COLLEGE FOOTBALL: WEEK THREE PREDICTIONS

Last Week:

Straight-up                         24 - 5     82.7%

Against the Spread             12 - 17   41.3%

Not a bad week for the straight picks, but not so great against the spread. Of course, that’s only significant if you’re betting, which currently I am not. There are no ranked team matchups this week but there are some other interesting games on the slate.  

Friday (from an earlier post):

(20) Washington State (2 - 0) (-8.5) 38 @ Houston (1 - 1) 28: Houston’s early season schedule was an ambitious bid to bring some increased credibility to the Group of Five teams and conferences. Their first attempt was at Oklahoma and were clearly outclassed, although the Cougars played valiantly in defeat. Washington State has put up 117 points against weak competition, but their strength doesn’t bode well for Houston.

Kansas (1 - 1) 17 @ Boston College (2 - 0) (-21.0) 40: New head coach Les Miles has quite a job to rebuild Kansas, and it won’t get much easier in Boston. Last week’s loss to Coastal Carolina illustrates how far Les has to go. 

Saturday:

Arkansas State ((1 - 1) 20 @ (3) Georgia (2 - 0) (-33.0) 41: It would have been nice for Georgia to schedule a tougher opponent in the first three weeks, but we’ll find out next week how good they really are when they take on Notre Dame. But this week, the Bulldogs better pay attention to a team that can put up some big numbers. 

(6) Ohio State (2 - 0) (-15.5) 37 @ Indiana (2 - 0) 14: I wasn’t sold on the Buckeyes before the season, but they have barely missed a beat following the retirement of former head coach Urban Meyer, as evidenced by the way they dismantled a pretty good Cincinnati ream. Ryan Day has Ohio State playing at a high level and I don’t expect Indiana to pull the kind of upset that Purdue did last season. 

Pittsburgh (1 - 1) 20 @ (13) Penn State (2 - 0) (-17.0) 31: The ACC is hopelessly bad this season and could use s big win to help reverse the slide. Despite the rivalry fervor, Pitt isn’t close to Penn State in talent, although they are the best team that the Nittany Lions have played so far this season. I still think Penn State is overrated and this game will give me some more data to see if I’m on track with that. 

(21) Maryland (2 - 0) (-8.0) 42 @ Temple (1 - 0) 27: Maryland has been an offensive juggernaut to start the season. Temple put up 56 on FCS Bucknell that was 1 - 10 a year ago, so I’ll stay with the Terrapins. I’m surprised with the line in this game, which was most likely influenced by Temple’s margin of victory in their first game. Maryland is a big step up in class for the Owls. 

New Mexico (1 -- 0) 17 @ (7) Notre Dame (1 - 0) (-35.0) 49: Notre Dame has had a couple of weeks to figure out what happened defensively against Louisville. New Mexico probably won’t present too much of a challenge, one of the few breathers in an otherwise difficult schedule. Covering a five-touchdown spread is a different challenge.

(2) Alabama (2 - 0) (-25.5) 37 @ South Carolina (1 - 1) 17: This is Alabama’s first big-boy test of the season. South Carolina let North Carolina steal a win in week one, then pounded Charleston Southern last week. Alabama has looked just as strong and efficient as expected against Duke and New Mexico State. I’m not smelling upset here, but the Gamecocks might make it closer than many expect.

Stanford (1 - 1) 20 @ (17) UCF (2 - 0) (-6.5) 30: This will be a good test for UCF, although Stanford got exposed last week against USC. The Cardinal should have their starting quarterback in the lineup, unlike the last game and a half. Traditionally, west coast teams don’t travel east very well, so I’ll stick with the favorite here.

USC (2 - 0) (-4.0) 31 @ BYU (1 - 1) 24: It appears that USC won’t miss a beat after losing starting quarterback J. T. Daniels. True freshman Kedon Slovis looked terrific against Stanford and expect USC’s team speed to overwhelm BYU.

Arizona State (2 - 0) 24 @ (18) Michigan State (2 - 0) (-13.5) 23: I just have a feeling about this one. I know I just mentioned the difficulty west coast teams have in the east, but I like Arizona State’s defense. This is based pretty  much on a hunch, but I’m going with the Sun Devils in what would be a big win for the Pac-12.

