B/R College Football 2024 Betting Locks with Adam Kramer: Week 2
It's not about how you start, it's how you finish.
As we enter Week 2 of the college football season, we do so with a little coach speak. The nervous energy and excitement that blankets the start of each season can now slowly give way, providing us with a glorious weekly routine of action, upsets and moments.
Our first week of picks against the spread wasn't exactly electric. It also wasn't Florida State-like—at least this current iteration of the Seminoles. After a brutal start, we crawled back some to finish the week at 3-5. For the year, we're now 5-7.
There are zero reasons to panic, of course. We've done this long enough, and we know how it goes. Trust the process, and all things gambling related will work themselves out. That is precisely what we plan to do for Week 2.
Before we get to our next batch of picks, let's explore the good and the bad of the week that was.
The Good: USC (+4) vs. LSU: Here's what we wrote about this game last week, which pretty much says it all. "This will be a close game until the very end, and it would not shock whatsoever to see the Trojans win outright." That is precisely how an unbelievable football game unfolded.
The Bad: Virginia Tech (-13.5) vs. Vanderbilt: There were a few different picks we could have targeted, but let's focus on this one. As nearly a two-touchdown favorite, the Hokies lost outright. They fell behind early and never had a shot. This was ugly.
With that out of the way, it's time for winners.
For the latest spreads on futures and games, head to DraftKings.
Illinois (+5) vs. Kansas
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While it seems unlikely that many ranked teams will be pushed across a softer slate of games, that general theme does not apply to Kansas.
The Jayhawks, now ripe with expectations, will head to Illinois for a sneaky-difficult out-of-conference road trip. While public money will likely side with a top-20 team, don't sleep on the Illini. Although Bret Bielema's team lost three of its final five games, all three losses came by four points or less.
As for this season, both teams had no issue playing inferior opponents. The two went on to win these games by a combined score of 93-3.
Last season, the Jayhawks ultimately won this matchup (and covered the spread). The change of venue, however, feels substantial. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer played much better as the season progressed, and his strong opener was certainly encouraging.
The Illini might not win…but they will cover.
Utah (-14) vs. Baylor
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The state of the Baylor football program remains a bit of a mystery.
Last year was no mystery at all. The Bears were, well, bad. They won just three games, and two of those wins came by three or fewer points. With mounting pressure on head coach Dave Aranda to deliver in 2024, each week feels significant.
Indeed, Baylor should be better. It was better against Tarleton State in Week 1, although it was Tarleton State after all.
A week later, and the Bears will travel to one of the toughest environments in college football to take on one of the best defenses—and quarterbacks—in the sport.
After a long wait, Cam Rising appears healthy. He was brilliant against Southern Utah in the opener, throwing five touchdown passes on only 15 throws. The competition will certainly rise this week, although it won't really matter.
Utah has a point to prove, and prove it shall. This one could get ugly.
Syracuse (+3) vs. Georgia Tech
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The Yellow Jackets are one of the best stories of the young season, having delivered a 2-0 start thanks in large part to a win over Florida State in Week 0.
With another FSU loss in the books, however, it's fair to question just how significant that first victory actually was. (In short, the Seminoles might be an enormous mess.)
Syracuse wasn't exactly dazzling against Ohio, although the Bobcats are by no means a MAC doormat. The most encouraging part of the Orange's Week 1 performance is undoubtedly the play of transfer QB Kyle McCord, who threw for 354 yards and four touchdowns in his first game with his new team.
Now, Syracuse will get a crack at a ranked team at home as a small underdog. This is a setting that has produced its fair share of weird results in the past, and this feels no different.
Although, truthfully, it wouldn't be all that weird.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Nebraska (-7) vs. Colorado
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Lost in a handful of dazzling individual performances last week is the reality that Colorado nearly lost to an FCS team.
Granted, North Dakota State is no average FCS team. The Bison were up for the challenge, even though they had no answer for quarterback Shedeur Sanders along with wideouts Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr.
That will likely be a theme throughout the year, and Nebraska will also have its hands full. The difference between this year and last, however, is that the Cornhuskers might have a quarterback.
True freshman Dylan Raiola looks the part. He dazzled in his very first game, showcasing both the arm and creativity needed to play the position at a high level. He might not be at Sanders' level, but he could be a worthy counter.
Another difference here—and the main one—will actually be defense. Nebraska finished with the nation's No. 13 ranked scoring defense last season, and it will be able to do enough in what should be a fabulous home environment to secure a double-digit win.
Washington State (+2) vs. Texas Tech
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To say it's been a weird year for Washington State would be an understatement.
One of the two remaining members of the Pac-12 has cobbled together a schedule that includes a buffet of opponents. Oh, and the Cougars lost former starting QB Cam Ward to Miami.
That seems to be working out just fine for the Hurricanes.
Despite all the changes, there is reason for hope. The new starter, John Mateer, served as Ward's backup last season. In the team's opening game against Portland State, Mateer looked solid. Then again, it was Portland State.
At home, however, Washington State can still be a force. And Texas Tech, which nearly lost outright to Abilene Christian last week, must now hit the road for a grueling second game.
Wazzu might have lost plenty, but it still has plenty of pieces to pull off what would be a mild upset.
Other Games on the Card
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Iowa (-3) vs. Iowa State
Here is the reality—Iowa has won seven of the past eight games in this rivalry. Oh, and the Hawkeyes might have just found enough offense to be a threat. Iowa wins again.
Old Dominion (+2.5) vs. East Carolina
Look out for Old Dominion. The Monarchs nearly upset South Carolina on the road last week, and they'll look to do one better here. Playing at home will certainly help.
Virginia Tech (-20.5) vs. Marshall
Oh, we're doubling down. Virginia Tech was flat-out awful against Vanderbilt in Week 1, although it should get right in a big way against Marshall. This is a mighty aggressive line.
Auburn vs. Cal (Over 53.5)
We need one total, and this just happens to be the one. Auburn's offense could be one of the most improved in the country, and Cal should be able to do enough to keep this scoreboard moving.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
