Top College Football Week 2 Bets You Can’t Miss

 

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We are now just a couple of months away from the start of the new college football season. This one is going to be somewhat historic, as it will be the last with a number of different things in place. We will see changes made to the Conferences starting next year, most notably with Texas and Oklahoma heading to the SEC, plus we will soon be switching to a 12-team playoff format. That’s a lot to take in, but all we can do is look at the upcoming games to see if we can start making some picks to wager on. We are going to jump ahead to Week 2 of the season to figure out which matchups might end up on your college football betting tickets, so let’s get to it.

Complete Betting Guide for 2023/24 NCAAF Week 2 | NCAA Football Lines by MyBookie

Nebraska Cornhuskers at Colorado Buffaloes

Given what we saw from each of these teams last season, this would not be seen by many to be an elite matchup. What it does have, though, is Deion Sanders basically trying to rebuild Colorado from the ground up. It is going to be interesting to see how he does in this job.

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Utah Utes at Baylor Bears

The Utes have a tough act to follow after a 10-win season, and you have to say that this is a tough road trip early in the season. The Bears folded coming down the stretch last season, but they still have enough talent to be considered a very tough team to beat in 2023. This could be a fun one.

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Iowa Hawkeyes vs Iowa State Cyclones

We usually have to wait until later in the season for most of the big rivalry games, so it’s nice to get one in the early part of the season. To be fair, this looks like a potentially easy win for Iowa, but a road trip to face a rival is never an easy outing.

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Texas A&M Aggies at Miami Hurricanes

Both of these teams underwhelmed last season, with both finishing with just 5 wins and failing to make it to a bowl game. 2023 is a new opportunity for both teams, though, as they look to claw their way back to the top of their respective conferences, which makes this a very interesting matchup indeed.

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Texas Longhorns at Alabama Crimson Tide

This game is going to be a good measuring stick for the Longhorns as they get ready to make the move to the SEC next season. Going against one of the best teams in their new conference will give them some idea of how close they might be to competing in arguably the best conference in college football.

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Auburn Tigers at California Golden Bears

These are two teams coming off disappointing seasons and looking to take a step forward again in 2023. There is definitely a feeling that both of these teams could be on the rise in 2023, so this will be a great early test for the Tiger and the Golden Bears. It’s a late one for those of us on the East Coast, but certainly a game worth staying up to watch.

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We did not have to wait very long to get our first surprise of the new college football season, with Georgia Tech stunning Florida State in Week 0 in a game played over in Ireland.

Given that the Seminoles went unbeaten last season and failed to make the playoffs, they are now very much under pressure to go unbeaten the rest of the way if they are to make it into the expanded postseason.

My Analysis of the College Football Week 1 Top Games

This weekend, we get into the real opening week of the season, with a ton of games to choose from for your betting enjoyment.

There are a lot of big games in the official season opener, but here are 5 matchups in Week 1 of college football that we love.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish +124 at Texas A&M Aggies -152

When: Saturday, August 31, 7:30 PM | ABC, ESPN+
Where: Kyle Field, College Station, TX

The playoff teams are not going to be decided in Week 1 of the season, but this is still a huge game for both teams, as a win against a top opponent is going to look very good on the season resume.

The Aggies have a new head coach in place and will be looking to make their mark in the SEC West, which looks a bit more open than it has in previous years.

A big road win to start the season would serve notice that the Irish mean business this season.

USC Trojans +154 vs LSU Tigers -191

When: Sunday, September 1, 7:30 PM | ABC, ESPN+
Where: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV

We have a big one coming our way on Sunday night, with this one set to be played in a neutral venue.

USC and LSU will head to Las Vegas for what is an absolutely massive game for both teams.

This is going to be a huge test for a USC team that struggled mightily on the defensive side of the football last season.

While LSU lost some key players to the draft, they still look loaded on offense.

Clemson Tigers +420 vs Georgia Bulldogs -599

When: Saturday, August 31, 12:00 PM | ABC, ESPN+
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

While this is technically a neutral venue game, it is essentially a road game for Clemson when you consider that it is being played in Atlanta.

After a couple of seasons in the wilderness, the Tigers are trying to get back into playoff contention, but this is a rough start to the season against a Bulldogs team that is arguably the best in the nation.

The Dawgs are also looking to get back in after missing out on the playoffs last season.

Miami Hurricanes -143 at Florida Gators +117

When: Saturday, August 31, 3:30 PM | ABC, ESPN+
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL

We usually need to wait for Rivalry Week to see the biggest matchups of the season, but we have a great one in Week 1.

Both of these teams are looking to turn their programs around, and a win over a rival in the opening week will put the winner on the right path.

This is about as close to a toss-up game as I can see in the opening week schedule, and it should be a fun one.

Penn State Nittany Lions -340 at West Virginia Mountaineers +260

When: Saturday, August 31, 12:00 PM | FOX
Where: Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, WV

This is a long-time rivalry game that returned to the schedule last season after a long absence.

The Nittany Lions expect to be in the playoff conversation this season, but there are some question marks with this team, especially on the offensive side of the football.

The Mountaineers will be looking for revenge after a 38-15 loss to Penn State last season, but it will be a tough one for them.

 

 

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The 2021-2022 College Football Season officially kicked off on Saturday, Aug. 28. But if you’re looking for the top games in Week 1, you must turn your attention to Sep. 4. Check out analysis and free picks for the college football games on Sep. 4 that are must bets. Let’s get right to it so you can get ready to bet against the NCAAF odds.

Top Must Bet College Football Matches On Saturday

Penn State vs Wisconsin -4 ½

When: Saturday, Sep. 4

Wisconsin looks like one of the better teams in the nation. The Badgers don’t start their quest for a Big Ten Conference title versus a slouch, though. Penn State should bounce back from a disappointing 2020. Why? Sean Clifford is a senior quarterback who plays behind a dynamite upperclassmen offensive line. The Nittany Lions’ defense is also loaded with juniors and seniors. That doesn’t mean Penn State beats Wisconsin, but 4 ½ points are too many.

