college football predictions 2021

Cal vs Sacramento State Prediction, Game Preview

Cal vs Sacramento State prediction and game preview. Saturday, September 18

Cal vs Sacramento State prediction and game preview.

Cal vs Sacramento State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 18
Game Time: 4:00 ET
Venue: California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
Network: Pac-12 Network
– Sign up and stream college football all season long on ESPN+

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f1343a1wt7q817p7 player_id=none image=https://collegefootballnews.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Cal (1-1) vs Sacramento State (1-1) Game Preview

Why Sacramento State Will Win

The Hornets have a few nice parts.

QB Asher O’Hara is a do-it-all quarterback from Middle Tennessee who threw three picks in the loss to Northern Iowa last week, but threw for 338 yards and ran for a team-high 55 yards. He’s just enough of a ball with just enough experience to give the Bears a little bit of an issue.

The team does a nice job at controlling the clock, the defense has been solid so far – the secondary is okay, and there’s a shot to catch Cal napping coming off the trip to TCU and a date at Washington coming up.

– Week 3 College Football Expert Picks

Why Cal Will Win

Sacramento State doesn’t have the lines.

The offensive front won’t be able to keep the Bear defensive front out of the backfield – O’Hara’s mobility will have something to do with that – and the team isn’t tight enough with the ball to be flawless.

The Hornets have to be at least a +3 in turnover margin to make this competitive, but they’ve turned the ball over six times in the first two games and won’t hold up. On the other side, for all of the issue Cal has had getting things moving, the O line has given everyone time to work.

And the Bears don’t turn the ball over.

– Week 3 College Football Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

This isn’t an awful Sacramento State team – it’ll be a factor in FCS play – but it’s not going to do enough offensively to take advantages of the opportunities.

Cal’s offense showed up against TCU, but the running game hasn’t rocked yet. It will this week as the offensive line takes over early. It won’t be a brutal blowout, but the Bears will get some work in before moving on to Washington.

– Week 2 NFL Expert Picks

Cal vs Sacramento State Prediction, Line

Cal 37, Sacramento State 10
Line: Cal -27, o/u: 53
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 1.5

5: Steve is proud of you
1: Ordinary Joe

[protected-iframe id=”361699434b6d70baf15f631ed2408ac1-97672683-92922408″ info=”https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js” ]

– Fearless Predictions of Every Game
– Bowl Projections | Rankings

Bowling Green vs Murray State Prediction, Game Preview

Bowling Green vs Murray State prediction and game preview. Saturday, September 18

Bowling Green vs Murray State prediction and game preview.

Bowling Green vs Murray State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 18
Game Time: 5:00 ET
Venue: Doyt L Perry Stadium, Bowling Green, OH
Network: ESPN3
– Sign up and stream college football all season long on ESPN+

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f1343a1wt7q817p7 player_id=none image=https://collegefootballnews.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Bowling Green (0-2) vs Murray State (1-1) Game Preview

Why Murray State Will Win

The Bowling Green offense still isn’t good enough.

It’s been a rough run for the last few years, and it all carried over to 2021. It’s the worst team in college football so far on third downs, it’s got the second-worst rushing attack, and even when there are chances – like there were in the 22-19 loss to South Alabama last week – the O isn’t coming through.

Murray State got rolled by Cincinnati, but it’s a decent team with a good pass rush and a defense that’s going to be just fine when it’s not going against one of the top ten teams in the country.

– Week 3 College Football Expert Picks

Why Bowling Green Will Win

The passing game finally showed up.

It might have been a loss to South Alabama, but Matt McDonald was able to throw for over 300 yards as the attack started to look the part.

There’s been a decent pass rush so far, there were plenty of plays behind the line last week, and there should be enough production on the lines to hold up if the Racer ground game starts working. However …

– Week 3 College Football Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

The Racers were able to battle with the Bearcats, holding down their ground game and staying in the game until the second half.

The running game will work. It’s going to push through a Falcon D that will be fine for most of the game, but will give up a few big gashes. On the other side, the Murray State defense will come up with three takeaways and won’t allow a thing on the ground.

