Mississippi State at Minnesota (Saturday – 3:30pm ET)
The Bulldogs were electric on offense in Week 1, setting school records for yardage. That can be attributed to Kamario Taylor, who is a freakish athlete at the QB position. It all looked great against Louisiana-Monroe, and while Taylor may develop into one of the most fun quarterbacks in the country in time, Week 2 should look completely different.
Now Taylor has to go on the road to a rowdy Big Ten atmosphere to face an always scrappy Minnesota squad. Mississippi State played at one of the fastest paces in the country last season. Minnesota played at one of the slowest paces in the country last season. Both of those things held true in Week 1 this season.
But I trust the Gophers at home to play a stronger role in dictating the pace. Minnesota also drew a Thursday night game in Week 1, giving them two extra days to prepare for its first big showdown of the season.
PJ Fleck has built a consistent program here, and maintains a strong defense, experienced quarterback and strong running game. While Taylor will make some plays that make your jaw drop, I’m also expecting him to make mistakes in his first big road game.
I’ll back the Gophers as short home dogs.
CFB Pick: Minnesota +1.5 (-110)
