College football Week 2 predictions: Michigan vs. Oklahoma, more picks against the spread

Last year, NFL regular-season games represented 59 of the nation’s 100 most-watched broadcasts. No game from college football’s regular season cracked the list.

But there is no competition.

The NFL regular season can rarely match the heights reached on campuses, featuring higher stakes and more intense atmospheres. The NFL cannot produce a slate like Week 1 of college football, featuring three matchups of Top 10 teams — each game decided in the final minute — another battle of ranked teams and Florida State’s stunning upset of Alabama.

Next week, there will be three heavyweight matchups (Georgia-Tennessee, Texas A&M-Notre Dame, Florida-LSU). Then, the month will conclude with another set of massive games (LSU-Ole Miss, Oregon-Penn State, Alabama-Georgia).

The sport’s ceiling is unmatched. But its floor is an embarrassment.

This week’s schedule is filled with FCS teams collecting seven-figure paychecks, five-touchdown spreads and power-conference coaches looking to pad their stats. This week, there is only one matchup of ranked teams, both likely a year away from contention, but with enough potential to hold playoff aspirations.

No. 15 Michigan has what it was missing last season — a quarterback. 

With a $10 million commitment, the Wolverines stole Bryce Underwood from LSU, then watched the nation’s top-ranked high school player throw for more yards in his college debut (251) than any Michigan quarterback did last season. 

Oklahoma’s new quarterback, John Mateer, was even more impressive, arriving as a highly touted transfer from Washington State — along with 29-year-old offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle — throwing for 392 yards in his first game with the Sooners. 

Like Arch Manning, Underwood will struggle in his first road game, but the Wolverines can lighten his load with a strong ground game (Alabama transfer Justice Haynes opened with 159 rushing yards and three touchdowns) and a stronger pass rush, which won’t make life much easier for Mateer.

It’s easy to envision either team claiming victory. It’s easier to see Michigan (+5.5, BetMGM) leaving with the cover.

James Madison (+13.5) over LOUISVILLE

The Sun Belt favorite has covered seven straight games against nonconference opponents and could put a scare into the Cardinals, having won 20 games in the past two seasons — which included dropping a 70-bomb at North Carolina last year. This season, the Dukes defense could reach new heights — led by Colin Hitschler, the former coordinator at Alabama and Wisconsin. 

UConn (+7.5) over SYRACUSE

In six overtimes.

San Jose State (+36.5) over TEXAS

Archie Manning threw eight touchdowns and 17 interceptions in his first season as a starter at Ole Miss. Peyton Manning went 1-4 against Top 5 teams after throwing for 79 yards in his first start at Tennessee. Eli Manning threw for 39 first-half yards in his first SEC start, as the Rebels fell behind 27-0. Arch will be all right.

Florida International (+41.5) over PENN STATE

James Franklin isn’t stepping on the gas until Sept. 27, when Oregon arrives for a Big Ten title game rematch.

DUKE (+3) over Illinois

The Illini have been hyped all summer as a playoff sleeper, but the Blue Devils are nearly as talented, coming off a nine-win season. Duke raised its ceiling by landing Tulane transfer Darian Mensah, who threw for 389 yards and three touchdowns in his debut in Durham. Duke is 17-3 in its past 20 home game, with a one-point loss to playoff-bound SMU the only blemish on campus last season.

SMU (-2.5) over Baylor

The Bears will put up points, but the Mustangs will do even more damage with dual-threat Kevin Jennings, who can expose a defense which allowed 307 rushing yards — including a career-high 137 to Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold — in a home loss to the Tigers.

IOWA STATE (-3) over Iowa

The Cyclones (2-0) are due. Iowa State hasn’t won back-to-back games in this rivalry in more than a dozen years. They haven’t beaten the Hawkeyes at home since 2011. Their past six wins in the series have come by three points or less, with the Cyclones two decades removed from a win by more than a field goal. It is time.

CLEMSON (-33.5) over Troy

Last year, Clemson suffered a season-opening loss to Georgia, then gave a $1.25 million check to Appalachian State and was gifted a 66-20 win. In 2023, Cade Klubnik and the Tigers recovered from a season-opening loss to Duke with a 66-17 win over Charleston Southern, coming at a cost of $400,000. The $1.5 million being given to Troy will be worth it if it puts Clemson back on track for another playoff appearance.

Oklahoma State (+28.5) over OREGON

But I can’t say it’s a good sign that Mike Gundy, 58, is already making excuses — citing Oregon’s massive NIL budget, questioning whether his Power Four roster should even play a team with such a large financial advantage. He was more of a man when he was 40. 

Ole Miss (-10) over KENTUCKY

If not for an inexcusable home loss in which Kentucky secured its only SEC win last season, Lane Kiffin and the Rebels would have made their first playoff appearance. Ole Miss won’t be caught sleeping again. Austin Simmons looks ready to fill the shoes of Jaxson Dart, leading the offense to 63 points in his first start.

South Florida (+17.5) over FLORIDA

If the Gators are looking ahead — next up are trips to LSU and Miami, a visit from Texas and a game at Texas A&M — the Bulls could create trouble, following a 34-7 statement win over Boise State.

Army (+17) over KANSAS STATE

The Wildcats are a mess, coming off a near-upset at home to FCS’ North Dakota, which racked up 35 points on five touchdown drives of at least 70 yards. After the game, Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said that the team’s “eye discipline was awful.” That’s a recipe for disaster against the triple-option offense of Army, eager for redemption after a stunning season-opening loss to Tarleton State.

Betting on College Football?

MISSISSIPPI STATE (+6.5) over Arizona State

Last year, the Sun Devils earned a 30-23 home win over the Bulldogs, running out the final 5:27 with Cam Skattebo running for 70 of his 262 rushing yards. He will be missed.

MICHIGAN STATE (-5) over Boston College

The Eagles’ lackluster run game won’t make a dent against Sparty’s strong front, leaving first-year starting quarterback Dylan Lonergan to lead — a team that’s lost five straight games away from home — in prime time in East Lansing.

Best bets: Clemson, Ole Miss, South Florida

SEASON: 6-9 (1-2)

2014-24 RECORD: 1,392-1,309-31