We’re headed to Week 2 of the college football season! If you thought there were some thrillers in Week 1, wait to see what Week 2 has in store. Here’s one of three picks you’ll want to consider from our computer model for this upcoming week, including the best NCAAF odds available on top sportsbooks.
And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel, where our expert covered two more Week 2 games: Middle Tennessee State vs. Ole Miss and Iowa State vs. Iowa.
Picks Summary
- Texas -5.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Tennessee -6.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Nebraska -7.5 (-110) at Bet365
Texas Longhorns vs. Michigan Wolverines
Saturday, September 07, 2024 – 12:00 PM ET at Michigan Stadium
Texas Is a Championship Contender
The Texas Longhorns are a bonafide contender for this year’s College Football Championship. The Longhorns took down Colorado State, 52-0, behind dominant quarterback play from Quinn Ewers.
The Longhorns are already without C.J. Baxter at running back but have plenty of depth to carry on.
Maybe the pass rush could’ve been better for Texas in Week 1. However, the rest of the defense was physical and terrific.
Michigan Should Be Scared
After winning a National Championship, Michigan might still need to make the College Football Playoff this season.
While they took down Fresno State, 30-10, the offense was lackluster behind Davis Warren. Warren is a former walk-on for Michigan who started the game over Alex Orji. He was far from excellent after going 15-for-25 for 118 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Meanwhile, the run game was good for Michigan. It’s just laughable that Michigan didn’t get a transfer quarterback in this situation.
The Pick
Texas will need good quarterback play from Ewers in this matchup against Michigan. The Wolverines are good at stopping the run but could be beaten in the secondary.
Take Texas at -5.5 in Michigan Stadium.
NCAAF Pick: Texas -5.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Tennessee Volunteers vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack
Saturday, September 07, 2024 – 07:30 PM ET at Bank of America Stadium
Tennessee Impressed In Game 1
The Tennessee Volunteers wiped out Chatanooga, 69-3, in their Week 1 victory. Nico Iamaleava contributed 314 yards passing and three touchdowns and didn’t have an interception. Dylan Sampson also added 12 carries for 124 yards and three touchdowns.
Nothing went wrong for Tennessee in the opener.
Ultimately, the defense didn’t face many throws and wasn’t challenged much. So we’ll want to watch more of the secondary in a top-25 matchup against North Carolina State. Overall, Tennessee was impressive.
North Carolina State Held On
The North Carolina State Wolfpack defeated Western Carolina on Friday night. North Carolina State trailed heading into the fourth quarter but scored 21 points unanswered in the final quarter to earn a 38-21 victory.
The new transfer quarterback, Grayson McCall, added 318 yards of passing with three touchdowns and one interception. However, his QBR was 48.8, and he was far from excellent.
McCall transferred from a lower-tier program. This will be the most complex challenge of his career competing in the ACC. A matchup against an SEC-caliber opponent next likely won’t do him any favors.
The Pick
I’ve got Tennessee winning this by multiple scores.
NCAAF Pick: Tennessee -6.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Colorado Buffaloes vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Saturday, September 07, 2024 – 07:30 PM ET at Memorial Stadium
Is Colorado Overrated?
The Colorado Buffaloes squeezed by FCS North Dakota State, 31-26, to go 1-0 on the season. But now they’ll play their first FBS matchup, and it won’t be easy against Nebraska.
Colorado’s WB/CB Travis Hunter barely came off the field, but that seems unsustainable, especially against FBS opponents. The Colorado coverage wasn’t dominant, and the pass rush wasn’t spectacular either. However, the tackling was outstanding and one of the few bright spots defensively for this group.
Colorado still has an electric offense, but the offense can’t take any drives off this season.
Dylan Raiola’s Sharp Debut
The Nebraska Cornhuskers landed top QB prospect Dylan Raiola in the offseason. He added that the first start of his career was on Saturday, and he helped Nebraska win 40-7 over UTEP. The offense was balanced, and Raiola didn’t throw an interception, which was good.
Additionally, Nebraska’s defense should be way better in coverage and can get into different lanes to stop the run better.
The Pick
After Colorado’s win over Nebraska last season, we know Nebraska had this game circled. At home, Nebraska will dominate Colorado. Take Nebraska at -7.5.
NCAAF Pick: Nebraska -7.5 (-105) at Bet365
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