(19) Iowa (2 - 0)(-2.0) 27 @ Iowa State (1 - 0) 13: Iowa State has been winning close games and Iowa has been winning because of a traditionally stifling defense. The Cyclones have only played a single game, one which they were lucky to pull out in overtime against middling FCS foe Northern Iowa. The line on this game is tighter than I think it should be, but it’s most likely based on the rivalry and the hangover buzz from last year’s Iowa State team.

Idaho State (1 - 0) 6 @ (11) Utah (2 - 0) (-36.5) 45: This shouldn’t be much of a problem for the Utes. Covering the big spread could be a stretch, but I like them to overwhelm Idaho State.

Kent State (1 - 0) 6 @ (8) Auburn (2 - 0) (-35.0) 42: Auburn has had slow starts in its first two games, so I think coach Gux Malzahn will be looking to make a statement against overmatched Kent State.

(9) Florida (2 - 0) (-8.5) 27 @ Kentucky (2  - 0) 24: Neither of these teams has been particularly impressive. Kentucky appears to be playing for a MAC title, with wins over Toledo and Eastern Michigan. Florida defeated Miami, Fla. in its first game, but the Hurricanes have since lost to UNC to take some luster off that win. I’m tempted to take Kentucky, but I’ll stick with Florida to pull out a squeaker.

Lamar (1 - 0 - 1) 10 @ (17) Texas A&M (1 - 1) (-43.5) 48: Texas A&M struggled last week against number one Clemson after beating hapless Texas State in week one. Lamar was in the FCS playoffs last season so they won’t be a pushover. I don’t see the Aggies covering the spread here.

(1) Clemson (2 - 0) (-27.5) 38 @ Syracuse (1 - 1) 10: The last time Clemson lost a regular season game was two years ago to Syracuse. Can the Orange catch lightning in a bottle again? Given the way Syracuse was thumped by Maryland last week, I seriously doubt it. Clemson just has too much this time around.

Northwestern State (0 -2) 6 @ (4) LSU (2 - 0) (-51.0) 59: LSU showed last week that they may have finally found the offensive firepower to go with a solid defense. Northwestern State won’t offer much resistance.

Hawaii (2 - 0) 27 @ (23) Washington (1 - 1) (-21.5) 38: Hawaii is already 2 - 0 against the Pac-12 so far this season, but neither Arizona nor Oregon State is quite in the same class as Washington. The Huskies are coming off a tough loss to Cal that struck a blow to their title hopes. Hawaii will have to play better defense to have a chance in this one.

Florida State (1 - 1) 20 @ (25) Virginia (2 - 0) (-7.5) 30: Florida State’s head coach Willie Taggert is on a very hot seat after losing four of five games down the stretch last season and opening this year with an ugly comeback loss to Boise State and an overtime win by one point over La.- Monroe. Virginia is now the favorite to win the ACC Coastal and is poised to make a statement this weekend.

(5) Oklahoma (2 - 0) (-22.5) 37 @ UCLA (0 - 2) 13: UCLA has lost to two Group of Five teams to open the season, and now they have to really step up in class as they welcome Oklahoma to the Rose Bowl. The Sooners have looked outstanding on offense with Alabama transfer Jalen Hurts leading the way for a very speedy and talented offense. The defense also has a lot of speed and may be the reason Oklahoma contends for the national title.

(12) Texas (1 - 1) (-30.5) 51 @ Rice (0 - 2) 17: Texas will be looking to take out some frustration on Rice after giving up 45 point to LSU last week. Rice has little resistance to offer.

Portland State (1 - 1) 13 @ (22) Boise State (2 - 0) (-31.5) 31: Boise has scored a couple of close wins over Florida State and Marshall. They need to keep focused on FCS Portland State who I saw in person give Arkansas fits in week one. despite giving up a ton of points last season, Portland State has improved dramatically on defense. This one might be a lot closer than the oddsmakers have predicted.

Montana (2 - 0) 17 @ (15) Oregon (1 - 1) (-36.0) 56: Montana has dominated against their first two FCS opponents, but heading into Autzen Stadium on a Saturday night is an entirely different matter. Oregon lit up Nevada for 77 last week, so Montana might have a long day on defense.

N.C. State (2 - 0) (-7.0) 34 @ West Virginia (1 - 1) 17: West Virginia is struggling after the departure of head coach Dan Holgorsen.  They’ll be taking on a team that I think might be the most underrated in the ACC. Now that’s not saying much, since the ACC is so down this season.

Furman (1 - 1) 13 @ Va. Tech (1 - 1) (-21.5) 30: Furman is a solid FCS team with nothing to lose as they head into Lane Stadium. The Hokies are still struggling on offense and have an off week following this game as they prepare for the bulk of their ACC schedule. I look for Va. Tech to sputter, but still pull out a victory.

Kansas State (2 - 0) 31 @ Mississippi State (2 - 0) (-8.0) 27: Kansas State is averaging over 50 points a game, but that wasn’t against an SEC defense. But the positive is that Mississippi State’s defense doesn’t resemble an SEC caliber unit so far this season. I like the Wildcats in a big upset in Chris Klieman’s first season at Kansas State after building an FCS dynasty at North Dakota State.

TCU (1 - 0) (-2.0) 27 @ Purdue (1 - 1) 24: Purdue is on the upswing, but the difference in this one could be the TCU defense. I don’t believe Purdue will be able to put up six TD’s on the Horned Frogs like they did against Vanderbilt.

Texas Tech (2 - 0)(-2.0)34 @ Arizona (1 - 1) 37 : Arizona succumbed to a spread offense team in Hawaii in their first game, but I don’t think Texas Tech is hitting on all cylinders yet. I’ll take the home team in a mild upset.

Colorado State (1 - 1) 21 @ Arkansas (1 - 1) (-10.0) 27: Arkansas continues to have difficulty with Chad Morris’ offense. Mistakes and penalties hurt them against Ole Miss last week and that will need to improve if the Hogs are to avenge last season’s tough loss to the Rams.

Hear my recent interview with legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg, where we discussed his agency, concussions, franchise relocation and philanthropy at http://thechtonsports.com/cold-hard-truth-sports-radio-show-1242017/

Also listen to our conversation with author and sports journalist Mike Carey, as we discussed his latest book "Bad News" about Marvin Barnes and reminisced about Mike's coverage of the Boston Celtics during their glory years with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Danny Ainge and Robert Parish. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/golongmedia/2017/02/08/the-cold-hard-truth-on-sports-radio-show

Don't forget to check out my new book, "Offsetting Penalties - A PK Frazier Novel" at  Amazon.com .  Check out www.thechtonsports.com for our podcasts and live broadcast on Tuesday's at 9:00 pm EST. I can also be reached via email at kevin@pkfrazier.com.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: WEEK THREE FRIDAY NIGHT PREDICTIONS

Last Week:

Straight-up                          24 - 5     82.7%

Against the Spread             12 - 17    41.3%

Not a bad week for the straight picks, but not so great against the spread. Of course, that’s only significant if you’re betting, which currently I am not. A couple of good Friday night games on tap, highlighted by Washington State traveling to Houston where the home team will be looking for a big upset over a Power Five contender.

Friday

:

(20) Washington State (2 - 0) (-8.5) 38 @ Houston (1 - 1) 28: Houston’s early season schedule was an ambitious bid to bring some increased credibility to the Group of Five teams and conferences. Their first attempt was at Oklahoma and were clearly outclassed, although the Cougars played valiantly in defeat. Washington State has put up 117 points against weak competition, but their strength doesn’t bode well for Houston.

Kansas (1 - 1) 17 @ Boston College (2 - 0) (-21.0) 40: New head coach Les Miles has quite a job to rebuild Kansas, and it won’t get much easier in Boston. Last week’s loss to Coastal Carolina illustrates how far Les has to go.

Hear my recent interview with legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg, where we discussed his agency, concussions, franchise relocation and philanthropy at http://thechtonsports.com/cold-hard-truth-sports-radio-show-1242017/

Also listen to our conversation with author and sports journalist Mike Carey, as we discussed his latest book "Bad News" about Marvin Barnes and reminisced about Mike's coverage of the Boston Celtics during their glory years with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Danny Ainge and Robert Parish. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/golongmedia/2017/02/08/the-cold-hard-truth-on-sports-radio-show

Don't forget to check out my new book, "Offsetting Penalties - A PK Frazier Novel" at  Amazon.com .  Check out www.thechtonsports.com for our podcasts and live broadcast on Tuesday's at 9:00 pm EST. I can also be reached via email at kevin@pkfrazier.com.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: WEEK TWO PREDICTIONS

The SEC didn’t exactly represent itself well in week one, with Missouri, Tennessee and Ole Miss all losing to non Power Five teams and Arkansas struggling to get a close win against an FCS squad. Week two has more compelling matchups, headlined by number six LSU traveling to ninth-rated Texas. The Aggies of Texas A&M will try to knock off top-ranked and defending national champion Clemson on the road. Wins in those game could help the SEC regain some swagger, at least at the top of the league. 

