There are bad weeks, and then, there’s this week. There isn’t much excitement on the board for the casual college football fan. For me, this is perfect. As someone who has a wedding this weekend, I need college football to be as dull as possible. It’s looking good for this week. I’ll gather my record when I have more time, but let’s get into it. (Photo Credit @GrantRamey)

Must-Watch Games
Virginia Tech at 17. Tennessee (-11.5) (Played at Bristol Motor Speedway) 7:00 pm ABC – This is being dubbed ‘The battle at Bristol.’ They have 155,000 people that could possibly attend this game. It’s more about the ambiance than the actual game. Josh Dobbs needs to show up in this one. He didn’t look like a senior quarterback versus App State. Same goes for Jalen Hurd. A part of me could see a big Tennessee night given how poorly they played last week. Virginia Tech didn’t set the world on fire either. They lost four fumbles to Liberty, and that can’t be good for this week. Give me the Vols. TENN 30-17

Arkansas at 15. TCU (-7.5) 6:00 pm ESPN – Both teams stumbled out of the gates with closer wins than expected. Kenny Hill could really do a number to this Arkansas’ defense. There’s no proof that the 2015 troubles don’t exist again plus I don’t like the sound of Bielema saying we need to get back to ‘smash mouth football.’ I’m riding with the Frogs here. Hill has a massive day. TCU 31-16

Bucky’s Opponent
Akron at 10. Wisconsin (-23.5) 2:30 Big Ten Network – Full previews of local games are coming next week. Badgers will get a totally different look than last week with a spread offense. Dave Aranda’s defenses did well against them in the past. I’ll be interested to see how replacing Chris Orr goes in this one. Don’t be surprised if the Badgers come out sleepy in this out. Big second half from Bart Houston and Wisconsin begins to pull away. UW 38-21

Definitely Keep An Eye On
13. Louisville at Syracuse (Played on Friday) (-15) 7:00 pm ESPN2 – If you like offense, this is your game. The over/under is set at 68.5 and both of these teams should be chucking it down the field. Lamar Jackson has a fan club quietly developing him for him along with this Cardinals team. This could be a lookahead spot with Florida State next week, but I don’t see it happening as the Orange really can’t pressure Jackson. UL 42-31

Iowa State at 17. Iowa (-15) 6:30 pm Big Ten Network – I love the Hawkeyes in this one. Iowa State failed to get off the field against an FCS team last week. That’s not a good sign. Akrum Wadley is a one of the most underrated running backs in the country and deserve more attention. He has a big day and Iowa rolls. HAWKS 38-6

Bet Of The Week
SMU at 23. Baylor (-31.5) 2:30 pm FS1 – Make up your own mind about the spread, but I’m looking at the under here. 76 points feels like a lot even for these two teams. Baylor isn’t the same high-flying offens6e, and SMU had some issues scoring against North Texas. Baylor still wins big though. BAY 41-7

SnoTap Bar Watch
Virginia at 24. Oregon (-24.5) 9:30 pm ESPN – For those not familiar with the bar watch, it’s the game you watched when you don’t want to be social and would just watch football instead. This game won’t be too exciting as the Ducks should roll. Watch Dakota Prukop in this one and see if his happy feet get better. OREG 49-14

Worth a channel flip
Central Michigan at 22. Oklahoma State (-20.5) 11:00 am FS1 – This should be a fun little start to a bad weekend. Both big time offenses especially through the air with Mason Rudolph for the Pokes and Cooper Rush for the Chips. I like Oklahoma State in this one, but it’s closer than expected. OK STATE 45-33

Western Kentucky at 2. Alabama (-28.5) 2:30 pm ESPN2 – Good check to see Alabama’s defense against a high-flying offense in the Hiltoppers. Plus the Tide need to avoid a lookahead with Ole Miss next week. I still like the Tide in a major way. BAMA 40-10

Nevada at 18. Notre Dame (-28) 2:30 pm NBC – This game isn’t worth watching much of besides wondering what could have been for last week if DeShone Kizer played the whole game. Irish win very big. ND 42-14

Florida Atlantic at 25. Miami (-24) 5:00 pm ACC Network – The U enters back in the top 25. This game features two strong offenses, but the problem is the Owls can’t stop a nosebleed. Brad Kaaya goes bonkkers. MIA 52-17

Sleep off your hangover
Troy at 2. Clemson 11:30 AM ACC Network
Charleston Southern at 3. Florida State 11:30 am ACC Network
Tulsa at 4. Ohio State 2:30 pm ABC
UCF at 5. Michigan 11:00 AM ABC
Lamar at 6. Houston 11:00 AM ESPN3
Idaho at 8. Washington 3:00 pm Pac-12 Network
Nicholls at 9. Georgia 11:00 AM SEC Network
UTEP at 11. Texas 6:00 PM Longhorn Network
UL-Monroe at 14. Oklahoma 6:00 PM
Wofford at 19. Ole Miss 3:00 PM SEC Network
Prairie View A&M at 20.Texas A&M 11:00 am SEC Network
Jacksonville State at 21. LSU 6:30 pm ESPNU