Alright @HoozGotNext gave me the idea for this so you can give him credit/blame depending on how you look at it. For years I’ve enjoyed picking college football games against the spread. There was a time I was actually really good at it (hitting about 65%) those times are gone as I don’t have that type of time to research anymore. In addition, this college football season is by far the most unpredictable thanks to COVID-19. As Hoos fans we’ve already seen the damage it can do.
Anyways, here are my picks for week 2 of the college football season, and remember this is just for fun, so take what I say with a grain of salt.
Duke vs. Notre Dame -21
Notre Dame is in the ACC… for now… Last year was an off year for Duke and coach David Cuttcliffe. They are looking to have a bounce back in 2020, but they have a big uphill battle to start things off with a Notre Dame program that has been eager to get on the field. Last year this game went ND’s way 38-7, This year’s game won’t be any better. Notre Dame runs all over Duke and covers the -21 points no problem.
Syracuse vs. North Carolina -23.5
I don’t have a lot to say about this one. Syracuse was the biggest disappointment in the ACC last year. This year they won’t be disappointing anyone, they just aren’t a great team. Mack Brown on the other hand is building a very good program in Chapel Hill (I hate saying that but it’s true). The TarHeels have a stud under center, and an active defense that can fly to the ball. Expect UNC to come out firing early and looking to attack the Syracuse secondary. It’s a lot of points but UNC covers the -23.5
Louisiana vs. Iowa St -11.5
Most of us probably did not watch the Ragin’ Cajuns play last year, but they had a barn burner of an offense throwing finishing in the top 10 nationally in the majority of offensive stats like total offense. Iowa St is a good team, and they will cause havoc in an uneasy Big-12. However, first game of the season, taking on a team with a high power somewhat unorthodox offense is a recipe for upset city. I like the Rajin’ Cajuns to keep this one close and make the Cyclones uncomfortable. Louisiana covers the +11.5
Florida State v. Georgia Tech +13.5
Florida State is rebuilding again. That’s a strange phrase to even think about as someone who grew up in the 90’s and watched FSU dominate everyone. But Really this rebuild dates back to the end of the Jimbo Fisher era, he left the cubbards bare for Willie Taggart, and Mike Norvell is not left with much to start his tenure with either. Toss in a ton of trouble/smoke/discontent with FSU players and the coaching staff, and you have to question how much does FSU actually have it all together. For Georgia Tech they were a big surprise to watch last year. The Yellow Jackets are building something special in Atlanta. Head coach Geoff Collins has brought an energy to the program and to the the city of Atlanta. I like them to stick around for the entire game, and force FSU to question themselves throughout. Georgia Tech covers the +13.5.