College Football Betting Picks, Week 2: Michigan State-Oregon, Michigan-Notre Dame And Pitt-Boston College

Last week:

Brian: 3-2
Jeff: 1-4

Brian:

Pittsburgh Panthers at Boston College Eagles (+4.5) - I'm not sure we really learned anything about either program in week 1, so this week two Friday night matchup should tell us a lot more about both Pitt and BC's seasons this year. I no longer think this is a make-or-break game for either team, but it's still an important spot nonetheless. Pitt has played in a number of Friday games in recent seasons going back to the Panthers time in the Big East. They are winless in their last six Friday games -- losses to Miami, Syracuse, UConn and West Virginia x3. Like BC and the points but wouldn't be terribly surprised if I lose this one either.

Kansas State Wildcats (-12) at Iowa St. Cyclones - I hesitate taking a double-digit road favorite here, but these are two Big 12 teams heading in opposite directions. Kansas State eased past Stephen F. Austin 55-16 in the opener, while Iowa State became FCS North Dakota State's fifth straight FBS casualty in a 20-point loss. K-State big.

Virginia Tech Hokies (+11.5) at Ohio State Buckeyes - Last week Ohio State barely covered for me as a 2+ TD road favorite. This week, I'm taking the other side and picking Virginia Tech to cover as a road dog. Virginia Tech has plenty of questions on offense, but the defense should keep them in this. Call it Buckeyes by 7.

Michigan State Spartans (+12.5) at Oregon Ducks - GameDay will be in Eugene to take in the first non-conference clash between two Top 10 teams at Autzen. The key matchup in this is the unstoppable force (Oregon offense) vs. the immovable object (Michigan State defense). Michigan State has won 11 straight, while Oregon has won 11 straight non-conference games. My gut tells me Oregon wins, but the 12.5-point spread was too juicy to pass up with that Spartan defense. Ducks win by a TD, but Michigan State covers.

Arizona State Sun Devils (-25) at New Mexico Lobos - I find myself drawn to a lot of double digit point spreads this week; a reflection of what appears to be, outside of a few marquee matchups, a pretty 'meh' week 2 college football lineup. And here's another one.

Last week, Arizona State made quick work of FCS Weber State, winning 45-14, while New Mexico erased a 24-7 halftime deficit only to give up the GW TD with a little over 2 minutes remaining in a 31-24 loss to C-USA UTEP. Twenty five points on the road is a pretty large point spread, but shouldn't be much trouble for a ranked team playing a Mountain West doormat that's won just 10 games over the last five years.

Jeff:

Akron Zips at Penn State Nittany Lions (-14.5) - Penn State has the most under-appreciated win in the first week of college football. Beating UCF despite still having scholarship reductions and having one of the best coaches in college football leave for the NFL is a huge accomplishment. PSU will roll over Akron.

Navy Midshipmen (-3.5) at Temple Owls - Navy had a second half lead against Ohio State last weekend but predictably got worn down physically and lost by 17 in the end. Physically, Temple will be a close to even match for them and Navy's skill will prevail.

USC Trojans (+3) at Stanford Cardinal - I picked against USC last week. Not making that mistake again! At least until next week when they have their letdown at BC.

Old Dominion Monarchs (+17) at N.C. State Wolfpack - I know absolutely nothing about Old Dominion but I do know NC State is terrible. After their miracle win in week 1, they probably won't lose this one but they won't cover 17.

Michigan Wolverines (+3.5) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Wow! It does not take long for people to start talking about Notre Dame in the playoffs. Let put that to bed after a home loss to Michigan. Michigan looked great in week 1 also and Notre Dame is in for a long night. When Michigan wins the B1G this year, remember, I told you first.