Week 2 CFB Predictions: Texas State Offense Will Make a Statement
Week 2 of the college football season began earlier this week with a trio of games across the last two days. However, the most exciting matchups of the weekend are all on tap for Saturday. Notably, Deion Sanders makes his home debut as Colorado welcomes Nebraska to the altitude. Ole Miss and Tulane meet in a battle of two top-25 schools. Texas and Alabama headlined the slate with a 7:00 p.m. EST matchup on ESPN in a battle that has significant early season playoff implications.
Earlier this week, we offered a few betting leans for the community to consider before the market moved. This morning, we have three looks that we like for today’s action as kickoff draws near!
Week 2 College Football Predictions
#23 Texas A&M vs. Miami, Under 51
Earlier this week, we leaned toward Texas A&M on the spread in this matchup, and that is still the case. However, the under is probably the sharpest bet on the table in this spot. Texas A&M returned 10 defensive starters for the 2023 season and DJ Durkin is in his second year as defensive coordinator with this unit. Continuity is a significant piece of the puzzle on the defensive side of the ball, which should bode well for the Aggies on Saturday. Most notably, the strength of the Texas A&M defense is their defensive line, with all four of last year’s starters returning. The only bright spot in Miami’s offense is their running game, which could have trouble getting going against a strong front-seven here. Neither of these teams plays at a blistering pace, so a reasonable defensive effort on both sides should keep this contest relatively low-scoring.
Iowa vs. Iowa State, Under 36.5
Iowa came away with a win in their season opener against Utah State, but they were outgained 329-284 and averaged only 2.4 yards per carry on the ground. Iowa State won 30-9 in convincing fashion against Northern Iowa in Week 1, but similarly struggled. Iowa State had only 250 total yards of offense against an FCS opponent and were outgained 279-250 on the afternoon. They also committed nine penalties and struggled to keep their defense off of the field. Both of these defenses lost talent this past off-season, but neither of these offenses looks even remotely intimidating. The total is low for a reason, and it is likely still too high. Expect a low-scoring affair in this one.
Texas State (Team Total Over 24.5 points) vs. UTSA
Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes stole all of the headlines last weekend in college football, which allowed Texas State to go under the radar after beating Baylor 42-31 on the road to open the season. Following three seasons in the SEC, TJ Finley transferred to Texas State to play quarterback and looked magnificent in the opener, completing 22-of-30 passes for 298 passing yards and three touchdowns. He is playing for the same offensive coordinator who coached the 2022 FCS Walter Payton award winner, which is the FCS version of the Heisman. The strength of the Texas State offense is unquestionably their aerial attack. UTSA lost two members of their secondary from 2022, who combined for 27 starts, eight interceptions, and 27 pass breakups. Finley should have success through the air in this matchup, which gives Texas State a great opportunity to flirt with 30 points.