My solid start continued in Week 2 with another 4-2 record ATS (including 6-0 SU). I had Michigan covering but losing to Oklahoma, but the Sooners pulled away in the end. I also picked the Dawgs not to cover, but hopefully learned my lesson that this year’s team is more adept at putting away a lesser opponent.
As always, the odds posted are from SB Nation’s online betting partner Fan Duel. Check out the Fan Duel Sportsbook for more information.
New Mexico @ UCLA (-15.5)
Deshaun Foster and the Bruins are already desperate after a loss to UNLV. New Mexico is not as good as the Rebels; their previous P4 matchup saw them get obliterated by MIchigan. UCLA has struggled to contain mobile QBs and Jack Layne is about as immobile as QBs get these days. Unless Nico Iamaleava finds another gear offensively, the spread is probably in the right place, but even the Bruins can win this one.
UCLA 34 – New Mexico 17
Wisconsin @ Alabama (-20.5)
The key match-up in this game will be Alabama’s rush defense against the ground-and-pound attack for Wisconsin. If QB Billie Edwards is out, the Tide should be able to load up against the run. Despite the surprising loss to FSU, Ty Simpson has looked very effective at QB for Alabama. The growing pains have been real, but I still believe that the DeBoer-Grubb combination will bear fruit.
Alabama 40 – Wisconsin 14
Oregon @ Northwestern (+27.5)
The two big questions about the Ducks coming into the year was whether Dante Moore was ready to run the offense like the veterans who preceded him and whether the rebuilt offensive line would be as dominant as prior iterations. Through two games, the Ducks have (sadly) passed both tests with flying colors. Northwestern is going to struggle mightily if they fall behind because they do not have the big-play threats to get claw back from behind.
Oregon 45 – Northwestern 14
USC @ Purdue (+21.5)
In past seasons, I would say that Purdue is the kind of team that might give USC more trouble than they should. The Trojans have been susceptible to teams who don’t mind taking the air out of the ball and controlling the game on the ground. Devin Mockobee is a good runner and Purdue’s rush offense has looked much improved. However, Danton Lynn has made real strides defensively. Purdue has not matched up with anything like USC’s air raid and will struggle to keep points off the board. I think the line is in about the right place and Lynn’s defensive game planning is the tie-breaker.
USC 38 – Purdue 17
Minnesota @ Cal (+2.5)
While neither team is in CFP contention, both Minnesota and Cal have been pleasant surprises early in the season. True freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has lived up to his billing for the Bears. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s defense has looked outstanding, albeit against lesser competition. Both teams are better defensively, so the game should stay low scoring. It’s a late start time on the west coast, which means Minnesota will have to fight their own body clocks. Ultimately, the Gopher defense is further along than the Cal offense, and I suspect they will be able to give the true freshman QB problems.
Minnesota 23 – Cal 17
Oho @ Ohio St. (-31.5)
The Bobcats drew a lot of eyes last week when upset West Virginia. The Buckeyes are much better than the Moutaineers, so don’t expect similar theatrics for a second week in a row. Ohio won last week because West Virginia’s offense made repeated mistakes that prevented them from using any athletic advantages. Ohio State has not shown those tendencies. With a line this big, there’s always the possibility of a late cover against the second or third-string. I’m looking past that possibility because I think Ohio State puts it away early.
Ohio State 56 – Ohio 14