Welcome to our College Football Week 2 predictions!
Week 1 of the college football season is in the books, and now the real grind begins. The schedule shifts into regular-season form with a light Friday slate of four games before Saturday delivers a wall-to-wall lineup across Division I.
Check our NCAAF News Hub for all things Week 2!
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College Football Week 2 Predictions
Boise State was supposed to be the headliner for Friday, but after their upset loss to South Florida last week (which we predicted!), they’re nowhere near the rankings.
Without star RB Ashton Jeanty and after QB Maddox Madsen’s rough outing (225 yards, 1 TD, QBR of just 26 — 107th nationally), the Broncos now quietly host Eastern Illinois at 9:00 p.m. Friday.
CFB Betting Guide: Friday, Sept. 5
Let’s break down the Friday slate before turning to Saturday’s marquee matchups.
James Madison at Louisville
Spread: Louisville -14.5 | Total: 54.5
Louisville comes in hot off a 45–10 win over Weber State, but QB Miller Moss (the USC transfer) looked a little shaky despite the gaudy scoreline.
Moss threw for 223 yards and a TD, but also two interceptions. His 68% completion rate and 89 QBR (10th nationally) show promise, yet turnovers remain a concern.
James Madison, meanwhile, is no pushover.
The Dukes led the Sun Belt in passing last year (321.8 yards allowed per game) and will test Louisville’s secondary. Both teams breezed through uncompetitive openers, but this spread feels inflated.
Pick: James Madison +14 – Expect a closer, lower-scoring contest.
Other Friday games:
- Eastern Illinois at Boise State — Quiet recovery spot for the Broncos.
- Northern Illinois at Maryland — Terps should cruise.
- Western Illinois at Northwestern — Wildcats in a tune-up.
CFB Week 2 Predictions: Saturday, Sept.6
Let’s dive into the Saturday matchups.
Florida International at Penn State
Penn State should roll in this one. They’re number 2 in the nation after destroying Nevada last week.
San Jose State at Texas
Spread: Texas -36.5
The Arch Manning show started slowly. Manning went 17-of-30 for 170 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT in the Longhorns’ stunning 14–7 loss last week. Texas was scoreless through three quarters and had little momentum.
Now they face San Jose State, who nearly beat Central Michigan (lost by just 2). Thirty-six points is a massive spread for a Texas offense still finding its footing.
Pick: San Jose State +36.5 – Even if Texas bounces back, that number is too steep.
Iowa at Iowa State
One of the weekend’s best rivalries. Iowa State, ranked No. 22, demolished South Dakota 55–7 last week as QB Rocco Becht went 19-of-20 with 3 TDs. They’ve already played two games this season and look sharp.
Iowa did beat Albany 34–7, but it was sluggish early (just 3–0 after one quarter). Iowa State has the momentum and quarterback advantage.
Pick: Iowa State Moneyline.
Notable Afternoon Slate (3:30 Kickoffs)
- Ohio State vs. Grambling — Total mismatch. Expect an OSU blowout.
- Oregon vs. Oregon State (“Civil War”) — Oregon is No. 6 and favored by -27.5.
- Florida vs. South Florida — Florida looked dominant in their 55–0 shutout of Long Island. QB situation is unsettled, but the Gators’ defense should overwhelm USF.
Michigan at Oklahoma
Spread: Oklahoma -5.5 | Total: 45.5
This is the weekend’s only ranked vs. ranked matchup — No. 15 Michigan vs. No. 18 Oklahoma.
Oklahoma’s new QB John Mateer, a Washington State transfer, lit it up in his debut with 392 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT in a 35–3 win over Illinois State. He’s a proven veteran with big-play ability.
Michigan, led by freshman QB Bryce Underwood, handled New Mexico 34–17.
Underwood was efficient (21-of-31, 1 TD), but this will be his first real test against a ranked opponent. RB Justice Haynes was the real star for Michigan last week, racking up 3 TDs and nearly 10 yards per carry.
Still, Oklahoma’s experience at QB gives them the edge in Norman.
Pick: Oklahoma -5.5 – Mateer’s poise and Oklahoma’s defense carry the Sooners.
FInal Thoughts
Week 2 lacks heavyweight Top 10 clashes, but there are still plenty of storylines:
- Can Arch Manning and Texas rebound after their shocking stumble?
- Is Iowa State ready to make a Big 12 run?
- Will James Madison hang tough against Louisville under the Friday night lights?
The Saturday night showdown in Norman should provide the fireworks, but sharp bettors will find value across Friday’s underdog spots and Texas’ inflated line.
