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Week 1 of the college football season had some thrilling marquee matchups. There are fewer big games in Week 2, but there are still plenty of interesting contests to explore and betting nuggets worth providing.
Big game previews
No. 3 Texas @ No. 10 Michigan (+7, O/U 42)
This is the game of the week and potentially the best non-conference showdown of the season. Coming off a national title, Michigan's offense looks completely different than it did a year ago. The Wolverines have a new head coach, starting quarterback, and starting running back.
At quarterback, Davis Warren out-dueled Alex Orji to earn the starting job. His story as a cancer survivor and former walk-on is remarkable, but he's still a mysterious prospect, and his solid play in his first start in Week 1 came as Michigan played against lowly Fresno State. He'll be thrown into the fire against a loaded Texas squad contending for a national title.
On the sideline is Sherrone Moore, who has coached in big games. He led Michigan to wins over Ohio State and Penn State while Jim Harbaugh served a suspension last season, but this is his biggest test yet, and the result could determine the Wolverines' fate for an at-large bid to the College Football Playoff later in the season.
No. 14 Tennessee @ No. 24 NC State (+8, O/U 61)
Tennessee destroyed Chattanooga by 66 points in Week 1. There aren't many takeaways given the opponent, but Heisman contender Nico Iamaleava showed why he's one of the best quarterbacks in the country.
Oddsmakers don't expect defense to be a factor, with the total set at 61. NC State is a formidable challenger and a sneaky contender in a wide-open ACC, but playing an SEC opponent is a different beast. Home-field advantage is the only factor preventing Tennessee from entering the contest as a double-digit favorite.
Colorado @ Nebraska (-7.5, O/U 59)
Colorado has two potential top-10 picks in quarterback Shedeur Sanders and wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter. The Sanders-Hunter connection is unstoppable and allowed Colorado to narrowly escape North Dakota State in Week 1. The Buffs' concerns came on the other side, where their defense was consistently exposed as a soft and vulnerable group.
Nebraska entered the season with uncharacteristically high expectations. Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola is inexperienced, but he had an impressive collegiate debut last weekend and boasts limitless potential that could turn Nebraska into a contender.
Last year, Colorado defeated Nebraska in Week 2 during the Buffs' fairytale start to the season and garnered unprecedented levels of media attention. However, this is a new year and a more talented Nebraska group.
Iowa State @ No. 21 Iowa (-3, O/U 35)
Iowa's offense might not be as dreadful as years past. That's an optimistic proclamation after 40 points against Illinois State, but Iowa has a healthy Cade McNamara under center and a new offensive coordinator.
With a 7.5 preseason win total, Iowa State doesn't have the roster to contend for the Big 12. The Hawkeyes have dominated the in-state rivalry recently, winning seven of the last eight meetings. As 3-point home favorites, it's unlikely the Cyclones flip the script.
Week 2 nuggets
- No. 6 Ole Miss is the biggest favorite of the weekend as a 41.5-point favorite over Middle Tennessee.
- Texas Tech @ Washington State has a total of 66, the highest of the weekend.
- Iowa State @ Iowa has the lowest total of the weekend. It's set at 35.
- Iowa scored 40 points against Illinois State last week, the second time it reached 40 points in its last 37 games. Iowa's team total is 19.5 against Iowa State.
- The Maryland-Michigan State under is 8-0-1 since Maryland joined the Big Ten. The Terps are a 9-point favorite and the total is set at 43.5.
- Utah opened as a 17-point home favorite against Baylor but is now down to a 14.5-point favorite.
- Virginia Tech opened as a 16.5-point home favorite against Marshall but is now up to a 20.5-point favorite, meaning bettors pounced on Virginia Tech coming off an upset loss to Vanderbilt.
- Texas -7 is the most bet spread of the weekend. Tennessee -8 is the second-most bet spread.
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.
