**Editor’s Note: Joseph Goodman’s popular college football picks feature, “Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero,” is adding readers to the action. Pick your Week 2 games here, and sign up for Joe’s newsletter to see how your picks compare to the experts (and Joe) as well as other readers.

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Celebrated from coast to coast by sports fans, bag men, bartenders, mafia kings and mathematicians, Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero is the greatest resource for college football shenanigans on the internet. This is the 14th season for Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero in its various forms.

This season, for the first time ever, readers are getting in on the action. Sign up for Joe’s newsletter, “Joe Goodman’s Sports Happy Hour,” to submit your picks each week and compare your wits against the experts (and Joe). The newsletter comes out every Thursday afternoon during the football season, so don’t procrastinate with your prognostications.

Joe subscribes to ol’ Billy Shakespeare’s philosophy of picking football games. “Jesters do oft prove prophets,” mused the Great Bard. What is Joe vs. the Pro and the Hero? Consider it a gift to society.

THE GRAND EXPERIMENT

Joseph Goodman is the lead sports columnist for AL.com. What happens when a sportswriter picks some of the toughest games of the week and goes head-to-head against a sharp and a football expert with a Harvard education? It’s a gift for college football fans every week in the state where college football is like a religion.

The Pro is Lee Sterling, a noted numbers man of national success. Sterling features his best picks on his website, ParamountSports.com, but The Pro fearlessly picks the most difficult college games of the week against Joe and the Hero. Joe is just a hack and a slacker who everyone loves to hate.

No one works harder than Hero Ben Abercrombie. Nobody. Ben played football at Hoover High School and Harvard, and he’s working every day to regain his ability to walk. He’s a student at Harvard, and an inspiration to all. To thank him, we want everyone to stand up for Ben and show him some love.

Show Joe no love at all. Besmirch his name at small dinner parties, and troll him on Twitter.

LAST WEEK

Joe: 4-2 straight up, 4-2 against the spread

Pro: 4-2 straight up, 2-4 against the spread

Hero: 4-2 straight up, 4-2 against the spread

Notes: Look at the big brains on Ben. The Hero nailed the score of Tennessee’s victory over Virginia, 49-13. Joe clowned around and was the only competitor to nail FSU’s upset of LSU.

LAST YEAR

Joe: 53-31 straight up, 42-39-3 against the spread

Pro: 51-33 straight up, 34-47-3 against the spread

Hero: 61-23 straight up, 41-40-3 against the spread

Notes: Last week to celebrate Joe’s 2022 victory. On to the picks!

UAB (1-0) at Georgia Southern (1-0)

When: 5 p.m., Sat.

Where: Allen E. Paulson Stadium, Statesboro, Ga.

TV: ESPN+

Series: UAB leads 1-0.

Spread: Georgia Southern by 6.5.

Trendy: UAB lost all five of its road games last season.

SUPER STAT OF THE WEEK: UAB quarterback Jacob Zeno set a school record for completions (38) in his season opener against North Carolina A&T.

Joe says: The Trent Dilfer Era takes on its first FBS opponent and it’s a tough test. We’ll see how well UAB’s coaching staff can make adjustments from Week 1 to Week 2. I was at UAB’s victory against North Carolina A&T. The offense is legit. My only question is whether or not UAB’s defense can stop Georgia Southern’s rushing attack. I don’t see it happening. There were times during UAB’s season opener when it seemed like UAB’s defenders were shying away from contact against North Carolina A&T’s wrecking ball of a running back. I can’t pick the Blazers here knowing their record away from Birmingham last season.

Joe’s pick: Georgia Southern 31, UAB 24

Pro says: Tough to handicap this game with so many new and important moving parts after just one game for each against lower level competition. Eagles quarterback Davis Brin was the heart and soul of two teams that hovered around .500 at Tulsa while Blazers quarterback Jacob Zeno barely played at Baylor. Second-year coach Clay Helton is in a better spot than first-year coach Trent Dilfer with his systems fully installed.

Pro’s pick: Georgia Southern 35, UAB 25

Hero says: Both teams had easy victories last week, but the competition goes up a notch this week. UAB quarterback Jacob Zeno executed Coach Dilfer’s short passing game well against North Carolina A&T. If the Blazers’ offense can avoid turnovers and create a few more explosive plays, I feel good about their chances of winning in Statesboro. The Eagles have a well-balanced offense led by quarterback Davis Brin and running back Jalen White. The Georgia Southern defense did not have to worry about The Citadel passing attack last week, but they will be tested by the Blazers.

Hero’s pick: UAB 31, Georgia Southern 28

Troy (1-0) at No.15 Kansas State (1-0)

When: 11 a.m., Sat.

Where: Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, Kan.

TV: FS1

Series: Kansas State leads 1-0.

