Clay’s 2024 CFB Picks - Week 2
Welcome back to another week of college football picks! Last week was rough, with my record landing at 3-4. Clemson, Florida State, and West Virginia really stunk it up for me, and missing my Michigan pick by just one point didn't help either. But hey, that's the nature of college sports pick-ems—sometimes you hit it big, and other times, the unpredictable happens. With a new week ahead and plenty of great matchups, I'm ready to bounce back and give it another shot.
Arkansas at Oklahoma State (-7.5), Noon, ABC
In one of the most underrated wins of Week 1, and unlike previous years against inferior competition, Oklahoma State took care of business against FCS champion South Dakota State. Arkansas is undoubtedly a step up in talent. Last week, they murdered Arkansas Pine-Bluff, and the talented Talen Green is leading the way. But with a quality home-field advantage, I don't foresee the Cowboys underestimating the Razorbacks.
Pick: Oklahoma State -7.5
Texas (-7.5) at Michigan, Noon, Fox
Ahhh, the game of the week. The Longhorns are visiting The Big House, which should be an extremely exciting visual experience. The game, though? I just don't think that Michigan can score enough to hang with Texas very long. Michigan's defense is GREAT, but in college football, if you can't score, it doesn't matter. Offense is what takes it.
Pick: Texas -7.5
Baylor at Utah (-14.5), 3:30 p.m., Fox
Kyle Wittingham's teams are always ready to compete, and Dave Aranda's teams are sometimes ready to compete. That, in addition to the Utah home-field advantage, makes this an easy pick.
Pick: Utah -14.5
I need a Pause point in this blog.
I hate how I just picked three favorites in a row. Alright, we can continue now.
Cal at Auburn (-13.5), 3:30 p.m., ESPN2
I freaking love Jaydn Ott. He's an absolute monster, and some strategic ball control with the running game will allow Cal to slow down Auburn's fast-paced rushing attack.
Plus, anyone who says this last year has my attention.
"There's a lot of focus on the name Auburn," Ott said last September. "But what I see on film is not really in comparison to what their name is. I just want to get into my guys' heads that a name doesn't mean anything."
Pick: Cal +13.5
Iowa State at Iowa (-3), 3:30 p.m., CBS
What a disgusting game every year. I love it.
My pick comes down to three things.
Home game for Iowa
Iowa scored 40 points last week.
The over under last time I checked was 35.
Sounds like the perfect Iowa game.
Pick: Iowa -3
Colorado at Nebraska (-7.5), 7:30 p.m., NBC
7.5 points feels like a lot for a Nebraska team that hasn’t been to a bowl in 7 years. Will the moment be too big for Raiola? We will find out.
Take the points in a shootout.
Pick: Colorado +7.5
Tennessee (-7.5) at NC State, 7:30 p.m., ABC
I, and the rest of the country, wasn’t impressed by NC State last week. Something just wasn’t clicking. Tennessee was the opposite experience. They looked extremely good.
I think this is a bounce-back moment for NC State. I have watched McCall play a lot of ball over these past four years. His competitive spirit won't accept last week's performance.
Pick: NC State +7.5
Boise State at Oregon (-19.5), 10 p.m., Peacock
Oregon's offense struggled against Idaho at different points last week. I can confidently say that it will only get better from here. But you guys know how much I love Ashton Jeanty. The dude is a dawg. Boise State wants to make a statement as a G5 contender, and this is the chance to do it.
The Ducks win comfortably, but the Broncos cover.
Pick: Boise +19.5
Last week: 3-4
Total record: 3-4