcia can step in as insurance if Kevin Kolb struggles.
The Big Deal West Rankings
No. 1: USC (2-0) — Despite toting a true freshman at the quarterback spot, the Trojans continued to prove why they’re the elite of the West with a grind-it-out victory over the Buckeyes at the Horseshoe.
No. 2: BYU (2-0) — Never has a non-BCS team been ranked this high at this point in the season. It’s hard not to get the hopes up that this team could be “The One” to contend for a national championship and deliver the ultimate slap to BCS’ face.
No. 3: Cal (2-0) — I love this team; Heisman-candidate Jahvid Best is on his way to a 1,500-yard season and the Golden Bears have won their first two games by a combined score of 111-20. Needless to say, this team is scary.
No. 4: Boise State (2-0) — By the time you read this, Boise may be 3-0 and well on its way to running the table on a weak remainder of the schedule. The Broncos’ opening win against the Ducks was impressive and they’re perrennial darkhorses in the anti-BCS campaign.
No. 5: TCU (1-0) — In most seasons since the Horned Frogs joined the Mountain West Conference, they’ve been terrorizing opponents. I would put them above Boise if it wasn’t for a weak non-conference schedule. Clemson, BYU and Utah should test them.
No. 6: Oregon State (2-0) — The Beavers have won nine of their past 10 going back to last season, most recently pulling off a road win over supposedly-improved UNLV in Vegas. But today’s game against No. 17 Cincinnati will determine whether they float or sink here.
No. 7: Utah (2-0) — The Utes own the nation’s longest win streak (16) and certainly proved they were among the country’s best handily defeating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. But their first two wins in 2009 against Utah State and San Jose State are anything but impressive.
No. 8: UCLA (2-0) — The Bruins picked up a solid win on the road at Tennessee and will get a breather against Kansas State tonight. Offense still needs work, but one indication the defense is getting it done: safety Rahim Moore leads the nation with five INTs in two games.
