College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (2024)

While the Power Five is kicking off the 2020 college football season a couple weeks later than initially scheduled as the COVID-19 pandemic has shuffled the sport's entIre schedule, the ACC and Big 12 are officially beginning en masse on Saturday with nearly every team in action. The SEC is still a couple weeks away from beginning its season (Sept. 26), and the Big Ten and Pac-12 are currently surveying playing in spring 2021, but major college football is nevertheless on the deck this weekend.

Preseason No.1 Clemson makes its debut in primetime when it battles conference foe Wake Forest at home. No. 10 Notre Dame, a one-season member of the ACC, takes on Duke at home in one of the featured late afternoon matchups. No Big 12 teams are facing each other, but its most prominent members, No. 5 Oklahoma and No. 14 Texas, will be in action on Saturday night against Missouri State and UTEP, respectively.

Let's take a look at the biggest games on the schedule Saturday along with our picks and predictions for what will transpire in those contests. Our CBS Sports college football experts have picked every game both straight up and against the spread, giving you ample opportunity to decide how to make your picks ahead of kickoff.All times Eastern

Duke at No. 10 Notre Dame (-20.5) -- 2:30 p.m. on NBC:Picking games will be harder than ever before this year because we might not find out players are missing until just before kickoff. Still, given what we know about both of these teams heading into Saturday, I have a hard time not taking the Fighting Irish. The Irish beat Duke 38-7 last season in Durham, North Carolina, and I don't think enough has changed for either team to expect this year's contest to go much differently. I feel comfortable taking the Irish at anything better than three touchdowns.Pick: Notre Dame (-20.5) -- Tom Fornelli


College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (1)

Dennis Dodd

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (2)

Chip Patterson

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (3)

Tom Fornelli

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (4)

Barrett Sallee

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (5)

Ben Kercheval

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (6)

Jerry Palm

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (7)

David Cobb

ND -20.5

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

S/U

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Georgia Tech at Florida State (-12.5) -- 3:30 p.m. on ABC:Both defenses should have an early edge because of their returning talent and the fact that neither offense inspires confidence as a unit capable of a breakout performance in Week 1. It's going to take the Seminoles time install and execute everything new coach Mike Norvell wants to do, and for that reason, it's tough to see Florida State scoring enough to pull away. Georgia Tech's running game should generate enough punch to score at least a couple of times and keep the Yellow Jackets within the spread. Pick: Georgia Tech (+12.5) -- David Cobb

No. 1 Clemson (-33) at Wake Forest -- 7:30 p.m. on ABC:National television is going to be a heck of a stage for the entire country to realize that Clemson's defensive line is right back to 2017-18 levels of depth and dominance. Sophom*ore Tyler Davis is going to be one of the best interior defensive linemen in the country this season, fellow sophom*ore K.J. Henry is ready to be the next great Clemson pass rusher and the true freshman duo of Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy have "over-delivered" on their five-star promise according to Clemson's coaches. That group is going to run five or six deep with player that could start on any line in the conference, and it's going to cause all kinds of problems for Wake Forest in this matchup. Even if Trevor Lawrence gets off to a 2019-like slow start with his top targets gone, the defense will be so disruptive it will be tough for the Demon Deacons offense to get in any kind of rhythm.Pick: Clemson (-33) -- Chip Patterson


College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (22)

Dennis Dodd

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (23)

Chip Patterson

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (24)

Tom Fornelli

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (25)

Barrett Sallee

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (26)

Ben Kercheval

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (27)

Jerry Palm

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (28)

David Cobb

CLEM -33

Clemson

Clemson

Clemson

Wake Forest

Clemson

Clemson

Clemson

S/U

Clemson

Clemson

Clemson

Clemson

Clemson

Clemson

Clemson

UTEP at No. 14 Texas (-14) -- 8 p.m. on Longhorn Network:Bookmakers predict this will be a blowout, and I'm not inclined to disagree. Personally, huge early-season lines like this aren't fun because it's clear who the better team is -- it's just whether they keep their foot on the gas pedal long enough to cover. The Miners have been bad for a while, having won just two games in the past three years. A 24-14 win over Stephen F. Austin of the FCS ranks in Week 1 didn't exactly inspire a ton of confidence for a cover this week. Lay the points, I guess.Pick: Texas -43.5 -- Ben Kercheval


College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (43)

Dennis Dodd

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (44)

Chip Patterson

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (45)

Tom Fornelli

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (46)

Barrett Sallee

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (47)

Ben Kercheval

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (48)

Jerry Palm

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (49)

