CFB Week 2 Game Picks: Can Bryce Underwood continue his great start?
Week 2 may not have the big head-to-heads of Week 1, but there are plenty of intriguing matchups to delve into. The Iowa rivalry game kicks things off before we get into an SEC conference matchup and a chance to see Bryce Underwood and John Mateer do battle. Here are my game picks for the weekend.
Iowa at Iowa State, 12PM ET / 5PM GMT, FOX
Iowa State favoured by 3 points
Despite Iowa State winning two of the last three ‘CyHawk’ rivalry games, it is Iowa who holds a commanding 47-24 edge in the all-time record. The last time the Cyclones won in Ames was 2011. However, they should go into this one full of confidence and more match-ready, having played two games (one more than Iowa), including an in-conference game.
Iowa never got out of first gear in their 34-7 victory over Albany, transfer QB Mark Gronkowski only throwing for 44 yards at a measly 2.9 yards per attempt. Iowa State’s run-stuffing nose tackle, Dom Orange, will hope to dampen Xavier Williams in the running game, forcing Gronkowski to keep the offense moving.
For the Cyclones, Rocco Becht is unlikely to repeat the 95% completion rate he enjoyed vs South Dakota last week, considering this Iowa defense ranked 13th nationally in defensive stop rate in 2024. However, his play has been a bright spot, and I think the Cyclones have enough to win this by more than three.
Pick: Iowa State -3.0 points
Ole Miss at Kentucky, 3.30PM ET / 8.30PM GMT, ABC
Ole Miss favoured by 10 points
Mark Stoops and Kentucky are in an uphill battle in the SEC. A traditional basketball program is always going to have trouble competing with the powerhouse programs, and that disparity could be on full display here vs Ole Miss. Lane Kiffin has been unapologetic about their heft in the transfer portal, and the Rebels will expect a playoff berth this year.
Ole Miss QB Austin Simmons grew into his first true game as a starter against Georgia State. Despite two interceptions and a fumble, he was able to show off his talent, throwing for 341 yards and two touchdowns in a convincing win. Things will ramp up here, but support from running back Kewan Lacy should help.
The Wildcats will be dependent on their defense keeping this one close; edge rushing duo Steven Soles and Kam Olds combined for eight pressures against Toledo and will aim to repeat that here. The offensive inefficiencies Kentucky displayed make me think this should be a straightforward one for the Rebels.
Pick: Ole Miss -10.0 points
Kansas at Missouri, 3.30PM ET / 8.30PM GMT, ESPN2
Missouri favoured by 6.5 points
One of the most impressive QBs I have watched in the opening two weeks has been Kansas’s Jalon Daniels. His combination of big arm and speed as a rusher has been on full display. The Jayhawks have scored 77 points on offense and only conceded 14 so far, yet they are still 6.5-point underdogs against Missouri.
Tigers QB Beau Pribula was as advertised after his transfer from Penn State, throwing for 283 yards and two touchdowns, as well as adding two more on the ground. On defense, Georgia transfer Damon Wilson had two sacks, and given his 6’4, 250 lbs build, he should be one for draftniks to keep tabs on.
Daniels’ hot start makes me think he could keep this one close, but the roster strength of the Tigers stops me from backing them outright.
Pick: Kansas +6.5 points
Michigan at Oklahoma, 7.30PM ET / 12.30AM GMT, ABC
Oklahoma favoured by 4.5 points
Even with freshman phenom Bryce Underwood’s stellar first outing as Wolverines QB, Michigan heads to Norman as 4.5-point underdogs. Of course, this roster isn’t stacked like their recent National Championship one, but there is plenty of talent outside of the signal-caller. Alabama transfer Justice Haynes showed that defending the pass is not the only priority when facing Michigan. The running back had 159 rushing yards and three TDs last week.
The Sooners also have their own star QB in John Mateer. He is already drawing Baker Mayfield comparisons, and his moxie instils much more confidence across the board than Jackson Arnold did last season. The new offense under Ben Arbuckle could be enough to keep Brent Venables’ job safe and finally help Oklahoma break into the playoffs.
Despite the home advantage, I think Oklahoma gets upset in a close one. This strikes me as precisely the stage Bryce Underwood could thrive on and show how special he is. Give me the Wolverines and the points.
Pick: Michigan +4.5 points
Arizona State at Mississippi State, 7.30PM ET / 12.30 AM ET, ESPN2
Arizona State favoured by 6.5pts
Arizona State were one of the surprise packages of the 2024 CFB season and returns its two key players in QB Sam Leavitt and wideout Jordyn Tyson. The two paired up again last Saturday, with Tyson hauling in 141 receiving yards and two touchdowns against Northern Arizona. If the Bulldogs stand any chance of an upset, shackling those two is imperative.
Jeff Lebby is going to need the cowbells to be at their loudest in Starkville for this one. The Bulldogs went 2-10 last year and remain a basement dweller in the SEC. However, they were only seven points adrift in this game last year, and that was in Tempe. So don’t fully discount the upset.
I’m a big Sam Leavitt fan. I believe that he can make his first foray into SEC country and grab the win. It will be a good way of showing the Sun Devils are ready for another tilt at the Big 12 title.
Pick: Arizona State -6.5 points
Rory-Joe Daniels
NFL & Cfb contributor
AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.