Spread: Kansas State by 15.5.

Trendy: Troy was a cover king in 2022, going 6-0 against the spread in away games.

SUPER STAT OF THE WEEK: Troy rushed for 353 yards in its season opening victory against Stephen F. Austin.

Joe says: Troy running back Kimani Vidal is on my early-season watch list for “player who could make serious bank in the transfer portal his senior year” after his spectacular performance in Troy’s season opener. He had 302 yards of total offense. This is an experienced team that went 12-2 last season and won the Sun Belt. Troy won at Nebraska in 2018 and pushed Ole Miss to the limit last season. I’m riding with the Trojans straight up.

Joe’s pick: Troy 35, Kansas State 28

Pro says: Most college football fans don’t realize that Troy holds the second-longest winning streak in college football at 12 games. Appalachian State was the only team to score more than 30 points on the Trojans’ defense since the start of last season and the last touchdown they scored came on a Hail Mary to win the game. People think of the Wildcats as being dominant at home, but that’s not the case as they haven’t had a winning spread record as a home favorite in a season since 2014. To the wire!

Pro’s pick: Kansas State 27, Troy 20

Hero says: Troy jumped on Stephen F. Austin early in Week 1 led by quarterback Gunner Watson (four touchdown passes) and running back Kimani Vidal (248 yards on the ground!) for a relatively easy 48-30 victory. K-State totally dominated Southeast Missouri State last Saturday during a 45-0 victory. Coach Jon Sumrall’s Trojans should be able to give the Wildcats a tough battle for most of the game but senior quarterback Will Howard could be the difference in helping Kansas State pull away in the second half for a victory at home in Manhattan, Kansas.

Hero’s pick: Kansas State 42, Troy 20

No.20 Ole Miss (1-0) at No.24 Tulane (1-0)

When: 2:30 p.m., Sat.

Where: Yulman Stadium, New Orleans

TV: ESPN2

Series: Ole Miss leads 42-28.

Spread: Ole Miss by 7.

Trendy: Tulane was 11-2 against the spread in 2022.

SUPER STAT OF THE WEEK: Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt was 14 of 15 for 294 yards and four passing touchdowns last week against South Alabama.

Joe says: No so-called Group of 5 team is working the transfer portal better than Tulane. It makes sense. New Orleans is loaded with talented players who go off to other programs but still respect what Tulane represents. When those players want more playing time, they’re leaving for home. On top of that, why not transfer to Tulane to finish a college career? It’s a great school in a world-class city. I’m all for voting Tulane back into the SEC and so are the majority of fans in SEC country. It’s so we can visit more often, obviously. The Green Wave feels like it might have an outside shot at the College Football Playoff if it knocks off Ole Miss. Hate to spoil the party. Not happening.

Joe’s pick: Ole Miss 45, Tulane 35

Pro says: Me thinks the Green Wave had this game circled in the offseason as they want to redeem themselves after getting trounced 61-21 in Oxford in 2021. When Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt is healthy, the Green Wave is a Top 25 team. Meanwhile, Ole Miss can’t stop decent offenses. This game is at home for the Green Wave where they’re 19-6 against the spread the last four years. This is a hot ticket and the only other game played on Saturday between Top 25 teams except for Alabama vs Texas. I’m not bucking Tulane just yet!

Pro’s pick: Ole Miss 34, Tulane 31

Hero says: The Ole Miss offense looked unstoppable in a 73-7 rout of Mercer last Saturday. Quarterback Jaxson Dart led with four touchdown passes. Wide receiver Tre Harris had a school-record four touchdown catches. Meanwhile, Tulane looked very impressive in beating South Alabama 37-17 last week. With Tulane playing at home, this will be a challenging game for the Rebels but there should be plenty of Ole Miss fans in attendance in New Orleans as well to sing Hotty Toddy when the Rebels score a touchdown.

Hero’s pick: Ole Miss 38, Tulane 27

No.23 Texas A&M (1-0) at Miami (1-0)

When: 2:30 p.m., Sat.

Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.

TV: ABC

Series: Tied 2-2.

Spread: Texas A&M by 4.5.

Trendy: Miami has lost eight games in a row against non-conference “power” teams since 2018, including four losses against SEC schools.

SUPER STAT OF THE WEEK: Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman threw five touchdowns in Week 1 against New Mexico State.

Joe says: The ‘Canes last victory against a non-conference opponent of any note was Notre Dame in 2018. It’s 10 years to the week since Miami defeated an opponent from the SEC. It was Florida in Week 2 of the 2013 season. Texas A&M offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino will have a plan ready for Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman. In a game between two evenly matched teams, it will come down one or two plays. Picking against Canes quarterback Tyler Van Dyke until he proves me wrong.

