Week 2 Thoughts on Three: Predictions for Kansas State Wildcats, LSU Tigers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish
By Rich Lynch
The Thoughts on Three this week focuses on Kansas State Wildcats vs. Miami Hurricanes, LSU Tigers vs. Washington Huskies and Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Purdue Boilermakers.
Kansas State Wildcats v. Miami Hurricanes
The Wildcats and Hurricanes play at Bill Snyder Stadium in Manhattan, Kan. Sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-80s are expected for this noon ET kickoff.
Last week Miami beat Boston College 41-32 in Chestnut Hill, Mass. Quarterback Stephen Morris threw for 207 yards and a touchdown. Freshman running back Duke Johnson made a name for himself nationally by running for 135 yards and two touchdowns against the Eagles. Miami scored 17 points off of Boston College turnovers.
The Miami rush defense held Boston College to 96 yards on 34 carries.
Kansas State defeated Missouri State last week 51-9. Wildcat quarterback Collin Klein threw for 169 yards and two touchdowns. Running back John Hubert scampered for 152 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
Last season, these two teams played in Miami and KSU won a 28-24 thriller. That game was a springboard to a successful campaign for KSU, capped with a berth in the Cotton Bowl against Arkansas.
If KSU can run the ball effectively against the Hurricane defense, then the Wildcats should be able to put points on the board. If the Wildcats can mitigate turnovers then they should be able to limit the Miami offense’s scoring opportunities. These are two big IFS, however, but Kansas State has the experience to them happen.
Final Score: Kansas State 28 –Miami 24
LSU Tigers v. Washington Huskies
The Tigers welcome the Huskies to Tigers Stadium, Death Valley, in Baton Rouge, La. Washington goes from its Pacific Northwest climate to temperatures in the 90s and a very Baton Rouge-like oppressive humidity, even at the 7 p.m. ET kickoff.
Last week the Tigers played over-match North Texas and won, 41-14. UW also won in Week 1 when it beat the San Diego State Aztecs, 21-12.
Stats from these games do not give any insight into how this game will play out. Beyond the overall superior talent level across the board, there are two stats that give an indication about the outcome. Yes, I do believe that LSU is more talented than Washington in ALL areas of the game, despite the fact that offensive lineman Chris Faulk and safety Tyrann Mathieu are not playing. The previously referenced stats: 1) LSU is 30-1 at home in night games with Les Miles as the head coach and 2) LSU is 221-60-4 all-time in home evening games.
Final score: LSU 31 – Washington 17
September 1, 2012; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Robert Marve (9) looks to pass at Ross Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-US PRESSWIRE
Notre Dame Fighting Irish v. Purdue Boilermakers
The Irish and Boilermakers square off in their annual battle for the Shillelagh Trophy in South Bend, Ind. Temperatures in the mid-60s and sunshine looking down on the Fighting Irish like Touchdown Jesus are anticipated for this 3:30 p.m. ET start.
Yes, I know that there is a joke to be made about the Irish and Boilermakers but, I opted against putting it in writing, ha.
Last week the Irish played Navy, in Dublin, Ireland. Notre Dame completely dominated with a balanced attack and won 50-10. Quarterback Everett Golson threw for 144 yards and a touchdown. Running back Theo Riddick went for 107 yards and a touchdown with fellow running back George Atkinson III running for scoring twice off 99 yards rushing.
Purdue beat the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (your stereotypical directional, FCS school) last week, 48-6. Taking this article full circle, current Purdue and former Miami quarterback Robert Marve showed potential should previously suspended Caleb TerBush be unavailable. In TerBush’s place against the Colonels, Marve threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns.
The Irish may have some jet-lag from their trip over-seas which COULD impact the outcome of this game. However, Notre Dame is 36-19 in games against Purdue since 1957 when the Shillelagh Trophy became part of this annual contest.
Final Score: Notre Dame 31 – Purdue 20