Well, BYU's opponents took a beating last week. Oregon State lost to FCS Sacramento State. Idaho and New Mexico State lost home games to MAC teams. TCU gave up a half-hundred to Baylor. Utah was unimpressive in their win against FCS Montana State. Utah State put up a fight against defending champ Auburn. No shame in San Jose State or Idaho State getting thumped by Pac 12 North teams: they were totally outmatched. As expected, Texas killed Rice and UCF killed FCS Charleston Southern. Hawaii was the best win of the day over Colorado.
This week may not bring much relief to BYU's opponents. 5 of them head on the road as underdogs and TCU is playing in a game that I've picked them to lose at Air Force all offseason. Two teams play FCS opponents at home.
Oregon State at Wisconsin
Wisconsin's rushing attack was unleashed last week against UNLV. I don't anticipate Oregon State puts up much more of a fight with their undersized DL. Wisconsin 45, Oregon State 20.
New Mexico State at Minnesota
The Aggies lost by 20 at home last weekend to a much worse team than Minnesota (who was busy nearly upsetting USC at the Coliseum). Minnesota 38, NMSU 10
Hawaii at Washington
I'm not sure that Washington will know what hit them when Moniz and Hawaii rolls into town. He's a monster and his feet were even more impressive last week than his arm. I am going upset here: Hawaii is an experienced team. Hawaii 31, Washington 21.
TCU at Air Force
I like the experience of Air Force. I've talked about this game several times. After TCU's defensive performance last season, I don't think anyone would argue with me that this is clearly not last year's TCU team. Air Force's defense will surprise TCU's young QB too. Air Force 34, TCU 20.
North Dakota at Idaho
Last season, Idaho took ND down 45-0. Idaho, after their home loss to to BGSU last week, clearly isn't where it was two years ago, or even the same as last year's 6-7 squad. Still, only a horrible FBS school loses to an FCS school...oh wait. Idaho 31, North Dakota 10
Southern Illinois at Ole Miss
Ole Miss should feel a little more confident in the passing game this week after the success they had against BYU in the second half through the air. The rushing attack should feel energized as it looks across the line at an FCS defensive front 7 instead of the bears they saw against BYU. Ole Miss 42, SIU 3
Utah at USC
I think Utah will come out firing. USC probably won't expect the intensity (or the defense) they'll see out of the Utes tomorrow. Can Utah play four quarters of mistake-free ball on the road against USC? I think they have a good shot to play with the Trojans. But I don't trust their offense to put enough on the board to beat the Trojans on the road. USC 27, Utah 20
Weber State at Utah State
Here is Utah State's problem: how do you come up with an encore? Utah State has competed with some of the country's best over Gary Andersen's past few seasons. Yet, every year they've finished 4-8 and didn't make a bowl game. They need to show some consistency. In-state rivalry game against FCS Weber State: they should be able to build some momentum. Utah State 34, Weber State 24.
Boston College at UCF
UCF is the favorite here and I like their balanced attack at home. BC lost at home last week to Northwestern and their back-up QB. The biggest worry for UCF is adjusting to BC's size and speed after a game against an FCS opponent last week. UCF 30, BC 20
San Jose State at UCLA
This is a bad week to get UCLA. Their team played a great second half and built some momentum, but is going to be looking for blood after a loss on the road to Houston. UCLA 45, SJSU 9
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