Texas (-7) @ Michigan:
The new "QB University" heads to the Big House for a showdown of NCAA mega programs. Michigan is #1 on the All-Time wins list, and Texas is #4.
But wins of the past mean nothing for today's game. The key matchup will be in the trenches.
Texas returns four starters on the offensive line this season and the new starter, right tackle Cameron Williams, was named the SEC's co-offensive lineman of the week after the first game. That group must protect quarterback Quinn Ewers from a Michigan defensive line with preseason All-American Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant at the point of attack.
Michigan has won 23 consecutive home games, the third-longest streak in school history and longest since 1969-73. Last season, Texas snapped Alabama's 21-game home win streak.
71% of the public bets and 77% of the money are on the Longhorns laying the 7 points.
I like Texas, with an advantage at QB and a veteran line, I see Texas walking away with a 31-20 victory.
Iowa State (+3) @ Iowa:
Don't look now, but the Hawkeyes may have an offense. Of course, they face a much tougher foe this week in their rivals.
Behind the Michigan transfer, Cade McNamara, Iowa put up 500 yards and 40 points but must face a fellow Power 5 school, and we will see for sure whether or not they can put up points.
Most of the experts are taking Iowa State and the points, along with the over. However, the public disagrees. 51% of the public bets and 69% of the public money is on laying the 3 and taking the Hawkeyes.
Worth noting, Cyclone head coach Matt Campbell is 31-16 against the spread as an underdog of three or more points in his career..
Iowa State has 19 starters returning from last year’s roster that improved mightily after a slow start, the Cyclones could explode this year, despite their slow start last week.
Two of his top three receivers from last year return alongside all five offensive line starters. The Cyclones are strong and experienced in the secondary.
However, Iowa's field general returns after serving a one-game suspension, and the always elite defense will have the home crowd by their side. This could become a grind-it-out battle, with each possession becoming increasingly high-stakes.
I just think the OVER/UNDER line of 36 (MyBookie) is ridiculously low. Instead of trying to pick a winner in this seemingly even matchup, I'm taking the OVER 36.
Tennessee (-8) v NC State:
This is the Top 25 matchup of the week, in a neutral stadium. NC State trailed entering the 4th quarter last week against an FCS team, before scoring 21 points in the final frame.
Meanwhile, Tennessee looked lights out, but it was of course against another FCS team.
These teams feature two of college football’s most experienced offensive lines when gauged by games started. Only Florida State and Oklahoma State have more combined starts by their linemen than Tennessee coming into this season, while N.C State came in ranked eighth-most in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Tennessee’s line is anchored by center Cooper Mays, starting for his fourth straight season. Mays has not allowed a sack in 15 straight games.
The Vols thrive best when they get the jump on an opponent. They have outscored teams 465-169 in the first quarter under Heupel, including 24-0 in their opening win to start this season.
To me, Tennessee has way more offensive weapons on offense, I don't see NC State slowing them down much. Take the Vols and lay the 8 points.
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