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Fearless Rick & Coin Flip Week 3 College Football Picks
Week 2 Results: Rick: 6-7; Flip: 8-5
Thursday, September 17
Syracuse @ Pittsburgh (-10, 51.5) 7:30 pm (ESPN) - A couple of mid-tier ACC programs with bowl aspirations face off in a traditional rivalry dating back decades to when both were elite college football programs. These days, they struggle with recruiting against larger, better-funded schools.
Line seems a little extreme, given that 1-1 Syracuse is coming off a home loss to Cal, 21-18 and 2-0 Pitt took down UCF last week, 12-7, in a defensive struggle. Pitt defeated the Orange last season, at Syracuse, 30-13, but Syracuse was missing starting QB Steve Angeli, who is once again healthy, giving the “Cuse a minor edge against an aggressive defense.
Coin Flip: Pittsburgh
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Orange 21 Panthers 17
5 Miami (-21, 56) @ Wake Forest 7:30 pm (ESPN) - The Demon Deacons come off a 38-36 shootout win at Purdue, but one has to wonder if they can hang with the Hurricanes for long. Apparently, the oddsmakers do not believe so.
Miami has hammered their first two opponents, Stanford, 45-6, and Florida A&M, 77-7. The “U” is back, big time with exceptional talent on both sides of the ball. If they get an early lead, it could be lights out for Wake.
Coin Flip: Miami
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Hurricanes 42 Demon Deacons 14
Texas Tech won this matchup last season, 35-11, but the Cougars were without QB Conner Weigman in the second half, due to injury. Still, the Cougars were down, 25-11, before Weigman departed. Houston has some glaring holes in their secondary and Weigman may be a difference-maker this time. Close call.
Coin Flip: Houston
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cougars 31 Red Raiders 28
2 Georgia (-25.5, 54.5) @ Arkansas 12:00 pm (ABC) - There’s a reason Georgia is ranked #2. They’re always good. Their first two games were blowouts (63-3 over Tennessee State; 70-20 over Western Kentucky), and they take to the road for their first SEC contest of the season.
The Razorbacks were humiliated at Utah last week, 43-10. QB KJ Jackson was just 14-for-34 for 139 yards, no TDs and one pick. Hard to imagine Arkansas having much luck against the Bulldog defense.
Coin Flip: Arkansas
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bulldogs 45 Razorbacks 7
The Golden Flashes may not be flashing much of anything in this contest. They lost their opener at South Carolina, 57-0 and bounced back to defeat Wofford last week, 36-15. Will Ohio State score 60 points on their own? Good possibility.
Coin Flip: Kent State
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Buckeyes 64 Golden Flashes 6
Clemson failed miserably in their opening, 51-10, loss at LSU, and didn’t look very threatening in last week’s 22-7 win over Georgia Southern. They may be at home and they may be favored, but the college football world has left Dabo Swinney behind. Belichick made heavy use of the portal in recruiting and likely has a better team, one that may surprise a few ACC foes.
Coin Flip: Clemson
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Tar Heels 30 Tigers 16
A similar story can be told about Kentucky’s 45-17 loss to Alabama last weekend, as the Crimson Tide rolled to 32 second half points and held the Wildcats scoreless. Will history repeat? Kentucky has enough offense to stay close and the Aggies aren’t exactly Alabama-like on offense.
Coin Flip: Kentucky
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Aggies 31 Wildcats 24
The Seminoles lost a heart-breaker to SMU, 27-24, but the Mustangs turned the ball over four times and still managed to come away with a win. At home, against a suspect team that toppled them last season (31-17), the Tide should roll big time. They simply have too much talent for Florida State to stay competitive for long.
Coin Flip: Alabama
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Crimson Tide 42 Seminoles 17
The Trojans have done little wrong in wins over three inconsequential opponents and are likely to score early and often against the Scarlet Knights. This could become embarrassing despite USC having to travel cross-country.
Coin Flip: USC
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Trojans 48 Scarlet Knights 13
Louisville has the more pressing need, having lost their opener to Ole Miss, 41-38. Last week’s 59-13 win over Villanova proved only that the offense, led by QB Lincoln Kienholz, is ready for this matchup. SMU slipped by Florida State, 27-24, and pounded UC Davis last week, 56-10. The win over the Seminoles was sloppy and if the Mustangs haven’t corrected some of their defensive miscues, they may be in for a long afternoon in Louisville.