For the first time, since gambling is now legal nationwide, I’m including the point spread with each game. While I’m not specifically picking against the spread, you can figure it out by my final score prediction. 

Friday (from a previous post):

Marshall  (1 - 0) 21 @ (24)  Boise State (1 - 0) (-13.5) 31: It was hard to get much of a read on Marshall after week one, posting a 56 - 17 win against overmatched FCS member VMI. Boise State showed a lot of grit in their opener, coming from 18 points down to defeat Florida State in hot and humid Tallahassee. With that win, Boise jumps into the top Group of Five team conversation with UCF and a couple of others. I wouldn’t count Marshall out, however, as they are the favorites in Conference USA and are coming off a 9 - 4 season and a bowl win over South Florida. 

Saturday:

(12) Texas A&M (1 -0) 20 @ (1) Clemson (1 - 0) (-16.5) 38: This is one of the top games of the week, featuring former Florida State coach taking his Aggies into Death Valley to face the top-ranked Clemson Tigers. Based on Clemson’s opening week drubbing of Georgia Tech, it doesn’t appear the Tigers have missed a beat from last season’s national championship team. Fisher faced Clemson annually when he was in the ACC and should have an idea of how to play the Tigers. If this game was in College Station, I would give A&M a shot. But it’s not, and I have to go with Clemson.  

Cincinnati (1 - 0) 24 @ (5) Ohio State (1 - 0) (-16.0) 34: Cincinnati dusted UCLA for the second consecutive year in week one, setting up this very intriguing matchup at the Horseshoe in Columbus. The American Athletic Conference had a very good opening week and could make another big statement with a Bearcat win over Ohio State. 

Army (1 - 0) 17 @ (7) Michigan (1 - 0) (-22.0) 27: Army was 11 - 2 last year and its unconventional option offense is difficult to defend. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Cadets give Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines fits, but I think Michigan’s size and athleticism on defense will eventually wear Army down. 

Rutgers (1 - 0) 17 @ (20) Iowa (1 - 0) (-20.0) 31: Rutgers snapped an 11 game losing streak last week with a big win over hapless UMass. There was promise in scoring 46 points after averaging less than 12 points a game in their final 11 games of last season.  They’ll need a much better effort against the Hawkeyes if they want to score a monumental upset. I like Iowa to hold on at home, but Rutgers should give them a little more challenge than they expect. 

(21) Syracuse (1 - 0) 30 @ Maryland (1 - 0) (-2.0) 27: I’m not quite sure how Maryland is the favorite in this game. They’ve shown very little consistency recently and they’re stadium hardly gives them much of a home field advantage. Meanwhile, Syracuse is coming off a breakthrough season where their only three losses were to national champion Clemson, Coastal Division winner Pittsburgh in overtime and CFP participant Notre Dame. Perhaps the oddsmakers know something I don’t, but I’m not buying it.

Northern Illinois (1 - 0) 14 @ (13) Utah (1 - 0) (-22.0) 37: The MAC is down this season and Northern Illinois isn’t even one of their top teams. Utah has a good chance at a playoff spot and I don’t think this game will be much of a problem for them, especially at home in Salt Lake City. 

Central Michigan (1 - 0) 6 @ (17) Wisconsin (1 - 0) (-35.0) 57: Wisconsin went down to Tampa and spanked South Florida 49 - 0 in hot and humid conditions. Meanwhile, CMU gave up 21 points to a bottom-feeding FCS team. This one could get out of hand early.

(25) Nebraska (1 - 0) (-4.5) 30 @ Colorado (1 - 0) 24: Nebraska wasn’t particularly impressive last week against Sun Belt member South Alabama, one of the ten weakest teams in the FBS. The ‘Huskers will need to step up against Colorado, which is coming off a drubbing of rival Colorado State. I picked Nebraska to win the Big Ten West, so I’ll stay with them to rebound from last week.

New Mexico State (0 - 1) 7 @ (2) Alabama (1 - 0) (-55.0) 66: I’m not sure when I last saw a 55 point spread, but I could argue that it might not even be high enough. The Aggies gave up over 40 points a game last year and there wasn’t anyone close to Alabama on their schedule. If this was a fight, they might call it after three quarters.

Murray State (1 - 0) 13 @ (3) Georgia (1 - 0) (-49.0) 56: Georgia, fresh off a conference win at Vanderbilt, takes a week off against a middling FCS foe. Why do they even bother?

