Gridiron Guru: College Football Picks Week 2

Clifton Canady – Staff Writer

Clemson vs. Appalachian State – 8pm

Despite Clemson’s rough start to the season with a loss, they are still ranked No. 25 and are playing at home, which gives them a significant advantage. The Tigers are also 17-point favorites, indicating that they are expected to perform well against Appalachian State. Clemson has an 81.6% chance of winning via ESPN. Given these factors, I believe Clemson will secure a victory, bouncing back from their previous defeat.

Clemson 34, Appalachian State 13

4 Texas @ 9 Michigan – Noon

I believe Texas will win their matchup against Michigan. Despite Michigan’s strong home record and recent success, Texas comes into this game as a 5.5-point favorite, which suggests confidence in their ability to perform well on the road. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has been impressive, and his ability to scramble and make plays could be a key factor in overcoming Michigan’s defense. Additionally, while Michigan has had to replace several key players from their championship team, Texas has maintained a strong roster and is poised to capitalize on any weaknesses in Michigan’s rebuilt lineup. 

4 Texas, 31, 9 Michigan 27 

15 Tennessee @ 24 NC State – 7:30pm

Tennessee is coming off a dominant 69-3 victory over Chattanooga, showcasing their strong offensive and defensive capabilities. The Volunteers are favored by 7.5 points, indicating confidence in their ability to perform well against NC State. Additionally, concerns have been raised about NC State’s line play, which struggled against an FCS opponent, suggesting they may face challenges against Tennessee’s deep and talented defensive front. 

15 Tennessee 35, 24 NC State 14

Colorado @ Nebraska – 7:30pm

 Nebraska is playing at home in Memorial Stadium, which provides a significant advantage. The Cornhuskers have a strong running game, having run the ball on 47 attempts for 223 yards in their previous game against UTEP, which could be effective against Colorado’s defense that allowed 157 rushing yards in their last outing vs. ND State. Additionally, Nebraska’s true freshman quarterback, Dylan Raiola, brings elite arm talent and poise, which could be pivotal in overcoming Colorado’s defense. Despite Colorado’s recent success over Nebraska last season, I think Nebraska’s home-field advantage and their ability to control the game on the ground will lead them to a victory.

Colorado 21, Nebraska 28

South Carolina @ Kentucky – 3:30pm

Playing at home gives Kentucky a significant advantage. They opened as a 7.5-point favorite, and the odds have since shifted to 10 points, but I think it will be closer to 17 points. Additionally, Kentucky’s defense can exploit South Carolina’s pass-defense struggles.

South Carolina 10 Kentucky 27

Garrett Mitchell- Staff Writer

Clemson vs. Appalachian State – 8pm

The Tigers took it squarely on the chin in a disheartening performance against Georgia last week. There were lots of concerns once again about the offense exiting the game, and App State is no slouch and have a history of big upsets. Clemson finds some things that work this week and the defense turns in a stellar performance. Tigers rebound.

Clemson 31, Appalachian State 17

4 Texas @ 9 Michigan – Noon

This will be a highly entertaining game, but Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns are explosive. More explosive than Michigan. Texas will overwhelm the Wolverines with their offense in the second half. Hook’em.

Texas 38, Michigan 24

15 Tennessee @ 24 NC State – 7:30pm

Another top 25 match-up, this has the makings of a game that goes deep in the second half, too. I think the Wolfpack put up a game fight early but too many weapons up there in Knoxville break it open in the final two quarters. I “Volunteer” this score.

Tennessee 41, NC State 24

Colorado @ Nebraska – 7:30pm

Come on Coach Prime, you barely beat North Dakota State. The Buffalos are not back. Nebraska does not light the world on fire either, but they will keep it a bit too warm for Colorado.

Nebraska 31, Colorado 28

South Carolina @ Kentucky – 3:30pm

The Gamecocks barely beat Old Dominion needed some self-inflected help from their opponent to hold on for dear life. I’m not sure what their favorite music is in Columbia, but I think South Carolina will be singing “blue” grass by the time this one is over.

