The number of ranked games in college football’s Week 2 schedule is significantly lower than it was the previous week. There is, in reality, only one. It does not, however, imply that there will not be any surprises. We’ve brought back our staff pickers to try to find out where such unexpected outcomes could occur.
In the only game with a ranking, No. 13 Michigan visits No. 24 Oklahoma. While No. 10 Arizona State is traveling to Mississippi State, No. 12 Illinois is traveling to Duke, and No. 14 Mississippi begins SEC play at Kentucky, a number of other Top 25 teams are also leaving town.
The schedule also includes some in-state matchups, such as No. 15 Florida welcoming upstart South Florida to Gainesville and No. 18 Iowa State hosting the yearly matchup with archrival Iowa. Our experts’ opinions on those and other games featuring the US LBM Coaches Poll Top 25 are shown here.
No. 6 Oklahoma vs. No. 9 Michigan
This matchup at Michigan Stadium will test both teams’ playoff aspirations. Oklahoma’s offense, led by its new starting quarterback, will look to exploit Michigan’s rebuilt secondary. The Wolverines, however, will lean heavily on their powerful run game and home-field advantage in Ann Arbor.
Prediction: Michigan pulls out a close win, 27–24.
No. 1 Texas vs. Indiana
Fresh off a Week 1 statement victory, the Longhorns face Indiana in Austin. Arch Manning and the Texas offense look nearly unstoppable, and Indiana will have trouble keeping up on the scoreboard.
Prediction: Texas wins comfortably, 41–17.
No. 3 Ohio State at SMU
The Buckeyes travel to Dallas for an early road test against SMU. Ohio State’s defense will be tasked with slowing down an explosive passing attack, but their own offensive firepower should carry them through.
Prediction: Ohio State survives, 35–24.
No. 4 Clemson vs. South Carolina
The Palmetto State rivalry comes early this year with Clemson hosting South Carolina in Death Valley. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik looks to continue his momentum, while the Gamecocks aim for an upset with their aggressive defense.
Prediction: Clemson takes control late, 31–21.
No. 7 Oregon at Boise State
A tricky road trip for the Ducks, who head to the blue turf in Boise. Oregon’s speed and depth give them the edge, but Boise State has a history of big nonconference upsets.
Prediction: Oregon escapes with a 30–23 win.
Other Key Week 2 Games
- Notre Dame vs. Florida – Notre Dame by 6
- Alabama vs. Ole Miss – Alabama by 10
- Penn State vs. West Virginia – Penn State by 14
- LSU vs. Arizona State – LSU by 7
Week 2 delivers a schedule loaded with playoff-level implications. Oklahoma–Michigan headlines the action, but games involving Texas, Ohio State, Clemson, and Oregon could all shake up the rankings. By Sunday, the playoff picture may look very different.
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