College Football Pick: Penn State

Alabama -19 vs Miami

When: Saturday, Sep. 4

Alabama starting quarterback Bryce Young entered his freshman season the top-rated dual-threat QB in the nation. Young spent a season behind New England Patriots’ top draft pick Mac Jones. Heading into his sophomore season, Young is the favorite to win the Heisman. So much buzz has built around Young that he’s already signed close to $1 million in endorsement deals.

Miami, though, has a proven quarterback under center. If D’Eriq King returns from an injury one-hundred percent, the Canes could surprise. Miami head coach Manny Diaz is a defensive master. So don’t expect Bama to cover the underlay spread.

College Football Pick: Miami

Indiana vs Iowa -3

When: Saturday, Sep. 4

Like always, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz will send a talented, defensive-minded, team to the field. But against Indiana, the Hawkeyes could be in some trouble.

The Hoosiers are loaded this season. Not only does Indiana sport a legit Heisman Trophy contender in quarterback Michael Penix Jr., but left tackle Caleb Jones is a senior with experience and the rest of the offensive line boasts a junior and a graduate transfer.

Eight seniors, two juniors, and a graduate transfer start on the Hoosier defense. Indiana has the talent to upset Ohio State, Penn State, and anyone else they face in the Big Ten this season. Consider backing Indiana on the moneyline.

College Football Pick: Indiana

UL-Lafayette vs Texas -9

When: Saturday, Sep. 4

Steve Sarkisian is a good football coach, but we may be giving Sark too much credit to turn around a down on their luck Longhorns program in his first season. Texas may not be as talented as everyone believes they are.

UL-Lafayette senior quarterback Levi Lewis hails from Baton Rouge, which means football is in his blood. The Ragin’ Cajuns send a proven offensive line and defense to the field. Texas should win this game. They likely won’t win by more than 6 points, though.

College Football Pick: UL-Lafayette

San Jose State vs USC -15

When: Saturday, Sep. 4

San Jose State hosts Southern Utah on Aug. 28. Make sure to check out that game before deciding whether you’re laying or taking the points.

If the Spartans beat Southern Utah the way we think they will, we’ll back SJSU against the spread versus USC. The Spartans went undefeated during the regular season in 2020, including beating Boise State, San Diego State, and Nevada, before losing to Ball State in the Arizona Bowl.

USC is the much better team. But San Jose State starts nothing but seniors and juniors on both offense and defense. The Trojans will win. But in their first game, they could disappoint against the spread. 15 is too many points to lay on SoCal.

College Football Pick: San Jose State

Georgia vs Clemson -3

When: Saturday, Sep. 4

If this game took place in Death Valley, we’d agree favoring Clemson by 3 points. It doesn’t. The most important game on Sep. 4 happens at the home of the NFL Carolina Panthers, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Sure, Clemson will have more fans. But Georgia will bring a strong contingent.

This could be a battle between two fantastic quarterbacks. Former USC starter J.T. Daniels throws for Kirby Smart’s Georgia squad. Clemson sends D.J. Uiagalelei to the field. Uiagalelei and Daniels are Heisman Trophy contenders.

So if we say neither offense has the edge, because both quarterbacks will play to a draw, we must turn our attention to defense. If that’s the case, we’re all over the Dawgs.

Georgia’s defense will be one of the best units, if not the best, in the nation. It’s full of experienced seniors and juniors. We’ll wait for a moneyline and then back the Bulldogs.

College Football Pick: Georgia

LSU -4 vs UCLA

When: Saturday, Sep. 4

How good is UCLA, really? What we’ve noticed is that Chip Kelly’s offensive system works when there’s a fantastic quarterback like Marcus Mariota under center.

So it’s confusing why the Bruins, who should be a decent if not great team, are just 4 point dogs versus an LSU squad with a really good quarterback in sophomore Max Johnson and the best defensive player in the nation in corner Derek Stingley Jr.

The Bruins may not score a touchdown against LSU’s defense while Johnson and sophomore WR Kayshon Boutte should shred the Bruin D. LSU can blow out UCLA.

College Football Pick: LSU

BYU -12 vs Arizona

When: Saturday, Sep. 4

Jump on BYU early. Sure, the Cougars must replace Zach Wilson at quarterback. But Arizona will be one of the worst teams in the nation. The Wildcats should be so bad, we think Northern Arizona beats them on Sep. 18. BYU rolls to an easy victory, maybe by 20 or more points. Cougars -12 are overlay odds.

College Football Pick: BYU

 

 

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Week 2 of the 2021 college football regular season isn’t as loaded as Week 1 was, which featured five Top 25 matchups, but there are still some excellent games. Here’s a look at three of them Saturday with NCAAF odds. Rankings may change when the new polls are out.

Overview College football games week 2

No. 11 Oregon at No. 4 Ohio State (-14)

A noon ET kickoff on Fox. Ohio State is on a few days extra rest after rallying to win 45-31 at Minnesota last Thursday. The Buckeye offense totaled 495 total yards, including 294 through the air. Redshirt freshman quarterback C.J. Stroud threw four touchdown passes in his first collegiate start for 294 yards. Senior wide receiver Chris Olave sprinted through the Minnesota defense with four receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns. He might be the best receiver in the country.

Oregon avoided an upset against Fresno State, winning 31-24. Trailing 24-21 early in the fourth quarter, Oregon got a turnover forced by linebacker Justin Flowe that set up a game-tying field goal by Camden Lewis. After the defense got off the field quickly again, with a three-and-out, quarterback Anthony Brown capped his first career UO start with a 30-yard touchdown run that put the Ducks ahead for good.

The bad news for Oregon, though, was that superstar defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, the possible No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, injured his ankle in the first half and didn’t return. Thibodeaux, an All-American last season, had a sack and a forced fumble. He’s obviously in question vs. OSU.

