Expert CFB Betting Locks for Oklahoma vs. Michigan and Week 2's Biggest Games

If nothing else, Week 1 served as a reminder that popularity doesn't always equate to success. While the betting slips poured in on Clemson, Alabama, Notre Dame and other well-established brands, the outcomes rewarded those who felt differently.

It won't always be this way, but the Week 1 results showcased the depth of CFB and the potential of the underdog. Given the abundance of underdogs we're ready to back in Week 2, let's hope it continues.

Our Week 1 performance was subpar. We started off hot on Thursday and Friday, although things fell off at the end. No worries. We'll get it going. 

While CFB's second act of 2025 might not seem like much on paper when it comes to meaningful matchups, these are often the weeks that surprise.

So, let's embrace that weird potential. Away we go.

Last Week's Record: 4-5

Year to Date: 6-8

Oklahoma (-4.5) vs. Michigan

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In terms of quarterback matchups, they don't get much more intriguing than this.

John Mateer—this year's most anticipated transfer—faces off with Bryce Underwood, perhaps the nation's most prominent true freshman.

Both players showcased themselves well in Week 1. Mateer scored four touchdowns in a win over Illinois State; Underwood threw one touchdown and showed plenty of flashes in his first-ever start against New Mexico.

Neither team was completely dominant, failing to cover enormous spreads. But we saw a lot from both QBs, and we'll see plenty more here.

The big edge in this particular spot is home-field, and Oklahoma's atmosphere should be a sight to be seen at night. While I don't expect Underwood to flop in the least, there are still legitimate questions about the rest of the Michigan roster and the many key cogs still being replaced.

It won't be a blowout, but the Sooners will find a way. Mateer, now 16/1 to win the Heisman, will likely see his odds shrink substantially with a win.

The Pick: Oklahoma (-4.5)

Baylor (+2.5) at SMU

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SMU, fresh off a College Football Playoff run, cruised past East Texas A&M in its opener—though that result reveals little about its current form against stronger opponents.

We know quarterback Kevin Jennings is still more than capable of lighting up scoreboards, and he played a fine game in the opener. Although it's fair to question if the team we saw last year will showcase itself once again, especially with some key injuries already looming.

Baylor, meanwhile, is licking its wounds heading into Week 2. The Bears showed plenty of life against Auburn, but allowing more than 300 yards of rushing proved to be their undoing.

That hasn't been a strength of SMU's, which finished No. 55 in rushing offense a season ago. And while the Mustangs will attempt to recreate the plan Auburn delivered, it won't be easy.

In fact, Baylor, which got a tremendous game from QB Sawyer Robertson last week, will get it right. Bears don't just cover; they win outright.

The Pick: Baylor (+2.5)

Mississippi State (+6.5) vs. Arizona State

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Arizona State has caught the public's attention with a hot start.

The Sun Devils started a smidge slow against Northern Arizona in the opener. Then Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson took over.

Now, ASU makes a long road trip to Mississippi State in a really interesting spot. Sure, the Bulldogs have struggled in recent years, but they nearly pulled off a win at Arizona State last season.

This year, with ASU still replacing some key cogs, it's fair to wonder how a road trip like this will go. Quarterback Blake Shapen, who spent time at Baylor before joining the program this year, is a capable starter. And while Mississippi State has its work cut out for it with a brutal schedule on the horizon, this one feels doable.

The Bulldogs were close last year, and they'll be close again. Don't be shocked if they win outright.

The Pick: Mississippi State (+6.5)

Duke (+2.5) vs. Illinois

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While Illinois currently carries the No. 11 AP Poll ranking, the oddsmakers believe unranked Duke is more than capable of pulling off the upset.

Although because that ranking exists, many will likely lay the small number of points and move on. Not us, though.

Somewhat quietly, the Blue Devils landed one of the best quarterbacks from the portal. Darian Mensah put up enormous numbers in the team's opener against Elon. After a strong 2024, he's poised for a massive 2025.

Illinois, of course, will be a much greater obstacle. It backed up a solid 2024 with a blowout victory over Western Illinois to begin the season. It also has a budding star at quarterback with Luke Altmyer, who began his season with a three-touchdown game.

Once again, home field will be a factor. Duke lost one game at home in 2024, and it was an overtime defeat to SMU, which eventually made the playoff.

While we don't normally consider this a hotbed for upsets, this is a much trickier trip for Illinois than many expect.

The Pick: Duke (+2.5)

Iowa (+3) at Iowa State

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This game will be weird. There's no getting around it.

Those who have consumed this rivalry yearly know precisely what they're getting into. Turnovers, odd plays, strange miscues and general tomfoolery seem to blanket each and every Iowa-Iowa State matchup.

While the Cyclones have won the game two out of the last three seasons, the Hawkeyes have won seven of the past nine. It's worth noting, though, that three of the last five games have been decided by a field goal or less.

For Iowa, the debut of Mark Gronowski didn't exactly dazzle. The Hawkeyes handled Albany, although the new QB struggled. The Iowa running game did enough, but it's fair to wonder how he'll fare in his first road start with the team.

The Cyclones, meanwhile, are 2-0 after blasting South Dakota. A Week 0 win over Kansas State in Dublin got things moving, but it's been an eventful few weeks to say the least.

Once again, this game will be close...and probably be a tad ugly. All of this bodes well for Iowa, which will deliver an Iowa-like win.

The Pick: Iowa (+3)

Other Games on the Card

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UNLV (+2.5) vs. UCLA

Given what we saw from UCLA against Utah in Week 1, this line speaks volumes. UNLV has the offense to put constant pressure on the Bruins, and it will ultimately result in a win. Also, there will be points.

Missouri vs. Kansas (Over 50.5)

Speaking of points, this matchup should feature plenty. While we thought about taking Kansas in the points, we'll instead look for plenty of points and touchdowns. Huge game for both teams.

Kentucky (+10) vs. Ole Miss

This stadium produces upsets and strange results. Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin know this plenty well. While Kentucky might not have the same level of talent, the Wildcats keep this close enough for a cover.

Ohio (+3.5) vs. West Virginia

The Bobcats nearly took down Rutgers in the opening weekend, and the oddsmakers are taking notice. Rich Rodriguez is back, but his West Virginia rebuild will take time. Ohio is a live dog.