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College Football Totals Picks Week 2: Over or Under Predictions for Saturday

by Joey House - 9/6/2024

College football totals picks week 2 Drew Allar Penn State

Welcome to the second edition of our weekly college football totals best bets article. Last week, we were a solid 2-1 for a profit of 3.6 units. We nailed the bit 5-unit under 51.5 in the Penn State-West Virginia game when inclement weather delayed the game over 2 hours, slowing down a West Virginia offense that looked like they were gaining momentum. Our 3-unit win was by the hook, as the Akron-Ohio State game ended 52-6, and the total was 58.5. Our 4-unit loss was over 51.5 in the FIU-Indiana game. This was discouraging, as the Hoosiers scored 14 first-quarter points, and the total at the half was 28. Unfortunately, good defense and bad offense took over in the second half, and only ten total points were scored.

All times are Eastern Standard Timezone.

Doc’s Sports offers college football expert picks for every game on our college football predictions page.

Bowling Green vs. Penn State (-35/49.5) Saturday Noon BTN

Penn State's offense underwent a major overhaul during the offseason, as they hired former Kansas Jayhawks Andy Kotelnicki. Kotelnicki, Franklin's 6th offensive coordinator in his 10-year tenure at Penn State, is a creative genius when it comes to designing offensive schemes. This creativity was evident when he put an offensive lineman in motion to get him to his proper blocking position. The Nittany Lions offense looked in mid-season former last week against West Virginia, as they racked up 457 yards of total offense. QB Drew Allar looked particularly impressive, going 11-17 for 216 yards and 3 TDs with no interceptions. RB Nicholas Singleton looked like his freshman self, carrying 13 times for 114 yards and a 40-yard TD run in which he reached a running speed of 21.8 MPH. Bowling Green's offense also looked sharp, racking up 305 yards rushing and 475 yards of total offense against their FCS opponent, Fordham. Their defense, however, was a little less impressive, surrendering 401 yards and 17 points to the Rams. Penn State has played Bowling Green just twice in their history, scoring 48 and 45 points in wins during the Joe Paterno era, when he was known for liberally putting in the backups when he deemed the game was over. Current head coach James Franklin also does that, but just much later in the game. Penn State will probably cover the over themselves, but Bowling Green is good for at least 10 points, even if they don't. Best bet of the day. Pick: OVER 49.5 points 5-units

California vs. Auburn (-12/53.5) 3:30 p.m. ESPN2

These two engaged in an epic defensive struggle last season, with Auburn winning 14-10 but failing to cover the 5-point spread. The Tigers put on an impressive offensive display last week at the expense of FCS Alabama A&M, winning 73-3. Auburn racked up 628 total yards of offense, with senior QB Payton Thorne (13-21 322 yards with 4 TDs and 0 INTs) finally looking comfortable in the Tigers' offensive system. Yes, it was against an FCS school, but that still translates to an excellent performance. Cal struggled against FCS UC-Davis, winning 31-13, but outgained 304-281 yards on offense. Auburn dreams of making the College Football Playoff, and this is a "statement" game they can use later in the season when building a schedule resume. Their offensive air attack will come out firing on all cylinders. While Cal got outgained in the passing yards department, they also snagged three interceptions from UC Davis to put up some resistance. The Golden Bears are in a familiar role, as they have been double-digit road dogs five times in the past two seasons. The OVER in those five games is 4-0-1. As dull as last year's meeting was, this one promises to be as exciting. PICK: OVER 53.5 4-units

Buffalo vs. Missouri (-34.5/52) 7:00 p.m. ESPN+/SECN+

It could be a very long day for the Buffalo Bulls defense, as Missouri has a savvy veteran QB in Brady Cook (5th year in the program) and arguably one of the best receiving corps in the country. When you add a seasoned offensive line with 112 starts amongst them, you have the blueprint for a potential offensive juggernaut. Buffalo is stepping up in class for this one and will pay the price. Missouri fell short of covering their 64-point total last week, as they won 51-0 over FCS Murray State. I expect them to put up similar offensive numbers and score this week, but Buffalo is good for at least a touchdown. PICK: OVER 52 4-units

San Jose State vs Air Force (-3.5/44.5) 7:00 p.m. CBS Sports Network

Both teams lost many starters from last year's squads, which showed in their opening-week wins. San Jose State defeated FCS Sacramento State 42-24 but were the beneficiaries of a +2 takeaway ratio (forced 5 turnovers and lost 3 themselves). They only outgained Sacramento State in total yards, 387-356. Air Force was even less impressive, as they defeated FCS Merrimack 21-6 in a game where they only generated 237 yards of total offense. San Jose State's new head coach, Ken Niumatalolo, coached the Navy's flexbone option for 16 seasons, so Air Force's offensive struggles could continue. Air Force's offense has been grounded in the last seven games going back through last season, as the under has gone 5-2. If the Falcons do have success, it will be through long, sustained drives that chew up the clock. However, I think both team's offenses are far behind their defenses, and that leads to a low-scoring affair.

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