El Paso Eastwood/Odessa Permian
Odessa Permian has logged in some travel hours in this young season with road trips to Austin and El Paso in their first two games. A narrow victory over a tough Vandegrift squad and a 61-0 shutout victory against Franklin are as about as much as you can ask for heading into the first home game of the season. Eastwood has a similar tune to play with a close 34-28 victory over Midland Christian and a 50-20 win over Bel Air, but both were at home.
I find that the Mojo Magic that encompasses Ratliff Stadium in Odessa will help Permian in their first home game this week and the Panthers beat the Troopers.
Odessa Permian Panthers
Trinity/Colleyville Heritage
So for this game I had to consult a personal friend of mine who is a recent graduate and product of Euless Trinity football. I asked his take and his response was to the point, “Trinity…It’s easy.”
Looking at how Euless took care of out-of-state opponents in their first two games and seeing as how they usually find themselves in a deep playoff run (albeit their loss to South Grand Prairie last year), I would have to agree. Euless over Colleyville Heritage.
Euless Trinity Trojans
Allen/Coppell
This is a bit interesting. So prior to Allen losing its unprecedented 57-game winning streak to Austin Westlake in last year’s state semifinal, the last team to beat Allen was Coppell back in 2012. Of course it’s a new coach and new players, but the one thing that has remained the same is their winning ways.
Both come in with an unblemished record but I have to give Allen the edge in this one in Coppell’s stadium.
Allen Eagles
Aledo/Mansfield Legacy
This game features two players who were up for the dfwVarsity Player of the Week for Week 2. Aledo’s running back Michael Jordan had 18 rushes for 171 yards and three touchdowns while Mansfield Legacy defensive end Mason Kinsey had 16 tackles with four for a loss and a sack. This provides a key matchup to watch as Aledo carries a balanced offense with their 525 team rushing yards and 551 team passing yards.
Jase McClelellan is another option out the Aledo backfield so Legacy will have their hands full on defense. I think the offense will be visible from both teams but Aledo pulls this one out.
Aledo Bearcats
Texas Tech/ASU
Arizona State had three players rush the ball with 10+ carries, with quarterback Manny Wilkins getting the second most carries and being the rushing leader with 89 yards. He also completed 20 of his 27 pass attempts for 180 yards.
Texas Tech’s all too familiar air-raid offense was full speed ahead. Patrick Mahomes II went 30-for-43 with 483 yards and four touchdowns. Nic Shimonek went 18-for-28 with 150 yards and a score.
That’s a team total of 48 completions on 71 pass attempts.
Arizona State allowed 425 yards on defense last week and I’m expecting Texas Tech to put up more and beat the Sun Devils.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Arkansas/TCU
Arkansas was able to rebound in the fourth quarter based off their defense shutting down Louisiana Tech late in the game. TCU danced around with South Dakota State before the beat them 59-41. Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema and TCU head coach Gary Patterson have crossed paths before back in the 2011 Rose Bowl when TCU beat Wisconsin.
TCU currently holds a 14-game winning streak at home and as a Fort Worth native, I trust Gary Patterson year-in and year-out. Kenny Hill and company get the job done against Arkansas.
TCU Horned Frogs
El Paso Eastwood/Odessa Permian
As I always correctly pronounce their name on The Hype (every Saturday on AM1300 The Zone from 9-10am) I’ll stick by them. They opened the season with a huge win on the road at Vandergrift they crushed what could have been a trap game at Franklin, 61-0. Now back home for their opener they will boat race Eastwood winning by double-digits.
Odessa Permian Panthers
Trinity/Colleyville Heritage
Coach Chris Jensen has this Trojans football team flying high after starting the season 2-0. They come into the second road game of a back-to-back after traveling to Houston to sneak away with a one-point 28-27 win. Against Heritage, Trinity shouldn’t have any problems running up the score, as through two games the Panthers have given up 75 points.
Euless Trinity Trojans
Allen/Coppell
The number two team in the state travels to Coppell this week looking to shutdown another opponent. Through two games they’ve outscored their opponents 70-17. That insane plus/minus is still that good despite being up double digits in the fourth quarter in both blowout victories. I’ll be surprised if Coppell scores 13 points in this game.
Allen Eagles
Aledo/Mansfield Legacy
The Broncos high powered offense will look to put up some points and embarrass another group of kids. Through two weeks Mansfield has scored 94 points, running up the score on poor Rider in their home opener, and then Crowley. Let’s hope for Aledo they will still be in a competitive game after half time.
Mansfield Legacy Broncos
Texas Tech/Arizona State
Patrick Mahomes II needs a showcase game to launch him into the conversation as “who is the best quarterback in the Big 12”. Insert Arizona State who finished their 2015 season giving up 48 and 43 points in consecutive losses. Oh, and the Texas Tech coaches decided to hype the team up by cosplaying as WWE’s John Cena. That will always get my pick to win.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Arkansas/TCU
In respect to my co-host on The Hype, Kyle Spishock, the Razorbacks will shock the Horned Frogs on their turf this Saturday. If TCU struggled at home against South Dakota State then what can we expect to see against a team from the SEC?
Arkansas dominated time possession against Louisiana Tech; which is going to be the key keep the ball out of Kenny Hill and that high powered offense’s hands.
Arkansas Razorbacks
El Paso Eastwood/Odessa Permian
The El Paso Times has Eastwood ranked at number one in the city, but I like the mojo madness of quarterback Steve Steens dual-threat capabilities. Last game, Odessa Permian beat El Paso Franklin 61-0, scoring on every drive besides their last one. The Panthers offense is going to overwhelm early, and the Troopers will play catch-up ball.
Odessa Permian Panthers
Trinity/Colleyville Heritage
When the two programs met last year, Trinity blew out Colleyville Heritage 59-33. Colleyville is a much improved team under former Cedar Park coach Joe Willis; their offense accounted for 730 yards of total offense in their win over Frisco Heritage last week. The Trojans (2-0) have won the past eight meetings 275-133, but have looked shaky in their last two games, coughing up seven turnovers, and struggling with their identity on both sides of the ball.
Colleyville Heritage Panthers
Allen/Coppell
Coppell was down 14-0 against McKinney Boyd last Friday, rallying back in the second half to win 31-21. They have home field advantage against Allen. And that’s where the advantages stop. Allen is embarking on another win streak that will likely last throughout the regular season. They stomped two highly touted out of state teams, and have only allowed 17 points this season.
Allen Eagles
Aledo/Mansfield Legacy
Aledo accumulated 591 total yards in a 65-7 victory over Westlake Warriors last week. Their backfield is going to be a handful for Legacy. Lead by backs Michael Jordan (no relation) and freshman back Jase McClellan, the run game has nearly 500 yards on the ground; the offense has over 1,000 total yards in two games. Mansfield Legacy is picking up the broken pieces of a promising program after missing the playoffs last season.
Aledo Bearcats
Texas Tech/Arizona State
For a team whose logo is all fire and brimstone, I expect the Sun Devils defense to be completely extinguished by Tech’s Air Raid offense. The Red Raiders had 600 something yards in total offense, which doesn’t bode well for a team whose secondary gave up the most passing yards and touchdowns in the Pac-12 last season. Coach Kingsbury will probably start making it a habit in benching Mahomes after the first series in the third.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
TCU/Arkansas
It’s been 25 years since the Razorbacks and Horned Frogs clashed. A lot has changed since then. Namely, TCU hiring outstanding head coach Gary Patterson. The Defensive ends will really give Arkansas’ inexperienced offensive line uncomfortable. The Razorbacks offensive front allowed four sacks, and averaged a mere 2.7 yards per carry. Patterson runs the defense, and will plug the holes on a unit that allowed 41 points against South Dakota State — the most since at home since they lost to Baylor in 2013. First year quarterback Kenny Hill is looking to feast on some fresh boar. During his last meeting with Arkansas two years ago while playing for the Aggies, Hill threw for 386 yards and four touchdowns; he was responsible for nearly 500 yards of offense in the opener.
TCU Horned Frogs
El Paso Eastwood/Odessa Permian
I just don’t see Permian losing in Ratliff. Too much of a home field advantage. Permian should win easily 42-21.
Permian
Trinity/Colleyville Heritage
This is an intriguing matchup but Trinity will win behind a strong running game. Last year Trinity handled Heritage, and even with Heritage putting up 730 yards last week Trinity should still win, 35-28.
Trinity
Allen/Coppell
Allen is just too good. We’ve seen it in the first two games. I’d be surprised if the Eagles’ defense surrenders more than 14 points. Allen should win 38-14.
Allen
Aledo/Mansfield Legacy
Aledo (aka Titletown) is fresh off a 65-7 blowout and I expect them to keep things rolling. Aledo should win, but just barely, 42-35.
Aledo
Texas Tech/Arizona State
This one will have tons of offense. So no offense ASU, I’m going with the Red Raiders, 49-42. That score could easily be the halftime score.
Texas Tech
TCU/Arkansas
After surviving against La Tech 21-20, Arkansas won’t get away with that type of performance against TCU.
TCU
El Paso Eastwood/Odessa Permian
One of the most intriguing games in West Texas this week. Permian is coming off of a massive 61-0 beatdown of El Paso Franklin. Meanwhile, the Troopers took care of business in a 50-20 victory over the Bel Air Highlanders in a rivalry game. In order for Eastwood to keep it close, they’re going to have to lock down defensively against Permian’s rushing attack. Eastwood will keep it close, but I’m just not sure they’re going to be able to slow down Permian enough to win. Odessa Permian 42, El Paso Eastwood 28
Odessa Permian
Trinity/Colleyville Heritage
The matchup last year was a shootout until Trinity scored four times in the fourth quarter to pull away from the Panthers. These two play completely different styles with Heritage through the air and Trinity on the ground. I think the Trojans will establish the run early and take care of business in what should be a very entertaining game.
Euless Trinity
Allen/Coppell
These two always seem to be at the top of their districts in 6A. For Allen, this will also be the first Texas team they will play after beating national power Hoover (AL) and Evangel Christian Academy (LA). Allen has proven to be one of the best teams in the country so far, but Coppell has shown some real toughness after winning two close games to start the year. The Cowboys will play hard at home, but I think the weapons Allen has on offense will be too much for Coppell.
Allen
Aledo/Mansfield Legacy
The Aledo Bearcats are no doubt the favorite in this game. But, reports out of Legacy have the Broncos feeling confident about their chances. I think it will take a near-perfect game for Legacy to pull the upset, but don’t be surprised if this one is close going into the fourth quarter.
Aledo
Texas Tech/Arizona State
For fans of #Pac12AfterDark, you will love this matchup. Yes, you will be staying up after midnight to watch this one but both teams have some explosive playmakers on offense. For Texas Tech, Mahomes is the main guy to watch. But for the Sun Devils, keep an eye on true freshman wideout N’Keal Harry. At 6’4”, I think he’ll present some problems for the Red Raider defense. After playing FCS competition last week, I think this game will go a long way as to how good these two really are. Arizona State generally plays much better at home and I think that will continue this week.
Arizona State
TCU/Arkansas
Both Arkansas and TCU got a stiffer test than expected from Louisiana Tech and South Dakota State respectively. Bret Bielema will look to establish the running game with Rawleigh Williams while TCU starting quarterback Kenny Hill threw for 436 yards in the win over SDSU. Both teams will have something to prove after last week, but I think TCU’s defense will be the X-factor as they will be hungry to put up a better performance than last week.
TCU
