The first full Saturday of college football has passed, and it’s now time to focus on Week 2. This upcoming schedule doesn’t feature as many major matchups as the opening week, but the Michigan-Oklahoma contest will be pivotal for playoff prospects.

Each Sunday throughout the season, I will analyze some bigger college football games in advance of the week’s action, providing initial insights on whether to place bets now or wait for a better line. Rest assured, I will always indicate if I have personally wagered on a game.

My official Week 2 bets will be released later this week and will also be shared in the SportsLine Discord as soon as I make my selections. This article primarily aims to offer advice for securing the best odds in key games every Saturday.

Oklahoma Sooners (-3.5) vs. Michigan Wolverines

The marquee matchup on Saturday sees two teams eager to make their mark in the College Football Playoff. We’ve already observed line shifts in this game—initially, Oklahoma was favored by -2.5 at home, but the odds have now adjusted to -3.5.

I’m hesitant to commit to a bet on this matchup due to several factors, particularly freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood making his first away start. Underwood displayed promise in his home debut against New Mexico, passing for 251 yards and a touchdown, yet this challenge against Oklahoma is a different ballgame.

I doubt the odds will rise much further, as there may be a pullback on Michigan in what is expected to be a tightly contested, defensive matchup. Hence, if you’re backing the Sooners, betting early is advisable. Conversely, if you favor Michigan, wait for odds of +4 or more.

Bet: Oklahoma -3.5

Iowa Hawkeyes (+2.5) vs. Iowa State Cyclones

Historical meetings between Iowa and Iowa State tend to result in close, low-scoring affairs, with nine of the last 13 encounters decided by a touchdown or less. Although the Cyclones are home this Saturday, their record in Ames against Iowa has not been strong, with the Hawkeyes winning the last six matchups.

It’s worth noting Iowa State is playing its third consecutive game, the first being in Ireland. The Hawkeyes, however, merely warmed up against Albany, revealing little of their offensive strategy with new quarterback Mark Gronowski.

This is a classic rivalry where outcomes are usually settled in the final moments. I would consider betting on the Hawkeyes only if the line reaches +3. There is no rush to bet Iowa at this moment, as I don’t foresee the line dropping below 2.5.

Wait: Iowa +3 or better

Vanderbilt Commodores (+3) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies

As I compose this article prior to the Virginia Tech-South Carolina game, DraftKings listed Vanderbilt at +3 in Blacksburg for Week 2. I believe this line undervalues the Commodores, assuming you can secure that number.

Virginia Tech will be facing a strong challenge against South Carolina, and a loss could influence the betting line for Vanderbilt post-game. Despite the risks, I find that the Commodores at +3 present solid value.

Bet: Vanderbilt +3 (DraftKings)