Ohio State is 9-0 all-time vs. Oregon. The schools haven’t met since the Buckeyes won the first College Football Playoff national title game in January 2015. Pick: Oregon

No. 18 Iowa at No. 7 Iowa State (-4)

It’s a 4:30 PM ET kickoff on ABC. This might be the biggest Cy-Hawk game ever and ESPN College GameDay will be there. Iowa State is one of five on-campus sites that have hosted the program twice since 2019, joining Georgia, Clemson, Penn State and Minnesota.

Iowa opened the year with an impressive 34-6 home rout of No. 16 Indiana. Senior Riley Moss had two of the three Hawkeye turnovers, taking both of his interceptions for pick sixes in the first half. Moss became just the third player in school history to return two interceptions for touchdowns in a single game. Iowa’s defense limited the Hoosiers to 233 yards, including just 77 on the ground. Indiana averaged 28.9 points and 359.5 yards of total offense during the 2020 season. Moss was named the Walter Camp FBS national Defensive Player of the Week.

Iowa State didn’t look great in Week 1, edging FCS school Northern Iowa 16-10. Iowa State won its 13th game as a ranked team since 2017. It won only 13 games as a ranked team from 1892-2016. ISU is 17-4 at Jack Trice Stadium since 2018. ISU has won six straight at home, tying for the fourth-best streak in school history. In its last six games, ISU’s defense is allowing 13.3 points per game. In its last six games, ISU’s defense has given up just 16 points in the second half. Breece Hall rushed for a score and has a rushing touchdown in 13-straight games, a school-record and the second-best streak in Big 12 history.

Pick: Iowa State.

No. 21 Texas at Arkansas (+6)

Kickoff is 7 PM ET on ESPN – these used to be Big 12 rivals and soon will be reunited in the SEC when Texas goes there in a few years.

Texas opened with a 38-18 win over No. 23 Louisiana. QB Hudson Card made the first start of his collegiate career and completed 14-of-21 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown. He ended his first career start with more passing yards than Colt McCoy (178) and Sam Ehlinger (222) in their first starts as Longhorns. Bijan Robinson carried the ball 20 times for 103 yards (5.2 avg) and scored one touchdown. Also caught four passes for 73 yards and one touchdown. It was Steve Sarkisian’s debut as Texas coach.

Arkansas beat Rice 38-17 in Week 1. QB KJ Jefferson finished 12-of-21 passing for 128 yards and 1 TD and rushed for a career-high 89 yards with 2 TDs. He was the first Arkansas QB to rush for two TDs in a game since Tyler Wilson against Ole Miss on Oct. 22, 2011. Jefferson was the first Arkansas player to run for at least 2 TDs and throw for a TD since RB Rawleigh Williams ran for 4 TDs and threw a TD pass on Nov. 18, 2016 against Mississippi State.

Expert College Football Prediction

Texas

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It’s a big week for basketball fans, as we get to see the return of college hoops. The opening night of the season arrives on Tuesday, and while a lot of the ranked teams start their seasons with what look to be slam dunk games, there are still some big matchups on tap for the opening week. Will Baylor be able to come out and repeat as champion in 2021, or will we see a new team crowned as the best team in college basketball? There is a lot of action to come before we get to that answer, and while the first few games of the season tend to not be a great indicator as to what to expect for the full season, we will see some teams come storming out the gate. Let’s now look at the week ahead and pick out some games worth watching and wagering on against the NCAAF odds.

Top College Basketball Opening Week Games to Bet On

Kentucky Wildcats at Duke Blue Devils – Tuesday

This is a big season for Duke in that it will be the final year that we see Mike Krzyzewski in charge of the Blue Devils. He will leave behind an absolutely spectacular legacy, but will he go out with a whimper or a bang? We will get a decent idea of what to expect from Duke on the opening night, as they will host Kentucky in a battle of teams starting the season ranked in the top 10. If you only watch one game on Tuesday night, this might well be the one to tune into.

Buffalo Bulls at Michigan Wolverines – Wednesday

There are not many ranked teams taking the court on Wednesday night, so we are looking at slim pickings in terms of games to watch. We will, though, get a look at Buffalo, who come into the 2021 season ranked at #6. The expectation is that they will come out and get off to a flying start on home court, so we should see them win big and lay down an early marker.

George Washington Colonials at Maryland Terrapins – Thursday

As we mentioned at the top of this piece, the early part of the season is usually dominated by the top teams playing lesser opponents in games that amount to little more than practice sessions. The Maryland Terrapins come into the new season ranked at #21 and will be looking to make a move up the rankings as quickly as possible. Putting in big blowout performances against the smaller teams is a way to quickly get noticed.

Villanova Wildcats at UCLA Bruins – Friday

Plan on having a late Friday night, with this outstanding matchup set to begin at 11:30 PM EST. You have Villanova starting the season ranked at #4, while UCLA are in at #2, so this is far and away the best game on the schedule this week. Villanova has been the champion twice since 2016 and will be looking to show that they are among the favorites again with a big win over a very good team.

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The first full weekend of college football is upon us! Here’s a look at three-must watch games in Week 1, one each on Saturday, Sunday and Monday and their odds.

Odds Updated College Football Week 1

No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 14 Miami (+19.5)

Kickoff is 3:30 ET on Saturday at a neutral site in Atlanta and televised by ABC. Of course, the Tide are defending national champions but did lose a lot of talent off that unbeaten team. Nick Saban’s program has now claimed the top spot in four of the last six preseason AP Top 25 polls, and Alabama has won six national titles during his tenure as head coach.

Junior wideout John Metchie has been named a preseason first-team All-American. With the departure of DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, Metchie is the leading returning receiver for the Tide, securing 55-of-76 passes for 916 yards, 16.7 YPC and six touchdowns. He was named preseason first-team All-SEC as was offensive lineman Evan Neal, and five defensive players in lineman Phidarian Mathis, linebackers Will Anderson Jr. and Christian Harris and defensive backs Malachi Moore and Josh Jobe.

