College Football Week 2 Predictions: OSU/Tex, Okl/Mich, Mizzo/Kansas and Much More

College Football Week 2 Predictions

Week 1 produced more entertainment than it appeared on paper. Of course, College Football is full of drama on and off the field, and that’s exactly what we got in Ann Arbor ‘ClockGate’. Both Sunday and Monday primetime matchups delivered, along with several down-to-the-wire finishes.  Week 2 gives us a few SEC-versus-Big Ten scraps and multiple games flying under the radar. NBC and Big Ten dropped the ball by not showing the viewing audience the correct game clock. Let’s hope every power 4 league installs the replay booth like the ACC. An early-September flat, times-down, downright bad performance can be very misleading; keep that in mind when predicting the Week 2 slate.

Marquee Matchups

#1 Ohio State vs. #4 Texas: The rematch between the Buckeyes and Longhorns takes place this time in Austin, Texas. Both heavy hitter programs are in the process of finding the best 5 players on their offensive line. Red zone has been a bug-a-boo for Texas and coach Steve Sarkisian in big moments. Much like last year, Ohio State has defensive talent but at this point much of it is inexperienced. The 2025 version was a defensive slugfest, but this time around we should see an increased point total.  This is a classic pick’em so turnovers and taking advantage of field possession will be important.

The Pick: Ohio State +1.5 

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Ohio State +1.5

• Elite Passing Attack
• Buckeyes better in elite moments
• Offensive Show

New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass

Get bonus now

#11 Oklahoma vs. Michigan: Fresh off a horrendous outing by Michigan as they needed a mulligan Hail Mary to beat a severely undermatched foe in Western Michigan. Oklahoma made the playoffs last year and now looks to level up on the national stage. Both storied schools have offensive limitations in back-to-back years. This College Football podcaster believes the Sooners will take a step in year two of an offensive system that was transferred over from Washington State following QB John Mateer. Michigan appeared to take a step backwards last week obviously. That said we can’t completely discount a roster with talent and quality coaching staff. First to 20 points may be enough to secure victory.

The Pick: Oklahoma –5.5

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Oklahoma -5.5

• Mateer to be the Difference
• Underwood to struggle throwing
• The Sooners are better

New Users – Get $200 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 4 days

Get bonus now

Under The Radar

#23 Missouri vs. Kansas: Many assume the Tigers will win the border war against Kansas this Friday night on FOX. The Jayhawks have won the last 7 border wars in Lawerence, which is a silly because the stat dates to the 1990’s. Missouri opened a 7-point road favorite, but got bumped down to 5.5. Kansas juiced over 7 might be worth taking a flyer on. Which unproven quarterback will make enough plays and limit crucial mistakes is anyone’s guess. Mizzou transfer QB Austin Simmons has at least played in more real games.

The Pick: Missouri –5.5 

Mississippi State vs. Minnesota: Minnesota hosts an SEC opponent for the first time in 65 years. Flying under the radar is the quarterback dual between Bulldogs Kamario Taylor and Gophers Drake Lindsey. The Bulldogs can put points on the board and play an attack defense. Minnesota will look to control the time of possession and exploit the holes in Mississippi State’s defense. PJ Fleck teams tend to start slow in September and haven’t won a power non-conference game since defeating an at the time down Colorado.

The Pick: Mississippi State –1.5

Saturday Upset Special

North Texas wins on the road at UNLV as a live dog +3.5.

Hardcore Barnburners

Boise State vs. Memphis: The way the Broncos nearly upset Oregon, even with a loss, Boise State is still in line for that Group of 6 playoff slot available. Memphis can put up points and have an aggressive defensive line.

The Pick: Boise State wins Memphis covers +8.5

UTSA vs. Texas State: Buckle up for this matchup as it will be explosive with a 66 total points on the betting sites.

The Pick: Texas State –1.5

Against The Spread

Washington State +19 versus Kansas State

North Texas +4 UNLV

Memphis +8.5 versus Boise State

PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rope-a-dope-radio-podcast/id1794655742?i=1000788555461

Quick Hits Recap

-Pitt QB Mason Heintschel threw for 7 touchdowns tying a school record in a 59-14 victory over Miami, Ohio. Heintschel set an ACC record.

-Miami QB Darian Mensah threw for 401 and 5 TDs, while WR Malachi Toney had 12 catches, 200 3 touchdowns in a 45-6 win at Standford.

-LSU curb stomped Clemson to the tune of 51-3, making it the 4th most points scored in an opener in school history dating back to 1936.

-Michigan Hail Mary do-over after a botch game clock showed to the viewing audience resulted in a 13-12 victory over Western Michigan.

-Ole Miss Kicker Lucas Carneiro has gone 6 out of 7 when it comes to game-tying or game-winning field goals after making a 48-yarder to beat Louisville 41-38.

-SMU had 4 turnovers but still managed to defeat FSU 27-24.

-Minnesota WR Javon Tracy not only had 5 catches for 98 yards but also returned 2 punt returns for touchdowns in a Gophers 59-7 win over Eastern Illinois.

Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show available under  The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Tunein, Deezer, Podchaser, Castbox  & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio