Pick 6! - Week 2

We’re one week in and I’m feeling very good about my past bets. So far I’m 7-2 on the season against the spread and we have a lot of good quality games to gain knowledge from. 

“One thing I can promise you is that I never ask my clients to judge me on my winners, I ask them to judge me on my losers because I have so few. — Jordan Belfort” 
— Mello

Miami (+19.5) and Indiana (+3.5) are my only misses, so far, and I feel good about that. We’ll keep the train rolling with six bets I like this weekend in college football. Let’s get it!

12 Oregon @ 3 Ohio State (-14.5), 11:00 CT, Fox
The best matchup of the day might be the Big Noon Kickoff in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State and Oregon are both coming off of wins but they looked very different in those wins. Freshman quarterback CJ Stroud did not look great in his first start against Minnesota but let’s remember he was making his first career start, on the road, against a conference team, at night. Stroud was a little rattled to start but calmed down and took full advantage of the weapons around him. I expect another big game for Stroud and the Ohio State offense in a much more friendly environment at home. The Buckeyes are a 14.5 point favorite and I’m confidently taking those points. Oregon struggled to put points on Fresno State and defensive star Keyvon Thibodeaux may be on the sidelines Saturday. This one could get out of hand quickly - I’m taking the Buckeyes in this one.

10 Iowa @ 9 Iowa State (-4.5), 3:30 CT, ABC
For the first time ever the Cy-Hawk game will feature two top 10 teams. Iowa has a five game winning streak against their in-state rival but the Cyclones return one of their most talented teams ever. The Hawkeyes rolled the Hoosiers in Week 1 but winning in Ames is a completely different game, literally. I’m taking Iowa STATE to win this game and not buying into the Week 1 hype of Iowa. I’m not letting a strong Week 1 performance by Iowa change my opinion of them just yet. Look for Iowa State and running back Breece Hall to cover the 4.5 points at home. 

15 Texas (-7) @ Arkansas, 6:00 CT, ESPN
I don’t love betting on my favorite team but if Vegas is going to give me a sweet spread I’m going to eat. Texas had a 20 point win over ranked Louisiana in Week 1 and even though playing on the road will be tough, the Longhorns can cover the spread. The strong right arm of Hudson Card will be tested against a good Arkansas secondary but Bijan Robinson will be too much for the crowd in Fayetteville. Longhorns cover in another quality win over Arkansas.  

NC State (-2.5) @ Mississippi State, 6:00 CT, ESPN2
I’ve been talking a lot about NC State being sneaky good but they won’t be a secret much longer. The Wolfpack are favored, on the road, against a SEC team - even if it is Mississippi State. NC State running back Zonovan Knight rushed for 163 yards against USF and he’ll have a similar day against the Mississippi State defense. I’m taking NC State in an easy road win cover. 

Eastern Michigan @ Wisconsin (-26), 6:00 CT, FS1
No one comes into Camp Randall and beats up the Badgers, or do they? The Super Underdog Locksmith Game of the Week to Bet Your Money On goes to Eastern Michigan and their 26 point spread. Am I picking the upset? Absolutely not. But the Badgers were downright bad against Penn State and I don’t know if they can score 26 points against anyone. I’m taking Eastern Michigan to cover the spread in Madison in a second close game for Wisconsin. 

Stanford @ 14 USC (-17), 9:30 CT, Fox
It’s hard to find a worse loss from Week 1 than Stanford vs Kansas State and I don’t think David Shaw has the Cardinal ready for the USC passing attack. USC quarterback Kedon Slovis will lead one of the most electric offenses in the country and the Trojans should have no problem putting up points in bundles against Stanford. On the opposite side of the field, Stanford’s offense scored just one touchdown against Kansas State. One. USC starters don’t play the whole game and get an easy W at home.