Roy's Picks: Week No. 2

A new column from CUTigers.com publisher Roy Philpott previewing this weekend's games.

No. 25 Clemson at Maryland (Saturday, 12:00 PM ESPN)
The Tigers enter Saturday's game in College Park, Md. fresh off a 25-24 upset win over 17th ranked Texas A&M. Maryland looked vulnerable on defense against the option attack of Navy. The Terps have taken three out of the last four games against Clemson, but not this year. Too many questions on defense lead to the Tigers answering their red zone "issues" from week one.

Roy's Pick: Clemson (+2); Clemson Straight Up

South Carolina at No. 9 Georgia (Saturday, 5:30 PM ESPN)
Gamecock quarterback Blake Mitchell was impressive against Central Florida. Problem is, that was Central Florida, and this is Georgia. The Bulldogs' D.J. Shockley destroyed Boise State with his arm and his legs. Expect the same thing Saturday in Sanford Stadium, only this time it it's a conference affair. Will the real South Carolina running game please stand up?

Roy's Pick: Georgia (-17); Georgia Straight Up

No. 2 Texas at No. 4 Ohio State (Saturday, 8:00 PM ABC)
In what some experts are calling a matchup between national powers, the Longhorns will emerge from Columbus on Saturday victorious behind quarterback Vince Young. Mack Brown finally wins a big game, and Texas stakes its claim at a National Championship. The Longhorns win a close one in the Horseshoe.

Roy's Pick: Texas (+1); Texas Straight Up

North Carolina at No. 17 Georgia Tech (Saturday, 3:30 PM ABC)
It’s the classic letdown game. Georgia Tech, fresh off a road win over Auburn, must come back down to earth to face the pesky Tar Heels. North Carolina still lacks an ACC-caliber defense, but points will be aplenty Saturday afternoon in Atlanta. Carolina keeps it close, but Tech prevails in the end.

Roy's Pick: North Carolina (+13); Georgia Tech Straight Up

Wake Forest at Nebraska (7:00 PM TBS)
The Demon Deacons look like the Cornhuskers of yesteryear with their misdirection running attack. Nebraska looks like the struggling Oakland Raiders before Bill Callahan was fired and arrived in Lincoln. By the way, anybody catch that final score of Nebraska's season opener against ... Maine? Try 25-7. With Chris Barclay back in the mix at running back, the Deacons pull somewhat of a shocker on the road.

Roy's Pick: Wake Forest (+7); Wake Forest Straight Up

Updated Record: Straight Up: 3-2; Spread: 3-2