It's hard to believe that the beginning of week two of the 2006 college football season is already upon us. Since the clock expired on Miami-Florida State Monday night I have hardly had time to clean out my notebook from week one. It's been like a whirlwind since opening day last Thursday and week two looks to be no different. There are some huge match-ups in week two and all eyes are looking towards Austin Texas where the Longhorns of Texas welcome a visitor with an attitude, the Buckeyes of The Ohio State University. These big games get all the attention and hype but they aren't any more significant to the betting person than Tulsa playing at BYU.
Bet on any of the below College Football games here.
Tulsa vs BYU, Line BYU –5.5,Total 49.5 Television (None)
I like both of these teams and it is one of the better week-two match-ups between two up and coming programs. BYU under second year head coach Bronco Mendenhall came out on the losing end of a thriller 16-13 to the Arizona Wildcats Saturday night. The Cougars battled the Pac-10 member school to a draw and lost the game at the end on a clock stopping field goal. The Golden Hurricanes had a much easier time winning their game over Division 1AA and Southland Conference member Stephen F. Austin 45-7.
I like BYU to win this game at home. The Cougars have demonstrated their defense is for real and that is not good for Tulsa. I also think the UNDER is a good play on the total.
UTEP vs Texas Tech, Line Texas Tech –7.0, Total 57.5, Television (CSTV)
The University of Texas at El Paso under third year Head Coach Mike Price has caught fire since his arrival in 2003. The Minors are beginning their second season in the Conference USA and are a threat to win the Western Division. The Minors outlasted The San Diego State Aztecs Saturday night on the road 34-27. UTEP jumped out to a big lead by half but held off a furious Aztec rally in the fourth quarter. Texas Tech had a much easier time of it hosting the SMU Mustangs. Mike Leach's squad toppled the Mustangs in Lubbock 35-3. Saturday's game between the Red Raiders and Minors should be a high scoring affair leading me to think the total would be a good play. I think Texas Tech will get challenged for a half by UTEP but will put some distance between itself and the Minors in the second half. I think the Red Raiders will cover the 7.0 pt chalk.
East Carolina vs Alabama-Birmingham, Line UAB –7.0, Total OFF, TV (None)
I said last week that Skip Holtz (Lou's Boy) would bring East Carolina around and they are starting to show it. Last week the Pirates covered in a hard fought battle at Navy but losing the game 23-28. Although the Pirates were one of my successful dog picks last week I have to go the other way in week two. The Blazers of Alabama-Birmingham were very impressive last Saturday afternoon by putting a frightful scare into the mighty Oklahoma University Sooners on the road in Norman but still losing 24-17. I think the Blazers will cover –7.0 at home in the friendly and cavernous Legion-Field.
Tulane University vs Houston Cougars, Line Houston –13.0,Total OFF, TV (None)
It's sort of odd to say the Green Wave are going on the road since they have been on the road since Hurricane Katrina destroyed their home facilities. After Katrina left New Orleans in ruins Tulane took its football team north to Rustin, Louisiana where the Green Wave settled in at Louisiana Tech. Tulane is opening its season Saturday night at Houston where the Cougars are already battle tested after surviving a thriller and defeating conference and cross town foe Rice 31-30. I don't see Tulane putting up much of a threat in this game. A team makes its biggest improvement between its first and second games of the season. Houston already has had a game to work out the kinks and put a notch in its belt. My pick is the Cougars giving the 13 points.
Central Florida vs Florida Gators, Line Florida –23, Total OFF, TV (ESPN-GP)
The Golden Knights enjoyed a nice victory over Division 1AA Villanova winning 35-16 to open its season in Orlando. The Golden Knights travel to GainesvilleFlorida dismantled Southern Miss 34-7 to open the season. Florida hopes to improve on that Saturday. The Gators will not make this close. Florida Saturday for a week two match-up with the Gators. That's where the fun ends. covers the –23 chalk.
Rice Owls vs UCLA Bruins, Line UCLA –27.5, Total 56, TV (FSN-PT)
I am going to go out on a limb here and say that Rice covers the –27.5. If you feel you must bet this game my advice to you is buy a point and get it over 28. If you like totals, the 56 won't hold if Rice can score a couple of touchdowns. I like the over too.
SMU vs North Texas, Line SMU –5.5, Total OFF, TV (NONE)
This game is a real stinker. I don't have anything against these two fine institutions but the football programs are near the bottom of the food chain. If I were you I would find a more attractive game to bet on. If you must I think I would recommend taking the home team and the points.
