We are on to College Football Week 2 after an exciting opening week of the 2024 season. It went pretty much as expected for the AP Top 25. The top teams in the country – Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, etc. – recorded fairly easy wins over some outmatched opponents. The SEC flexed its muscle with Ole Miss putting up 76 on Furman and Tennessee laying 69 on Chattanooga.

The big surprises in NCAAF Week 1 came later in the Labor Day weekend. On Sunday night, No. 23 USC shocked No. 13 LSU, 27-20. On Monday night, Florida State continued its downward spiral that began in Week 0 with a loss to Georgia Tech. The Seminoles were outplayed from beginning to end and lost to Boston College 28-13. Head coach Mike Norvell and FSU are now 0-2 to start the 2024 season.

Once again, the Scores & State college football experts are here to bring you the best previews, picks, and predictions for college football Week 2. Keep it tuned to Scores & Stats all season long. You will find the best analysis and insight in the industry from now until the CFB national championship game in January. Let’s move on to Week 2!

College Football Week 2 Betting

Keep an eye on the latest College Football Odds and monitor how the lines change throughout the week.

There will be plenty of overreactions after an entertaining Week 1 to kick off the 2024 college football season. No. 19 Miami beat Florida 41-17 and the Hurricane faithful are claiming the “U” is back. Gators fans are also lining up to pack up Florida head coach Billy Napier’s office and get him out of Gainesville.

No. 10 Florida State, which will most certainly drop out of the Top 25, can breathe easy in Week 2. The Seminoles can’t lose. That’s because they get a much-needed week off. The ‘Noles are now 0-2 thanks to that upset loss to Boston College on Monday night.

College football Week 2 features just two games between ranked opponents. The game of the day, of course, is No. 4 Texas traveling to Ann Arbor to take on No. 9 Michigan. The Longhorns were impressive in their 52-0 win over Colorado State. The Wolverines were good enough to beat Fresno State 30-10, but left some questions about an offense that gained just 269 yards against the Bulldogs.

We will continue to see a number of huge point spreads as teams play “money” games early in the season. Teams like FCS Tennessee Tech will play at Georgia because the Bulldogs will pay all of their expenses plus a fee for agreeing to play.

That game doesn’t even have a line yet, but expect it to be something like Ole Miss-Middle Tennessee. The Rebels are favored by 41.5 points and the total is 63.5. Will Lane Kiffin hang another 70 on the Blue Raiders?

College Football Week 2 Odds

With over 65 College Football games scheduled for Week 2, the following is a list of the featured games of the week:

Click on the Home Team to automatically scroll down to the game’s betting preview and prediction.

Best College Football Week 2 Games

Let’s take a look at the featured College Football Week 2 games and make our spread, total, and moneyline NCAAF picks for each game.

Texas Longhorns vs. Michigan Wolverines Odds

No. 4 Texas makes its way to Ann Arbor to take on the No. 9 Michigan Wolverines in the first big matchup of Top 10-ranked teams this season. Michigan began its 2024 season with a 30-10 win over Fresno State. The Wolverines scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to ice the victory.

Texas, which won the Big 12 last season and is now in its first season in the SEC, had an easy go of it against Colorado State. The Longhorns won 52-0 behind QB Quinn Ewers’ 260 passing yards and three touchdowns. Texas has now won 13 of its last 15 games. In their last 10 games, Texas is 5-4-1 ATS while Michigan is 7-3 ATS. The Wolverines have won 14 straight games and 20 in a row at home

The Longhorns have won their last seven straight road games but, interestingly, they have gone 0-5 ATS in their last five games against a Big Ten opponent. Michigan is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games played on a Saturday, but in their last nine Saturday home games, the Wolverines have only covered the spread twice (2-6-1 ATS).

Texas Longhorns vs. Michigan Wolverines Predictions

Michigan had a tough time against the Fresno State defense last week. Only four of their drives on offense would be considered quality drives and three of them ended in field goals (two of the FGs were made from over 50 yards). The Texas defense will be much faster and more physical than Fresno State.

Ewers also gives Texas the edge on offense. Alex Orji and Davis Warren are equally average. Michigan’s strength is running the football and Texas held Colorado State to 118 yards on the ground last week. The Longhorns finished third in the nation against the run last year, allowing just 82.4 rushing yards per game. This will be a tough environment, but Texas has the horses.

Bet: Texas -165, Texas -6.5 (-110), Over 44.5 (-110)

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys Odds

Both Arkansas and Oklahoma State started off the 2024 college football season with victories. The Razorbacks put up 70 points in a win over FCS Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Cowboys beat defending FCS national champion South Dakota State 44-20. It was Oklahoma State’s ninth win in its last 11 games and its sixth straight victory at home.

The win marked the return of Bobby Petrino to Arkansas. The former Razorbacks head coach is now the offensive coordinator and his offense put up 686 total yards and 70 points. Petrino’s offense became the first team in two decades to score touchdowns on each of its first 10 possessions.

Arkansas is only 3-8 SU in its last 11 games. The Razorbacks finished 4-8 SU last season. They are only 2-4 ATS in their last six, but they have covered in six of their last seven games on the road. Oklahoma State under head coach Mike Gundy has been known for its ability to cover spreads. Since 2019, the Cowboys are 40-25-1 ATS and they are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games.

Both of these offenses can score too. Despite facing some big numbers, the Over has cashed in four of Oklahoma State’s last five games and in each of Arkansas’ last five.

Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys Predictions

The Razorbacks have some studs in QB Taylen Green (16-for-23, 229 yds., 2 TDs, 88 yds rushing, 2 TDs) and RB Ja’Quinden Jackson, who carried just eight times last week but had 101 yards and two touchdowns. Don’t expect that kind of success against Oklahoma State. The Cowboys return eight starters from last year’s defense.

Oklahoma State also returns nine starters on offense, including QB Alan Bowman who went 25-for-34 for 267 yards and three touchdowns last week. The Cowboys also have the nation’s returning leading rusher in Ollie Gordon II who cranked out another 100-yard game (27 carries, 101 yds., 1 TD) in his season debut. Oklahoma State should be able to control the football and keep it away from Arkansas. Expect the Arkanas offense to score some points to push this total Over, but ultimately Oklahoma State pulls away for the win.

Bet: ML pass, Oklahoma State -8.5 (-110), Over 57.5 (-110)

Iowa State Cyclones vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Odds

It’s the battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy as Iowa State travels the 140 miles to Iowa City to face its biggest rivak, the Iowa Hawkeyes. Over the past several years, the game has been a low-scoring, physical battle. The last five games between the two schools have averaged a total of 29 points per game. Iowa won last year in Des Moines, 20-13.

Iowa has actually won seven of the last eight games between the two schools. The Hawkeyes have been one of the weakest scoring teams in the country over the past several years. Head coach Kirk Ferentz hired a new offensive coordinator in former Western Michigan head coach Tim Lester. The Hawkeyes “came alive” last week as they beat FCS Illinois State 40-0.

Iowa State beat FCS North Dakota, but only scored 21 points in the process. Both teams trend heavily toward the Under and this game total reflects that. At Iowa State, 13 of its last 20 games have gone Under the total. The Under is 9-1 in Iowa’s last 10 games and each of the last five in this series have gone Under. The last eight times the Cy-Hawk game has been in Iowa City, the Under has cashed each time.

Iowa State Cyclones vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Predictions

Well, you’ll find this total dropping at many sportsbooks already. It’s hard to see either team getting to 17 points. Both teams rely heavily on the running game. Iowa rushed for 241 yards last week and QB Cade McNamara had a solid return from injury. He completed 21-of-31 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns.

Iowa State relied more on QB Rocco Becht last week. He went 20-for-26 for 267 yards and two touchdowns. The Cyclones return all of their offensive line starters and head coach Matt Campbell is a run-first coach.

Both teams also play outstanding defense. Iowa has been among the leaders in points allowed per game for the last several years. Iowa State has been a top-30 to top-50 defense since Campbell took over as head coach. Iowa has the edge in the run game and on defense. Plus, they’re at home where they are 7-1 SU in their last eight. Don’t expect much offense.

Bet: Iowa -135, Iowa -3 (-115), Under 37.5 (-110)

South Florida Bulls vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Odds

We got to see Kalen DeBoer’s debut as Alabama’s head coach last week and it was nothing short of magnificent. The Crimson Tide absolutely dominated Western Kentucky. QB Jalen Milroe proved why he is a candidate for this year’s Heisman Trophy. He went 7-for-9 for 200 yards and three touchdowns passing and then picked up 79 yards on 10 carries and scored twice more on the ground. Alabama won 63-0.

Now, it’s on to South Florida, which is experiencing a sort of renaissance under head coach Alex Golesh. The Bulls are 4-1 SU over their last five games and 5-2 ATS over their last seven. USF has struggled on the road though, going 2-18 SU in its last 20 away from home.

Alabama has won 12 of its last 13 games and six straight at home. The Tide has also been sharp early in seasons with a 19-1 SU record in their last 20 games played in the month of September. Alabama is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games and the Tide has covered 60 percent of its games (33-22-1 ATS) since 2020.