Kentucky 27, South Carolina 17

Casey Cregan – Staff Writer

Clemson vs. Appalachian State – 8pm

Tough opener for our Tigers. Most of us here at Clemson Sports Media thought it would be closer than it actually was. I’m in the minority, I believe, thinking that the game really was not all that bad. There’s been a ton of over-reaction all week already. App State gives major progams fits, always has. They won big last week against ETSU, but the theme here is the score(s) from both games may be slightly deceiving. I’m thinking Clemson gets back on track in week 2. But it may be close for a while.

Clemson 38, App State 17

4 Texas @ 9 Michigan – Noon

Texas looked good week one. Surprising to some, so did Michigan. I like this match-up, early in the season, at the Big House. Weather will not be an issue here. Give me Texas and Quinn Ewers over Michigan on the road.

Texas 31, Michigan 28

15 Tennessee @ 24 NC State – 7:30pm

The night slate of games this week is nice and loaded. Carter-Finley Stadium is a raucous crowd. They love their brown liquor in Raleigh. Tennessee may be the craziest fanbase in the country, and I use the word craziest literally. NC State had to battle to pull out a come from behind victory against Western Carolina, while Tennessee beat Chattanooga like Georgia beat Florida State in the bowl game. Give me Nico Iamaleava and the Vols here, on the road…BIG!

Tennessee 45, NC State 14

Colorado @ Nebraska – 7:30pm

Everyone loves to hate on Deion Sanders and his kids plus Travis Hunter. But Hunter may be the best all-around player in the country. The kid is special. As much as I’d love for Nebraska to humble the boys from Boulder, I think this one is a close, one-score game in favor of the Buffalos. Nebraska is close to being back. Matt Rhule has them on the upward trajectory. Quarterback Dylan Raiola had a really nice start to open his career in Lincoln. But I’m going with Coach Prime here.

Colorado 31, Nebraska 30

South Carolina @ Kentucky – 3:30pm

So happy the Gamecocks are our rival. I was not feeling good about the Georgia game at all, and turned on the crowers from the midlands and they legitimately were struggling to move the ball against Old Dominion. It was fun to watch for a hater. Kentucky beat a woeful Southern Miss in a weather-shortened game, and really no stats jump off the page at all. This will be a big start for both starting QBs Brock Vandagriff (UK) and Lenoris Sellers (UofSC). The Cocks ran for 174 yards a week ago, with Rocket Sanders leading the way, with Sellers the 2nd most rushing yards. This game will come down to who can stop the run, and I will trust a Stoops when talking about defense.

Kentucky 15, South Carolina 9

Griffin Barfield – Staff Writer

Appalachian State @ 25 Clemson – 8pm

Night games in Death Valley are back, and they favor Clemson by a lot. The Tigers are coming off of a tough loss and will bounce back on Saturday night, but Appalachian State can play. Phil Mafah has a huge game, over 100 yards and a touchdown, and Clemson get a win on the season.

Clemson 31, Appalachian State 15

4 Texas @ 9 Michigan – Noon

This is another College Football Playoff type game. Michigan’s defense looked incredible, and Texas took care of business pretty well too a week ago. The only question mark, for me, especially early on in the season, is the Michigan offense. Donovan Edwards and Colston Loveland are the only two returning standouts from that Wolverine offense a year ago, and Texas brought back a lot. Despite the game being in the Big House, Texas will go two years in a row with taking down a top-10 out-of-conference opponent in an away stadium. Michigan should not be slept on at all, though.

Texas 24, Michigan 21

15 Tennessee vs. 24 NC State

How about the Vols Week 1? Nico Iamaleava looked incredible and could be a Heisman sleeper. While the game is in Charlotte for a neutral site, I want to see how NC State’s offense bounces back. Grayson McCall had a shaky first start for the Wolfpack, and he plays a tougher defense than a week ago. Tennesee can run the table in the SEC, I’m afraid. They win big in Charlotte.

