The Six Pack: Texas v Michigan, Tennessee v NC State among top Week 2 college football picks

The Six Pack didn’t get off to the 6-0 begin we have been in search of final week, however it’s alright. We took our lumps within the first week of the season, going 2-4, however the classes we discovered have been way more precious than any greenback quantity.

We have been lastly capable of put apart what we thought groups would appear to be and as an alternative noticed them with our personal eyes. We now have a greater thought of who was overhyped and who may be flying beneath the radar. We all know which offenses plan to maneuver shortly and which of them are comfortable to plod alongside.

Maybe extra importantly, we discovered to by no means guess on Wyoming once more. You are at all times going to have whiffs in terms of betting, notably early within the season with restricted data, however which will have been the largest miss within the historical past of this column.

However we transfer on. What would not kill us makes us stronger, so let’s assault Week 2. 

Odds by way of SportsLine consensus

Video games of the Week

No. 3 Texas at No. 10 Michigan: I will not faux I haven’t got critical issues about Michigan after what I noticed from its offense final week in opposition to Fresno State. And I am not solely speaking concerning the quarterback state of affairs. I used to be extra involved with what I noticed from the offensive line than something, and it offers me quite a lot of pause when approaching the largest recreation on the schedule for the weekend. If the Wolverines had bother blocking Fresno State up entrance, what ought to we realistically anticipate in opposition to Texas? On the similar time, for as mid as Michigan appeared on offense, it nonetheless received 30-10. The protection was as marketed, and so long as that continues to be the case, this crew has an opportunity in opposition to anyone.

And as spectacular because the Longhorns appeared in opposition to Colorado State, they struggled to run the ball. Contemplating their accidents on the place, it is not a shock. Can they enhance upon that in opposition to Michigan? I am skeptical, and if Michigan is ready to make Texas one-dimensional and warmth up Quinn Ewers with blitzes, may we see the Longhorns make errors on the street? Ultimately, it is a tough recreation to learn, however I come again to at least one factor: Michigan received a nationwide title final season, and it is a landing underdog at residence. The Choose: Michigan +7.5 (-110)

No. 14 Tennessee at No. 24 NC State: All aboard the Nico hype prepare! Choo choo! I’m in love with Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava and really feel no disgrace about it. The child is an unbelievable mix of expertise and efficiency, and to see how poised and polished he appears with so little expertise is eye-opening. Consider me, I watch quite a lot of tape of faculty QBs, they usually’re school QBs. They do dumb stuff. Nico appears like an NFL veteran. He offers me the type of vibes I had when watching guys like Andrew Luck, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow and Caleb Williams. Sure, this weekend’s opponent shall be a much more tough take a look at than Chattanooga was, however I’ve full religion in Iamaleava.

It would not damage that the remainder of this Tennessee crew is fairly good, too! As for the Wolfpack, final week’s efficiency in opposition to Western Carolina wasn’t spectacular, however I strive to not learn an excessive amount of into unhealthy video games within the first week of the season. Loads of good groups have opened the yr with stinkers, and that might show to be the case with this Wolfpack squad. My concern is that I do not suppose this NC State crew is pretty much as good within the entrance seven because it has been in recent times, and I’ve critical questions on whether or not this offense can sustain with the Volunteers for 60 minutes. The Choose: Tennessee -7.5 (-114)

Lock of the Week

Iowa State at No. 21 Iowa: It is enjoyable to goof round about Iowa being an offensive juggernaut after it put up 40 factors in opposition to Illinois State. The Hawkeyes aren’t more likely to set scoring data this season, however I consider the offensive enhancements are official. QB Cade McNamara is not good, however he is leaps and bounds higher than Deacon Hill. The Hawkeyes seem to have playmakers at receiver this season, which hasn’t been the case shortly.

Iowa State appeared mediocre final week, however that does not concern me. Here is what does: this crew is extraordinarily skinny at linebacker proper now, and it could possibly be down a participant or two on the offensive line. Stud working again Abu Sama was banged up in opposition to North Dakota, however I consider the Cyclones have been merely being cautious taking him out of a recreation they felt they managed. This a rivalry recreation, and I do know something can occur, however I can see a situation through which the Cyclones cannot get stops in opposition to this Hawkeyes offense. Sure, it feels very unusual to sort that sentence out and skim it again, however it’s true. Choose: Iowa -2.5 (-112)

Underdog of the Week

Georgia Southern at Nevada: There might not be a crew with an even bigger teaching improve within the nation than Nevada. The Wolf Pack introduced Jeff Choate to Reno, and the dividends are instantly paying off. My concept is that whereas the Pack are being taken extra significantly by the books, the road hasn’t caught all the best way up but. Nevada ought to be favored on this spot at residence.

For those who watched Georgia Southern final week, you noticed its protection enable 9.86 yards per play in opposition to Boise State. Ashton Jeanty ran all around the Eagles, they usually could not do a lot to cease the move, both. And so they’re street favorites after that efficiency? Perhaps they need to be, however I am not placing my cash on it. Choose: Nevada +1.5 (-110)

Underneath of the Week

South Carolina at Kentucky: If I have been to challenge a set of energy rankings each week of video games most probably to complete with a 9-6 rating, this could be No. 1. It may get ugly. The Wildcats offense was truly fairly respectable in opposition to Southern Miss final week, however it moved at a glacier-like tempo, and I do not suppose that was solely the plan for Southern; I believe it is simply what Kentucky needs to do. In the meantime, South Carolina ran a billion performs (OK, so it was solely 72), however practically all have been horrible.

The Gamecocks at the moment rank 107th in factors per possession, 108th in EPA per play and one hundred and fifth in explosive play price. The passing recreation, particularly, was powerful to observe. I anticipate the Gamecocks will attempt to play with tempo on this spot however will not achieve success sufficient to take action. It is more likely Kentucky will take command and go boa constrictor on the sport clock. Choose: Underneath 42.5 (-108)

Need much more school soccer picks? The Cowl 3 Podcast has you coated with their greatest bets for spreads, level totals and extra for Week 2’s greatest video games. Watch under beginning at 11 a.m. ET. 

Over of the Week

Texas Tech at Washington State: Texas Tech allowed 51 factors final week, which is not all that loopy given the historical past of this system. Nevertheless, what if I advised you that it was Abilene Christian placing up the 51 factors? OK, now what if I advised you Abilene Christian went 5-6 final season? These info do not fill you with quite a lot of confidence about this protection, do they? Yeah, me neither.

Take into account, too, that Washington State put up 637 yards and 70 factors on Portland State. However wait! There’s extra! The Cougars additionally gave up 30 factors! So between these two, we noticed them rating 122 factors in opposition to FCS competitors final week whereas permitting 81. The overall for this recreation all of the sudden appears too low, would not it? Choose: Over 66.5 (-110)

Which school soccer picks are you able to make with confidence in Week 2? Go to SportsLine to see which groups will win and canopy the unfold — all from a confirmed laptop mannequin that has returned over $2,000 in revenue since its inception — and discover out.