The Crimson Tide welcome back 13 starters and 50 lettermen for the upcoming season. On offense, 23 letterwinners and three starters return, while the defense will have 23 lettermen and nine starters back on the field, with one starting specialist returning.

The Hurricanes, who finished the 2020 season with an 8-3 mark, are one of three teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference represented in the initial AP Top 25. The Hurricanes return 10 of 11 starters on offense and nine of 11 starters on defense. Pick: Miami.

No. 9 Notre Dame at Florida State (+7.5)

Sunday night game at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Both clubs are breaking in new quarterbacks. It’s Wisconsin transfer Jack Coan for the Irish, beating out freshman Tyler Buchner, a four-star recruit, and sophomore Drew Pyne, who played a handful of snaps for the Irish last season.

Jack Coan joined the Irish in the spring as a graduate transfer after spending four years at Wisconsin. During his time with the Badgers, he played in 25 games while making 18 starts. He finished his Badger career ranked third all-time in completion percentage (68.0%) and third in pass efficiency rating (144.7) all-time and held a 12-6 record. Coan takes over for Ian Book, who led Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff in two of his three seasons as the team’s starting quarterback. Book was a fourth-round selection of the New Orleans Saints in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Irish offensive lineman Cain Madden, running back Kyren Williams (honored as an all-purpose player) and safety Kyle Hamilton were named to the preseason first-team All-American team, while Jarrett Patterson earned second-team honors. Hamilton, the 2020 Bednarik Award semifinalist and first-team All-ACC selection led the Irish in tackles last season with 63 in just 11 games, adding an interception, six pass breakups and 4.5 TFL.

It’s Central Florida transfer McKenzie Milton under center for FSU. He suffered a catastrophic knee injury back on Nov. 23, 2018, with the Knights. Milton is lucky to be walking again, but much less playing football. He is the only two-time AAC Offensive Player of the Year in conference history, finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy vote in 2018 and eighth in 2017 and was a 2018 finalist for the Sullivan Award presented to the outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. The Kapolei, Hawai’i, native has appeared in 33 games and is 630-of-1,020 passing for 8,683 yards and 72 touchdowns with 1,078 yards and 20 touchdowns on 280 rushing attempts, for a total of 9,761 yards of total offense. Pick: FSU.

Louisville vs. Ole Miss (-9.5)

Labor Day night game at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and from a neutral site in Atlanta. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two football programs. Led by potential Heisman trophy candidate Matt Corral at the quarterback position, Ole Miss finished third in nation a season ago in total offense, averaging 555.5 yards per game.

Corral completed 70.9% of his passes for 3,337 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also rushed for 506 yards and four touchdowns in an explosive offense, putting his name on the college football map. However, Corral struggled mightily with turnovers, throwing a career-high 14 interceptions. That was the second-highest number in college football, trailing only Duke’s Chase Brice at 15. Defensively, the Rebs allowed the 11th-most points per game at 38.3, and had the second worst total defense at 519.0 yards allowed per game.

The Cardinals returns QB Malik Cunningham. He has passed for 5,153 career yards and 43 touchdowns in his career. He ranks second all-time at UofL for rushing TDs by a quarterback with 18, seventh with 43 career touchdown passes and sixth with 61 touchdowns responsible for. Cunningham is the only Louisville quarterback all-time to have four touchdown passes of at least 75 yards. Who will quarterback Malik Cunningham target without the options to throw the ball to Tutu Atwell, Dez Fitzpatrick, Ean Pfeifer and Javian Hawkins? Those four caught 13 of the 20 touchdown passes Cunningham threw last season. Pick: Louisville.

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The Ohio State Buckeyes will begin their new era in earnest in 2019 and they’ve got a whopper of a matchup on their hands in Week 2. The defending national champion Clemson Tigers and playoff hopeful Texas Longhorns are also involved in their own intriguing Week 2 matchups.

If you’re a college football betting enthusiast that is fired up about the quickly-approaching 2019 regular season and you want to know which games are must-see, must-bet matchups this coming campaign, then consider your ticket punched. Thank to the fun-filled insight you’re about to get, you’re going to know exactly which games on the Week 2 docket are must-bet affairs just waiting to happen! Now, let’s get started.

2019 College Football Week 2 Must-Bet Games

Cincinnati Bearcats at Ohio State Buckeyes

When: Saturday, Sep. 7, 2019 at 12:00 PM ET
Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH
TV: ABC

Cincinnati went a stupendous 11-2 to finish second to Central Florida in the AAC a year ago. The Cincinnati Bearcats were rock-solid on both sides of the ball in finishing 23rd in scoring (34.9 ppg) and a stellar ninth in points allowed (17.2 ppg).

Ohio State may have gotten left out of the four-team College Football Playoff, but the Buckeyes went a phenomenal 13-1 a year ago while finishing the 2018 campaign ranked a fantastic eighth in scoring (42.4 ppg) and solid 52nd in points allowed (25.5 ppg). However, Ohio State is entering their first full season under new head coach Ryan Day and I’m thinking an upset could be in the works in this one!

Texas A&M at Clemson

When: Saturday, Sep. 7, 2019 at 3:30 PM ET
Where: Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC
TV: ABC

Texas A&M went a solid 9-4 in Year 1 of the Jimbo Fisher era a year ago while finishing the 2018 season ranked an impressive 19th in scoring (36.0 ppg) and 47th in pints allowed (25.3 ppg). With starting quarterback Kellen Mond back under center the Aggies are poised for even bigger and better things in 2019.

Clemson went an unblemished 15-0 last season while laying an emphatic 44-16 smackdown on mighty Alabama in the national championship game. With quarterback Trevor Lawrence back and a boatload of talent on both sides of the ball, the Tigers are expecting to contend for back-to-back titles in 2019 despite losing a ton of talent o0n the defensive line.