South Florida Bulls vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Predictions

These two teams played last year at South Florida and Alabama won 17-3 as a 34.5-point favorite. This spread is already moving up over 30 at many sportsbooks. We locked it in at 27.5, keeping under four touchdowns. Is Alabama four touchdowns better than South Florida?

Playing at home…yes. DeBoer’s offense will be too much to handle even though USF returns eight starters on defense. The Bulls had an easy go of it last week in a 48-3 win over FCS Bethune-Cookman. It won’t be easy this week.

The Over has cashed in seven of Alabama’s last eight games and eight of USF’s last 12 games played in September. The Bulls like to try and push the tempo, so expect some fireworks. Alabama averaged 34 points a game at home last season.

Bet: ML Pass, Alabama -27.5 (-110), Over 62.5 (-110)

Tennessee Volunteers vs. NC State Wolfpack Odds

Both No. 15 Tennessee and No. 24 NC State opened the 2024 season with wins. The Vols’ victory was a bit more decisive than the Wolfpack’s. NC State struggled with FCS Western Carolina and actually trailed 21-17 at the half. The Wolfpack would score 21 unanswered second-half points to grab a 38-21 win, but they failed to cover as 32-point favorites.

Grayson McCall, the former Coastal Carolina star, missed several open throws and ended up 26-of-40 for 318 yards and three touchdowns. RB Jordan Waters gained 123 yards and scored twice, but the stakes get higher this week. The Wolfpack is 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS in its last seven games. NC State has not fared well against the SEC, losing nine of its last ten games against SEC opponents. The Wolfpack is also 0-4-1 ATS in its last five September games.

Tennessee is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games. Unlike NC State, the Vols have done well against the ACC, going 4-1 SU in their last five games. Tennessee is also 7-2 ATS in its last nine games as the favorite. These two teams haven’t played each other since 2012.

Tennessee Volunteers vs. NC State Wolfpack Predictions

Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava went 22-for-28 for 314 yards and three touchdowns in the Vols 69-3 win over Chattanooga. Iamaleava only played the first half. Tennessee also racked up 304 yards on the ground. Head coach Josh Heupel is known for his up-tempo, high-scoring offenses. Tennessee led the nation in scoring two seasons ago, averaging over 46 points a game.

The game total has shot up since opening at 56.5. Expect a better game from McCall, who wasn’t all that bad in Week 1. The Wolfpack should be able to put up some points on Tennessee, but keeping up with the Vols will prove difficult. The Vols are also a pretty good defense. They finished in the top-25 against the run and in scoring defense last season.

Bet: ML Pass, Tennessee -7.5 (-110), Over 60.5 (-110)

Western Michigan Broncos vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Odds

It’s the MAC against the Big Ten. Western Michigan visits the Horseshoe to take on the No. 2 team in the country – Ohio State. If it’s anything like previous MAC-Big Ten clashes, WMU should keep the bus running. Since 2020, the Big Ten is 28-2 against MAC teams and if you go back to 2010, the Big Ten has won 83.8 percent (119-23) of the time against the MAC.

These two programs have only played once since 2010 and that was in 2015. Ohio State won 38-12 but did not cover as a 33.5-point favorite. The Buckeyes won last week, beating Akron, another MAC team, easily, 52-6. Ohio State didn’t cover that one either as they were favored by 48.5. Still, the Buckeyes are 12-2 SU in their last 14 games and 7-0 SU in their last seven at home. Ohio State has won 20 straight against MAC teams, but they have failed to cover in their last three in a row.

Western Michigan gave Wisconsin all it could handle last week in a 28-14 loss. The Broncos did cover the spread (WIS -24), giving them a 4-2 ATS record in their last six games. Over their last 10 games, the Broncos are 7-3 ATS. WMU has also gone Under the total in four of their last six. Ohio State has seen the Under cash in eight of its last 11 games.

Western Michigan Broncos vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Predictions

There is no question that Ohio State is the more talented team here. The only question is if they can cover the 37.5-point spread. The Buckeyes went 5-3-1 ATS last year in games where they were favored by double digits.

Western Michigan is better than Akron and don’t forget that they’ve covered in seven of their last 10 games. At some point in this one, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day will take the foot off the gas. Covering what is essentially a six-touchdown spread isn’t easy. Don’t expect a lot offensively from WMU, but Ohio State could get to the Over on its own. That total is sure to rise before kickoff. Get it while you can.

Bet: ML Pass, Western Michigan +37.5 (-110), Over 52.5 (-110)

Colorado Buffaloes vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Odds

This one used to be a pretty big deal in the Big 12. The Bill McCartney-coached Colorado teams of the late 1980s and early 1990s battled the Huskers in some of college football’s most exciting games. This one should be no different.

