Welcome to week 2! This week’s slate is highlighted by the giant showdown between Texas and Ohio State in Austin! Reminder, this is a quick guide for neutral fans that will help yo catch the games you need to see! My picks are general thoughts and not intended to be gambling advice.
In week 1, the picks were 10-7 on the week, meaning if you took the games, you came out on top! Here’s the first preview:
Here’s a full viewing guide to week 2 from Projection Sports!
Week 2:
Early Kickoffs:
Oklahoma @ Michigan: Noon, FOX
Before last weekend, this game had a lot more intrigue. Now, 99% of the nation hates Michigan for their controversy against WMU. Oklahoma looked very good last week, but hasn’t been tested yet. This matchup brings about a monumental opportunity for the Sooners to announce they’re a national contender. OU is favored by 5.5, and I’ll take Mateer and co. to cover that one. Bonus: I believe we’re nearing the end of the Underwood era.
Arizona State @ Texas A&M: Noon, NBC
This game has potential to be very fun. However, Texas A&M’s athleticism is just a bit too much for ASU to keep up with. Expect this to be close at the half before the Aggies pull away and cover the 14.5
Wake Forest @ Purdue: Noon, FS1
Both offenses dominated opponents last week, with Wake winning 38-16 over Akron, and Purdue 44-19 over Indiana State. Akron is better than Indiana State, and Wake’s performance gave me confidence that they’re going to be a solid team this year. Purdue needs to stop Wake’s air attack, while Wake will look to do the same. Whichever secondary steps up will be the winner today. I’ll take Wake Forest to win and cover the 3 point spread.
App State @ Eastern Carolina: Noon, ESPNU
Had to give some love here to @egelandparker as this game is vital down in NC. I’ll take App State to go into ECU and pull off a bit of an upset. They’re 6.5 point underdogs.
HM’s: Washington State @ Kansas State
Afternoon Kickoffs:
Alabama @ Kentucky: 3:30, ABC
The famous “We want Bama” virus has ran rampant through Lexington this week, and now, they get their shot. The Wildcats will look to pull off a 10 point upset over the Crimson Tide. If they do pull it off, this fanbase will be uncontrollable. I’m looking to see how competitive the Cats are during the game. I’ll take Alabama to win, but I think Kentucky covers.
Arizona @ BYU: 3:30, FOX
We have arrived at the first test of the year for BYU. Is Bear legit a Heisman contender? Noah Fifita (AZ) threw for 262 yards last week, while Bear threw for 198. Both teams had blowout wins and this will be their first real test this year. I’ll take BYU to cover.
Mississippi State @ Minnesota: 3:30, CBS
This is a bit of an under-the-radar game this weekend, however both teams played FCS opponents. Taylor went 22/34 for 4 TDs, and JJ Hill went for 7 carries, 118 yards and 2 TDs for the Bulldogs. Evans III had 7 catches, 118 yards and a TD. On the Gopher side of things, Lindsey went 19/24 for 264 yards, Taylor carried the ball 14 times for 3 TDs and 56 yards. Their leading receiver was Tracy with 5/98. I’ll take Minnesota to pull off the victory. They’re favored by 7.
UCF @ Pitt: 3:30, ESPN2
Pittsburgh absolutely dominated Miami last week, and their offense was genuinely impressive against the staunch MAC defense. UCF dominated Bethune Cookman 73-6. Pitt comes in a bit more battle tested, and I believe they win and cover the 7 point spread.
Duke @ Illinois: 3:30, FS1
This would be the game of the day in hoops, as both are projected top 5 squads! Illinois is favored by 6 at home against their ACC foe. Illinois gave up 23 points to UAB last week, but put up 42. Their offense didn’t thrive (182 passing, 150 rushing yards). Duke handled AAC power Tulane 17-3. They put up 250 yards on the ground. I’ll take duke to win outright (they’re +6 currently).
HM’s: Cal @ Stanford, Maryland @ UConn, UTSA @ Texas State, UNLV @ North Texas
Evening Kickoffs:
Ohio State @ Texas: 7:30, ABC
THE GAME OF THE DAY! Charlie has you covered here, and my pick is OSU to win outright.
Iowa State @ Iowa: 7:30, NBC
CyHawk is an elite matchup every year. However, ISU is in a rebuild, and I’ll take Iowa to win outright here. Going to Kinnick is just too tough for the Cyclones this season.
Memphis @ Boise State: 6:00. USA Network
This matchup will put one team in the drivers seat for the g6 CFP spot. Memphis is 2-0 with a road victory over UNLV and then a win over Arkansas State. Boise almost pulled off a monumental upset over Oregon last weekend, and I’m taking them to cover the 8.5 point spread.
Tennessee @ Georgia Tech: 7:00, ESPN
Tennessee is favored by 11.5. That feels like a lot of points. Brandon threw for 226 yards in his debut last weekend, while Bishop rushed 14 times for 97 yards. Matthews is their leading WR with 4 receptions for 132 yards. For the Yellow Jackets, Mendoza went 17/23 for 237 yards. Haynes was 19 for 64 yards, and Allen had 8 receptions for 113 yards. I’ll take Tennessee to win but not to cover the spread.
HM’s: Middle Tennessee @ Marshall
Nighttime Kickoffs:
North Dakota State @ Air Force: 10:00, FS1
ND State is favored by 1.5 points against Air Force in Falcon Stadium. Both teams lean on defense and running the ball. I’m taking NDSU to get the victory in their first MW game!
Arkansas @ Utah: 10:15, ESPN
People are calling this a trap for Utah. However, Arkansas is complaining about moving timezones. I’m high on Utah’s potential this year. I’ll take them to cover the 12.5 point spread late night.
I hope this was helpful! Make sure you like/subscribe and never miss anything again! The week 2 picks were more difficult than week 1, and as we move forward, this season is lining up to be chaos!