LSU at Texas

When: Saturday, Sep. 7, 2019 at 7:30 PM ET
Where: Royal Texas Memorial Stadium
TV: ABC

LSU is coming off a solid 10-3 campaign a year ago, even if they’re not quite ready to take down SEC rival Alabama just yet. The Tigers finished the 2018 season ranked 38th in scoring (32.4 ppg) and an impressive 26th in points allowed (21.8 ppg). Despite a lot of change heading into 2019, LSU is once again hoping to challenge for a SEC title at the very least.

Texas went a solid 10-4 in year 2 of the Tom Herman era last season while ranking 47th in scoring (31.1 ppg) and 57th in pints allowed (25.9 ppg). With dual-threat quarterback Sam Ehlinger back under center, the Longhorns are looking to make another move toward being a legitimate national championship contender in 2019.

 

 

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While there are several very good games in the opening week of the college football season, it’s NCAA Football Week 2 where the real fun begins. Many of the preseason favorites have taken the approach of settling on an easier game to get things rolling, but with strength of schedule now critical in determining who makes the playoffs, the big games don’t take long to get rolling. There are several potential playoff teams who will be entering into big games in the second week of the season, and we have all seen how an early loss can disrupt and potential favorite. Anyone remember what happened to Florida State after losing to Alabama in Week 1 last season? Let’s now jump on and look at the must bet games for Week 2 of the college football season. And be sure to check out the latest NCAAF odds before placing your bets!

NCAA Football Week 2 Must Bet Games – 2018 Season

Clemson Tigers at Texas A&M Aggies

Clemson have been ticking along quite nicely for the past few seasons, and are once again the most likely playoff candidates from the ACC. The Tigers will be in for a tough go of things in Week 2, though, as they will be taking on an Aggies team that may take a step forward under new head coach Jimbo Fisher. Texas A&M don’t necessarily need to win this one to make a statement, but if they do somehow manage to get a win over the Tigers, it may well just shape how the rest of their season looks. For Clemson, a win here would once again set them up as a force to be reckoned with.

NCAA Football Week 2 Betting Pick: Clemson Tigers

Georgia Bulldogs at South Carolina Gamecocks

The runners-up in last year’s National Championship Game will look a little different this season, but the Bulldogs are still totally loaded and favorites to win the SEC East. If any team in the East is going to give the Dawgs a serious run for their money, it is likely to be the South Carolina Gamecocks. They are coming off a very good season, and it looks as though Will Muschamp has this team heading very much in the right direction. This will certainly not decide the division, but it could make things interesting.

NCAA Football Week 2 Betting Pick: Georgia Bulldogs

UCLA Bruins at Oklahoma Sooners

Chip Kelly is now in charge of the Bruins, so it is certainly going to be fun to see if he can get this ship heading in the right direction. We won’t need to wait long to get some idea of that direction, as this is a tough, tough match-up for the Bruins early on. Sure, the Oklahoma Sooners, a playoff tam from last season, will be without Baker Mayfield after he was drafted to the NFL, but make no mistake about it, this is still a very talented football team. We could be in for a bit of a shootout here, so strap in for this one.

NCAA Football Week 2 Betting Pick: Oklahoma Sooners

Michigan State Spartans at Arizona State Sun Devils

There are a lot of college football folks who believe that the Michigan State Spartans have a team good enough to take the Big 10 and land a playoff spot, but they will get a stern test early on. A trip to Sun Devil Stadium is never an easy proposition, but it may be even tougher this season, as Herm Edwards will be in trying to put his experienced fingerprints all over his new team. While this is one that I like the Spartans to win, it is an intriguing match-up nonetheless.

NCAA Football Week 2 Betting Pick: Michigan State Spartans

 

 

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Can Lamar Jackson pick up where he left off a year ago after unleashing a campaign for the ages that resulted in him winning the 2016 Heisman Trophy? Can the Clemson Tigers overcome the loss of their superstar signal-caller to contend for their third straight appearance in the national championship?

Find out more about the latest 2017 College Football Predictions here.

Moreover, can Trace McSorley and Saquon Barkley help Penn State Nittany Lions build on their outstanding 2016 season to challenge for a berth in the four-team playoff after getting ‘robbed’ a year ago? Will Baker Mayfield get the best of J.T. Barrett when the Oklahoma Sooners visit the Ohio State Buckeyes in a huge matchup of Top 10 programs?

Therefore, if you’re fired up about the quickly approaching 2017 college football season and you’re looking for winners right now, then you’re going to love the trio of Week 2 college football picks that I’ve got just for you. Let’s get to it.

Analyzing The Heisman Trophy Candidates for 2017 NCAAF Season

Louisville at North Carolina

When: Saturday, September 9, 11:00 AM
Where: Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Analysis: Louisville (9-4 SU, 5-7-1 ATS) finished second in the ACC Atlantic division as Lamar Jackson unleashed a campaign for the ages to win the 2016 Heisman trophy award. The Cardinal ranked a stellar sixth in scoring nationally (42.5 ppg) as Jackson passed for 3,543 yards and ran for an additional 1,571 yards while destroying opposing defenses, almost at will.

North Carolina (8-5 SU, 5-8 ATS) finished second in the Coastal division by finishing 44th in scoring (32.3 ppg) and 43rd in points allowed (24.9 ppg). The Tar Heels will have a new starting quarterback under center in 2017 with 2016 starter Mitchell Trubisky going second overall to Chicago in this year’s NFL Draft.

With the Cardinals have a star at quarterback and Carolina starting an inexperienced signal-caller, the writing is on the wall for me in this contest. Louisville will win and win handily.

