Takes on College Football: Against the Spread, Week Two

Week Two is in full swing! Each week, two of the most unqualified writers at The Alabama Take will give our picks for the college football games, and we're going against the spread. We are not experts (though our percentages are better than some). So check here before you call the bookie! It's our best guess at the best bets with the lowest stress. It's our college football picks of the week! 2019 ATS Record Blaine Duncan: 3-0 (Week One: 3-0) TD Wood:  1-1-1 (Week One: 1-1-1) Blaine Duncan Going 3-0 last week, I'm confident. Watch as that confidence will blow out the window by noon this game day. I will say that all three of these games caught my eye immediately. Nebraska at Colorado (+4): I'm going back to my idea that a home team getting points can't hardly be beat and I'll double down on this game by saying that you don't put money on the dog unless you think that they can win outright. The Buffaloes will get the victory here on Folsom Field in Boulder: they'll send Scott Frost and his Cornhuskers back to Nebraska, crying into their Eric Crouch jerseys. Wyoming (-7) at Texas State: Ignore what I said about a home team getting points for now. The Pokes got a big win against an unlikely SEC team in Missouri last week and that could've used up some of their against-the-spread capital. I don't think so. They're well coached and it takes talent to beat Mizzou, even in a down year for the Tigers. If this game were in Laramie, I'd say that the spread would be double. Craig Bohl is finding a great footing as coach, and the Cowboys will will by double digits easily. Tulane at Auburn (-17.5): Some lines just draw you in like a tractor beam. This is one. It's hard to say what Vegas has in mind for this one, but it's possible that Auburn is given a low line against a low-tier opponent in their first home (night) game of the season because they should be worn out, physically and emotionally, after that helluva game against Oregon last week in Dallas. That may prove to be the case, but I like Auburn to win by a minimum of three touchdowns here.

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TD Wood A 1-1-1 start is not ideal, but I don't feel terrible about it, either, considering Auburn's back door cover and Louisville's push. Georgia didn't look spectacular, but Vandy'll do that to you. Couple of big early season non-conference games in LSU/Texas and Texas A&M/Clemson. I'm also looking at College Park, MD, where the Terps host Syracuse.

Syracuse (+1) at Maryland: I'm curious about this line. Yes, Maryland won 79-0 last week, BUT, two things: They played Howard, and week one Maryland is basically the New England Patriots. The Terps haven't lost their opener since 2009. Syracuse shutout Liberty and gave us the moment of the season in week one when, well, Hugh Freeze did some things. I like the Orange's defense on the road. Texas A&M (+16.5) at Clemson: This game is a big, early litmus test of the Jimbo Fisher era at A&M. They nearly pulled the upset last season, but that was down in College Station. While it isn't primetime, the national spotlight will shine on this one nonetheless, and whether the Aggies can stay close depends on how Kellen Mond plays. If he can limit mistakes and make a big play or two, the defending champs will have to fend off another upset. I think the Tigers pull away late, but A&M fights hard. LSU at Texas (+6.5): Our primetime showcase this week will finally give us an answer as to which program is officially "back." Whew, thank the lords. LSU demolished Georgia Southern last week, and people are excited about, let me tell you. Texas also looked good, against slightly more impressive but not by much Louisiana Tech. I like the Longhorns D, and expect them to give this LSU offense fits. If the Texas offense can generate some big plays, they can win outright. My pick comes down to coaches, and I like Tom Herman in a big game a hell of lot more than I do Ed Orgeron. Note: All games are Against the Spread. Odds are taken from the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook.