NFL opening night was underwhelming for my picks, the defending Super Bowl champs came out flat, losing 31-10 agains the Bills. Putting me at 0-1 this season, although in player props I did manage to take two home leaving me at 2-3 on player prop bets. However, NCAA Football wagers for week 2 are here and we are ready to move past Thursday night.
Noon Kickoffs
North Carolina (-7) at Georgia St
North Carolina is coming off a crazy game vs App St. Winning 63-61. After being up by 20 points In the 4th. UNC let App st. come back and almost steal this game away from them. Georgia st. doesn’t quite have the fire power of an App St. I also look for HC Mack Brown, to have somethings fixed with the defense heading into Saturday.
Arkansas (-9) vs. South Carolina.
#16 Arkansas is led by Star QB KJ Jefferson who put on a show last Saturday throwing for 223 Yards and passing for 3 TDS while also adding another 62 yards on the ground and an additional TD. He will be going up against South Carolina and Transfer QB Spencer Rattler from Oklahoma. Many remember Rattler, he was a highly sought after recruit who just didn’t work out with the Sooners. I don’t see the South Carolina team being able to keep up with the playmakers #16 Arkansas has at their disposal.
Picks: UNC (-7) & #16 Arkansas (-9)
Afternoon Kickoffs
#8 Notre Dame (-20.5) vs. Marshall
Notre Dame is coming off a hard loss, losing a tough game at Ohio St last week. They showed they might be the real deal this season, under 1st year HC Marcus Freeman. I expect the team to bounce back in a big way letting out some frustration and really put it to Marshall.
#25 Houston (+4) at Texas Tech
Many were calling for an upset of Houston last week when the took on UTSA, however after three overtime periods, the Cougars escaped the upset. While Texas Tech was having their way with FCS opponent Murray St. This is why I’m taking the Cougars, they were able to get through the adversity of a close game, and Texas Tech hasn’t been battle tested at all this year. In a close game i’m taking the team who has preformed under pressure.
#24 Tennessee (-6) at #17 Pitt
Tennessee’s offense is EXPLOSIVE! This goes back to last year, QB Hendon Hooker threw for 31 TDs and just 3 INTs last season. In their first game he had a TD pass just 23 seconds into the season against Ball St. Although, Pitts defense is a much different battle than Ball State. I don’t see Pitt holding them down for long. Kedon Slovis, QB for Pitt, Played very well in their opener vs West Virginia. However, it was a very slow start for the offense, something they can’t afford to do against this Tennessee team.
Picks: #8 Notre Dame (-20.5), #25 Houston (+4), & #24 Tennessee (-6)
Evening Games
#10 USC (-8.5) at Stanford
HC Lincoln Riley is now at USC and he brought QB Caleb Williams with him along with Pitt Transfer WR Jordan Addison. The Offense looked like a well oiled machine last week vs Rice. I don’t see much Stanford can do to slow them down. Tanner Mckee will need to play keep away with the USC offense just to keep this a game. Jonah Perez right here at Gridiron Heroics, did a great preview on this game.
#9 Baylor (+2.5) at #21 BYU
Next season this will be a Big 12 Battle, but for now it is a non-conference top 25 game. Baylor and BYU both opened up the season with impressive well balanced showings. I’m going to take the point and the defending Big 12 Champs in what I expect to be a tough game.
Picks: #8 USC (-8.5) & #9 Baylor (+2.5)