College Football 2024: Week 2 Predictions for Every Game
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Quinn EwersAdam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The welcomed hysteria of college football's triumphant return is fading into the background as Week 2 fast approaches.
And it's time to keep winning.
Fortunately for most programs, the upcoming slate is still favorable. Nonconference games—and expectedly lopsided ones, in many cases—remain the bulk of the schedule around the Football Bowl Subdivision.
There are, however, a few marquee games. The headliner is Texas at Michigan, while Tennessee and NC State play a neutral-site affair. League matchups are also tricking in; Top 25 teams Utah and Georgia Tech are preparing for conference opponents this weekend.
As always: Enough talking, more picks.
AP Nos. 25-21
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Tamarion McDonaldJustin Casterline/Getty Images
Appalachian State (1-0) at No. 25 Clemson (0-1), 8 p.m. ET
Clemson, unsurprisingly, did not beat Georgia in Atlanta. But it's fair to say Clemson fans hoped for a more dangerous day from an offense that struggled in 2023. App State won't be an easy opponent, although Clemson should be able to leave its home opener with a victory.
Prediction: Clemson 34, App State 13
No. 14 Tennessee (1-0) vs. No. 24 NC State (1-0), 7:30 p.m. ET
For prediction, see No. 14 Tennessee.
No. 23 Georgia Tech (2-0) at Syracuse (1-0), Noon ET
Georgia Tech knocked off Florida State two weeks ago and then Syracuse saw Ohio State transfer Kyle McCord throw four touchdowns in his team debut. I'll narrowly lean toward the home team, but this is an ideal matchup to start shaping real expectations for 2024.
Prediction: Syracuse 29, Georgia Tech 24
Jacksonville State (0-1) at No. 22 Louisville (1-0), 3:30 p.m. ET
Last weekend, JSU surrendered 55 points in a loss to Coastal Carolina. Not a great sign before traveling to Louisville.
Prediction: Louisville 51, Jacksonville State 17
Iowa State (1-0) at No. 21 Iowa (1-0), 3:30 p.m. ET
In theory, this in-state rivalry will be a defensive slugfest—which has been the trend for a half-decade. The main question persists: Is Iowa's offense good enough? The unit looked solid in a win over Illinois State, but Iowa State is a much different story. I'll take the Cyclones in a tight one.
Prediction: Iowa State 20, Iowa 16
AP Nos. 20-16
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Garrett NussmeierBrian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Northern Arizona (1-0) at No. 20 Arizona (1-0), 10 p.m. ET
Don't mind me, just hoping Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan puts together a second 300-yard game in a row.
Prediction: Arizona 56, Northern Arizona 10
No. 19 Kansas (1-0) at Illinois (1-0), 7 p.m. ET
Both teams cruised in a clash with a lower-division foe in Week 1. Kansas toppled Illinois 34-23 last season, and a similar result is reasonable to expect. However, it should be far more competitive. Kansas had built a 27-point cushion before the Illini trimmed the gap in garbage time.
Prediction: Kansas 30, Illinois 22
Nicholls (0-1) at No. 18 LSU (0-1), 7:30 p.m. ET
LSU squandered a chance for a late victory over USC in Las Vegas last weekend. There shouldn't be any drama here, although Nicholls at least hung around with Louisiana Tech in a 25-17 loss.
Prediction: LSU 52, Nicholls 14
No. 17 Kansas State (1-0) at Tulane (1-0), Noon ET
Consider this the trap of the weekend. Kansas State takes on Arizona—in a nonconference game—in Week 3, but first the Wildcats need to beat Tulane on the road. Tulane blanked UT Martin in the opener and theoretically has a very balanced offense. I'm happily aboard the Avery Johnson hype train, but this is the K-State QB's first test of 2024.