Both programs are trying to get back to their glory days. Nebraska went 5-7 last year and head coach Matt Rhule is starting to turn the corner. The Cornhuskers last their final four games of the season last year, each by seven points or less. Nebraska started the 2024 season with a 40-7 win over UTEP.

Despite the low-scoring games to end last season, Nebraska is just 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games. The Huskers are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games at home against Colorado. The Buffaloes failed to cover last week as 11.5-point favorites over FCS power North Dakota State. Colorado actually trailed at the half before going on to win 31-26. The Buffaloes are just 1-6 SU in their last seven games, but they are 4-3 ATS.

Colorado Buffaloes vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Predictions

The Colorado defense allowed 449 total yards to North Dakota State last week. The Bison’s quarterback Cam Miller was 18-for-22 for 277 yards passing against the Buffaloes. Nebraska freshman Dylan Raiola went 19-for-27 last week and finished with 238 yards and two touchdowns. He is every bit the 5-star quarterback that Rhule thought he would be.

The Nebraska defense is one of the nation’s best. Last year, the Huskers finished eighth against the run (92.9 ypg) and 13th in scoring defense (18.3 ppg). Rhule’s defense started the 2024 season strong, allowing UTEP just 205 total yards (just 56 on the ground) and recording two turnovers. The Cornhuskers will be tested by Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and WR Travis Hunter who had 7 catches for 132 yards and three touchdowns last week. Last year, Colorado put up 36 points on Nebraska. Only Michigan (45) scored more on the Huskers.

Colorado’s defense under Coach Prime gives up a lot of points. The Nebraska offense is more dynamic than it has been in recent years. The Buffaloes offense will still be hard to stop. That should push this total Over. Backing Nebraska laying a touchdown doesn’t sound all that inspiring, but Colorado is very undisciplined and they’ve won just two of their last 17 games on the road.

Bet: ML Nebraska -225, Nebraska -6.5 (-110), Over 56.5 (-110)

Boise State Broncos vs. Oregon Ducks Odds

Both Boise State and Oregon won their Week 1 games, but both had some issues. The Broncos defense had some problems and gave up 29 second half points, but Boise State won 56-45. RB Ashton Jeanty proved why he was the Mountain West’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. He rushed 20 times for 267 yards and an incredible six touchdowns.

Oregon gave up two second half touchdowns to FCS Idaho in a game that really wasn’t as close as the score indicated. The Ducks won 24-14 as QB Dillon Gabriel completed 41-of-49 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns. The Oregon defense held Idaho to just 217 total yards.

The Ducks have been solid against the number, going 10-4-1 ATS in the last 15 games. Oregon is 8-1 SU in its last nine games and 9-0 SU in its last nine at home. The Ducks have covered the spread in each of their last five games played in September. After its win last week, Boise State is now 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS in its last six games.

Boise State Broncos vs. Oregon Ducks Predictions

Jeanty is one of the better running backs in the nation. He rushed for 1,347 yards and 14 TDs last year, but one of the more underrated units in college football is the Oregon defense. The Ducks were No. 10 against the run last year, allowing just 102.6 yards per game. Last week, they gave up 49. Oregon’s defense was also No. 22 in total defense (318.4 ypg) and No. 9 in scoring defense (16.5 ppg).

These two teams have played three times since 2008. Boise State has won and covered all three times. There’s a reason why Oregon is a near three-touchdown favorite, but it’s a big number for any team to cover. Boise was a double-digit underdog just once last year. That was to Washington and the Broncos lost 56-19. Despite their 10-point victory last week, the Ducks don’t appear to be undervalued. The Broncos haven’t lost a game by 20 points in a long time.

Bet: ML pass, Boise State +19.5 (-110), Under 61.5 (-110)

Best Bets for College Football Week 2

There are a ton of great games in college football Week 2. After looking through the Week 2 schedule, we have arrived on these best bets.

• Tennessee 1H -5.5 @ NC State
• Duke @ Northwestern Under 36.5

One of the more remarkable trends in college football is related to Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. He is known for his up-tempo spread offenses. Heupel has been an FBS head coach for six seasons. Three of those were at UCF and the last three were at Tennessee.

In his six seasons, his teams are 40-17-2 ATS in the first half. Even better is the Vols first half ATS cover rate when playing on the road. Tennessee is 22-7-1 ATS against the first half spread – that’s 75.8 percent – in road games under Heupel.

Another interesting trend pops up in Friday night’s Duke-Northwestern game. In so-called “island” games (those played on a day or night other than Saturday), Power 4 conference games lean Under. Since 2005, the Under hits at nearly 56 percent.

Individually, the Duke-Northwestern Under pays -115 odds and the Tennessee first half spread pays -108. If you parlay our best bets though, you will get +260 odds and win $260 on a $100 wager.