Chase Irle (2-4)
Oklahoma (-23) at UCLA
We were oh-so-close to going 3-0 last week and rebounding from a dreadful week one, but I bet on Tennessee bouncing back, and what was I thinking? How long before Jeremy Pruitt returns to Alabama as the defensive coordinator? Well, remember how I said I was going to be fading UCLA a lot this year? We did it last week, and it paid off as the San Diego State Aztecs beat the Bruins straight up. And um, how is the line only 23? The truth is it opened at 12! And has been bet up to 23. I have no idea what Vegas is thinking, but this line could be 35, and I’d still take it. The Sooners will roll the Bruins. I don’t care what kind of trap this looks like.
Virginia (-7.5) vs. Florida State
I might wait until late in the week to bet this one to see if that number will move down to seven, but either way, I like the Cavaliers here. They’ve been a sneaky good team led by a quarterback that can make plays. But I feel confident about this one more because Florida State looks like a lost team. Willie Taggart’s squad inspires no confidence, and they were an extra point away from potentially losing to UL Monroe at home last week. Take the Cavs at home this weekend.
Kent State (+35) at Auburn
This is another game I’ll probably wait out and see if the line moves north towards Auburn, especially since so much of the public is on the Tigers. While I think Auburn is a team that could beat anybody on any given week, they are overrated. This offense hasn’t broken 30 points on Tulane or Oregon this year, and Bo Nix hasn’t lit the world on fire. Auburn wins easily, but I think Kent State is a good bet to cover.
Harrison Coburn (3-3)
Washington State vs. Houston Over 75.5
I probably should have learned my lesson when I missed the Oklahoma-Houston over by just a few points, but I’m doubling down. Washington State always has a potent offense under Mike Leach, and D’Eriq King of Houston can put up points in bunches. I think this will be a high scoring contest so lock in the over on this one.
Maryland (-7.5) vs. Temple
New head coach Mike Locksley and new QB Josh Jackson have changed the identity of this Maryland program, and they now have one of the most potent offenses in college football. My money is on them continuing to build momentum in the right direction, which would be a big win against Temple.
Colorado (-4) vs. Air Force
Colorado has a much more talented team than Air Force, and they are coming off a big-time comeback upset against Scott Frost and Nebraska. I do not think a 4-point spread against them should be an issue. Look for Laviska Shenault Jr. to have a big game, as the Falcons have been prone to letting NFL Draft prospects eat them alive in recent years, and Shenault may be the best of the bunch.
Jake Gordon (2-4)
Oklahoma (-23) v UCLA
This will be an absolute slaughter. UCLA is god awful, and Oklahoma’s offense will hum right along. They might beat them by 60+
Maryland (-7.5) v Temple
Mike Locksley has Maryland’s offense looking dangerous this season; Temple should be no problem for them.
Oklahoma State (-13) v Tulsa
Tulsa has looked pretty good this season, but I think the Pokes have a little too much firepower for them.
Turner Skehan (4-2)
Illinois (-8.0) vs. Eastern Michigan
After looking solid in week one, Illinois stumbled out of the blocks against UConn last week. Down 10 in the first quarter, they were able to rebound, however. In a game that saw three turnovers and a modest 387 yards on offense last week, I fully expect Illinois to post a stronger showing at home this week against Eastern Michigan. Beyond the first quarter, the Illini beat UConn resolutely, outscoring them 31-13 the remainder of the game. With starting running back Reggie Corbin back in the line-up, they will establish the run early and control the clock. Their solid running game and stout defense should allow them to cruise comfortably to a win over Eastern Michigan, who surrendered 38 to Kentucky last week.
Maryland (-7.5) vs. Temple
What Mike Locksley has done with an anemic Maryland offense has been incredible. After eviscerating Syracuse last week, Maryland will continue to roll. Temple beat Bucknell soundly in week one, but Bucknell isn’t Maryland. For what it’s worth, I consider the over (64.0) a lock as well.
USC (-5.0) vs. BYU
I think there is ancient wisdom in the adages of our grandfathers’ and so I’ll say: “fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on…” I’ll let George Bush finish that one. Really though, I was surprised to see the beat down USC put on Stanford last week, but now I’m a believer- at least for this week. USC is out to a strong 2-0 start, while BYU should likely be 0-2 (barely squeaking by a bad Tennessee team last week).