Prediction: Kansas State 27, Tulane 20
Arkansas (1-0) at No. 16 Oklahoma State (1-0), Noon ET
Want to cool a hot seat? Beat a ranked team on the road. Arkansas coach Sam Pittman needs a marquee win, and traveling to Oklahoma State fits the billing. Unfortunately for the Hogs, that'll be a tough ask opposite OSU's All-American back Ollie Gordon II.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 36, Arkansas 24
AP Nos. 15-11
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Micah Bernard and Cam RisingChris Gardner/Getty Images
Houston (0-1) at No. 15 Oklahoma (1-0), 7:45 p.m. ET
Willie Fritz inherited a rebuild at Houston—and, for the record, I'm a believer in his future—but losing 27-7 at home to UNLV is not a great start. Oklahoma rolls behind its powerful offense.
Prediction: Oklahoma 47, Houston 14
No. 14 Tennessee (1-0) vs. No. 24 NC State (1-0), 7:30 p.m. ET
In classic overreaction fashion, Tennessee would be a major favorite. North Carolina State entered the fourth quarter trailing lower-division Western Carolina, but UT looked outstanding in a rout of Chattanooga. I believe that Tennessee wins and NC State isn't actually that bad.
Prediction: Tennessee 41, NC State 27
Utah State (1-0) at No. 13 USC (1-0), 11 p.m. ET
The importance of the triumph over LSU cannot be understated: Lincoln Riley pulled himself out of hot-seat conversations before USC travels to Michigan for a Sept. 21 showdown. Though his job should be secure into 2025 anyway—barring a truly horrendous meltdown—Riley and the Trojans took an important step toward a competitive year.
Prediction: USC 43, Utah State 13
Florida A&M (2-0) at No. 12 Miami (1-0), 6 p.m. ET
Cam Ward for Heisman? Cam Ward for Heisman.
Prediction: Miami 59, Florida A&M 7
Baylor (1-0) at No. 11 Utah (1-0), 3:30 p.m. ET
Utah quarterback Cameron Rising threw five touchdowns in his return, so preseason optimism about the Utes isn't going anywhere. Baylor has the talent to make it interesting, but I'm squarely in "see it to believe it" mode after the Bears struggled so much in 2023.
Prediction: Utah 31, Baylor 20
AP Nos. 10-6
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Luther Burden IIIScott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
No. 3 Texas (1-0) at No. 10 Michigan (1-0), Noon ET
For prediction, see No. 3 Texas.
Buffalo (1-0) at No. 9 Missouri (1-0), 7 p.m. ET
I don't mean to alarm you, but Buffalo upset Missouri when I started a dynasty in College Football 25. The game knows. In reality, it should be a comfortable win for Mizzou.
Prediction: Missouri 45, Buffalo 14
Bowling Green (1-0) at No. 8 Penn State (1-0), Noon ET
Penn State played a very impressive game in Morgantown to roll West Virginia in Week 1. If the Nittany Lions keep that up, they'll be contending for a trip to the College Football Playoff.
Prediction: Penn State 44, Bowling Green 10
Boise State (1-0) at No. 7 Oregon (1-0), 10 p.m. ET
Squeeze in a power nap, if needed, because it's worth staying up for this contest. Boise State was allergic to defense in Week 1, but Ashton Jeanty scored six touchdowns on the ground. Oregon, meanwhile, had a pair of turnovers on downs, one interception and one fumble in a forgettable win over Idaho. Oregon should win handily, but that's a nod to the roster more than its performance in the opener.
Prediction: Oregon 41, Boise State 24
Middle Tennessee (1-0) at No. 6 Ole Miss (1-0), 4:15 p.m. ET
After storming to a 21-0 lead, Middle Tennessee needed a last-second touchdown to beat Tennessee Tech. I am not of the opinion that Ole Miss will be dealing with a similar situation.
Prediction: Ole Miss 59, MTSU 10
AP Nos. 5-1
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Jalen MilroeBrandon Sumrall/Getty Images
Northern Illinois (1-0) at No. 5 Notre Dame (1-0), 3:30 p.m. ET
Massive road win? Check. Return home to face a non-power opponent? Check. This is the prototypical context of a letdown game, so perhaps Notre Dame trudges out to a slow start. Northern Illinois has a sturdy defense, too. Eventually, though, the Irish will pull away.