North Carolina Tar Heels Bowl History Last 5

Auburn at Clemson

When: Saturday, September 9, 6:00 PM on ESPN
Where: Clemson Memorial Stadium, South Carolina
TV: ESPN
NCAAF Odds: Clemson -7

Analysis: Clemson beat Auburn 19-13 last season in a hard-fought battle and I believe more of the same is in store, seeing as how both teams have questions to answer at quarterback and really solid defenses that will likely make life rough on whomever starts under center for their respective teams. Clemson lost four All-Americans on offense, including superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson while 2016 Auburn starter Sean White is in a fight for his job this summer.

Thus, with Clemson playing at home in this matchup, I like the national champs to get the home win, but I believe Auburn will find a way to cover the spread in another tight contest that goes down to the wire.

Clemson Tigers Bowl History Last 5

Pick: Clemson 24 Auburn 20

Pittsburgh at Penn State

When: Saturday, September 9, 2:30 PM on ABC
Where: Beaver Stadium, Pennsylvania
NCAAF Odds: Penn State -19

Analysis: The Penn State Nittany Lions (11-3 SU, 10-3-1 ATS) will be looking for revenge for their 42-29 loss against Pittsburgh l (8-5 SU, 5-8 ATS) last season and I believe they’ll get it in emphatic fashion. In addition, Pittsburgh lost starting quarterback Nathan Peterman and beloved starting running back James Conner and that means they’ll struggle to score against Penn State’s underrated defense, while the Nittany Lions’ Trace McSorley and Saquon Barkley, both live up to their preseason billing as legitimate Heisman Trophy contenders.

Pittsburgh Panthers Bowl History Last 5

Oklahoma at Ohio State

When: Saturday, September 9, 6:30 PM on ABC
Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus
NCAAF Odds: Ohio State -8

Analysis: Ohio State (11-2 SU, 6-7 ATS) collapsed once they got in the four-team playoff while Oklahoma (11-2 SU, 7-6 ATS) never made it that far despite recording an identical 11 victories last season.

On the other hand, both of these national championship title hopefuls have legitimate star quarterbacks that will contend for the Heisman Trophy in Ohio State dual-threat superstar J.T. Barrett and Oklahoma signal-caller Baker Mayfield. However, with the Buckeyes playing at home and owning the much better defense in this pairing, I like the Buckeyes to get the narrow win, if not the ATS cover. Play the Buckeyes to get the ‘W’ but the Sooners to cover.

Pick: Ohio State 31 Oklahoma 28

 

 

Previous Betting News

With the 2016 college football season set to get underway in just over one week, it’s time to take a glance at some of the must-watch games of the 2016 college football betting season!

Now, keep in mind, I’m only highlighting seven games that I believe are must-see TV matchups for college football odds fans and betting enthusiasts everywhere. No free picks are being offered, even though you will get a hint at who I like in each contest. Okay, with that said, let’s rock and roll!

Here’s a Closer Look At The Must Watch Games For 2016 College Football Season

Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016

Oklahoma -9.5 at Houston

The Oklahoma Sooners went 11-2 last season to reach the four-team College Football Playoff, but they’re going to have their hands full in trying to take down a Houston Cougars team that went 13-1 and has one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. For me, there is no way Oklahoma should be favored by a whopping 9.5 points, if at all!

Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016

Alabama -4.5 at Mississippi

Alabama may be the defending national champs and No. 1 team in the nation in almost every preseason poll, but the Crimson Tide have also lost two straight against explosive Mississippi. Can the Tide avoid another upset against Ole Miss with a new starting quarterback and running back? Will Mississippi quarterback Chad Kelly light up Alabama’s secondary for the second straight season? Hmm…I smell an upset!

Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016

Michigan State at Notre Dame -6

Michigan State will have a new starting quarterback this season as they hit the road to take on a Notre Dame team that has two signal-callers that could start for just about any team in the nation. The Spartans generally play outstanding defense and have recorded double-digit victories in five of the last six seasons. Notre Dame just had a half-dozen players arrested in two separate incidents that could alter some of head coach Brian Kelly’s plans heading into the season. Personally, I have no idea why senior cornerback Devin Butler’s tackle of a South Bend police officer, outside the ‘Linebacker Lounge’ got him suspended, but hey, that’s just me.

Friday, October 15, 2016

Stanford at Notre Dame -3

Notre Dame will be looking for revenge for their heartbreaking 38-36 road loss against Stanford last season, but I’m not sure they’ll get it even though the Cardinal will have a new starting quarterback this season following the graduation of longtime starter Kevin Hogan. For me, Stanford running back Christian McCaffery is the best player in the country and he’ll show why in this nationally-televised showdown.

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Clemson at Florida State -1.5

Clemson jumped all over their ACC rivals a year ago to snap three-game losing streak by beating Florida State 23-13 en route to their national championship appearance. The Seminoles will have a new starting quarterback in gifted youngster Deondre Francois, but I expect Clemson superstar signal-caller Deshaun Watson to show everyone why he’s the best quarterback in the nation!

Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016

Ohio State -4.5 at Michigan State

The Buckeyes (12-1) and Spartans (12-2) both won a dozen games last season, but Ohio State is the only team in this matchup with an elite quarterback. I don’t know if the Buckeyes should be favored by 4.5 points on the road, but I like J.T. Barrett to lead Ohio State to the SU win in this must-see matchup of national title hopefuls.

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Michigan -2 at Michigan State

Michigan State recorded one of the most improbable victories in recent college football memory by taking out the Wolverines on the final play of the game a year ago en route to a stunning 27-23 road win in Ann Arbor. Will Jim Harbaugh’s team get its revenge on the road or will Michigan State harass the Wolverines’ new starting quarterback into a bad day? I’m going with the latter!

 

 

Previous Betting News

Okay college football fans and betting enthusiasts, with the start of the bowl season getting underway with several games this coming weekend, it’s time to highlight a pair of favorites that both look like they have a great chance of cashing against their underdog opponents.

Let’s get started.

