Football 2016: Week Two

There were several interesting games played over the long Labor Day weekend, and the overall feeling is that SEC teams weren't very impressive after several upset losses or close calls. Alabama stomped USC in the only notable demonstration of muscle-flexing. This weekend offers a typical early September schedule, meaning a lot of non-conference mismatches:

• Prairie View A&M at Texas A&M (11:00 on SECN): As expected, there's no line set for this mess. Okay, I'll watch it because there's nothing else on TV at 11:00 in the morning. College Football News prediction: Texas A&M wins 58-13. UPDATE: With about 10:30 left in the third quarter, the Aggies were leading 45-0 and turned their offense over to the second teamers. That resulted in another FG and it's 48-0 now. SECOND UPDATE 2:05 PM: A&M now ahead 58-0 in the 4th quarter after scoring on a long punt return. Better save something for Auburn next week. FINAL UPDATE: After a safety, the final score was 67-0.
• Kentucky at Florida (2:30 on CBS): The SEC showcase game? Florida is a 16.5 point favorite, and CFN forecasts a 27-16 win for the Gators. UPDATE: The Gators crushed Kentucky 45-7.
• Western Kentucky at Alabama (2:30 on ESPN2): The Tide is favored by 28.5 and CFN expects they'll ALMOST cover with a 41-13 victory. No real reason to watch this mess. UPDATE: Alabama grinds out a 38-10 win in another day at the office.
• Arkansas at TCU (6:00 PM on ESPN): Two reasons to watch this game: The return of Kenny (Down) Hill as the TCU quarterback, and to scout the Razorbacks. The Christians are picked as a 7.5 point home favorite, and CFN expects they'll win 38-30. UPDATE: The Christians did score 38 points, but that wasn't enough since they lost 41-38 in double OT. Kenny (Down) Hill beat Arkansas in OT when he was still at A&M.
• South Carolina at Mississippi State (6:00 PM on ESPN2): Two of Texas A&M's future opponents face off with MSU favored by 6.5 points. Both teams were unimpressive in their openers, and the Bulldogs lost in an upset. Still, CFN expects them to bounce back with a 23-17 win at home. UPDATE: Mississippi State gets well with a 27-14 win over the Gamecocks.
• Arkansas State at Auburn (6:30 PM on SECN): Auburn was able to hang tough against Clemson, and is favored by 11 in this game. CFN prediction: Auburn wins 27-17. UPDATE: Auburn blows out Arkansas State 51-14.
• Tennessee vs Virginia Tech (7:00 PM on ABC): The Volunteers narrowly avoided an upset last week, but they're favored by 10.5 against the Hokies. CFN says it's a 31-23 win for the Vols. UPDATE: Tennessee is way ahead with less than five minutes to play, leading the Hokies 45-17. FINAL UPDATE: Tennessee gave up a late score, still won by three TDs (45-24).