Tennessee 35 NC State 20

Colorado @ Nebraska

I’m fading the public here regarding Shadeur Sanders. I think that he is all the hype and he proved it last Thursday against North Dakota State, the best FCS team in the country. Travis Hunter is the best playmaker in the country, and that alone will play a huge factor on Saturday. I’m interested to see how Huskers QB Dylan Raiola plays, and I think he gets a reality check. Buffs keep going, winning in a shootout and beginning another great start to the season.

Colorado 35, Nebraska 31

South Carolina @ Kentucky – 3:30pm

This one is ugly, especially after watching Old Dominion vs. UofSC. LaNorris Sellers wasn’t the guy I thought he’d be (yet) but an interesting battle between two SEC teams early on. The game is in Lexington and I do not see an identity for this South Carolina squad yet. Brock Vandergriff settles in nicer than Sellers on Saturday and wins a low-scoring affair

Kentucky 20, South Carolina 10

Angelo Feliberty – Staff Writer

App State @ 25 Clemson – 8 pm

The Tigers coming off a rough loss to the best team in College Football, so it’s a must for them to bounce back, especially against an inferior opponent like App State. App still have talented players I just don’t see them being able to keep up. With Clemson starting as 17-point favorites and The Tigers playing their home opener on a night, both the players and the fans should be geared up for this game. Remember, in the four games that they have played, Clemson has never lost to this team.

Clemson 33, App State 17

4 Texas @ 9 Michigan – Noon

After a slow start against Fresno State last week, a lot of people are just throwing out the possibility that Michigan could win this game; I’m not one of them. I still think this Michigan defense can create multiple key stops and takeaways on such an explosive offense like Texas. The only problem I have with Michigan is their questionable offense, regardless this is my personal game of the week and Will Johnson will prove once again why he’ll go top five in the 2025 draft.

Michigan 27, Texas 24

15 Tennessee @ 24 NC State – 7:30pm

Two words, Nico Iamaleava. Tennessee, top to bottom, absolutely balled out against Chattanooga in Week 1, beating them 69-3. While we have to take it with a grain of salt due to the inferior competition, NC State was losing to their weaker opponent, Western Carolina, for basically the entire game. New transfer QB Grayson McCall looked very rusty but the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year, KC Concepcion, showed why he’s such an elite talent, catching three touchdowns and help led NC State to a comeback win in the 4Q. Basically what I’m trying to say is, Concepcion will try to keep NC State in the game with Iamaleava and Tennessee’s offense, but it won’t work for too long based on how tough that Volunteer defense gets.

Tennessee 40, NC State 24

Colorado @ Nebraska – 7:30pm

As someone who’s huge on Shedeur and Travis, I think they can definitely edge this one out. With Shedeur Sanders being one of the best QB’s in the country and Travis Hunter being the best player in the country, in my opinion, this offense will be too much for the true-freshman Dylan Raiola. However, given Colorado’s weak offensive line, run game, and defense, I do believe that this will be a very tight game. They have the same issues as last year, but I believe Colorado’s offensive will be playing at full tilt while Raiola still has to get used to playing college football and taking on a competition of note. #SkoBuffs

Colorado 30, Nebraska 24

South Carolina @ Kentucky – 3:30pm

South Carolina and their new QB LaNorris Sellers didn’t look too impressive against Old Dominion last weekend and don’t seem to really have an identity on offense. Their defense is extremely sub-par from what we saw as well. Kentucky looked good against Southern Miss last week and I think they can carry that into this game, beating South Carolina by a healthy margin. Vandagriff looked pretty solid and they seem to actually know what plays to execute for their team to succeed.

Kentucky 24, South Carolina 13

Anthony Weeks – Staff Writer

Clemson vs. Appalachian State – 8pm

Clemson 42, Appalachian State 17

4 Texas @ 9 Michigan – Noon

Texas 35, Michigan 24

15 Tennessee @ 24 NC State – 7:30pm

Tennessee 38, NC State 14

Colorado @ Nebraska – 7:30pm

Colorado 31 , Nebraska 9

South Carolina @ Kentucky – 3:30pm

South Carolina 14, Kentucky 28