Joe’s pick: Texas A&M 24, Miami 18

Pro says: This is by far the biggest game of the week with teams that had losing records last season. Both are poised to get back among the elite. Miami was possibly the better team last year in College Station but red zone woes, a costly fumbled punt and two missed field goals led to a hard fought eight-point loss. This will be Aggies’ quarterback Connor Weigman’s second road start. In his first start last year, he was only able to lead his team to 10 points against Auburn on 14 of 36 passing and a measly 121 passing yards. Miami at home is the difference here.

Pro’s pick: Miami 27, Texas A&M 24

Hero says: Interesting matchup this week in Miami with two teams that had disappointing seasons last year but looked improved so far in 2023. I like the Aggies’ chances of beating the Hurricanes on the road with their new-look offense coordinated by Bobby Petrino and led by quarterback Conner Weigman. Miami’s offense looked improved last week as well, led by quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. I believe the talented Aggies’ defense will be able to get enough stops to ensure an SEC team finally beats an ACC team this year.

Hero’s pick: Texas A&M 27, Miami 20

Auburn (1-0) at Cal (1-0)

When: 9:30 p.m., Sat.

Where: California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, Calf.

TV: ESPN

Series: First meeting.

Spread: Auburn by 6.5.

Trendy: The Pac-12 went 12-0 in Week 1 of the season.

SUPER STAT OF THE WEEK: Tigers are 0-3 all-time in games played in the state of California.

Joe says: Auburn gets the Pac-12 after dark treatment, so someone please remind me to pound a Red Bull before kickoff. Auburn’s game notes point out that this kickoff time ties the record for latest kickoff time in Auburn football history. The key here, everyone, is to take naps during the day and then seriously pace yourselves with the adult refreshments. Cal is dedicated to saving trees. Auburn’s NIL collective is funded by a guy who cuts them down for a living. Advantage: Auburn.

Joe’s pick: Auburn 42, Cal 21

Pro says: Cal going to the ACC was the big news last week in Berkeley. Now they have to prepare for an SEC opponent with a coach that knows how to score. Hugh Freeze rotated Michigan State transfer quarterback Peyton Thorne with holdover Robby Ashford to perfection last week. Even though Cal obliterated North Texas, the Bear might have lost their starting quarterback Sam Jackson to an upper-body injury. In addition to that, Cal might be down to just one of their top four running backs due to injuries. No holding back for the Tigers with only Samford on deck.

Pro’s pick: Auburn 31, Cal 20

Hero says: Auburn gets to experience “Pac-12 after dark” for a final time since the Pac-12 is going away next year. Both Cal and Auburn are both hopeful this season after strong offensive performances last week in easy victories. This should be one of the more exciting games of the week with both offenses producing big plays in the running game. I think the Auburn defense will get a few more stops than the Bears’ defense. Look for former Hoover High quarterback Robby Ashford to again run for touchdowns in the red zone for Auburn.

Hero’s pick: Auburn 35, Cal 27

No.11 Texas (1-0) at No.3 Alabama (1-0)

When: 6 p.m., Sat.

Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa

TV: ESPN

Series: Texas leads 7-2-1.

Spread: Alabama by 7.

Trendy: Texas began the 2022 season 3-0 against the spread.

SUPER STAT OF THE WEEK: This will be the 46th time ESPN College GameDay has aired from Tuscaloosa during the Saban Era. Ohio State is second during that time with 38 GameDays.

Joe says: This is Texas’ first trip to Tuscaloosa in 121 years. I better leave Birmingham on Thursday night to find parking. Texas probably would have upset Alabama last season if Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers didn’t get knocked out of the game. Ewers is an excellent quarterback and so the injuries to Alabama’s defensive backs are a concern. This one feels like another close one, but I’ll take Alabama at home with a quarterback who can scramble for a first down or score when the pressure is on.

Joe’s pick: Alabama 28, Texas 24

Pro says: Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe has seized the starting quarterback job and looks like the dual-threat quarterback Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees hoped he could be. Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers might reach his potential one day, but the offensive line doesn’t seem to be jelling yet and there is no running back like Bijan Robinson to keep the defense honest. Alabama won’t be sleepwalking into this game and will put the hammer down if they take an early lead and never look back.

Pro’s pick: Alabama 34, Texas 23

Hero says: The national game of the week will be in Tuscaloosa, Alabama as the Crimson Tide take on the Longhorns of Texas with the ESPN GameDay crew in attendance. Even though it is a huge game for both teams, Texas will learn soon enough that you play big games every week in the SEC. Both teams are capable of winning this game, but Bryant-Denny will be rocking Saturday night and if the Tide offense avoids turnovers they should come out with the victory. The Bama defense will get more stops against Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and his talented group of receivers to earn a hard-fought win.

Hero’s pick: Alabama 31, Texas 23