Graphic by Katherine Moorman
WEEK 3
Ole Miss @ Wake Forest 42-17 (Ian Sparks)
Following wins against Furman and Middle Tennessee State at home, the Rebels will challenge the Demon Deacons in their first road test of the season on Saturday, Sept. 14.
Quarterback Jaxson Dart has started the season with a purpose — completing 47 of 54 passes for 795 yards and eight touchdowns. Wake Forest is coming off a heartbreaking 31-30 loss at home to Virginia after leading the Cavaliers 30-17 going into the fourth quarter.
Despite putting up 544 yards of offense against Virginia and 513 against North Carolina A&T the week before, Wake Forest will need a near-perfect game to upset the Rebels.
Even with rainy conditions forecast, Ole Miss should cruise to a 3-0 start. Not only are the Rebels more skilled, their sheer size up front makes them a matchup nightmare for just about anyone.
LSU @ South Carolina 35-28 (Lily Green)
With the disappearance of the east and west divisions in the SEC, the LSU Tigers will face off against the South Carolina Gamecocks for the first time since 2020.
While LSU sits at 1-1 due to a loss against the University of Southern California in week one of this season, South Carolina remains undefeated. The Gamecocks blew out the Kentucky Wildcats 31-6 last week.
Both teams have notable quarterbacks who are portrayed as difference makers on the field.
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is already a hot commodity for the Tigers offense — recording 610 total passing yards, a 75% completion rate and eight touchdowns this season.
South Carolina true freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers has room for improvement. Sellers has put up 273 passing yards with a 43% completion rate, two touchdowns and one interception.
Though South Carolina is unranked, LSU is favored by a mere touchdown and will head into the game ranked No. 16.
Oregon @ Oregon St. 45-28 (Luke Dunavant)
The Oregon vs. Oregon State rivalry is one of the oldest in the sport, dating back to 1894. The game will look a little different this year after the Ducks left the Pac-12 Conference and joined the Big Ten during the offseason. Both teams are currently undefeated, and the Beavers are currently first in the Pac-12.
After lackluster performances in their first two games, the Ducks are looking to make a statement this week. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel has played reasonably well but has yet to display the top-tier talent that made him one of the most highly touted transfers this past offseason.
Oregon State quarterback Gevani McCoy has 295 yards through two games and only two touchdowns. Former Ole Miss running back Jam Griffin is the driving force behind the Beavers’ offense and has a strong influence on their chances of winning this weekend.
The Ducks opened up as 14-point favorites, and with a stronger offense on paper, they likely will find success this weekend.
Georgia @ Kentucky Score Prediction: 42-10 (Charles Hausman)
Filling the No. 1 ranking, Georgia has started the season strong with a perfect 2-0 record. Kentucky sits at 1-1 after a 31-6 loss against South Carolina.
The Dawgs have been unstoppable with their air raid offense in full effect. The star of this offense, quarterback Carson Beck, has already accounted for 520 passing yards and seven touchdowns.
On defense, linebackers Jalon Walker and CJ Allen have been electric, both with nine tackles.
Kentucky struggled last week in its first conference game against South Carolina, putting up only six points in the first half on two field goals.
Quarterback Brock Vandagriff threw for three touchdowns in week one and had one interception in week two. Vandagriff will have to perform like he did in week one in order to make a statement against the Bulldogs.
Alabama @ Wisconsin Score Prediction: Alabama 42-7 (Wilson Engeriser)
Alabama is off to a scorching start to the season after shutting out Western Kentucky 63-0. While the score is impressive, none of Alabama’s starters were tested after starting quarterback Jalen Milroe had to throw the ball only nine times for over 200 passing yards.
The Tide currently sits at 2-0 after a win over South Florida at home last week. Alabama earned the majority of its points in the fourth quarter, scoring 28 points to secure a 42-16 victory.
In contrast, Wisconsin had a very slow start to the season after beating Western Michigan 28-14 and South Dakota 27-13. The Badgers are looking better coming off their 4-8 season in 2023 and will have to put up a strong front against a talented Alabama team.
Despite the away game disadvantage, Alabama is poised to defeat Wisconsin with a high-powered SEC offense that the Badgers cannot stop.
