Takes on College Football: Against the Spread, Week Two

After feeling around in the dark for Week One's picks, we should have at least a dim lamp to shine on the teams to see whom they truly are. We are here every Friday to give you our best guesses at some games against the spread. Let's get at it! 

2021 ATS Record
Blaine Duncan: 2-1 (Week One: 2-1)
TD Wood: 1-2 (Week One: 1-2)

Blaine Duncan
My only loss last week was with Clemson, and I warned anyone with good sense to stay away from that game. I do not have good sense. That game was a toss up from the start: the 10-3 final score should tell you all you need to know.

Iowa at Iowa State (-4) -- I almost picked Miami in this slot, but something was screaming inside of me not to go that route. I had to be convinced of this one, so do with that what you will. I do like Matt Campbell and have always relied on him when I didn't know what to do. It's the same thing here. The Cyclones are at home and they've had a week to look better. I'm taking them over the Hawkeyes.  

N.C. State at Mississippi State (OVER 56) -- Ah, yes. Betting the over! It's always fun. First one of the year for me, and here's why I picked this one: N.C. State QB Devin Leary threw for 232 years last week, Mississippi State QB Will Rogers threw for 370 yards, Mike Leach coaches Mississippi State, and I have no idea who will win since State is battling at home. It's a night game, so the cowbells will be ringing loudly. I suspect Leary keeps it close and the Wolfpack wins, but we all win if touchdown after touchdown lights up the scoreboard. 

Stanford (+17.5) at USC -- I like how this line is a bit of a reaction to Stanford's loss to Kansas State last week, after which head Coach David Shaw named Tanner McKee the starting QB. When McKee came in, he threw for 83% and the team's only touchdown. Granted, USC is good this year, but Stanford will play them close and much tougher than they did Kansas State as this is their first conference game. 

***

TD Wood
Two backdoors, typical. But like Blaine said, Week 1 gives us something to work with going forward. 

Pitt (-3) at Tennessee -- I told myself before the season I'd pick against the Vols until they proved me wrong, and I didn't get to pick against them last week, so I can't bail now. I like the Panthers this year, too. 

Washington (+6.5) at Michigan -- I think a lot of people are going to overreact to the Huskies loss to Montana. While that's not a good sign, they'll be out to prove they're not that team, and who can trust Jim Harbaugh's Wolverines? 

*Game of the Week* Oregon (+14.5) at Ohio State -- This is the Ducks' chance to prove they can hang with the giants of college football. You want to make the CFP, you gotta win these games. The Buckeyes looked a lot better than the Ducks did last week, but Oregon will hang tough.

Note: All games are Against the Spread. Odds are taken from the MGM Sportsbook.