Florida State Seminoles

Chop Chat's College Football 2016 Game Picks: Week 2

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Here’s a look at this week’s top college football games and who the Chop Chat’s staff thinks will win each of the showdowns.

Week One of the college football season is in the books, and what a week it was! We’re talking seven ranked teams going down in their first game, including formerly 11th ranked Ole Miss when they got beat by the Florida State Seminoles in the biggest comeback win in program history (yeah, just had to throw that in there).

While the opening week of the season featured some great matchups that featured ranked teams and power opponents who wouldn’t normally play each other, Week Two is leaving plenty to be desired. For many teams, it’s back to FCS land for a week and getting a (likely) guaranteed win.

Still, we found ten games that should be getting the attention of fans and will be classified as decent games to pick. After the opening weekend, it’s a tight race with myself in the lead (thank you, Texas) and everyone else slightly back with only 150 or so games to go.

Here’s a look how everyone did last week and the updated season standings.

Season Standings

Jason – 7-3 (.700) Last Week: 7-3

Brad – 6-4 (.600) Last Week: 6-4

Kelvin – 6-4 (.600) Last Week: 6-4

Kyle – 6-4 (.600) Last Week: 6-4

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) drops back to pass in the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles won 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Charleston Southern at Florida State – While the Seminoles are going to win this one with ease (I hope), these FCS games can be a little tricky – especially coming off that big win over the Rebels and with Louisville coming up the following week. The ‘Noles aren’t on upset alert, but need to be smart with this one and keep the good vibes going.

Preseason Pick: Florida State All Pick: Florida State

Kentucky at Florida – At the same time, the Crocs find themselves hosting a team they have beaten the last 29 times in a row – while coming off a lethargic effort last weekend against UMass. Kentucky gave up a big lead and lost last weekend, giving them very little momentum – but streaks have to come to an end sometime, right?

Preseason Pick: Florida Jason’s Pick: Kentucky Kelvin, Brad and Kyle’s Pick: Florida

Florida Atlantic at Miami – Head coach Mark Richt did something last Saturday that had just happen twice before since the start of the 2010 season: lead Miami to a win over a team from Tallahassee. Sure, it came against the Rattlers of FAMU, but it was enough to get them into the rankings before another “tough” battle against the Owls from Boca Raton.

Preseason Pick: Miami All Pick: Miami

Central Florida at Michigan – Congrats go out to head coach Scott Frost from the Knights for doing something to insure his job security in Orlando: he won a game! Now, all he has to do is head north to a College Football Playoff contender. Oh well, that was a short winning streak.

Preseason Pick: Michigan All Pick: Michigan

Louisville at Syracuse (Friday) – After an amazing eight-touchdown performance in their opener, Cardinals QB Lamar Jackson hits the road and faces somewhat of a more difficult challenge against the Orange. Mostly, this will give FSU football a chance to scout their next opponent in what is quickly becoming a serious game to worry about.

Preseason Pick: Louisville All Pick: Louisville

Virginia at Oregon – I wanted to pick the Cavaliers…I really did. I wanted this to be another game for the ACC to show they are a conference that can hang with the other Power Five leagues outside of just FSU and Clemson. But did UVa help out? Nope…they decided to lay an egg against FCS foe Richmond. You’re dead to me, Wahoos!

Preseason Pick: Oregon All Pick: Oregon

Sep 3, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) scores on a four yard touchdown run against defensive back Rob Rolle (4) during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State at Pittsburgh – A classic rivalry from back in the day returns to the field for the first time since the 2000 season and just the fifth time in nearly a quarter century. While the Nittany Lions at least beat a FBS team in their opener, I’ll go ACC pride in this one and give the fighting James Conner’s a chance.

Preseason Pick: Pittsburgh All Pick: Pittsburgh

BYU at Utah – Nothing like a little rivalry in the state of Utah to get the early college football season blood flowing, am I right? No? Nothing from anyone? Alright, well the Cougars are coming off a solid win in their opener over Arizona, so we’ll ride the Provo train to another victory in this rivalry that is actually one of the most heated out there (no, seriously).

Preseason Pick: BYU Jason’s Pick: BYU Kelvin, Brad and Kyle’s Pick: Utah

Arkansas at TCU – The SEC hits the road for another Power Five game that isn’t a rivalry showdown. I know, it’s pretty rare so you might want to take a picture. Big Bret’s team is coming off an amazing…one point win over a Conference USA team at home. I don’t care if the Horned Frogs gave up 200 points in their first game, TCU is going to get this.

Preseason Pick: TCU All Pick: TCU

Aug 19, 2016; Bristol, TN, USA; General view during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

***GAME OF THE WEEK*** Virginia Teach vs. Tennessee (in Bristol, TN) – On paper, this ACC-SEC showdown is big for one reason: there is likely going to be 150,000 people or more in the stands of Bristol Motor Speedway to see the Hokies and Vols knock helmets. Both teams were able to win their openers, with Va. Tech coming out strong against a FCS foe, while Tennessee needed overtime and some lucky bounces to beat a Sun Belt team. I’d like to see another win for the ACC, but Jalen Hurd and Josh Dobbs are too much.

Preseason Pick: Tennessee Jason, Kelvin and Kyle’s Pick: Tennessee Brad’s Pick: Virginia Tech