Analyzing The College Football Betting Odds: Favorites You Must Bet On This Weekend

Texas-San Antonio (6-6) at New Mexico (8-4)

When: 2:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 17, 2016
Where: University Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico
TV: ESPN
NCAAF Odds: New Mexico -7

Analysis: UTSA is on the road against New Mexico in the 2016 Gildan New Mexico Bowl. The Roadrunners beat Charlotte 33-14 in their regular-season finale to earn a bowl invitation in their sixth season. UTSA is led by their 1-2 running back combination of senior Jarveon Williams and sophomore Jalen Rhodes. The pair have combined for 1,903 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns this season.

UTSA has been mediocre at best offensively under junior quarterback Dalton Strum (22 TDs) as the Roadrunners averaged just 192.9 yards of total offense per game this season for first-year coach Frank Wilson. UTSA went 3-4 in seven games against bowl qualified teams during the regular season while facing two Power Five opponents.

Defensively, the Roadrunners gave up a generous 28.3 points per game. Freshman linebacker Josiah Tauaefa became the first UTSA player to earn first-team all-Conference-USA honors. Led by fifth-year coach Bob Davie, New Mexico went 8-4 and is seeking the fifth nine-win campaign in the program’s 85-year history. Unfortunately, the Lobos are just 3-8-1 in bowl games, including 1-2 in the New Mexico Bowl.

The good news is that the Lobos went 5-1 at home this season and come into this matchup having won six of its last seven games. Running backs Teriyon Gibson and Tyrone Owens lead the Lobos’ offensive attack which led the FBS in all the major rushing categories, including total yards (4,331), yards per game (360.9) and yards per carry (6.81).

Quarterbacks Lamar Jordan and Austin Apodaca have shared time, but Jordan is more of a running threat with 658 yards and three rushing scores. New Mexico, averaged a Mountain West-best 37.8 points per game this season. Unfortunately, New Mexico also gave up a whopping 32.4 points and 397.3 yards per game. 62 percent of public bettors likes New Mexico and I urge you to roll along with the majority in this contest, mostly because the Lobos are the better team and are playing at home.

While UTSA has gone 5-1 ATS in their last six games against a team with a winning record, the Roadrunners are also just 2-5 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS win and 1-5 ATS in their last six games following a straight up win. New Mexico has gone 5-2 ATS in their last seven games and are simply the better team in this bowl game showdown.

Pick: New Mexico 35 UTSA 24

Houston (9-3) at San Diego State (10-3)

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, December 17, 2016
Where: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
TV: ABC
NCAAF Odds: Houston -3

Analysis: The Houston Cougars will be led by interim coach Todd Orlando in this affair after head coach Tom Herman bolted to take the job at Texas. Houston will look to win its third straight bowl game while San Diego State looks to record a program best 11 victories.

The Cougars are led by underrated dual-threat quarterback Greg Ward Jr. who is playing the final game of his career and ranks fifth in school history in both passing touchdowns (52) and passing yardage (8,476). Ward threw 22 TD passes this season while adding nine rushing touchdowns. The Cougars averaged a stellar 38.0 points per game this season. Defensively, the Cougars are led by gifted freshman defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who recorded a whopping 19 1/2 tackles for losses this season (including five sacks).

San Diego State is led by senior running back Donnel Pumphrey (6,290 yards) who needs 108 rushing yards to surpass Wisconsin’s Ron Dayne (6,397) as the all-time leading career rusher in FBS history. Pumphrey rushed for 2,018 yards in the regular season but Houston ranks third nationally in rushing defense (97.9 yards per game) and allowed just 2.9 yards per carry.

Pumphrey rushed for 16 touchdowns this season while shattering numerous records held by the legendary Marshall Faulk. Sophomore quarterback Christian Chapman has thrown 19 touchdown passes and just six interceptions. 56 percent of bettors like Houston and so do I, seeing as how I actually had the Cougars reaching the College Football Playoff this season after their phenomenal 13-1 run in 2015.

Houston has gone 8-2 ATS in their last 10 neutral site games and 16-5 ATS in their last 21 non-conference games. The bad news is that the Cougars are also just 1-4 ATS in their last five games against a team with a winning record and 1-6 ATS in their last seven games overall.

While San Diego State has gone 4-1 ATS in their last five games following an SU win and 5-2 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS loss, the Aztecs are also just 2-6 ATS in their last eight games in the month of December, 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 non-conference games and an uninspiring 0-4 ATS in their last four games against a team with a winning record.

Pick: Houston 35 San Diego State 31

 

 

Previous Betting News

If you’re looking for some value-packed underdogs for this weekend’s opening slate of bowl games, then you’re in luck!

Thanks to the expert betting picks that you’re about to get on two bowl games that take place this weekend, you’re going to have a great opportunity to strike pay dirt not once, but two times. Now, let’s get started.

A Closer Look At The College Football Betting Odds: Underdogs You Must Bet On This Weekend

Arkansas State (7-5) vs. Central Florida (6-6)

When: 5:30 PM ET, Saturday, December 17, 2016
Where: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
TV: CBSSN
NCAAF Odds: Central Florida -5.5

Analysis: Central Florida (8-4 ATS) won six games this season just one year after their horrific 0-12 campaign in 2015 while Arkansas State (6-6 ATS) won seven of their last eight games after getting off to a dismal 0-4 start this season. The two teams will both look to record a season-ending victory when they square off in the 2016 AutoNation Cure Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 17.

Central Florida is led by freshman signal-caller McKenzie Milton who played in nine of the last 10 games after taking over for senior Justin Holman. Milton has thrown for 458 yards in his last two games. The Knights have a stingy defense and are led by linebacker Shaquem Griffin (85 tackles, 11 sacks).

