Week 2 Scorecast and Synopsis

Here are the picks for Week 2. Keep in mind that the panelists' records are based on picks
against the spread.

Synopses:

Jeremy

1. USC @ Stanford - Stanford is the team no one remembers is really good in the PAC-12. USC is the team everyone thinks should be really good in the PAC-12. SC made a nice hire in Steve Sarkisian after the Lane Kiffin debacle. This is a statement game for them trying to declare their reemergence in conference. USC is catching 3 here but I say they win straight up. USC 28-24

2.Michigan @ Notre Dame - This game seems to be flying under the radar for a pretty big game against traditional rivals. Both teams had big wins in week one against minimal competition. I think Everett Golson's return to Notre Dame is the difference here. Brady Hoke will have the Wolverines ready but the Irish pull away late. Notre Dame 28-20 

3. Virginia Tech @ Ohio State - The Buckeyes struggled to put Navy away last week. Virginia Tech put away William and Mary easily. It seems the Buckeyes are still finding their way without Braxton Miller. Virginia Tech is still known for its defense. This will allow Virginia Tech to hang around and while the Buckeyes pull it out at home they don't get the cover. Ohio State 27-17

4. Michigan State @ Oregon - This is the marquee game of the weekend. I'm a big fan of Michigan State and I think they will win the Big 10. However, I think they're walking into a hornets nest here. Oregon is talented and playing at home where Autzen Stadium supposedly gets as loud as any stadium in the south with only 60,000 capacity. I'm taking Oregon to cover. Oregon 34-20


Brian

1. USC @ Stanford - Steve Sarkisian hasn't proven anything to me yet at Washington and certainly not at USC after 1 game. However, David Shaw has kept Stanford consistently at the top of the PAC-12 since Harbaugh's departure. With the game at Stanford, I'm definitely picking Stanford. Stanford 31-20

2.Michigan @ Notre Dame - I honestly don't know a ton about either team at this point. I think they are both mediocre, but given Everett Golson's return to the Irish this year and the game being in South Bend, I like Notre Dame to win. Notre Dame 21-14

3. Virginia Tech @ Ohio State - I'm not ready to panic on Ohio State yet. Urban Meyer is a great coach. Yes, the Buckeyes struggled against Navy last week, but it was the first game of the year and right after Braxton Miller's injury. I expect the Buckeyes to settle down and cover the spread. Ohio State 35-21

4. Michigan State @ Oregon -I really, really want to pick Michigan State to win straight up. They keep surprising doubters in big games. Further, I have always thought Oregon is highly overrated. Sure, they have a great offense, but anytime they play a more physical team with a defense, they struggle or lose. Being at Autzen Stadium, I will stick with Oregon winning, but not by much. Oregon 24-21