Each week, I will use this space to tell you what I think are a few of the best bets heading into the weekend. I will also throw in an upset of the week, which will be a team that is at least a touchdown underdog that I am picking to win outright.
I will also give you picks on other games involving potential College Football Playoff teams. Considering most teams haven't played yet, just about everybody is technically a CFP candidate right now, so I'll go with the AP top 12 until things settle in.
I got off to a good start last week, going 2-1, plus a win on the upset special. I hope to continue the roll this week.
Week 2 picks
No. 10 Iowa at No. 9 Iowa State
This is a great rivalry and a meaningful game this season as each team has New Year's Six bowl hopes, if not for the College Football Playoff. The Hawkeyes defense was impressive in dismantling Indinia, er Indiana last week to run its streak of not allowing more than 24 points to 23 consecutive games. Look for that to hold up again this week as this one turns into a defensive slugfest. Pick: Under (46)
Stanford at No. 14 USC
It's the Pac-12 opener for both teams. USC came out firing against reigning Mountain West champion San Jose State last week in a comfortable win. Meanwhile, Stanford struggled offensively in a 24-7 loss to Kansas State. The Cardinal will turn to former top 50 recruit Tanner McGee at quarterback. McGee went 15-18 with a touchdown in relief of Jack West against the Wildcats. That will not likely be enough for the Cardinal to be competitive this week. Pick: USC (-17)
Georgia State at No. 24 North Carolina
North Carolina's season got off to a rocky start in an upset loss at Virginia Tech. The Tar Heels, led by QB Sam Howell, were thought to be the team with the best chance to challenge Clemson in the ACC. There is a long way to go, so that may still happen, and it starts with taking out some frustration on a Georgia State squad that lost by 33 to Army last week. Pick: North Carolina (-26)
Upset of the Week
Buffalo at Nebraska
When we last saw Nebraska playing FBS competition, it was shooting itself in the foot repeatedly in a 30-22 loss at Illinois. It's beginning to become the thing that the Cornhuskers are known for under Scott Frost. Buffalo is good enough to make Nebraska pay for its mistakes, and maybe even win this game. The Cornhuskers will have to play a clean game to cover this spread. Pick: Buffalo (+425)
Other CFP candidates
- UAB at No. 2 Georgia (-24.5) Pick: UAB
- No. 12 Oregon at No. 3 Ohio State (-14.5) Pick: Ohio State
- No. 5 Texas A&M (-17) at Colorado Pick: Colorado
- Toledo at No. 8 Notre Dame (-17) Pick: Notre Dame
- No. 10 Iowa at No. 9 Iowa State (-4.5) Pick: Iowa
- Ball State at No. 19 Penn State (-22.5) Pick: Penn State
Which college football picks can you make with confidence in Week 2, and which favorites will go down hard? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the spread -- all from a proven computer model that has returned over $3,500 in profit over the past five-plus seasons -- and find out.