Gridiron Picks – Week 2

Jeremiah Davis, Sports Editor (5-2)

Jake Calhoun, Asst. Sports Editor (4-3)

Dan Tracy, senior sports reporter (4-3)

Jake Lovett, editor in chief (6-1)

Seth Roberts, Daily Iowan Sports Editor (Guest Pick)

 

Iowa vs. Iowa State

Jeremiah Davis: Iowa – I was at the last game between these two in Ames. Unless Steele Jantz plays like he did in the final four minutes against UNI, it will be like ‘09 again.

Jake Calhoun: Iowa – Do I think Iowa is as good as it’s been in years past? No. Am I convinced Steele Jantz is up to the task of leading the Cyclones to beat Iowa? No.

Dan Tracy: Iowa – Unless Iowa’s starting offensive and defensive lines come down with Rhabdomyalawhatever, I see the Hawks wearing down the Cyclones up front and leaving Ames with a W.

Jake Lovett: Iowa – The Hawkeyes are too big and too strong. Steele has a lot to prove in his first big game.

Seth Roberts: Iowa – Tyler Sash is in the NFL now, so Cyclone quarterbacks will have to find some other Hawkeye to throw to.

Missouri vs. Arizona State

Davis: Arizona State – Mizzou didn’t exactly light any fires in beating Miami (OH). They’re slightly overrated at No. 21 and won’t be after ASU is done.

Calhoun: Missouri – If only a pitchfork decal on your helmet could win you football games.

Tracy: Arizona State – The Devils steal one in the desert with five Missouri starters sidelined with injuries.

Lovett: Arizona State – Missouri’s just not as good as it’s been recently, and last week showed that off. It will become obvious after this week.

Roberts: Missouri – Arizona State’s new logo is a huge upgrade, but logos don’t win football games.

Alabama vs. Penn State

Davis: Alabama – Such an old rivalry. Such an old man on one sideline. Or in the press box. Whatever. Roll Tide.

Calhoun: Alabama – The Nittany Lions have to schedule their games early so they won’t conflict with Joe Paterno’s bedtime. Since… You know… He’s so old.

Tracy: Alabama – Trent Richardson eats thunder and craps lightning. Joe Paterno eats anything and craps in his Depends.

Lovett: Alabama – This game will be played during “Matlock.” JoePa is missing his Bingo game for this. What’s that? I used these jokes last year? Oops.

Roberts: Alabama – 84-year-old JoePa hasn’t beaten a top-5 team since he was only 72.

Notre Dame vs. Michigan

Davis: Notre Dame – How long are we going to overrate the Irish? This game used to mean something. Now it’s just a game of also-rans.

Calhoun: Michigan – The Irish will lose another heartbreaker that’ll sting worse than when I go outside in direct sunlight for 20 minutes. Sunscreen is still optional.

Tracy: Notre Dame – It’s a toss up on whether an angry Brian Kelly or a drunk Michael Floyd has the redder face but there’s no doubt the Domers know how important a win at the Big House to keep their hopes for a BCS bowl alive.

Lovett: Michigan – Denard. That is all.

Roberts: Michigan – Denard Robinson is awesome, and the Wolverine defense might be getting better. Mostly, though, I just hate Notre Dame.

BYU vs. Texas

Davis: Texas – So BYU is an Independent now, meaning we should consider them Big Time? Nah. Texas moves on toward a return to greatness.

Calhoun: BYU – Mormon Notre Dame will have no trouble keeping Bevo’s horns sawed off.

Tracy: Texas – Jimmer have any eligibility left? Nope? Alrighty then. Hook em.

Lovett: Texas – Mack’s slowly getting things figured out in Austin. Good thing, too, because things were a mess in 2010.

Roberts: Texas – BYU had better watch out, I hear Mack Brown has a thing for Cougars.

South Carolina vs. Georgia

Davis: South Carolina – Boise State showed up Georgia. Now the Jadeveon Clowneys will.

Calhoun: South Carolina – I really didn’t want to pick this game after getting harassed for not picking Georgia last week. Even though I was right. Go ‘Cocks?

Tracy: South Carolina – The Gamecocks rushing attack will be Latti-more than the Dawgs D can handle.

Lovett: South Carolina – The Ol’ Ball Coach is as close to an SEC contender as he’s been at USC. Also: as close as he’ll get.

Roberts: South Carolina – Call me six years old, but I giggle every time I hear the team’s name.

Mississippi State vs. Auburn

Davis: Auburn – Chizik and Co. escaped with a win over Utah State. Don’t be fooled, though. Chizik finds ways to win at Auburn, unlike he did in Ames.

Calhoun: Mississippi State – I bet the Bulldogs are a little bitter toward Auburn after not being able to land Cam Newton.

Tracy: Mississippi State – Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen is one of the best offensive minds in the game. I think he out-coaches the Chizz in this one, ending the Tigers 16-game win streak.

Lovett: Auburn – Call me crazy, but I don’t think the Baby Bulldogs are ready for a win at Jordan-Hare yet.

Roberts: Mississippi State – My girlfriend says the Bulldogs are faster, and who am I to argue?