Week 1 of the college football season has concluded, and we now have more information on most programs.
The past week was filled with upsets and competitive matchups, most notably Colorado taking down TCU as 21-point underdogs in Deion Sanders’ debut as the Buffaloes’ head coach.
As we head into Week 2, bettors should exercise caution when contemplating backing teams that are still trying to figure out what works on both sides of the ball.
Ahead of what should be another action-packed slate, here are a few of my college football Week 2 best bets to consider.
Skyler Carlin’s 2023 CFB Best Bets Record: 2-1
College Football Week 2 Predictions
All NCAAF betting odds used for these predictions are current as of Monday, Sept. 4, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Houston vs Rice Prediction: Houston -9.5 (-112)
Rice is set to host Houston in Week 2 following a 37-10 loss to Texas in Week 1.
The Owls only mustered 176 total yards against the Longhorns, and it won’t get much easier against a Houston defense that just held UTSA to 14 points in its season opener.
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Even though the Cougars only scored 17 points in their Week 1 victory, the offense looks better with Texas Tech transfer Donovan Smith under center.
With a more threatening aerial attack this season, Houston should cruise to a double-digit win over the Owls on Saturday after going 4-2 against the spread (ATS) on the road in 2022.
New Mexico State vs Liberty Prediction: Liberty -10.5 (-108)
It’s tough to pinpoint what type of team New Mexico State will be this season. Following a disappointing 11-point loss to UMass in Week 0, the Aggies bounced back with a 58-21 win over Western Illinois in Week 1.
On the other side, Liberty got off to a nice start under new head coach Jamey Chadwell as they beat Bowling Green 34-24 and covered as 7.5-point favorites. If it weren’t for a blocked field goal touchdown by Bowling Green, Liberty would have won with ease.
I’ll lay the points with a Liberty squad that rushed 246 yards in its season opener against a New Mexico State team that has yielded an average of 197 yards on the ground through two games.
Oregon vs Texas Tech Prediction: Oregon -6.5 (-115)
These two teams had much different starts to the season. Texas Tech was upset by Wyoming on the road, while Oregon hung 81 points on Portland State at home.
The Red Raiders jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter against Wyoming, only to get outscored 35-16 in the final three quarters and overtime. Meanwhile, Oregon didn’t need to put forward much effort against an inferior opponent in Week 1.
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And while Texas Tech represents stiffer competition, the Ducks just notched 729 yards of total offense. Quarterback Bo Nix was efficient in the lopsided win, and Texas Tech will have a tough time finding answers for the Auburn transfer at home.
Take the Ducks as short road favorites, especially since the Pac-12 has gotten off to a blazing start in 2023.
Kent State vs Arkansas Prediction: Over 58 (-110)
Taking the Over in a game that sees Arkansas favored by nearly 40 points could be considered risky. That said, the Razorbacks beat Western Carolina 56-13 in Week 1, with quarterback KJ Jefferson contributing four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing).
Ahead of a showdown with Kent State at home, Arkansas is poised for another matchup where they could produce 50-plus points with ease, especially after UCF put up 56 points on Kent State in Week 1.
The Razorbacks could come close to hitting the Over themselves, and the Golden Flashes could score late to ensure the total is achieved.
Overs went 5-2 in Arkansas home games last season, and the Razorbacks continued that trend by flying past the total (61) last week’s home win against Western Carolina.
College Football Week 2 Schedule & Scores: AP Top 25
Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023
Ball State @ (1) Georgia, 12 p.m. ET
Youngstown State @ (3) Ohio State, 12 p.m. ET
Delaware @ (7) Penn State, 12 p.m. ET
(13) Notre Dame @ NC State, 12 p.m. ET
(14) Utah @ Baylor, 12 p.m. ET
Troy @ (16) Kansas State, 12 p.m. ET
Charleston Southern @ (9) Clemson, 2:15 p.m. ET
UNLV @ (2) Michigan, 3:30 p.m. ET
(22) Ole Miss @ (24) Tulane, 3:30 p.m. ET
(23) Texas A&M @ Miami, 3:30 p.m. ET
(25) Iowa @ Iowa State, 3:30 p.m. ET
Tulsa @ (10) Washington, 5 p.m. ET
Austin Peay @ (12) Tennessee, 5 p.m. ET
Appalachian State @ (21) North Carolina, 5:15 p.m. ET
SMU @ (20) Oklahoma, 6 p.m. ET
(11) Texas @ (4) Alabama, 7 p.m. ET
(15) Oregon @ Texas Tech, 7 p.m. ET
Grambling @ (5) LSU, 7:30 p.m. ET
(19) Wisconsin @ Washington State, 7:30 p.m. ET
Nicholls @ (17) TCU, 8 p.m. ET
Southern Miss @ (8) Florida State, 8:30 p.m. ET
UC Davis @ (18) Oregon State, 9 p.m. ET
Stanford @ (6) USC, 10:30 p.m. ET