Lowell's Locks: Week Two

A 3-3 week to start the season isn’t the worst result, but I know y’all expect better of Lowell’s Locks. Penn State took care of business against West Virginia, Notre Dame covered and won as an underdog against Texas A&M, and Old Dominion covered as a three-touchdown underdog to cap the wins. Miami and Georgia dominated Florida and Clemson, respectively, and LSU once again failed to win a season opener to round out the losses. 

We have a slate with some big games and some under-the-radar ones, starting with the biggest one at noon...

Saturday, September 7th: 

#3 Texas (-7.5) at #10 Michigan:

On the surface, a top-10 team being more than a touchdown underdog at home is surprising. However, the Wolverines are in the midst of a major transition period. Almost the entire offense, along with now-Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, have departed. It showed on Saturday, with Michigan struggling to put away Fresno State until late in the second half. The Longhorns had no such issues, easily dispatching Colorado State 52-0. Michigan still has a loaded defense, but the disparity between these two offenses is too large to ignore.   

Lowell’s Lock: Texas covers -7.5

Arkansas at #16 Oklahoma State (-10):

This could be a fun one. Oklahoma State is led by Ollie Gordon at running back, along with an experienced offensive line. Gordon, who won the Doak Walker award last season after rushing for 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns, is a guy that you have to hold your breath any time he touches the ball, which should be a lot against a young Arkansas defense. Arkansas will be able to move the ball and put up some explosive plays of their own behind Boise State transfer quarterback Taylen Green, but the Cowboys will be able to control the ball and the clock and put the Razorbacks away late.

Lowell’s Lock: Oklahoma State covers -10

#14 Tennessee (-9.5) vs. #24 NC State in Charlotte:

Tennessee looked scary again last weekend, dismantling Chatanooga 69-3. Meanwhile, the Wolfpack slogged their way through a 38-21 win against Western Carolina. So the pick here is easy, right?

Not so fast, my friend. 

The Wolfpack defense is too talented to play like they did two weekends in a row, and quarterback Grayson McCall is a seasoned vet, playing in his sixth season of college ball. I don’t know if the Pack can win this one, but they should be able to push the Vols and cover a pretty significant spread.

Lowell’s Lock: NC State covers +9.5

Boise State at #7 Oregon (-19.5):

Oregon worked hard to pull away from Idaho, 24-14, last weekend. The Ducks actually controlled the game; they just could not get the ball into the endzone. Boise had the opposite problem, as they escaped Georgia Southern 56-45 behind runningback Ahston Jeanty’s incredible 267 yards and 6 touchdowns on just 20 carries. These are two teams that both have realistic playoff hopes, and this could possibly be a first-round preview. 

It’s tempting to take Boise here with such a big spread and with how Oregon struggled last week, but the Ducks should find plenty in the Broncos secondary to exploit, and the defense won’t let Jeanty run quite as wild. Ducks pull away with a strong second half.

Lowell’s Lock: Oregon covers -19.5

South Carolina at Kentucky (-8.5):

The South Carolina offense struggled mightily against Old Dominion, with the same issues on the offensive line as last season, rearing their heads again. The Gamecocks gave up four sacks and could only manage 3.1 yards per carry. The defensive front was solid and should let the Gamecocks hang around, but Georgia transfer quarterback Brock Vandergriff and the Wildcats’ advantage on the lines eventually take over.

Lowell’s Lock: Kentucky covers -8.5

App State at #25 Clemson (-16.5):

Clemson fell flat last week against #1 Georgia, unable to muster many points in a 34-3 loss. The Tigers hung tough for a half, but the Bulldogs systematically wore the Tigers’ defense down and took advantage of some missed opportunities by Clemson to seize control. 

So, how will the Tigers respond? This could go one of two ways. 

One: Dabo Swinney rallies the troops, and the Tigers use their more talented roster defensively to control a solid App State offense. The offense finally starts showing some promise, potentially behind some of their younger receivers. 

Two: App State adds Clemson to its historic list of upsets. 

I think it’s going to be the former... but don’t quote me on that.

Score Prediction: 35-17 Clemson

Lowell’s Lock: Clemson covers -16.5