Almost every year I start this column talking about the perfect pairing of tradition and college football betting. Well, welcome to 2020, where people throw ducks at balloons and nothing is as it seems.
So, with all this year's craziness, I'm throwing caution to the wind and getting away from just the standard ATS NCAA football picks. Meaning, the Triple Option is bringing you some options. ATS picks, Over/Under predictions, first/second half derivatives, and maybe even some player props.
The Triple Option is back and here are my best college football picks and predictions for Week 2.
NCAA Football Picks and Predictions for Week 2
Clemson Tigers vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons
It's become a Triple Option tradition to take Alabama to cover the spread in their opening game of the college football season. No one gets their team more prepared to start a season than Nick Saban, leading Bama to a 13-0 SU and an 11-1 ATS record since he has been the head coach. But thanks to this topsy-turvy season, Alabama isn’t playing for a couple more weeks.
So, it seems only fitting that we transition this pick to Bama’s greatest rival the past few seasons – Clemson (I don’t want to hear it LSU/Auburn fans). If anyone can match Saban’s attention to detail and preparedness, it’s Dabo Swinney.
On top of that, Swinney enters the year with, for my money, the most talented team in the nation. That includes the country’s best quarterback in Trevor Lawrence. So, while you may see a spread of -32.5 and immediately think to side with the dog, let me tell you to stick with these cats.
If there is any team used to big spreads, it’s the Tigers. Clemson was a 24-point or greater favorite 12 times last season. Which is crazy enough in itself, but made even crazier by the fact that the Tigers went 10-2 ATS in those games. The reason is the Tigers just have insane depth. Plus, Travis Etienne, as well as the Tigers’ whole defensive line return.
For Wake Forest, Sam Hartman is a capable QB, but the problem is, he may not have a lot of help. The Demon Deacons have to replace their three pass catchers, their starting running back, and most of their offensive line.
Don’t get cute here. Fade Clemson at your own risk.
PREDICTION: Clemson -32.5 (-110)
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Louisville Cardinals
A dumpster fire was probably the nicest way to describe Louisville football in 2018. But enter Scott Satterfield as the new head coach in 2019, and the way he's turned around that program in this short period of time is nothing short of incredible.
After looking like a team that didn’t want to take the field in 2018, the Cardinals went 8-5 last season, finishing second behind Clemson in the ACC Atlantic. And while there are still areas that need improvement, the Cardinals are primed to keep getting better.
Lousiville may have the best playmakers outside of Clemson, headlined by three-headed monster QB Micale Cunningham, RB Javian Hawkins and WR Tutu Atwell. The dual-threat Cunningham had 22 touchdown passes with only five interceptions. Hawkins rumbled for 1,525 yards. And Atwell led the ACC in receiving yards per game.
They go up against a Western Kentucky team that is known for its defense. But those numbers were boosted by playing in the offensively-challenged C-USA. They gave up 415 yards when they faced this same Louisville team last season, in a 38-21 win for the Cards.
Mix in the fact the Hilltoppers have to replace their starting quarterback and top wideout, and the Cardinals' skill position players will be too much for them to overcome.
PREDICTION: Louisville -11.5 (-110)
UL Lafayette Ragin Cajuns vs Iowa State Cyclones
You can make the case that Louisiana vs Iowa State could be the best college football game to watch this weekend. The Cyclones are dark horse contenders in the Big 12 and return one of the conference’s best quarterbacks in Brock Purdy. While the Ragin Cajuns are coming off an 11-win season and are one of the betting favorites to win the Sun Belt behind a high-powered offense.
Purdy is coming off a year where he broke Iowa State's single-season passing records for yards, completions and touchdowns. But Purdy losses his top receiver, and doesn’t get a ton of support from the running game. On top of that, the Cyclones went just 5-7-1 ATS last season and 1-3-1 ATS as double-digit faves.
Meanwhile, former Nick Saban disciple Billy Napier is building quiet the program at Louisiana. The 11 wins was a school record, and they return most of the key contributors. QB Levi Lewis was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country, and the Ragin Cajuns’ backfield of Elijah Mitchell and Trey Ragas may be the best duo in the country.
Louisiana also had arguably the Sun Belt’s best defense. Obviously those numbers don’t mean as much against a Power 5 school, but the one-dimensionality of the Cyclones offense should allow the Ragin Cajuns to focus on one area.
Iowa State will likely hit a few big plays, but if the Ragin Cajuns can find some balance on offense against a good Cyclones defense, then this one will be uncomfortable for Iowa State fans.
PREDICTION: Louisiana +11.5 (-110)
Triple Option NCAA football betting card for Week 2
- Clemson -32.5 (-110)
- Louisville -11.5 (-110)
- Louisiana +11.5 (-110)
Top NCAA Football Consensus for Week 2
Want to know who this week's biggest NCAA betting and consensus bets are right now? Check out our top NCAAF consensus picks.
Did you know that if you parlayed today’s NCAA football picks, you could win $59.58 on a $10 bet?
Use our NCAA parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
Where can I bet on college football?
You can bet on college football odds at every online and casino sportsbooks, including NCAA football point spreads, Over/Under totals, derivative bets and even prop plays as well. Head over to our best-suggested sportsbooks for the top spots to bet on college football odds in your area.