Northern Colorado (0 - 1) 13 @ (22) Washington State (1 - 0) (-36.5) 52: Washington dusted New Mexico State, 58 - 7 and this could be even worse. At least the Cougars play a decent Houston team in week 3 or their non-conference schedule would be pathetic. 

South Dakota (0 - 1) 13 @ (4) Oklahoma (1 - 0) (-39.0) 59: Another one? Oklahoma was very impressive on both sides of the ball last week against Houston. Their speed on defense just might be the difference in getting them to the playoffs.

(18) UCF (1 - 0) (-11.0) 38 @ Florida Atlantic (0 - 1) 24: I’m not sure why UCF is only giving 11 points in this one. Florida Atlantic didn’t show up for a half last week at Ohio State and then made a move against the second teamers to make it respectable. UCF will be playing with a chip on its shoulder all season and will be looking to run it up on Lane Kiffin’s FAU team that is short on defensive skill.

(6) LSU (1 - 0) (-6.5) 28 @ (9) Texas (1 - 0) 24: LSU is one of my picks to get to the playoffs and this game will be instrumental when it comes to selection time. Texas is definitely headed in the right direction, but I look for LSU’s defense to give the Longhorns too for them to overcome. 

Tulane (1 - 0) 21 @ (10) Auburn (1 - 0) (-17.0) 31: Auburn escaped Arlington with a last second win over Oregon after being dominated all night. Tulane put up 41 points on Florida International, a bowl team from last season. The Green Wave should be no problem for the Tigers, unless they are Auburn suffers a bit of a letdown from last week. Auburn’s defense will be tested and freshman QB Bo Nix will need to step up his game to avoid the upset.

UT Martin (1 - 0) 6 @ (11) Florida (1 - 0) (-44.5) 49: Frankly, I’m tired of wasting effort on these unnecessary games.

Buffalo (1 - 0) 20 @ (15) Penn State (1 - 0) (-31.0) 56: Buffalo won ten games last year and played in the MAC championship game. Along the way, they defeated a Power Five team, but that was a one win Rutgers team. Penn State, coming off a 79 point performance against Idaho, presents a an entirely different challenge. 

Nevada (1 - 0) 20 @ (16) Oregon (0 - 1) (-24.5) 38: Oregon, as mentioned earlier, dominated Auburn for three and a half quarters only to see Auburn score the go ahead touchdown with nine seconds on the clock. Nevada defeated Power Five Purdue, but they’re not in the same class as the Ducks, who need to regroup after that disappointing loss. 

Western Michigan (1 - 0) 20 @ (19) Michigan State (1 - 0) (-15.5) 27: Western Michigan is one of the top teams in the MAC, but they’ll still be overmatched in this one. However, Michigan State is still a bit challenged offensively and Western Michigan can put some points on the board. If there was one possible MAC - Big Ten upset, this could be the one.

California (1 - 0) 17 @ (14) Washington (1 - 0) (-13.5): 30 The Pac-12 North is stacked this season, but Cal isn’t one of those top teams. I have to go with a much better Washington team here as they look to repeat as North champs and challenge for a playoff spot.

(23) Stanford (1 - 0) 20 @ USC (1 - 0) (-3.0) 24: Both of these teams will be without their starting quarterbacks for this game. In the case of USC, it’s for the entire season as J.T. Daniels suffered a torn ACL against Fresno State. True freshman Kedon Slovis, who was adequate but not sensational in the second half last week, will be facing a much sterner defense this week. I like USC’s skill players and will take the home team.

Old Dominion (1 - 0) 17 @ Va. Tech (0 - 1) (-28.5) 42: Last season, ODU pulled one of the big upsets of the year, taking advantage of a disinterested Hokie defense to shock 13th ranked Tech, 49 - 35. This time around, Tech is coming off a frustrating five turnover loss to Boston College and should be more focused. Old Dominion lost some key offensive starters off what turned out to be a pedestrian 4 - 8 team. A repeat of last year is doubtful. 

South Florida (0 - 1) 23 @ Ga. Tech (0 - 1) (-6.0) 31: Both of these teams were totally ineffective against respective top 25 teams: Georgia Tech to Clemson and South Florida to Wisconsin. South Florida won this matchup last season, but they are in the midst of a seven game losing streak and things don’t seem to be improving much under head coach Charlie Strong. 

