The college football betting season is off to a wild start. In Week 2, we had several games in which underdogs of at least 13 points won outright, and all of those instances were on the road. Georgia Southern won as a 23-point underdog at Nebraska. Appalachian State won as an 18-point dog at Texas A&M. Washington State won as a 17-point underdog at Wisconsin. Kansas won as a 13-point road underdog at West Virginia. It was absolutely crazy, and now we get to see if there will be even more surprises in store for college football fans.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Auburn Tigers Odds by BetAnySports
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State | -3 ( -110 ) | 47 ( -110 ) | -155 |  |
| Auburn | +3 ( -110 ) | 47 ( -110 ) | +135 | |
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Penn State barely got by Purdue in its season opener. The Nittany Lions defeated Ohio comfortably in Week 2, but it’s hard to put a lot of stock into a game against a weaker cream-puff opponent, much as it’s hard to take a lot of meaning from Auburn beating San Jose State this past weekend. Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin is under a lot of pressure to deliver the goods this season, and his performance on the recruiting trail was not viewed very favorably.
He’s in real trouble, and a win over Penn State is absolutely essential in giving him a chance to save his job. If he loses, it’s going to be even tougher to beat all the good teams in the SEC West. Harsin has to have this game if he wants to create a scenario in which he can survive and get a 2023 season at Auburn.
Ultimately, Auburn does not have the offense which can threaten Penn State’s quality defense. This looks like a low-scoring and very ugly game in which Penn State is a little tougher down the stretch.
Pick: Penn State -3.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Texas A&M Aggies Odds
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | +5½ ( -110 ) | 44½ ( -110 ) | +180 | |
| Texas A&M | -5½ ( -110 ) | 44½ ( -110 ) | -220 | |
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Texas A&M was embarrassed last week by Appalachian State. It’s not just that the Aggies lost, though that was the main reason why they were embarrassed. They got beaten up. Appalachian State dominated in time of possession, yards, first downs, and most of the statistical scoreboard. The Sun Belt Conference team was better than the SEC team with the No. 1-ranked recruiting class. Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher was unable to make offensive or defensive adjustments. His team looked really bad.
Miami didn’t look good. It trailed Southern Miss at home 7-3 late in the second quarter. The Canes’ offensive line was outplayed by the Golden Eagles’ defensive front. Miami woke up in the second half to win, but this does not look like a contender in the ACC. Miami has to dramatically improve in order to beat a vulnerable A&M team. The Aggies probably win outright, but Miami probably keeps it close.
Pick: Miami +5.5.
BYU Cougars vs. Oregon Ducks Odds
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYU | +3½ ( -110 ) | 58 ( -110 ) | +150 | |
| Oregon | -3½ ( -110 ) | 58 ( -110 ) | -170 | |
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This is a huge game. Oregon has to win to avoid falling to 1-2. BYU has a chance at the College Football Playoff if it can finish the season at 11-1. Getting past Oregon would really improve the Cougars’ odds. BYU just beat Baylor in a very intense game.
Quarterback Jaren Hall and receiver Chase Roberts established a very good rapport. Oregon’s passing game needs to find a similarly potent downfield connection, but the Ducks don’t look very dynamic on offense this season. BYU will probably find a way to win on the road in Eugene.
Pick: BYU +3.5.
