Top College Football Week 2 Picks & Predictions (2024)

College football betting expert Scott Bogman will provide his top picks and predictions for each and every week of CFB action. Let’s get ready for this weekend’s games with Bogman’s best college football bets for Week 2. Check out all of his top picks and predictions below.

College Football Week 2 Picks & Predictions

Week 1 picks: 3-3

Oregon vs. Boise State

Oregon had a curious start, and while the line (49.5) was too big against a Top-ten FCS team (Idaho #7), they shouldn't have won by just 10 points (24-14). Oregon dominated the entire game and just couldn't punch it in. The Ducks possessed the ball for 39:16, had 487 total yards of offense, held Idaho to 217 total yards, and had 31 1st Downs. Oregon tripped up with 8 penalties, 2 failed 4th down conversions, and Gabriel took 3 sacks. Oregon was still 4/4 in red zone conversion %. Boise State got a career day from RB Ashton Jeanty with a 20-267-6 (6 TDs!!!) in the opener against Georgia Southern. New QB Maddux Madsen was efficient, and with Jeanty piling up 217-6, they couldn't be stopped. The defense for Boise State gave up 45 points and 461 yards, allowed Georgia Southern to convert 12/19 3rd downs, allowed 27 1st downs, and had 4 penalties. Boise State does have the 2nd highest Defensive Returning Production in the country, but they allowed 461 yards in the opener and ranked below 100 in PFF grades in Overall Defense, Rush/Pass D, Tackling. The only category Boise State wasn't below 100 was in Coverage, and they were 91st. The Value is only slightly toward Oregon, but the spread has already lost half a point early in the week and might trend that way closer to kickoff.

Pick: Oregon -19.5

Alabama vs. USF

The Kalen DeBoer Era started with 600 yards of offense, 334 rushing, 0 points allowed, 145 total yards, and 25 first downs, all with LT Kayden Proctor missing the game. USF also had a dominant performance against Bethune-Cookman, with over 400 yards of offense and 48 points. USF held Bama to 17 points in this game last season, but after that scare, it's doubtful that Alabama sleep-walks through this one again. USF is a strong AAC team, but the value shown is in laying the points on Alabama at home.

Pick: Alabama -29.5

Colorado vs. Nebraska

Nebraska put up 500 yards of offense, and true freshman Dylan Raiola looked outstanding. Nebraska held the ball for 38:32, allowed only 205 yards, and UTEP was 3/10 on 3rd downs. UTEP isn't a great 'measuring stick,' but Nebraska was ready for Week 1. Colorado was outstanding on offense against #2 FCS North Dakota State but allowed 26 points and only held the ball for 23:16. Colorado had continuing problems running the ball. Last season, the Buffs ranked 117th in rushing YPG (59) and rushed for a surprising 59 yards in the opener. Heisman contenders Travis Hunter and Sheduer Sanders had 3 TDs as the Buffs leaned on the passing game with 445 yards passing. The value is pointing toward a lower-scoring, closer game shaded to the under. The total may continue to rise ahead of Saturday, so you still may be able to get under a better number before kickoff.

Pick: Colorado +7.5 (Lean Under 57.5)

Iowa vs. Iowa State

Iowa had 492 yards on offense while showing off the expected dominant defense, pitching a shutout of FCS Illinois State, a top 25 team at that level that averaged over 30 PPG last season and scored over 30 points in 7/11 games in 2023. Iowa State had a similar performance on defense against another strong FCS team in Noth Dakota (#24 FCS team coming into Week 1). Iowa State did give up some rushing yards (174) but held ND to only 3 points. Iowa State's offense wasn't as impressive, with only 353 total yards and 21 points. This game has gone under two seasons in a row, with both being one-score games and neither team scoring more than 20 points. INJ Note – Iowa State might be without starting MLB Caleb Bacon (2nd most tackles and sacks on Iowa State in 23). Value is shown on the under, but you need to get it before it falls further, and Iowa covering the tight spread.

Pick: Under 35 & Iowa -3

Utah vs. Baylor

Utah and Baylor were both dominant in wins over FCS teams at near the same talent level in Southern Utah and Tarleton State. Utah QB Cam Rising and TE Brant Kuithe returned after missing the 2023 season to link up for 3 TDs. Utah RB Dijon Stanley had 184 yards on 9 touches and 2 TDs. The transfer portal was on display for Baylor's offense in Week 1. QB Dequan Finn from Toledo had 3 total TDs but 2 INTs and a fumble (not lost). Fellow incoming transfers WR Ashlyn Hawkins (Texas State) and TE Michael Trigg (Ole Miss) both scored TDs. However, the value reflects the strength of these defenses, favoring the Under and the Home Utes.

Pick: Utah -14.5

Other Week 2 College Football Games

I’ll break down a few other games on the Week 2 College Football slate below. I don’t have official picks for either game.

Arkansas vs. Oklahoma State
OK State won in dominant fashion against South Dakota State and looked like a team that ranked 2nd in returning production. South Dakota State ranks #1 in the FCS and the title winner two seasons in a row, and OK State put up a dominant performance against them. QB Alan Bowman had a completion percentage of 73.5% with 3 TDs; Bowman didn't have a completion percentage that high last season and only threw 3 TDs once. Arkansas overwhelmed UAPB in the expected fashion, showing a lot of strength on offense, putting up over 650 yards and 70 points. Arkansas scored a TD on each of their 10 possessions against UAPB. Arkansas didn't have 2023 leading WR Andrew Armstrong in the first game; his status is unknown for Week 2. The value is toward the under in this game, which is against the public betting trend.

Texas vs. Michigan
Michigan went with a surprise starter at QB in Davis Warren but found some rhythm with Edwards and Mullings. QB Alex Orji was mixed in on occasion but Michigan ended up with more rushing yards than passing yards. Lost in the ugliness of the offense was the defensive performance for the Wolverines. Michigan held Fresno State to 9 rushing yards, under 250 total yards and held them to 2/11 on 3rd downs. Texas dominated Colorado State almost all the way around but did allow 118 rushing yards. The System lean toward Michigan at home, and public betting has been on Texas.

Tennessee vs. North Carolina State
Tennessee DEMOLISHED Chattanooga (#9 FCS) with 718 yards of offense, held Chat to 1/14 on 3rd downs, and QB Nico Iamaleava set the Tennessee record for passing yards in a half. NC State had a bumpy start against Western Carolina, but a 21-point 4th quarter sealed the win. NC State QB Grayson McCall and RB Jordan Waters clicked and will need to carry that momentum to keep pace with Tennessee. Tennessee played 46 different players on defense, so the starters will be fresh in a 'neutral site' in Charlotte. The value is heavy toward Tennesse after their impressive Week 1 performance; the public is on the NC State side.