Miami (0 - 1) (-5.5) 27 @ UNC (1 - 0) 24: After a disappointing loss to Florida, Miami has had a week to lick their wounds and get ready for ACC play. North Carolina erased a 20 - 9 fourth quarter deficit to South Carolina to grab a victory in Mack Brown’s first game back with the Tar Heels. I haven’t been sold on Miami, but I think they’re better than an improved UNC. 

West Va. (1 - 0) 27 @ Missouri (0 - 1) (-13.5) 38: Was Missouri’s loss to Wyoming a fluke or a sign that the Tigers aren’t all they were predicted to be following the transfer in of former Clemson QB Kelly Bryant? I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt as they gave up two 60+ yard runs and a defensive TD to fall behind by 17 points before falling just short in a fourth quarter comeback. 

Vanderbilt (0 - 1) 27 @ Purdue (0 - 1) (-7.0) 30: Purdue lost a close one to Nevada, Vanderbilt got soundly beaten by number 3 Georgia. It’s hard to take much from those games, so I’ll stay with Purdue at home.

Oregon St. (0 - 1) 31 @ Hawaii (1 - 0) (-6.5) 40: Hawaii took care of Pac-12 Arizona the opening weekend and should be able to dispatch the Beavers, too.  Oregon State gave up 52 to Oklahoma State in their opener and Hawaii is almost if not equally potent on offense. 

Arkansas (1 - 0) 27 @ Ole Miss (0 - 1) (-8.0) 24: Neither of these teams was impressive in week one. Ole Miss made the short trip to Memphis and went home with a loss. Arkansas had trouble at home with what should have been an overmatched Portland State from the FCS, squeaking out a 20 - 13 win. The Razorbacks struggled in the red zone, but the defense looked solid. I’m going with an upset.

Hear my recent interview with legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg, where we discussed his agency, concussions, franchise relocation and philanthropy at http://thechtonsports.com/cold-hard-truth-sports-radio-show-1242017/

Also listen to our conversation with author and sports journalist Mike Carey, as we discussed his latest book "Bad News" about Marvin Barnes and reminisced about Mike's coverage of the Boston Celtics during their glory years with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Danny Ainge and Robert Parish. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/golongmedia/2017/02/08/the-cold-hard-truth-on-sports-radio-show

Don't forget to check out my new book, "Offsetting Penalties - A PK Frazier Novel" at  Amazon.com .  Check out www.thechtonsports.com for our podcasts and live broadcast on Tuesday's at 9:00 pm EST. I can also be reached via email at kevin@pkfrazier.com.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 2 PICKS

The SEC didn’t exactly represent itself well in week one, with Missouri, Tennessee and Ole Miss all losing to non Power Five teams and Arkansas struggling to get a close win against an FCS squad. Week two has more compelling matchups, headlined by number six LSU traveling to ninth-rated Texas. The Aggies of Texas A&M will try to knock off top-ranked and defending national champion Clemson on the road. Wins in those game could help the SEC regain some swagger, at least at the top of the league. 

For the first time, since gambling is now legal nationwide, I’m including the point spread with each game. While I’m not specifically picking against the spread, you can figure it out by my final score prediction.

Friday:

Marshall  (1 - 0) 21 @ (24)  Boise State (1 - 0) (-13.5) 31: It was hard to get much of a read on Marshall after week one, posting a 56 - 17 win against overmatched FCS member VMI. Boise State showed a lot of grit in their opener, coming from 18 points down to defeat Florida State in hot and humid Tallahassee. With that win, Boise jumps into the top Group of Five team conversation with UCF and a couple of others. I wouldn’t count Marshall out, however, as they are the favorites in Conference USA and are coming off a 9 - 4 season and a bowl win over South Florida.

Hear my recent interview with legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg, where we discussed his agency, concussions, franchise relocation and philanthropy at http://thechtonsports.com/cold-hard-truth-sports-radio-show-1242017/

Also listen to our conversation with author and sports journalist Mike Carey, as we discussed his latest book "Bad News" about Marvin Barnes and reminisced about Mike's coverage of the Boston Celtics during their glory years with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Danny Ainge and Robert Parish. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/golongmedia/2017/02/08/the-cold-hard-truth-on-sports-radio-show

Don't forget to check out my new book, "Offsetting Penalties - A PK Frazier Novel" at  Amazon.com .  Check out www.thechtonsports.com for our podcasts and live broadcast on Tuesday's at 9:00 pm EST. I can also be reached via email at kevin@pkfrazier.com.