The pool of contention is a mixed portfolio of conferences and records. Barring any arbitrary madness in the coming weeks, these matchups will have profound playoff implications, draining out the intimidating pool of playoff schools.
Betting Odds: No. 1 Alabama at No. 3 LSU (+14.5)
My Take: This is more of a salute to Saban than a slam on LSU. Any hope of dethroning the Tide is a comforting fiction. Give me Alabama: 31 – 17
Betting Odds: No. 14 Penn State at No. 5 Michigan (-10.5)
My Take: Michigan’s defense looked mortal against dual-threat quarterback, Brandon Wimbush week one. I understand how cosmetic early season play can be, but Trace McSorley will make this game somewhat close. Still, though, I have Michigan 24 – 21.
Betting Odds: No. 13 West Virginia (+2) at No. 17 Texas
My Take: News flash, Texas is not back, and an ugly loss to Oklahoma State proved that. Grier will pick apart a vulnerable secondary, as West Virginia gets the nod 35 – 17.
Image source: https://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_4f69ee72-bfaf-11e8-b809-5f84f5fae8eb.html
