Expert CFB Betting Locks for Texas vs. Ohio State and Week 2's Biggest Games

We are so back.

Just like that, college football's glorious rollercoaster of a season has returned. And while Week 1 lacked a slew of meaningful matchups on paper, it ultimately delivered in terms of drama.

It usually does.

Our Week 1 picks were up and down, but we stayed close. All told, we finished at a very boring 4-4. Unlike Michigan and the Big Ten, however, we're counting all of our numbers accordingly.

Speaking of Michigan, the Wolverines have a chance at redemption this week against Oklahoma. In the headliner, Texas and Ohio State promise to deliver one of the most compelling early games of the season.

For those looking for more obscure picks, have no fear. We've got you covered, too. Here are this week's picks.

Last Week's Record: 4-4

Year to Date: 6-7

Texas (-1.5) vs. Ohio State

Tim Warner/Getty Images

Last year, in Columbus, Ohio State and Texas delivered us an ugly football game.

Granted, this was largely the first true seasoning for quarterbacks Julian Sayin and Arch Manning, and it showed. Manning played a sloppy game; Sayin wasn't asked to do much. The Buckeyes won 14-7. The score accurately summed up a defensive-charged effort on both sides.

Since that matchup, however, Manning and Sayin have leveled up. Texas has leveled up its weapons, as new wideout Cam Coleman was very much on display with his performance in Week 1. Both teams lost plenty to the draft and have since reloaded. Of course they have.

Texas is the choice here for a few reasons. For one, homefield. It was an enormous factor last season, and it will be again. (Also, thank you to both teams for playing these games on college campuses. We appreciate it.)

Manning, once a liability, is now one of the many factors working in the Longhorns' favor. He's so much better than he was. His mechanics look refined. His confidence has returned. His legs could also be a major factor.

Finally, while we never want to react to one week, Ohio State's offensive line struggled. Again, it's early, but a road game against an active defensive front could really hinder the offense. Changes are being made, as adjustments could loom large.

It will be close. It will be well played. We'll see more points than we did a season ago. But this time around, Texas wins.

The Pick: Texas (-1.5)

Michigan (+6) vs. Oklahoma

Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

To say Michigan is fortunate to be 1-0 would be an understatement.

By now, you're plenty aware of what we just saw.

The Wolverines struggled against Western Michigan much of the night. They needed a last-second Hail Mary to get past the Broncos. As has been well documented in the days that followed, Michigan was (potentially) gifted an extra second on the final play, which has come into question.

People are mad. Teams are mad. Conferences are mad. If you played Western Michigan on the money line (we didn't), you are most certainly mad.

The result of this performance will likely have the public sprinting to the betting window to back Oklahoma. And maybe they're right.

The Sooners were excellent against UTEP, allowing just 198 yards of offense in a 51-0 win.

Lost in the Michigan debacle is the fact that the Wolverines' defense played extremely well against a team that probably deserves more credit than it's getting. While the future of Bryce Underwood remains remarkably unclear, sometimes games in Week 1 lie.

All is not well in Ann Arbor. Let's make that clear. This feels like an ugly, tight football game, as we're putting our trust in Kyle Whittingham.

Michigan might not win, but they'll make a game of it.

The Pick: Michigan (+6)

Arizona State (+14.5) at Texas A&M

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

In terms of pure talent on the roster, Texas A&M has a clear and decisive advantage.

But the Aggies are also still a work in progress at many positions. That might not have been evident on Saturday against Missouri State in a 50-0 win, but the offensive line and wideouts still have plenty to prove.

As for the defense, head coach Mike Elko is about as dependable as it gets. Still, the pass rush is being rebuilt, and huge pieces that lifted this team to the playoff last year must be replaced.

This leads us to this specific game and Arizona State. The Sun Devils managed to hold on to head coach Kenny Dillingham, which is where the push for a competitive game begins.

Dillingham's new quarterback, Cutter Boley, showcased plenty of potential at Kentucky last year. It's up to the QB guru to unlock that next level, which he has a track record of doing. His six-touchdown performance against Morgan State—sure, it was Morgan State—was a good start.

To be frank, I'm simply not as high on the Aggies as some. In a game like this, Arizona State, with a rebuilt roster, new and all, could put a scare into a sizable chalk.

The Pick: Arizona State (+14.5)

Iowa (-13.5) vs. Iowa State

Matthew Holst/Getty Images

Historically, this game produces weird outcomes.

Iowa and Iowa State have embraced ugly football. This rivalry has seen its fair share of nonsense. A few years ago, Iowa won this game when a punt bounced off an Iowa State player's backside.  

Yeah, it's kind of like that.

What this game doesn't normally see, however, is point spreads this size. The last eight meetings have been decided by 10 points or less.

Matt Campbell did a fabulous job flipping this rivalry in recent years, though the architect of this turnaround is now at Penn State. After a series of frustrating results, Iowa would like to send a message.

Beyond the mess, the Cyclones essentially have an entirely new roster. In Week 1, none of it mattered. Iowa State beat Southeast Missouri State 38-10. It's worth noting that the Cyclones only averaged three-and-a-half yards per carry in that matchup. The trenches could be a real problem here.

Simply put, Iowa State lost too much. Iowa, which has found a legit wideout in Tony Diaz, averaged more than seven yards per carry against Iowa State.

At home for a rare rivalry night game, Iowa rolls.

The Pick: Iowa (-13.5)

Kansas State (-19.5) vs. Washington State

Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images

While we lament the early-season schedule for most teams, Washington State is an exception.

The Cougars battled valiantly at Washington before finally caving in. This week, they'll travel to Manhattan, Kansas, to take on a program that not enough people are talking about.

It's a lot to ask from one program this early in the year.

A theme in the Cougars' first game was mistakes. This environment can turn the slightest miscues into major turning points. Washington State turned the ball over three times, made one of three field goal attempts and struggled offensively.

Kansas State didn't have any of those issues in its first game, beating Nicholls 71-3. Granted, it was Nicholls, but getting quarterback Avery Johnson into an early rhythm could prove to be massive.

Johnson can be a tricky player to back. In moments, he can look like one of the best quarterbacks in the country. In others, he can give the ball away regularly. Another offseason (hopefully) did him wonders.

This pick is a product of timing, environment and talent differential. We're still sleeping on Kansas State, although likely not for much longer.

The Pick: Kansas State (-19.5)

Other Games on the Card

David Berding/Getty Images

Delaware (+20.5) at Vanderbilt

The Blue Hens (tremendous mascot) won seven games last year. Starting quarterback Nick Minicucci is back for 2026. Vanderbilt certainly has a talent advantage, although replacing Diego Pavia will be no small assignment. Delaware keeps it close enough.

Minnesota (Pick 'Em) vs. Mississippi State

Oh, the public will sprint to bet on Mississippi State. Quarterback Kamario Taylor looks like a future first-round pick. But P.J. Fleck and Minnesota will try to control tempo. They should be able to do so with an experienced quarterback.

Charlotte (+47.5) vs. Ole Miss

This one is all about timing. Well, and a boatload of points. Ole Miss, fresh off a thrilling victory over Louisville, is a massive chalk. Perhaps the most important item of note, however, is that the Rebels take on LSU in Week 3. There will be too many touchdowns, given the circumstances.

Kansas (+5.5) vs. Missouri

This spread feels a little light given the buzz Missouri has accumulated of late. For Kansas, this feels like a potential breakout moment for quarterback Isaiah Marshall. Look for him to stay moving and keep this game within the number.