Arkansas State has limited the opposition to just 13.7 points over its last seven contests while defensive ends Chris Odom and Ja’Von Rolland-Jones have combined for a stunning 24 sacks. Arkansas State starts a sophomore quarterback in Justice Hansen and he’s responded after not starting in the opener by throwing for 2,514 yards with 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Five receivers have accumulated at least 300 receiving yards on the season while running back Warren Wand has rushed for a solid 867 yards and seven scores on the ground for the Red Wolves. 54 percent of public bettors likes Arkansas State to cash in as a 5.5-point underdog and I agree. While Central Florida has gone 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games, the Knights are also just 2-6 ATS in their last eight games against a team with a winning record.

Conversely, Arkansas State has gone 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a straight up win and 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall. I like the Red Wolves to cover the college football betting line by getting the outright upset.

Pick: Arkansas State 27 Central Florida 21

UL Lafayette (6-6) vs. Southern Mississippi (6-6)

When: 9:00 PM ET, Saturday, December 17, 2016
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
TV: ESPN
NCAAF Odds: Southern Miss -3.5

Analysis: The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns (8-4 ATS) won its final two games to become bowl eligible while the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (3-9 ATS) stunned Conference USA West champion Louisiana Tech in the regular-season finale to reach the 2016 R+L Carrier Bowl.

The Golden Eagles are making their second consecutive bowl game appearance while Louisiana is back in a bowl game after missing out in 2015. The Ragin’ Cajuns made our straight appearances in this bowl game from 2011-2014 while winning each contest against San Diego State, East Carolina, Tulane and Nevada, although two of the victories were later vacated.

Southern Miss lost to Washington in the Heart of Dallas Bowl last year and also is making its fifth appearance in the New Orleans Bowl after recording victories in 2004, 2005 and 2008 and a loss in 2009. The Golden Eagles are led by senior quarterback Nick Mullens, leads the Golden Eagles and will be back on the field after suffering a concussion in the regular-season finale. Mullens is playing his final game after setting a school record with 85 career touchdown passes.

Southern Miss also has a gifted ball-carrier in running back Ito Smith who rushed for 1,321 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 42 receptions to an offense that put up a healthy 33.4 points per game. Louisiana-Lafayette is led by senior signal-caller Anthony Jennings, but it is running back Elijah McGuire that is the backbone of the Ragin Cajuns’ offense as he rushed for over 1,000 yards for the third consecutive season. Louisiana-Lafayette recorded an impressive three defensive touchdowns in its final two games.

Just 48 percent of the betting public likes Louisiana-Lafayette, but I’m among them and I urge you to back the Ragin Cajuns too. Southern Miss is just 1-3-1 ATS in their last five non-conference games and an uninspiring 1-7 ATS in their last eight games overall. While the Golden Eagles have gone 0-3-1 ATS in their last four bowl games, Louisiana-Lafayette has compiled a perfect 4-0 ATS mark in their last four bowl games.

The Ragin’ Cajuns are also 4-0 ATS in their last four neutral site games and a robust 7-2 ATS in their last nine games in the month of December. Louisiana-Lafayette may be underdogs in this matchup, but they’re offering plenty of value.

Pick: Louisiana-Lafayette 28 Southern Miss 27

 

 

Previous Betting News

Here’s our recount of the Weekly NCAA Football Betting Rumors From The Sidelines

It only took a day after the Miami Hurricanes were destroyed by Clemson 58-0 for the university to send Al Golden packing as College Football odds fans might have noticed. His time at the U. was controversial, as the Hurricanes never got close to their elite days back in the 1990s and early 2000s. There were people hiring pilots to fly airplane banners over the stadium to beg for Golden’s firing, and now they got their wish after the Hurricanes got off to a shaky 4-3 start. So who will take over at Miami?

The most commonly mentioned candidates include former Miami coach Butch Davis, Indianapolis Colts assistant Rob Chudzinski, former Rutgers coach Greg Schiano and Alabama assistant Mario Cristobal.

UCF Is Also In The Market

Golden wasn’t the only coach in Florida given a pink slip, though. George O’Leary resigned as athletic director at UCF two weeks ago, and how he has stepped down as the football coach too. Just two years ago, the Knights won the Fiesta Bowl. This year, they have gotten off to an execrable 0-8 start. Their search for a new coach has many of the same candidates as Miami’s, although Cristobal seems to be getting the most press.

Are the Buckeyes CFP Material

Does Ohio State have what it takes to qualify for the College Football Playoff? People were wondering, but then the Buckeyes thrashed Rutgers 49-7. They still have to get through Michigan and Michigan State, but they showed they have some starch this past week. The newest rankings have Clemson all the way up to #3 in the AP poll, behind Ohio State and Baylor (still #1 and #2). TCU is still #4, and Michigan State is #5, with LSU #6.

Mora, Kelly & Sumlin, NFL Bound Any Time Soon

Jim Mora, Brian Kelly and Kevin Sumlin are the three college coaches most likely to leave their teams and end up in the NFL next year, according to Ian Rapoport with the NFL Network. Kelly’s name has appeared in connection with the New York Giants, as Tom Coughlin could retire or be fired, depending on how the team does. Sixty-nine years old, Coughlin has been the Giants’ head coach since 2004. His two Super Bowl rings might make him untouchable, but he also might be ready to retire.

One reason that Mora might hesitate to make the jump is that he loves his young quarterback, freshman Josh Rosen. In just seven games, Rosen has thrown for almost 2,000 yards, including 399 yards in the win over Cal this past week. Sumlin is now in his fourth season at Texas A&M. The Aggies have gotten better with Sumlin in town, but they still have never gotten any higher in the SEC West standings than second place. This past Saturday, the Aggies lost their second straight conference tilt, as Ole Miss shut Texas A&M down in Oxford.

One similarity between Kelly and Sumlin is that they both had terrific seasons in 2012, but they have struggled to push past that mark since. Kelly still has yet to get to 10 wins in a season with the Fighting Irish, but the fact that they have already won six games (despite losing star quarterback Malik Zaire in the second game), and the fact that they have the chance to knock off Stanford in November, puts them in potential position for a playoff berth.