Coin Flip: SMU
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cardinals 38 Mustangs 24
Both teams are talented but are coming off poor performances in 2025. Florida was 2-6 in the conference; Auburn, 1-7. Despite being in the SEC, haven’t met since 2019, when the Gators prevailed at home, 24-13. Slight nod to the home team, who may have an edge defensively.
Coin Flip: Auburn
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Tigers 27 Gators 23
The Spartans are off to a 2-0 start, though the Irish will be a stiff test. Michigan State was 4-8 last season, but has rebuilt quickly via recruiting and the portal.
Notre Dame, as always, has CFP aspirations, but has had a tendency to lose games early in the season. They appear up to the task, with wins over Wisconsin (41-13) and Rice (52-0). Michigan State’s defense may make this one a lot closer than predicted.
Coin Flip: Notre Dame
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Fighting Irish 26 Spartans 20
Key players, QB Trinidad Chambliss, and RB Kewan Lacy return for Ole Miss, and their chances are good against an LSU defense that has yet to face a potent offense, despite smothering Clemson, 51-10, and Louisiana Tech, 45-14. QB Sam Leavitt has Heisman hopes and has performed well for the Tigers thus far. Should be a fun one.
Coin Flip: LSU
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Rebels 34 Tigers 31
BYU QB Bear Bachmeier has Heisman potential and the Rams’ defense will likely not be able to contain the Cougar offense. The Rams may be better than expected, having beaten Wyoming, 35-13, and Southern Utah, 58-24, in their first two weeks. Their explosive offense, led by QB Hauss Hejny, may keep this one close.
Coin Flip: Colorado State
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cougars 38 Rams 27
Fearless Rick & Coin Flip Week 2 College Football Picks
Week 1 Results: Rick: 6-7-2; Flip: 9-4-2
Thursday, September 10
Florida A&M @ 7 Miami (-55.5, 61.5) 8:00 pm (ACCN) - Well, now this isn’t at all fair. In order for Miami to cover this obscene spread, they’ll have to score eight touchdowns and hold the Rattlers to ZERO points.
Florida A&M come out of the FCS Southwester Athletic Conference (SWAC) and already have one win and one loss. There’s a very good probability (ESPN puts it at 92%) that they will be 1-2 at the conclusion of this game, but expect them to score at least one field goal and maybe even a touchdown, making this absurdity of a line suitable only for pure haters. We’ll take the under and the points.
Coin Flip: Miami
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Hurricanes 52 Rattlers 6
Villanova @ 24 Louisville (-36.5, 56.5) 7:00 pm (ACCN) - This looks like the worst mismatch of the week. Louisville played Ole Miss tooth and nail last week only to lose by a field goal, 41-38. QB Lincoln Kienholz was a revelation, throwing for 307 yards and rushing for 69. He appeared to be fearless running and throwing and is likely to continue improving over the course of the season, making the Cardinal a real threat take the ACC by storm.
Villanova, better known for its basketball program aren’t all that bad, considering their opponents in the Patriot League. They dropped a 35-32 decision to William and Mary in week zero and defeated Bucknell last week, 17-16. Louisville poses different problems for the Wildcats, like how to stop a relentless offense. Turnovers could be huge here.
Coin Flip: Villanova
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cardinal 52 Wildcats 9
That is no excuse, however, and, unless the Scarlet Knights are going to repeat last season’s 5-7 record, they’ve got to regroup and play smarter football. Boston College got roughed up by Cincinnati last week in a 34-15 loss, so this could present an opportunity for Rutgers to salvage their season.
Coin Flip: Rutgers
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Scarlet Knights 31 Eagles 27
Being that Kansas is home and looking to improve off a 5-7 season in 2025, they might be something of a surprise for the Mizzou. Sophomore QB Isaiah Marshall completed 14 of 19 passes for 246 yards and a pair of scores last week and rushed for another 49 on seven carries. Missouri’s senior QB, Austin Simmons went 17-for-19 for 252 and four scores in their win. This game has the look of a track meet with a flying finish.
Coin Flip: Kansas
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Jayhawks 38 Tigers 34
6 Oregon (-22.5, 57.5) @ Oklahoma State 12:00 pm (ESPN) - Oregon barely got past Boise State last week, 34-27, at home, and, while Boise State usually fields a strong team, the Ducks were supposed to be a serious challenger for winning the Big Ten and maybe even a national championship. That seems to be somewhat in doubt now, though the Ducks could make believers again with a big road win against the rebuilding Cowboys.