– Week 2 NFL Expert Picks

Bowling Green vs Murray State Prediction, Line

Murray State 26, Bowling Green 23
Line: Murray State -2.5, o/u: 46
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1

Must See Rating: 2

5: Steve is proud of you
1: Ordinary Joe

[protected-iframe id=”361699434b6d70baf15f631ed2408ac1-97672683-92922408″ info=”https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js” ]

– Fearless Predictions of Every Game
– Bowl Projections | Rankings

Florida Atlantic vs Fordham Prediction, Game Preview

Florida Atlantic vs Fordham prediction and game preview.

Florida Atlantic vs Fordham prediction and game preview.

Florida Atlantic vs Fordham Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 18
Game Time: 6:00 ET
Venue: FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, FL
Network: ESPN3
– Sign up and stream college football all season long on ESPN+

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f1343a1wt7q817p7 player_id=none image=https://collegefootballnews.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Florida Atlantic (1-1) vs Fordham (0-2) Game Preview

Why Fordham Will Win

There’s an effective enough of an offense to take advantage of every opportunity.

The Rams don’t miss when they get inside the red zone, they’re solid at coming up with third down conversions, and the line has been solid so far for the ground game and at keeping teams out of the backfield.

There hasn’t been a whole lot of luck overall, but Tim DeMorat is coming off a big 352-yard, three touchdown passing day in the loss to Monmouth, and this week the passing attack should keep pressing an FAU defense that’s not stopping anyone on third downs and doesn’t have any sort of a pass rush.

– Week 3 College Football Expert Picks

Why Florida Atlantic Will Win

To be fair, the stats are misleading.

The sacks haven’t been there because Florida and Georgia Southern ran so much. The offensive side was able to take over last week and should be better and better as the season goes on.

Former Miami QB N’Kosi Perry threw for 332 yards and four scores in last week’s win, the parts are there for the ground game to balance things out, and Fordham doesn’t control the ball and the clock enough to matter.

– Week 3 College Football Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

The games against running teams continue next week for FAU with a date at Air Force, but first the secondary gets to have a little test.

It won’t matter as the Owl offense gets out to a hot start with a big first quarter. There’s no resting as the timing still needs to be worked on as the Owls get some good live reps in for the reserves in an easy win.

– Week 2 NFL Expert Picks

Florida Atlantic vs Fordham Prediction, Line

Florida Atlantic 44, Fordham 10
Line: Florida Atlantic -31, o/u: 47
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1

Must See Rating: 1.5

5: Steve is proud of you
1: Ordinary Joe

[protected-iframe id=”361699434b6d70baf15f631ed2408ac1-97672683-92922408″ info=”https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js” ]

– Fearless Predictions of Every Game
– Bowl Projections | Rankings

Houston vs Grambling Prediction, Game Preview

Houston vs Grambling prediction and game preview. Saturday, September 18

Houston vs Grambling prediction and game preview.

Houston vs Grambling Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 18
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: TDECU Stadium, Houston, TX
Network: ESPN+
– Sign up and stream college football all season long on ESPN+

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f1343a1wt7q817p7 player_id=none image=https://collegefootballnews.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Houston (1-1) vs Grambling (1-1) Game Preview

Why Grambling Will Win

Houston has had problems with interceptions.

The only chance the Tigers have to keep this close it to dominate the turnover margin and capitalize on all the mistakes – the Cougars have given it up six times so far.

The Grambling offense hasn’t been anything great, but it’s not making a ton of errors and was timely in the 16-10 win over Tennessee State to start the season. And …

– Week 3 College Football Expert Picks

Why Houston Will Win

There’s not nearly enough offensive punch from Grambling to keep up after a few Houston drives.

Southern Miss beat the Tigers 37-0 last week and didn’t allow even a sniff of a score – that’s not okay against that defense. Houston might not be a brick wall on D, but it stuffed Rice last week in a 44-7 win and isn’t going to allow much of anything this week on the ground.

– Week 3 College Football Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

This is the true tune-up game before diving into conference play against Navy next week. Houston will score on its first three drives, get out to a big lead, and then coast from there.

The only question is whether or not Grambling scores – or gets inside the Cougar 20.

– Week 2 NFL Expert Picks

Houston vs Grambling Prediction, Line

Houston 45, Grambling 3
Line: Houston -38, o/u: 54
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1.5

Must See Rating: 1

5: Steve is proud of you
1: Ordinary Joe

[protected-iframe id=”361699434b6d70baf15f631ed2408ac1-97672683-92922408″ info=”https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js” ]

– Fearless Predictions of Every Game
– Bowl Projections | Rankings

USF vs Florida A&M Prediction, Game Preview

USF vs Florida A&M prediction and game preview. Saturday, September 18

USF vs Florida A&M prediction and game preview.

