Each week throughout the season, I will share my three best bets across sides, totals, and derivatives, while also breaking down my biggest power-rating adjustments and the best situational spots on the board.
Check out my latest college football picks for Week 2 action, highlighted by an Over in Stillwater, Okla, on Saturday, Sept. 12
Brad Powers' top college football picks for Week 2
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Over 55.5
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Over 56.5Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.
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Oregon vs Oklahoma State: Over 55.5
Since Dan Lanning took over in 2022, Oregon’s non-conference games in the regular season have averaged a total of 65 points per game. That includes 72 total points when these two teams met last year, with the Ducks winning 69-3.
Last week, Oregon’s offense managed “just” 34 points against Boise State. It should have been more, as the Ducks had 497 yards of total offense. Oregon had three different drives inside Boise State territory result in zero points in the first half.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma State’s offense managed only 10 points last week vs. Tulsa. Again, it should have been more, as the Cowboys had 368 yards.
OK State had five different drives inside Tulsa territory result in zero points, including a pair of trips inside the Tulsa 15-yard line.
Most importantly, both teams ran some tempo last week. Oregon ranked No. 40 in plays per minute while Oklahoma State ranked No. 4. More plays equals more opportunities for points!
I would play this up to 58.5.
App State vs East Carolina: 
App State +7.5
Appalachian State brought in 65 new players this off-season, eighth most in the country.
It looks like it hit a home run on some of its transfers, led by quarterback Malachi Singleton, who completed 22 of 24 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns last week in the 55-3 win over Maine.
On the other side, East Carolina suffered massive losses from last year’s team that had its highest finish in my power ratings in 15 years. ECU returned only three starters and also lost both coordinators.
Last week East Carolina lost by 38 at Alabama. Its offensive line, which returned zero starters, was dominated as it managed only two rushing yards.
Finally, App State might feel slighted here as a touchdown-plus underdog. The two teams have met three times in the last five years, and the Mountaineers have won and covered all three.
I would play this to +7.
Cal vs Syracuse: Over 56.5
Syracuse’s scoring averages from last season are still baked into its numbers, creating value in betting the OVER.
Remember, Syracuse’s offense averaged 38.8 points per game in the first four games when Steve Angeli was its starting quarterback.
However, after Angeli was lost for the season to injury, the Orange offense averaged just 11.1 points per game in their final eight games. They had to start a true freshman walk-on quarterback in three games.
Last week Angeli returned, and the Orange offense scored 66 points vs New Hampshire. The full-game total was only 56.5.
On the other side, California’s game against UCLA saw 69 total points, easily going over the 53.5 total. Cal’s defense allowed 8.5 yards per play, the sixth most in college football last week.
Both teams played at a decent tempo last week. California was No. 19 in plays per minute last week vs UCLA, while Syracuse was No. 26.
I would play this up to 57.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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