David Cobb

UT -43.5

UTEP

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

UTEP

UTEP

S/U

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Syracuse at No. 18 North Carolina (-22.5) -- Noon on ACC Network:This is a big, whopping number for a conference game that will be the first action for either team after limited-to-no spring and a socially distanced preseason camp. While I'm all in on North Carolina having one of the best offenses in the ACC this season, you have to leave room for some first week hiccups in your expectations for this game. Those points might show up in less touchdowns but also in having to settle for field goals when that high-octane offense gets into scoring position and the field shrinks. Then I'm looking at Tommy DeVito and wondering if, after a very disappointing 2019, he's taken the steps forward to go put a couple touchdowns on the board against North Carolina's defense. The Tar Heels will win handily, but more than three touchdowns is a big ask at this point in the season.Pick: Syracuse (+22.5) -- Chip Patterson


College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (64)

Dennis Dodd

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (65)

Chip Patterson

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (66)

Tom Fornelli

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (67)

Barrett Sallee

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (68)

Ben Kercheval

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (69)

Jerry Palm

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (70)

David Cobb

UNC -22.5

Syracuse

Syracuse

Syracuse

Syracuse

Syracuse

North Carolina

Syracuse

S/U

North Carolina

North Carolina

North Carolina

North Carolina

North Carolina

North Carolina

North Carolina

College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for key top 25 games in Week 2 (2024)

FAQs

What is the best website for college football predictions? ›

Dimers.com is the home of the best college football predictions, providing fans with the tools, computer analysis, and expert data to excel at college football betting.

How accurate are college football predictions? ›

Over the past 10 years, a sample of 339 bowl games, the preseason Coaches poll predicted 59.9% of bowl game winners (163-109 with no prediction in 67 games with two unranked teams). The AP poll didn't do much worse at 58.8% of winners (154-108 with no prediction in 77 games).

How top 25 fared in college football? ›

AP Top 25 Updated Jan 8, 2024
RankTeamPoints
1Michigan (61) 15-01525
2Washington 14-11459
3Texas 12-21356
4Georgia 13-11328
21 more rows

Who will go to the national championship in college football? ›

College Football Playoff National Championship Game history
YEAR (GAME DATE)GAMELOCATION
2021No. 1 Alabama 52, No. 3 Ohio State 24Miami Gardens, Florida
2022No. 3 Georgia 33, No. 1 Alabama 18Indianapolis, Indiana
2023No. 1 Georgia 65, No. 3 TCU 7Inglewood, California
2024No. 1 Michigan 34, No. 2 Washington 13Houston, Texas
6 more rows
Feb 20, 2024

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Focuspredict remains the best football prediction site in the world and we are the only site that predicts football matches correctly to our bettors.

What is the number 1 football prediction site? ›

1. Betensured | Football Predictions & Tips. Betensured is one of the biggest operating football prediction website. It is the best source of well researched football statistics, analysis and predictions, sure 2 odds, sure 3 odds, football prediction site.

Who is the most accurate college football analyst? ›

Mel Kiper Jr. has served as an expert analyst for ESPN's annual NFL draft coverage since 1984, providing in-depth information on the nation's most talented college football players. His pre-draft predictions are frequently the most accurate in the business, often as much as 80 percent correct on first-round selections.

How accurate is ESPN predictor? ›

For context, ESPN's Matchup Predictor is based on a collective of analytics that is generated by AI. The predictor has an accuracy rate of 75% meaning it will not be 100% accurate but rather an educated prediction.

What is the most accurate sports prediction site? ›

Our top pick is BetIdeas. This popular website leverages AI to make accurate and risk-averse betting predictions. The majority of betting predictions are focused on soccer. This covers the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A, and Bundesliga.

What coach has the best winning percentage in college football history? ›

Larry Kehres has the highest winning percentage for a college football coach. Leading the list is Larry Kehres, who compiled a . 929 winning percentage while coaching the Mount Union Purple Raiders from 1986 to 2012.

What college football program has the best winning percentage? ›

College football programs best winning percentage

Alabama has played 1,344 games, whereas Ohio State is at 1,349. The Crimson Tide and Buckeyes are tied for the top win percentage at . 734 (Michigan is . 733).

Who is predicted to win the college football championship in 2024? ›

Odds To Win National Championship 2024
TeamTitle Odds
Ole Miss+1600
LSU+1600
Michigan+2000
Florida State+2500
14 more rows
May 20, 2024

Who is the favorite to win the college football championship? ›

The Georgia Bulldogs are the favorite to win the College Football National Championship with +300 odds.

Who won the Sugar Bowl in 2024? ›

What is the website to check football prediction? ›

MeritPredict is the best football prediction website in the world. Meritpredict makes it easier for punters and football bettors to win their games. we provide accurate football prediction for free to visitors to help them win their bets.

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What is the best site for NFL predictions? Dimers.com is the best site for NFL predictions. Dimers gives 🏈 fans the tools, computer analysis and expert data to excel at NFL betting in 2024. Dimers Pro provides unlimited access to our site, so check out our NFL score predictions and best NFL bets today.

What is the website for college football stats? ›

cfbstats.com - College Football Statistics.

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