USF vs Florida A&M Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 18
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Network: ESPN+
– Sign up and stream college football all season long on ESPN+

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f1343a1wt7q817p7 player_id=none image=https://collegefootballnews.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

USF (0-2) vs Florida A&M (1-1) Game Preview

Why Florida A&M Will Win

The Rattlers have a defense.

They were able to hold Jackson State to just seven points in the opening weekend loss, and last week they stuffed Fort Hayes in a 34-7 win. It starts with the takeaways – coming up with seven so far – helped by a strong pass rush and terrific run defense.

The offense might sputter a bit on the ground, but the passing attack has two decent quarterback rotation in Rasean McKay and Junior Muratovic who both did a nice job last week.

However …

– Week 3 College Football Expert Picks

Why USF Will Win

Florida A&M doesn’t have enough of a running game to matter in a game like this.

The quarterbacks can move the ball with the short passing game, but USF doesn’t have to worry about any big gashes from an offensive line and ground attack that won’t hit 100 yards.

It’s still a work in progress for the Bull offense, but it was able to move the chains a little bit in the loss to Florida last week – the Gators took their foot off the gas in the second half, though.

The offensive front is doing a good job in pass protection, former North Carolina QB Cade Fortin is solid enough to get the passing game moving against a defense that’s not Florida, and …

– Week 3 College Football Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

USF finally catches a breather.

It couldn’t do anything against NC State, and it got run out of the stadium by Florida. The Florida A&M defense will come up with a slew of stops, but the offense won’t be able to move the chains enough to matter.

– Week 2 NFL Expert Picks

USF vs Florida A&M Prediction, Line

USF 34, Florida A&M 3
Line: USF -21, o/u: 49
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 1

5: Steve is proud of you
1: Ordinary Joe

[protected-iframe id=”361699434b6d70baf15f631ed2408ac1-97672683-92922408″ info=”https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js” ]

– Fearless Predictions of Every Game
– Bowl Projections | Rankings

Texas State vs Incarnate Word Prediction, Game Preview

Texas State vs Incarnate Word prediction and game preview. Saturday, September 18

Texas State vs Incarnate Word prediction and game preview.

Texas State vs Incarnate Word Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 18
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Bobcat Stadium, San Marcos, TX
Network: ESPN3
– Sign up and stream college football all season long on ESPN+

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f1343a1wt7q817p7 player_id=none image=https://collegefootballnews.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Texas State (1-1) vs Incarnate Word (1-1) Game Preview

Why Incarnate Word Will Win

The Cardinals have a passing game to worry about.

Cameron Ward threw three touchdown passes in the easy win over Prairie View A&M last week after throwing for four scores and 352 yards in the overtime loss to Youngstown State. The receiving corps is deep, there’s a running game to worry about, and everything keeps moving.

Texas State might be fun, but it’s not getting enough consistency out of the passing game – there’s just nothing big happening down the field.

The Bobcat D doesn’t get into the backfield enough to matter, there’s no real pass rush so far, and …

– Week 3 College Football Expert Picks

Why Texas State Will Win

Texas State was able to get by FIU in overtime last week with a wee bit of balance on offense. It took advantage of its chances – taking the ball away three times without turning it over – and there shouldn’t be a problem with mistakes this week against UIW.

It’s a seasoned team after battling with Baylor – it finds ways to stay in games even when things aren’t working. This week, it all has to start with trying to pound on a suspect Cardinal run defense giving up 245 yards per game.

– Week 3 College Football Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

Texas State plays to its competition, and that might happen this week, too.

UIW has enough of an offense to make this fun throughout, but the defense will buckle in the second half as a the Texas State offense finally wakes up. It might not be anything pretty, but the Bobcats will take their first 2-1 start since 2013.

– Week 2 NFL Expert Picks

Texas State vs Incarnate Word Prediction, Line

Texas State 37, Incarnate Word 24
Line: Texas State -9, o/u: 64.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 1.5

5: Steve is proud of you
1: Ordinary Joe

[protected-iframe id=”361699434b6d70baf15f631ed2408ac1-97672683-92922408″ info=”https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js” ]

– Fearless Predictions of Every Game
– Bowl Projections | Rankings

ULM vs Jackson State Prediction, Game Preview

ULM at Jackson State prediction and game preview. Saturday, September 18

ULM at Jackson State prediction and game preview.

ULM at Jackson State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 18
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Malone Stadium, Malone, LA
Network: ESPN3
– Sign up and stream college football all season long on ESPN+

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f1343a1wt7q817p7 player_id=none image=https://collegefootballnews.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

ULM (0-1) vs Jackson State (2-0) Game Preview

Why Jackson State Will Win

The Tigers worked through a 7-6 defensive fight in the opener over Florida A&M, and the O turned it loose in a 38-16 win over Tennessee State with Shadeur Sanders – Deion’s son – throwing for 362 yards and three scores.

They have a nice mix with a fantastic pass rush to go along with a versatile offense – it all could work against a ULM team that’s still going through a major overhaul under Terry Bowden.

The Warhawks might be rested, but they got bombed on by Kentucky for well over 400 yards in the opener – Sanders should go off.

– Week 3 College Football Expert Picks

Why ULM Will Win

ULM has some interesting parts to the offense that should be able to get going against teams that aren’t from the SEC.

The pass rush worked a bit against Kentucky – coming up with four sacks, even if the defense didn’t come up with a meaningful early stop – and it should be able to get to Sanders.

The Jackson State line isn’t going to blast away for the ground attack.

– Week 3 College Football Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

Deion’s guys will hold up and push this into the fourth quarter, but the Warhawks will get enough offensive balance and a decent enough day out of QB Rhett Rodriquez to pull through with two late scoring drives.

– Week 2 NFL Expert Picks

ULM vs Jackson State Prediction, Line

ULM 26, Jackson State 16
Line: ULM -4.5, o/u: 57
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1

Must See Rating: 2

5: Steve is proud of you
1: Ordinary Joe

[protected-iframe id=”361699434b6d70baf15f631ed2408ac1-97672683-92922408″ info=”https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js” ]

– Fearless Predictions of Every Game
– Bowl Projections | Rankings

South Alabama vs Alcorn State Prediction, Game Preview

South Alabama vs Alcorn State prediction and game preview. Saturday, September 18

South Alabama vs Alcorn State prediction and game preview.

South Alabama vs Alcorn State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 18
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile, AL
Network: ESPN3
– Sign up and stream college football all season long on ESPN+

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f1343a1wt7q817p7 player_id=none image=https://collegefootballnews.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

South Alabama (2-0) vs Alcorn State (1-1) Game Preview

Why Alcorn State Will Win

It hasn’t been the smoothest of starts for the Braves, but they were able to get by Northwestern State last week with a decent day from the passing game in the 13-10 comeback win.

The defense has been tough – especially against the run – and while the offense hasn’t been able to get going, it’s not making the big mistakes with just one turnover.

Even with the 2-0 start, the South Alabama offensive line isn’t keeping defenses out of the backfield and the O has struggled – there’s no ground game – but …

– Week 3 College Football Expert Picks

Why South Alabama Will Win

So how has South Alabama done it so far? Playing Southern Miss and Bowling Green helped, but the defense has been the star, especially against the run.

Southern Miss struggled on the ground, and Bowling Green finished with just nine yards. The Jaguars aren’t beating themselves, the pass rush has been outstanding, and the defense has been a brick wall on third downs. Alcorn State isn’t going to get going on the ground.

– Week 3 College Football Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

South Alabama doesn’t have enough of an offense to run away and hide, but it’ll do just enough to get up early and then rely on its defense the rest of the way.

Alcorn State’s offense isn’t going to start getting rolling this week.

– Week 2 NFL Expert Picks

South Alabama vs Alcorn State Prediction, Line

South Alabama 31, Alcorn State 10
Line: South Alabama -22.5, o/u: 44.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1

Must See Rating: 1.5

5: Steve is proud of you
1: Ordinary Joe

[protected-iframe id=”361699434b6d70baf15f631ed2408ac1-97672683-92922408″ info=”https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js” ]

– Fearless Predictions of Every Game
– Bowl Projections | Rankings

New Mexico State at South Carolina State Prediction, Game Preview

New Mexico State at South Carolina State prediction and game preview.

