NCAA Football Week 2 Against the Spread Picks

The 2018 college football season got underway with some terrific showdowns, such as Auburn’s five-point win over Washington and Virginia Tech’s rude welcome to Willie Taggart at Florida State in the ACC. There were some surprises, as the difficult time Michigan State had with Utah State and Penn State’s overtime escape from Appalachian State. Oklahoma blew out Florida Atlantic by more than we thought, but LSU helped us out by stopping Miami. Ready for NCAA Football Week 2? Check out our college football odds picks against the spread. As always, home teams are in all caps.

NCAA Football Week 2 Against the Spread Picks

Schedule and broadcasters for ESPN’s Week 2 college football schedule! Complete info: https://t.co/3v6lqlI4lp pic.twitter.com/x12Zhy2wwc

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) September 4, 2018

Saturday, September 8

Mississippi State (-9) over KANSAS STATE, 12:00pm ET, ESPN

Mississippi State routed FCS cupcake Stephen F. Austin State University by a 63-6 score in their opener — while Kansas State only escaped South Dakota by a 27-24 score — at home. Mississippi State didn’t even need 12 minutes of game action to open a three-touchdown lead, and they outgained SFA by a 618-254 margin. Quarterback Keytaon Thompson was starting in place of the suspended Nick Fitzgerald, and he threw for 364 yards and five touchdowns, while running for 109 more yards and scoring two more touchdowns that way. The Bulldogs returned nine offensive starters and seven defensive one, and tailbacks Aeris Williams and Kylin Hill make a formidable tandem. Kansas State was a 24-point favorite at home against South Dakota, but they struggled to move the ball against an FCS program. Mississippi State is likely to load the box after seeing the film of K-State having trouble throwing the ball down the field, and I don’t see the Wildcats having a great deal of success against a team that went 9-4 in a tough SEC schedule last year and brings plenty of hunger to Manhattan. NCAA Football Week 2 Prediction: Mississippi State 34, Kansas State 13

Iowa State (+4) over IOWA, 5:00pm ET, FOX

Iowa State opens their season in Iowa City after having their first scheduled game against South Dakota State canceled due to inclement weather. The Cyclones roll into town having won six of eight on the road, and quarterback Kyle Kempt returns for a sixth year of eligibility, giving the program stability, and tailback David Montgomery returns at tailback after a 1,000-yard season a year ago. Wideouts Hakeem Butler and Matt Eaton make Iowa State a scary offense. On the defensive side, JaQuan Bailey and Ray Lima key the pass rush, and the secondary has plenty fo experience. Iowa took down Northern Illinois by a 33-7 score in their season opener. Nate Stanley only threw for 108 yards, while the running game picked up 209 yards on the game. On defense, they only permitted Northern Illinois 211 yards, and Kristian Welch led the way with 11 tackles. Iowa has covered the spread in four of their last six home games but in just one of their last six wins in which they covered the spread. Iowa State has covered the spread in eight of their last 10 games at Iowa, and based on their talent I expect that to continue. NCAA Football Week 2 Prediction: Iowa State 27, Iowa 20

PITTSBURGH (+8.5) over Penn State, 8:00pm ET, ABC

Penn State permitted 28 points in the fourth quarter against Appalachian State, who pushed the Nittany Lions to overtime at Happy Valley. Penn State was able to score a touchdown in extra time and keep the Mountaineers off the board, but it was a shaky opener at best. Trace McSorley went 21 for 36 for 230 yards and a score, and Ricky Slade, Miles Sanders and McSorley ran for five touchdowns combined. The defense was the eyesore, though, as Appalachian State kept coming back. Now the NIttany LIons head across the state to take on Pitt, fresh off a 33-7 beating of Albany, a game in which the halftime score held all the way to the end. Kenny Picked went 16 for 22 for 154 yards and a pair of touchdowns (as well as an interception). Qadree Ollison only needed seven attempts to pick up 73 yards. Given the defensive troubles that the Nittany Lions had in their opener, I think Pitt can stay within this point spread at home. NCAA Football Week 2 Prediction: Penn State 41, Pittsburgh 34