The college football season enters its second major week of the 2024 season after an eventful Week 1. We didn’t necessarily see all that many upsets, but there were a ton of games in which the result at the end was far closer than what we all were expecting (see: Idaho vs. Oregon). 

What last week really did was give us an indication of what we may expect from certain teams in this campaign. Though it’s worth noting that Week 1 can many times be a rough go for teams in college football with no official preseason like the NFL.

 

 

 

All in all though, we still came out on top a week ago. Last Saturday’s CFB best bets went 5-3 and included some plus-money winners as well. This brings our early season total to +2.5 units and I can’t wait to see that puppy keep rising!

CFB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets: Saturday, 9/7

It's time to unveil our top CFB best bets for Week 2 of college football! In this Saturday’s article dedicated to CFB predictions, my spotlight is on the thrilling matchups set for September 7th. It’s not a great slate this week, but regardless, a handful of games are particularly noteworthy. 

So, let's dive into my Texas vs. Michigan prediction, South Alabama vs. Ohio prediction and Appalachian State vs. Clemson prediction and more. Without further ado, I present to you my CFB picks for this Saturday!

  • Season Record: 8-5
  • Units W/L: +2.5 Units

*All CFB best bets to be placed at 1 Unit unless otherwise specified. Be sure to follow me on X/Twitter @stevenw_hall!

 

 

 

Texas vs. Michigan Prediction: Saturday, September 7th

Full disclosure: I am a diehard Michigan fan. That being said, when I make CFB best bets, I obviously take my bias out of the way. Even still, I can’t quite find a read on this matchup from a spread standpoint, but I do happen to like the game total.

Part of being such a ride-or-die fan is knowing the strengths and weaknesses of a team and how they perform in games like this. For Michigan over the past few years, no matter how big of a game, one thing has remained consistent: their defense. 

They again should have one of the top units in the country when it’s all said and done and should be able to give even Quin Ewers troubles at times. Last week they allowed just 9 rushing yards to Fresno State and also forced a couple of turnovers. 

The UM offense looked like a work in progress at best, and this will be quite the step up in offensive competition going from the Bulldogs to the Longhorns. Not to mention, Texas didn’t allow a single point in their Week 1 matchup against Colorado State. 

I see this game going one of two ways. It’s either going to be a big Texas win and the Wolverines look completely lost on offense, or it’ll be a close, defensive battle down to the wire. No matter the scenario, I just don’t see this one being a shootout.

 

 

 

South Alabama vs. Ohio Prediction: Saturday, September 7th

I’ll keep this portion of my CFB predictions nice and simple: I simply do not understand why Ohio is an underdog at this spot. They more than held their own against a really good Syracuse team last time out, even being within a single possession at halftime. 

They ultimately lost by 16, but running back Anthony Tyus III was an absolute monster with 203 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 16 carries. On the other side, we have a South Alabama squad that gave up a whopping 38 points in just the second half against North Texas in Week 1. 

Is there really that much of a difference in talent between the Mean Green and the Bobcats? Sure, they may have different play styles, but talent-wise, they’re similar. And this is Ohio’s home opener, too? Yeah, give me the Bobcats all day, every day.

 

 

 

Appalachian State vs. Clemson Prediction: Saturday, September 7th

What a difference a week makes, huh? These same Tigers were my feature pick in last week’s CFB best bets article, and, man, what a letdown. It turns out not using the transfer portal or making use of NIL puts your team at a disadvantage. 

My confidence in Dabo Swinney is quickly vanishing, and this is actually a massive game for him and the program. Lose to Georgia and then rebound with a convincing win at home? Alright. Get blown out by the Bulldogs AND THEN get upset by Appalachian State? There will certainly be rumblings coming about. 

I’m not here to say the Mountaineers will go as far as pulling off the upset, but 17 points is a lot here to me, especially when you take into account that the Clemson offense looked horrible in Week 1. 

They’ll surely have more success not facing a team like Georgia, but enough to give them the cover of 17 points? I don’t think so. And while the Tigers defense will also feel some relief playing a different opponent, this App State offense generated 38 points on 500 total yards in Week 1.

 

 

 

Best CFB Prop Bets & Other Picks - Saturday, 9/7