College Football Week 2 Predictions: Picking Top 25 Games Against the Spread
After an opening slate filled with marquee games, most of college football's Top 25 programs are preparing for a relatively easy opponent in Week 2.
By no means are the matchups certain wins. Games aren't won on paper. Still, the spreads are favorable, and many teams will follow through and earn a comfortable victory.
In Week 1, we notched a respectable 10-6 record, notably hitting on Appalachian State, Houston and Texas but missing Clemson and LSU. The results will be tracked and shared throughout the season.
Please remember the picks are for entertainment purposes only.
Note: Top 25 rankings reflect the Associated Press poll. All odds courtesy of Odds Shark. All historical spread info via TeamRankings.com.
No. 13 Louisville vs. Syracuse
1 of 10
When: Friday, Sept. 9, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
The Line: Louisville (-14.5)
Both programs kicked off the 2016 campaign against inferior opponents and encountered little resistance. Now, Louisville and Syracuse will start to show their true ability.
To be frank, the college football world has no definite conclusions about either team. It's simply been one game of matched expectations.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson exceeded his offseason hype, accounting for an absurd eight touchdowns in one half. Meanwhile, Syracuse played at a manic pace under first-year had coach Dino Babers.
However, while the Cardinals bring back the same personnel in a familiar system, the Orange will face their first major test with Babers' scheme. As Syracuse fails, it'll fail fast, and that means more chances for Jackson to shred an unproven defense on Friday night.
The Pick: Louisville (-14.5)
Western Kentucky vs. No. 1 Alabama
2 of 10
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
The Line: Alabama (-28.5)
Fresh off a dominant 52-6 victory over a ranked USC team, Nick Saban wasn't satisfied. "We need to get more guys that can play winning football," according to the school.
Good luck, Western Kentucky.
While the Hilltoppers have a few weapons in their offensive arsenal—most notably wide receivers Taywan Taylor and Nicholas Norris—Alabama's defense is loaded everywhere. Early turnovers will translate to a big lead for the Crimson Tide, but they won't stop piling on.
No matter if Jalen Hurts or Blake Barnett starts at quarterback, they'll be battling each other for playing time. And that also means Alabama will keep scoring while the quarterbacks keep trying to impress the staff.
The Pick: Alabama (-28.5)
Tulsa vs. No. 4 Ohio State
3 of 10
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
The Line: Ohio State (-29)
Considering the transition on the Buckeyes' roster, nobody truly knew what to expect from Urban Meyer's team. Bowling Green ended up facing a potential juggernaut.
Tulsa's shaky defense is next up for quarterback J.T. Barrett, who accounted for seven touchdowns in three quarters of action. Last season, the Golden Hurricane ranked third-worst nationally.
But the decisive factor in this contest will be Tulsa's receiving corps against Ohio State's secondary. Keevan Lucas is a tremendous receiver, and Josh Atkinson is solid. The Buckeyes need to limit the production from that dangerous duo. As long as that happens, they'll once again run away on the scoreboard.
Tulsa undoubtedly presents a greater test than Bowling Green, but Meyer's young squad secures a 30-plus-point margin of victory.
The Pick: Ohio State (-29)
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Akron vs. No. 10 Wisconsin
4 of 10
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 3:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network)
The Line: Wisconsin (-24.5)
Wisconsin pulled off a stunner against LSU and returns home to challenge Akron as a newly minted Top 10 team.
Considering the defense's ability, the Badgers shouldn't have trouble improving to 2-0. However, in the program's last nine home games following a win, Wisconsin has only beaten the over/under twice.
But that's not all. During the last four seasons, 20 of Akron's 29 away games failed to reach the over/under mark.
According to Odds Shark, that number is set at 45. If the trends continue, the Zips stay within 24—unless Wisconsin posts a shutout.
The Pick: Akron (+24.5)
Idaho vs. No. 8 Washington
5 of 10
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 5 p.m. ET (Pac-12 Network)
The Line: Washington (-37)
Who doesn't love a good boat race?
Idaho narrowly avoided defeat at the hands of Montana State, while Washington dismantled Rutgers, 48-13, while limiting a respectable backfield to just 2.8 yards per carry.
The primary question is how many points the Huskies score before pulling their starters. Last week, they had three offensive touchdowns of 38-plus yards and a pair of special teams scores, so the lead reached 45 entering the fourth quarter.
Unlike Rutgers, though, Idaho's offense won't muster 10 fourth-quarter points. And Washington will add another late score.
The Pick: Washington (-37)
Arkansas vs. No. 15 TCU
6 of 10
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
The Line: TCU (-7.5)
Defense could be an issue in Fort Worth on Saturday. Arkansas barely avoided a loss to Louisiana Tech, and TCU surrendered 41 points to lower-division foe South Dakota State.
The question is whether or not the Razorbacks' strong defensive line is able to consistently pressure QB Kenny Hill quickly enough to contain a deep receiving corps. The Razorbacks also just lost a starting defensive back, Kevin Richardson II, for the season.
Since 2014, TCU is 12-0 against the spread as a favorite at home. Although Arkansas should never fall far behind, we think the streak continues for another week.
The Pick: TCU (-7.5)
Iowa State vs. No. 16 Iowa
7 of 10
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network)
The Line: Iowa (-15)
Heading into the season, Iowa's offense had a relatively clear outlook. One storyline, however, was the potential lack of a No. 2 receiver to complement Matt VandeBerg.
Jerminic Smith provided the answer, reeling in three passes and a 38-yard touchdown. That doesn't sounds like much, but the Hawkeyes averaged 7.3 yards per carry and scored five times on the ground. That's all they need.
Iowa State—which won at Iowa in 2012 and 2014—should be a stingy opponent, but sticking within 15 will be tough, especially if Desmond King contains Allen Lazard and the running game stalls like it did against Northern Iowa.