Prediction: Notre Dame 38, NIU 14
South Florida (1-0) at No. 4 Alabama (1-0), 7 p.m. ET
You may recall that Nick Saban benched Jalen Milroe when Alabama took on USF last season. The feeling around Bama's quarterback situation has improved slightly since then, huh?
Prediction: Alabama 52, USF 17
No. 3 Texas (1-0) at No. 10 Michigan (1-0), Noon ET
Michigan's defense is probably very good, and it'll be a noisy environment in Ann Arbor. But if the Wolverines don't figure out a few answers for their offense—and if I was smart enough to have those, I'd be coaching—Texas should not find itself in much danger of an upset.
Prediction: Texas 27, Michigan 17
Western Michigan (0-1) at No. 2 Ohio State (1-0), 7:30 p.m. ET
WMU put a scare into Wisconsin, but that's more a concern for UW than Ohio State. Though the Buckeyes had a quiet opening frame against Akron, they unleashed wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and scored twice on defense in a 52-6 blowout. Figures to be comparable in Week 2.
Prediction: Ohio State 48, Western Michigan 7
Tennessee Tech (0-1) at No. 1 Georgia (1-0), 2 p.m. ET
"If I was being honest, I would tell you I'm not thrilled to be headed to Athens, Georgia, this weekend," Tennessee Tech coach Bobby Wilder told reporters. "So, I'll be dishonest and say I'm very excited to be playing Georgia at Sanford Stadium in front of 93,000." I mean, just on principle, I kinda want Tennessee Tech to win? (Chill, Dawgs fans, it's a joke.)
Prediction: Georgia 63, Tennessee Tech 0
Rest of the Slate, Part I
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Will RogersAlika Jenner/Getty Images
BYU (1-0) at SMU (2-0), Friday, 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: SMU 33, BYU 24
Western Illinois (0-1) at Indiana (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: Indiana 45, Western Illinois 14
Duke (1-0) at Northwestern (1-0), Friday, 9 p.m. ET
Prediction: Duke 20, Northwestern 16
Pittsburgh (1-0) at Cincinnati (1-0), Noon ET
Prediction: Pitt 31, Cincinnati 26
Akron (0-1) at Rutgers (1-0), Noon ET
Prediction: Rutgers 33, Akron 13
Rhode Island (1-0) at Minnesota (0-1), Noon ET
Prediction: Minnesota 34, Rhode Island 10
Troy (0-1) at Memphis (1-0), Noon ET
Prediction: Memphis 36, Troy 24
Army (1-0) at Florida Atlantic (0-1), Noon ET
Prediction: Florida Atlantic 24, Army 21
Merrimack (0-1) at Connecticut (0-1), Noon ET
Prediction: UConn 38, Merrimack 14
McNeese (1-1) at Texas A&M (0-1), 12:45 p.m. ET
Prediction: Texas A&M 52, McNeese 7
Missouri State (0-1) at Ball State (0-0), 2 p.m. ET
Prediction: Ball State 26, Missouri State 23
St. Francis (0-1) at Kent State (0-1), 2:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Kent State 41, St. Francis 17
Utah Tech (0-1) at UNLV (1-0), 3 p.m. ET
Prediction: UNLV 45, Utah Tech 10
Charlotte (0-1) at North Carolina (1-0), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: North Carolina 33, Charlotte 13
Duquesne (0-1) at Boston College (1-0), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Boston College 42, Duquesne 10
California (1-0) at Auburn (1-0), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Auburn 34, Cal 24
Michigan State (1-0) at Maryland (1-0), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Maryland 27, Michigan State 21
South Dakota (1-0) at Wisconsin (1-0), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Wisconsin 24, South Dakota 20
Eastern Michigan (1-0) at Washington (1-0), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Washington 44, Eastern Michigan 17
South Carolina (1-0) at Kentucky (1-0), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Kentucky 31, South Carolina 16
Temple (0-1) at Navy (1-0), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Navy 24, Temple 13
Massachusetts (0-1) at Toledo (1-0), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Toledo 30, UMass 17