Oklahoma State was 1-11 last season and extended their losing streak to 12 with last week’s 24-10 loss to Tulsa. They’ve made changes, but are nowhere near even the middle of the Big 12. The Ducks may fly off with a huge win here.
Coin Flip: Oklahoma State
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Ducks 45 Cowboys 13
Arizona State will pose more of a problem for the Aggies, who had trouble on defense at times last season, but has added players via the transfer portal to address those issues. The Sun Devils won’t be a walkover by any means. Last season they went 8-5 but ended their season with a loss to Arizona, 23-7, and a Sun Bowl defeat to Duke, 42-39. The O/U on this one is 50. Might want to go for 60 or more.
Coin Flip: Texas A&M
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Aggies 45 Sun Devils 24
The Wolverines were outplayed by the Broncos. QB Bryce Underwood completed just 12 of 22 passes with a TD and a pick. The Sooners manhandled UTEP, 51-0, and have a rushing attack and solid defense that will make life miserable for Michigan. Sooner QB John Mateer returns as a fifth year senior. His leadership skills should lead to a big win on the road.
Coin Flip: Michigan
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Sooners 34 Wolverines 13
Kentucky blew out Youngstown State, 45-13, last week. QB Kenny Minchey was 18-for-27 for 301 yards and four scores. Alabama will have their hands full on both sides of the ball.
Coin Flip: Alabama
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Wildcats 27 Crimson Tide 24
The Wildcats return Noah Fifita for his fourth year as starting QB, but he’s never proven to be much more than a manager for a middle tier team. The Cougars, on the other hand, look ready to challenge for the Big 12 crown and that’s why they’re more than a TD favorite at home.
Coin Flip: BYU
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cougars 30 Wildcats 17
Taylor, a sophomore, opened his season by hitting 22 of 34 passes for 354 yards and four touchdownsDs in a blowout, 62-13, win over Louisiana-Monroe last week. Minnesota will defend better, but there is plenty of upside for the Bulldogs this year.
Coin Flip: Minnesota
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bulldogs 41 Golden Gophers 31
Obviously, both teams are loaded, but the Longhorns have what appears to be a very strong running game and their defense is likely to be better than last year’s, which was already darn good. Ohio State has its #1 ranking on the line and are fully reloaded. Should be a fun affair.
Coin Flip: Ohio State
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Longhorns 24 Buckeyes 20
Oregon State will make a game of this, just as they did in heir 33-20 loss to Houston last week. With a hug spread against them, the Beavers will play sound defense and possibly give their offense some decent field positions from which to launch drives. Figure this to be much closer than the line suggests.
Coin Flip: Oregon State
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Red Raiders 31 Beavers 20
Both teams come in at 1-0 after blowout wins, but you can toss all the stats and hype out in this Big Ten - Big 12 affair.
Coin Flip: Iowa
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Hawkeyes 21 Cyclones 10
Fearless Rick & Coin Flip Week 1 College Football Picks
Thursday, September 3
Colorado at Georgia Tech (-6.5, 60) 8:00 pm (ESPN) - The Yellow Jackets have serious bowl aspirations after going 6-2 in the ACC and 9-4 overall. They come packed with offensive talent and the Buffs are going to have trouble keeping the Tech offense off the field.
Following a 3-9 season, Colorado may again be the laughing stock of the Big 12 and coach “Prime Time” Sanders may be looking for a job.
Coin Flip: Georgia Tech
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Yellow Jackets 48 Buffaloes 14
Minnesota should take command early and rip to a big score.
Coin Flip: Minnesota
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Golden Gophers 56 Panthers 10
Toledo at Michigan State (-10, 47.5) 8:00 pm (FS1) - Another one of those Big 10 - Mid-America match-ups that may be just a little more interesting. The Rockets went 8-5 overall last season and always field a solid team.
The Spartans have fallen on lean times, going 1-8 in conference and just 4-8 overall, meaning they won their non-conference games, but only one after that. Could be the biggest upset of Week 1. Even if the Rockets don’t win, the Spartans might have a difficult time rolling up a 48-point margin.
