Week Two Bowl Projections
Mark Schlabach (ESPN) – Wisconsin vs. LSU
Brad Edwards (ESPN) – Wisconsin vs. Florida
Scout.com/CollegeFootballNews.com – Ohio State vs. LSU
Jerry Palm – Michigan vs. Georgia
ESPN Big Ten & SEC Blogs – Wisconsin vs. Georgia
SBNation – Northwestern vs. Texas A&M
Wisconsin shut out Tennessee Tech 48-0 on Saturday to improve to 2-0. The Badgers gained 606 yards on offense while limiting the Golden Eagles to only 113 yards and six first downs. Wisconsin travels to Arizona State this week to take on the 1-0 Sun Devils. This will be just the fourth ever meeting between the two programs with Arizona State holding a 2-1 advantage over the Badgers.
Ohio State joins the projections this week overtaking Michigan for Scout.com’s pick. Ohio State continued their impressive offensive output this week beating San Diego State, 42-7. The Buckeyes ran for 263 yards while only giving up 64 yards on the ground to the Aztecs. Ohio State travels to California to take on the Golden Bears this weekend.
Northwestern also appears in a projection for the first time this week. The Wildcats improved to 2-0 after a 48-27 win over California on Saturday. Northwestern gained 581 yards on offense thanks to an effective two quarterback system. Both Kain Colter and Trevor Siemian completed 15 passes, with Siemian throwing for 259 yards and three touchdowns and Colter adding 166 yards in the air to go along with 87 rushing yards and two total touchdowns. Northwestern hosts Western Michigan on Saturday.
Michigan remains in the projections as Jerry Palm’s pick to make it to Orlando. The Wolverines pulled off an upset over rival Notre Dame with a 41-30 win. Devin Gardner threw for 294 yards and four touchdowns to go along with 82 yards rushing and a touchdown. Big Blue took a two touchdown lead into halftime and held off a late Irish comeback for the victory. Michigan hosts Akron at home this Saturday.
LSU and Georgia lead the SEC projections with each making two appearances. The Tigers improved to 2-0 with a 56-17 win over visiting UAB last weekend. LSU hosts Kent State this weekend before opening up their SEC schedule against Auburn next weekend.
Georgia rebounded from a tough loss to Clemson to beat SEC East rival South Carolina 41-30 this past weekend. The Bulldogs outscored the Gamecocks 17-7 in the second half to pull away for the victory. Georgia has the week off before hosting North Texas next weekend. South Carolina’s loss also knocked them out of the projections for this week. The Gamecocks welcome Vanderbilt this weekend.
Florida remains Brad Edwards’ pick despite falling at Miami 21-16. The Gators fell behind early, and despite a late touchdown pass were unable to complete the comeback. Florida has an off week before opening up their SEC schedule by hosting Tennessee.
Texas A&M is the only other team to appear in a SEC projection this week. The Aggies put on an offensive display gaining 714 total yards in their 65-28 win over Sam Houston St. Johnny Manziel threw for 403 yards and three touchdowns and added 36 yards and a touchdown on the ground as well. Texas A&M welcomes the defending national champions Alabama to College Station this weekend. The Aggies were the only team to beat the Crimson Tide last year.