Idaho (0-1) at Wyoming (1-0), 3:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Wyoming 26, Idaho 21
Rest of the Slate, Part II
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Grant Halverson/Getty Images
UTSA (1-0) at Texas State (1-0), 4 p.m. ET
Prediction: UTSA 30, Texas State 27
Marshall (1-0) at Virginia Tech (0-1), 4:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Marshall 14
Albany (1-0) at West Virginia (0-1), 6 p.m. ET
Prediction: West Virginia 48, Albany 7
East Carolina (1-0) at Old Dominion (0-1), 6 p.m. ET
Prediction: Old Dominion 27, East Carolina 24
Central Michigan (1-0) at Florida International (0-1), 6 p.m. ET
Prediction: Central Michigan 29, FIU 24
South Alabama (0-1) at Ohio (0-1), 6 p.m. ET
Prediction: Ohio 31, South Alabama 23
Gardner-Webb (0-1) at James Madison (1-0), 6 p.m. ET
Prediction: JMU 45, Gardner-Webb 14
Sam Houston (1-0) at Central Florida (1-0), 6:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: UCF 41, Sam Houston 17
Virginia (1-0) at Wake Forest (1-0), 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: Wake Forest 31, Virginia 24
Cal Poly (0-1) at Stanford (0-1), 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: Stanford 45, Cal Poly 21
Samford (0-1) at Florida (0-1), 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: Florida 42, Samford 10
UAB (1-0) at Louisiana-Monroe (1-0), 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: UAB 29, ULM 21
Tulsa (1-0) at Arkansas State (1-0), 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: Arkansas State 31, Tulsa 28
Texas Southern (1-0) at Rice (0-1), 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: Rice 34, Texas Southern 13
Eastern Kentucky (0-1) at Western Kentucky (0-1), 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: WKU 37, EKU 16
Louisiana (1-0) at Kennesaw State (0-1), 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: Louisiana 32, Kennesaw State 17
San Jose State (1-0) at Air Force (1-0), 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: Air Force 27, San Jose State 20
Georgia Southern (0-1) at Nevada (1-1), 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: Nevada 38, Georgia Southern 34
Northern Colorado (0-1) at Colorado State (0-1), 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: Colorado State 41, Northern Colorado 14
William & Mary (1-0) at Coastal Carolina (1-0), 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: Coastal Carolina 48, William & Mary 10
Chattanooga (0-1) at Georgia State (0-1), 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: Georgia State 28, Chattanooga 20
Southeastern Louisiana (0-1) at Southern Miss (0-1), 7 p.m. ET
Prediction: Southern Miss 45, SE Louisiana 17
Rest of the Slate, Part III
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Dylan RaiolaSteven Branscombe/Getty Images
Colorado (1-0) at Nebraska (1-0), 7:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Nebraska 33, Colorado 27
Alcorn State (0-1) at Vanderbilt (1-0), 7:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Vanderbilt 44, Alcorn State 14
Stephen F. Austin (1-0) at North Texas (1-0), 7:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: North Texas 38, SFA 17
Long Island (0-1) at TCU (1-0), 8 p.m. ET
Prediction: TCU 56, Long Island 7
Southern Utah (0-1) at UTEP (0-1), 9 p.m. ET
Prediction: UTEP 36, Southern Utah 14
Texas Tech (1-0) at Washington State (1-0), 10 p.m. ET
Prediction: Texas Tech 41, Washington State 34
Sacramento State (0-1) at Fresno State (0-1), 10 p.m. ET
Prediction: Fresno State 38, Sacramento State 16
Liberty (1-0) at New Mexico State (1-0), 10:15 p.m. ET
Prediction: Liberty 42, NMSU 21
Mississippi State (1-0) at Arizona State (1-0), 10:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Arizona State 34, Mississippi State 30
Oregon State (1-0) at San Diego State (1-0), 10:30 p.m. ET
Prediction: Oregon State 26, SDSU 23