5 Picks for Week 2 of College Football

This weekend the sports networks will be filled with chatter about the NFL, from the opening Thursday Night Football game to the full fixture list on Sunday. But sandwiched between those big footballing days we have a stacked schedule of NCAAF games.

The OddsCrowd Analysts have been through the fixture and have found the picks they think offer the best value. 

Alabama @ Texas: Over 61.5 Points in an Offensive Shootout

As always, Alabama is one of the teams to watch during this busy game week. The number 1 seed is coming off the back of a huge 55-0 win and should be on course for another big victory here. 

It’s not a case of whether or not the Crimson Tide can get the W, but by how much. At -20.5, the spread is a tough one to call. Texas will take them much closer than last week’s opponents, and they may even stay within the 3 TDs needed to cover the spread. It’s too close for comfort, so we’re backing the Over.

Last week, Quinn Ewers had a solid debut for Texas. He led his team to a 52-10 win, getting 225 receiving yards and 2 TDs on the way. Many of those yards came after the catch and there were some iffy moments for the QB, but he has warmed up now and should lead an offense that can mount a serious challenge.

We’re expecting close to 70 points in this one and it could easily go above 75. With that in mind, the Over/Under total of 65.5 is a no-brainer.

Get your money on the Over and prepare for a shootout. The only thing that will work against you this week is the clock. Prepare for some nail-biting moments as the points you need may not be scored until the final half of the fourth quarter.

Arkansas State @ Ohio State: Ohio to Cover the Spread

Ohio kept hopes high last week with a strong win against Notre Dame. The second seed will have a much easier time of it this week as they face off against a far inferior Arkansas State.

As with Alabama, it’s not an “if” but a “how much”, and we think it could be huge. A 50 burger is an almost dead cert here, and as we’re expecting very little reply from Arkansas, Ohio should be able to cover the spread of -44.5.

It’s a big one, and it’s going to take an equally big score, but Ohio is more than capable of racking up those big wins.

Houston @ Texas Tech: A High-Scoring Affair

According to the Sportsbooks, this is the toughest game to call this week. The spread is just -2.5, with Texas Tech given the edge.

If we had to pick, we’d go Houston, but the lines are so tight and so there’s not much value there. Instead, we prefer the look to the Game Total market. Specifically the Over at 65.5.

You’re going to need a lot of things to go your way to get anywhere near that score, but that’s exactly what we’re anticipating. It’ll be a shootout with the offenses firmly in control throughout.

Marshall @ Notre Dame: Irish to Cover the Spread

Although the Irish fell to a couple of late TDs against Ohio State last time out, they still looked solid and there were some flashes of brilliance. Tyler Buchner in particular looked strong and started the game very well. We expect another star performance from the Irish QB against Marshall, but this time he’ll be able to take the W for Notre Dame.

At -18.5, the spread seems very generous and we can see Notre Dame winning this by a comfortable 25 to 30 points. If you’re feeling adventurous, look for a winning margin bet that falls within those parameters. If you’re looking for a simple single, or a parlay booster, get Irish at -18.5.

Tennessee @ Pittsburgh: Tennessee to Cover the Spread at -6.5

The Big Orange of Tennessee recorded an impressive 59-10 against Ball State last time out. Hendon Hooker led the Vols to over 200 receiving yards in the first half alone and recorded 2 passing TDs and 2 rushing TDs. They might not be a top 10 team, but Tennessee has a good season ahead and we’re predicting another win here against Pittsburgh.

It’s going to be a close one, but the class of Hooker and co will shine through in the end, giving Tennessee the win by at least 6.

The Over should be a good bet too. At 65.5, it’s a pretty big score to beat, but these two teams have fantastic offenses and it could turn into a shootout. We’re confident that Tennessee will have the better of it, though, and that’s why we’re backing them to cover the spread.