College football picks, predictions, odds: Notre Dame vs. Northern Illinois among best bets in Week 2

.Just when you want to jump on the Bet Against Florida State bandwagon, the Seminoles have a much needed week off. At least we will have a bigger selection of games between FBS teams after having only 37 last week.

Each week, I will use this space to tell you what I think are a few of the best bets heading into the weekend. I will also throw in an upset of the week, which will be a team that is at least a touchdown underdog that I am picking to win outright.

I will also give you picks on other games involving potential College Football Playoff teams. Since just about everybody is technically a CFP candidate at the moment. So for the first few weeks of the season at least, I’ll go with the current top 12 teams in the AP poll. With the expanded playoff this season, I’ll go deeper into the rankings once we get a few games under our belts.

Games against FCS opponents are not considered. 

I got off to a rough start in Week 1. The regular picks went 1-2 and I missed on the upset pick. This week will be better.

Odds via SportsLine consensus

Week 2 picks

Northern Illinois at No. 5 Notre Dame (-28.5)

Growing up in the Chicago area, I have always had a soft spot for the MAC and NIU, but this line doesn’t make sense. Unless the Irish have a letdown following the big win at Texas A&M, I don’t see how the Huskies get within four touchdowns of the Irish. If Notre Dame wants to be a playoff contender with its relatively soft schedule, it needs to send messages in games like this. I would really be surprised if Notre Dame had a letdown in its home opener and it is not likely it will be looking ahead to Purdue. Pick: Notre Dame -28.5

Texas Tech at Washington State (O/U 65.5)

I try not to overreact to Week 1 games, especially against FCS competition, but…

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Author : Jerry Palm

Publish date : 2024-09-06 16:11:50

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