New Mexico State at South Carolina State prediction and game preview.

New Mexico State at South Carolina State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 18
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Venue: Aggie Memorial Stadium, Las Cruces, NM
Network: FloFootball
– Sign up and stream college football all season long on ESPN+

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f1343a1wt7q817p7 player_id=none image=https://collegefootballnews.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

New Mexico State (0-3) vs South Carolina State (0-2) Game Preview

Why South Carolina State Will Win

It’s hard to have too much fun playing Clemson after it loses – the Bulldogs collected their paycheck in the 49-3 game – but the offense worked in a fun 42-41 loss to Alabama A&M.

The attack has enough of a balance to matter against a New Mexico State defense that’s not doing anything against the run. Worse yet, the offensive side can’t stop screwing up.

It’s bad enough to not have any running game, but the turnovers keep shooting the team in the foot.

– Week 3 College Football Expert Picks

Why New Mexico State Will Win

There have been signs of life.

The Aggie offense was horrible in the opener against UTEP, but the passing attack pushed the San Diego State D a bit and the attack did enough to make New Mexico work.

South Carolina State is miserable on third downs. New Mexico State has to use this game to start going on a few decent, sustained drives, and the pass rush has to show up to get the D off the field.

– Week 3 College Football Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

Can the New Mexico State passing game be enough to overcome a slew of other problems?

South Carolina State’s secondary has been awful, but it’ll pick off a few passes to stay in this through the second half. Even so, NMSU will get a win – even if it’s not pretty.

– Week 2 NFL Expert Picks

New Mexico State vs South Carolina State Prediction, Line

New Mexico State 27, South Carolina State 23
Line: PICK, o/u: 54
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1.5

Must See Rating: 2

5: Steve is proud of you
1: Ordinary Joe

[protected-iframe id=”361699434b6d70baf15f631ed2408ac1-97672683-92922408″ info=”https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js” ]

– Fearless Predictions of Every Game
– Bowl Projections | Rankings

UTSA vs Middle Tennessee Prediction, Game Preview

UTSA vs Middle Tennessee prediction and game preview. Saturday, September 18

UTSA vs Middle Tennessee prediction and game preview.

UTSA vs Middle Tennessee Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 18
Game Time: 6:00 ET
Venue: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
Network: ESPN+
– Sign up and stream college football all season long on ESPN+

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f1343a1wt7q817p7 player_id=none image=https://collegefootballnews.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

UTSA (2-0) vs Middle Tennessee (1-1) Game Preview

Why Middle Tennessee Will Win

The Blue Raiders were able to hang around a bit with Virginia Tech in a 35-14 loss.

The running game didn’t do much, but former NC State QB Bailey Hockman was able to throw for over 200 yards and the defense kept the game in check for a half.

The offense isn’t making big mistakes – just one turnover so far – and the passing game is just efficient enough to bother a UTSA secondary that had problems late against Illinois and hasn’t been pressed too hard.

– Week 3 College Football Expert Picks

Why UTSA Will Win

The Roadrunners keep on rolling.

They pulled off a thriller or a win over Illinois in the opener, and then ripped through Lamar with a 54-0 win thanks to a razor-sharp passing game.

It’s all working. They’re moving the chains without a problem, the offense is scoring whenever it gets a chance, and they’re not making a whole slew of mistakes.

Middle Tennessee isn’t doing anything to keep defenses out of the backfield and the offense hasn’t been moving like it needs to against a team this solid.

– Week 3 College Football Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews

What’s Going To Happen

UTSA is playing well, and now it gets to take a first step in the Conference USA race at home with a good offensive balance and a nice day from the defense.

The Roadrunner defensive front will get into the backfield enough to come up with the stops needed to pull ahead in the second half.

– Week 2 NFL Expert Picks

UTSA vs Middle Tennessee Prediction, Line

UTSA 36, Middle Tennessee 24
Line: UTSA -12.5, o/u: 59.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 2

5: Steve is proud of you
1: Ordinary Joe

[protected-iframe id=”361699434b6d70baf15f631ed2408ac1-97672683-92922408″ info=”https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js” ]

– Fearless Predictions of Every Game
– Bowl Projections | Rankings