Coin Flip: Michigan State
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Rockets 34 Spartans 24
Stanford lost to the Hurricanes last season, 42-7, and the Cardinal are still playing catch-up in the ACC. Even though they’re at home, they’re probably not going to win this game. Miami gets off to a fast start.
Coin Flip: Stanford
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Hurricanes 44 Cardinal 14
None the less, a win is a win for Lincoln Riley and the USC faithful. Fresno State, which finished 9-4 last season out of the Mountain West, and is now in a revamped PAC-10, may be a little bit of a tougher test. Plenty of scoring to be expected here and it could get closer than the Trojans are expecting.
Coin Flip: USC
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Trojans 38 Bulldogs 28
North Texas at 6 Indiana (-40.5, 55) 12:00 pm (FOX) - Defending national champions, Indiana has a lot on the line here against a North Texas team that reached the American conference championship game, losing, 34-21, to Tulane.
The Mean Green made amends by winning the New Mexico Bowl over San Diego State, 49-47. North Texas is not likely to go do easy and Indiana doesn’t have many of the same players as they did last season. Points look very, very juicy.
Coin Flip: North Texas
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Hoosiers 31 Mean Green 20
All said and done, the Pirates may turn the tide on Alabama. Defensive scheming should work well against an offense that may not be at its best.
Coin Flip: Alabama
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Crimson Tide 31 Pirates 26
Still, their 2-10 record from last season doesn’t scare the Cougars, who are seeking a Big 12 title after going 6-3 in the conference and 10-3 overall last season.
Coin Flip: Houston
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cougars 41 Beavers 14
Look for the Ducks to fly high on offense and show up with a defense that might be even better than last year’s.
Coin Flip: Boise State
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Ducks 51 Broncos 13
Auburn had a very down season in 2025, winning only one of eight conference games, so this will be a real test for them. Baylor was 3-6 in in Big 12 and 5-7 overall, making this game look more like a toss-up than the seven point line indicates.
Coin Flip: Auburn
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Bears 37 Tigers 31
Coach Lane Kiffin took over as the LSU head coach at the end of last season and is expected to lead the Tigers back to national prominence. This game will be a litmus test for his high hopes against a crafty Dabo Swinney, head coach of the Clemson Tigers. Clemson has had a couple of rough seasons, but Swinney has a plan and losing to LSU may not be part of it. The war of words has already begun and the Clemson players will be ready to rock.
Coin Flip: LSU
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Clemson Tigers 27 LSU Tigers 24
Washington State at 17 Washington (-23.5, 50) 4:00 pm (NBC) - If there’s any question how irrelevant preseason rankings are, this is the game that proves the point. A long-running, traditional, natural rivalry is set up as a runaway for the ranked Huskies.
The Cougars managed a 7-6 record last season and now have company in an expanded PAC-12 conference. They should put forth a competitive effort and may come away with a win.
Coin Flip: Washington State
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Cougars 34 Huskies 24
Wisconsin is one of the better defensive teams out of the Big 10, but they’re not likely to slow down Notre Dame’s offense. Besides, the Fighting Irish may have one of the best defenses in the country. We’ll find out who’s boss right away with this prime-time matchup.
Coin Flip: Notre Dame
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Fighting Irish 38 Badgers 14
Even with Lane Kiffin being replaced by Pete Golding, there isn’t much drop-off to be expected from Ole Miss. They’re likely to compete heavily in the SEC and may very well return to the CFP. Louisville, although a solid squad in their own right, will struggle to keep their defense off the field.
Coin Flip: Louisville
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Rebels 34 Cardinals 20
19 SMU (-3, 52.5) at Florida State 8:00 pm (ESPN) - Florida State unranked and an underdog at home? Blasphemy!
Of course, one has to consider what a colossal flop the Seminoles were in 2025 (5-7) to understand the reasoning. It doesn’t help matters that SMU went through their 2025 campaign at 9-4, finishing up with a 24-19 win over Arizona in the Holiday Bowl. The Mustangs are always a team on the edge, and this season they just might break into the top ranks.
Of course, a win here would be essential to that cause and much can go wrong. Florida State already has a win in hand, a Week Zero, 34-17, win over New Mexico State, though that may not count for much. These ACC foes did not play each other last season.
Coin Flip: SMU
Fearless Rick’s Pick: Mustangs 35 Seminoles 20
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