The Hawkeyes control the clock, own the trenches and limit explosive plays en route to a 20-point win.
The Pick: Iowa (-15)
Virginia Tech vs. No. 17 Tennessee (Battle at Bristol)
8 of 10
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 8 p.m. ET (ABC)
The Line: Tennessee (-10.5)
Tennessee might be the most frustrating team to pick in 2016. Who knows which offense will actually show up?
Fortunately for the Vols, their defense is stout. Virginia Tech presents a formidable task, but defensive coordinator Bob Shoop should be prepared to handle Hokies head coach Justin Fuente's offensive mind and come out with the victory.
On paper, Tennessee is equipped for a comfortable win. However, the Vols seemed reluctant to test Appalachian State downfield, and the Hokies secondary is only tougher. Tennessee will need QB Joshua Dobbs to sustain drives and subsequently burn some clock.
Although the Vols win behind a strong defensive effort, Virginia Tech edges the spread at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The Pick: Virginia Tech (+10.5)
Virginia vs. No. 24 Oregon
9 of 10
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
The Line: Oregon (-24.5)
Bronco Mendenhall was a top coaching hire this offseason, but Week 1 offered the unpleasant reminder Virginia isn't close.
During a 37-20 loss to lower-division power Richmond, the Cavaliers allowed 6.9 yards per snap. Oregon is a near-lock to achieve similar offensive success at least.
However, Virginia committed four turnovers and averaged a meager 1.8 yards on the ground. It's likely neither of those stats repeat against a shaky Ducks defense.
Oregon is an obvious favorite to record the victory, but the 'Hoos are a bad beat waiting to happen.
The Pick: Virginia (+24.5)
Other Top 25 Games
10 of 10
UCF vs. No. 5 Michigan (-35.5)
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, noon ET (ABC)
Last week, a 40-point spread against Hawaii seemed too large. So the Wolverines promptly went out and won 63-3. We learned our lesson, mostly because of Don Brown's overwhelming defense. Michigan must prepare for the tempo of Scott Frost's "Oregon East" attack, but we won't doubt Jim Harbaugh and Co. again.
The Pick: Michigan (-35.5)
Central Michigan vs. No. 22 Oklahoma State (-21)
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, noon ET (Fox Sports 1)
The programs met in 2015, and Central Michigan gave Oklahoma State a tougher game than expected. Once again, the Pokes will have trouble pulling away from the Chippewas, who likely won't allow much space on the ground. Oklahoma State's one-dimensional offense carries the team, but Central stays annoyingly close.
The Pick: Central Michigan (+21)
Troy vs. No. 2 Clemson (-36)
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 12:30 p.m. ET (ESPN3)
Clemson has something to prove. Yes, the Tigers managed to escape Auburn, yet the high-powered attack never found a rhythm. Deshaun Watson also mustered just 21 rushing yards, his lowest total since the fifth game of 2015. Clemson must be careful not to overlook Troy's offense, but Watson will make sure this matchup is never close.
The Pick: Clemson (-36)
Nevada vs. No. 18 Notre Dame (-28)
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 3:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
Brian Kelly's team returns to South Bend to take on Nevada following a heartbreaking loss to Texas. Since 2013, the Irish are just 4-7 against the spread after a loss. The Wolf Pack may be a nightmare defensively, but the offense should exploit Notre Dame's struggles against the run enough to beat the spread.
The Pick: Nevada (+28)
SMU vs. No. 23 Baylor (-32)
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 3:30 p.m. ET (Fox Sports 1)
Baylor needed three quarters to pull away from SMU in 2015. History won't repeat itself. Seth Russell threw four touchdowns in Week 1 against Northwestern State before sitting the entire second half. The Bears should have respect for the Mustangs' offensive ability after last year's bout, so Russell won't stop putting up points.
The Pick: Baylor (-32)
Florida Atlantic vs. No. 25 Miami (-24.5)
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m. ET (ESPN3)
Miami is running out of linebackers, but the offense doesn't have a problem on the ground. Three players reached the 100-yard mark during the season opener, and ever-efficient Brad Kaaya threw four touchdowns. FAU, on the other hand, gave up a 69-yard touchdown run to Southern Illinois, which completed 37 of 52 pass attempts for 387 yards and two scores. Miami in a blowout.
The Pick: Miami (-24.5)
UTEP vs. No. 11 Texas (-28)
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m. ET (Longhorn Network)
Thanks to offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert, Texas is a new team. However, the Longhorns simply can't match the intensity of the Notre Dame environment when UTEP comes to town. Aaron Jones—quietly one of the nation's best running backs—can take advantage of a sluggish start from Texas. As long as quarterback Zack Greenlee plays (questionable, knee, according to the El Paso Times' Bret Bloomquist, via Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman), the Miners avoid a complete blowout. Otherwise, the Longhorns recover and win big.
The Pick: With Greenlee, UTEP (+28); Without Greenlee, Texas (-28)
Louisiana-Monroe vs. No. 14 Oklahoma (-46.5)
When: Saturday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m. ET
Houston did a tremendous job swarming the football and stopping Oklahoma's three-headed rushing monster. Louisiana-Monroe—which just allowed 161 yards to Southern University's Lenard Tillery—won't have similar success. Baker Mayfield, Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon are poised for massive games following the frustrating loss.
The Pick: Oklahoma (-46.5)
Note: No spreads listed for Nos. 3 Florida State (Charleston Southern), 6 Houston (Lamar), 9 Georgia (Nicholls State), 19 Ole Miss (Wofford), 20 Texas A&M (Prairie View A&M) and 21 LSU (Jacksonville State).
Additionally, No. 7 Stanford and No. 12 Michigan State are off.
Stats from CFBstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
