Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 10
Analyst Picks Texas by 3 Over No. 1 Ohio State After 5-4 Week 1
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 10

Analyst Picks Texas by 3 Over No. 1 Ohio State After 5-4 Week 1

2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 10

Summary

  • A Week 2 forecast projects Texas to edge No. 1 Ohio State 27-24 in Austin, with Arch Manning accounting for three touchdowns and the winner coming on a late fourth-down pass to Ryan Wingo.
  • The analyst says Texas’ 10-game home winning streak and a defense that has forced a turnover in 24 straight home games can offset another big Jeremiah Smith outing for the Buckeyes.
  • No. 11 Oklahoma is picked to beat Michigan 26-13, while Texas A&M is forecast to handle Arizona State 34-16 and Pitt to top UCF 31-23.
  • The upset call is Memphis 35-31 at Boise State, powered by Jaylin Carter’s projected 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the Tigers’ second major Group of 5 road test.
  • Those picks follow a 5-4 opening week review in which the analyst hit LSU covering against Clemson and came close on Michigan State, but missed an upset call on Florida State over SMU.

Insights

After an unpredictable opening week, will these bold statistical models actually foresee Memphis delivering a shocking road upset?
Can Arch Manning overcome a vulnerable offensive line to orchestrate a legendary fourth-quarter rally against top-ranked Ohio State?
Will massive NIL expectations and NFL draft scrutiny cause college football's brightest stars to crumble during Week 2's most hostile matchups?