Second Week with Big Wins Ahead.

The start of the 2014 college football season gave us six great days of exciting games, beginning with Texas A&M's bulldozing of South Carolina and ending with Louisville's ACC debut and a win over Miami. And we had everything in between including a rain out at the Swamp (isn't a swamp supposed to be wet and nasty?).

Anyway, it's a tall order for Week #2 to match the first week since this is not the best slate of games. But we still have some intriguing games, including a couple that may impact the end-of-season playoff scenario.

This week our lineup goes coast to coast and includes a couple of UPSET SPECIALS that could make you some serious jack.

So take a read, then call your favorite sports book.

Your Winning Picks...the GREAT EIGHT™...

High flying Duck

#7 Michigan State @ #3 Oregon...this game, no doubt, is THE marquee game of the weekend with national championship implications. Even with some key losses, the Sparty defense should play pretty tough but, honestly, they haven't seen an offense as potent as the Ducks and Marcus Mariota. It's been six years since a non-conference foe won at Autzen Stadium. That streak continues Saturday.Quack attack flies high.

#4 Oklahoma @ Tulsa....I'm sure there's a story about why a team that resides in the middle of the plains is called the Golden Hurricane. Afterall, when was the last time a hurricane hit Tulsa? That may be what it feels like after the Sooners finish off Tulsa for the 12th time in the last 13 meetings.  Could Tulsa catch Oklahoma looking ahead at next week's game with Tennessee? Doubtful. The Sooners, a 24+ point favorite, will show why its one of America's top teams. Sooners storm past the Golden Hurricane.

#15 Ole Miss @ Vanderbilt...as Vandy enters the post-James Franklin era, they showed their old selves last week flopping to Temple 37-7. Meanwhile, the Rebels showed the full range of quarterback Bo Wallace in one game...from incompetent fumbler to brilliant passer. If Wallace can be consistent, in a good way, the Ole Miss defense will stifle the 'Dores. Rebs make music in Nashville.

#14 Southern Cal @ #13 Stanford...this is the first Pac-12 contest of 2014 and should reveal if these two teams will be serious contenders down the stretch. Last week Southern Cal executed a mind numbing, conference record 104 offensive plays (norm is in the 75-80 play range) and 701 yards as they dominated Fresno State. Although the Cardinal are favored, they are replacing several losses on both lines as well as a running back. Does not bode well for Stanford as the Trojans take care of business down on the Farm in another UPSET SPECIAL.

Wolverines dine on leprechauns

Michigan @ #16 Notre Dame...this will be the last scheduled meeting of a great rivalry that dates  back to 1887. With new conference commitments, Notre Dame says it can no longer fit in the Wolverines which is a real shame but I guess you call that progress. Whatever. Regardless, this should be a pretty good match up. Michigan will showcase a new offense under OC Doug Nussmeier and a pretty stout backfield of Derrick Green and DeVeon Smith. The Irish return Everett Golson who missed all of last year for forgetting to go to class, and he looked pretty sharp last week, albeit it was against Rice. Despite playing in South Bend, we think the Wolverine defense can contain the Irish long enough for the offense to put points on the board. UPSET ALERT ....take Michigan and the points.

Virginia Tech @ #8 Ohio State...this is the very first meeting between these schools and the Horseshoe may not be a terribly hospitable environment for the Hokies. In fact, Va Tech is making it's first trip ever to a Big Ten campus, and the Buckeyes have not lost a non-conference home game since 2009. Beamer and company will be facing a pretty capable QB, J.T. Barrett, and one of the best defensive lines in America. On the other hand, the Buckeyes will be facing a Bud Foster defense, which is typically tops in the ACC, and this should keep the game interesting...for awhile. Buckyes pluck the Gobblers in Columbus.

There's a new sheriff in town

BYU @ Texas...this should be a pretty interesting game if for no other reason to see how the new Longhorn coach, Charlie Strong, can guide his team with a new quarterback since veteran David Ash is gone again with concussion problems. Stepping in for him will be Tyrone Swoopes, who has all of the tools to be successful. The Cougars rolled up 513 yards of total offense last week but that was against Connecticut, not a quality opponent. This should be a tight one but take the Horns for the win.

Arkansas State @ Tennessee...the Red Wolves roll into Rocky Top with their fourth new coach in as many years. Which means a new staff, new system and playing in front of 102,000 win-starved Vol fans. Arky State has a solid QB who rolled up 312 yards last week (219 passing, 93 rushing). But that was against Montana State, and there's a huge difference between them and what the Red Wolves will encounter in Neyland Stadium. Look for the Vols to focus on their run game with Jalen Hurd and Marlin Lane and a completely new offensive line as they take care of business before heading to Norman next week. Vols skin the Wolves at Rocky Top.

Let's check back next week to count up our wins. Until then, have a winning weekend.

MAKE MO MONEY with MARK™