The ACC and Big 12 begin play in Week 2 of the college football season, and the five games involving top 25 teams feature double-digit spreads.
No. 1 Clemson and No. 5 Oklahoma — College Football Playoff participants last season — will begin their seasons, and No. 10 Notre Dame will make its ACC debut against Duke.
MORE: Best game each week in 2020
Sporting News will pick against the spread for every Top 25 matchup this season, but we'll throw in some other matchups through the first few weeks. Here's how we fared in Week 1:
S/U: 7-2
ATS: 2-3
Here's a look at our Week 2 Picks against the spread. Spreads via (BetOnline.Ag).
UAB at Miami (-16)
Houston transfer D'Eriq King makes his debut with a refurbished Hurricanes offense, and the Hurricanes have the talent advantage here. UAB has a game under its belt, however, and it might be able to hang around if it can protect the football.
Miami wins 35-24 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
Syracuse at North Carolina (-23)
The Tar Heels are huge favorites and Syracuse allowed 30.7 points per game last season. That said, the spread looks a touch high for an ACC opener. The Orange get a back-door cover.
North Carolina wins 42-23 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
Louisiana at Iowa State (-11.5)
The Cyclones were 2-4 ATS as home favorites last season, and Louisiana returns a talented team from 2019. The Ragin' Cajuns should hang around and make this one interesting.
Iowa State wins 38-28 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
Duke at Notre Dame (-20.5)
The Irish make their ACC opener, and they were 5-2 ATS at home last season. Expect a strong performance from Ian Book, but we are intrigued by Duke transfer quarterback Chase Brice. The under (54.5) is a good bet here, too.
Notre Dame wins 37-13 and COVERS the spread.
Georgia Tech at Florida State (-13)
Mike Norvell makes his debut at Florida State, and the key will be giving James Blackman time in the pocket. Georgia Tech was 3-5 ATS in conference games last season and should be improved. It's a conference opener, so it should be a little closer than expected.
Florida State wins 31-21 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
Clemson (-33.5) at Wake Forest
Clemson was 8-1 ATS in conference games last season, and that included a 52-3 victory against Wake Forest. The Tigers should be all business in the opener here.
Clemson wins 52-14 and COVERS the spread.
Oklahoma (No line) vs. Missouri State
Spencer Rattler makes his Oklahoma debut against the Bears, where Bobby Petrino is making his return to the sidelines. There should not be too much drama on the field.
Oklahoma wins 51-14.
UTEP at Texas (-43.5)
The Longhorns will flex early here, but the Miners should be able to string together a scoring drive or two after playing last week. Texas is 5-3 ATS in nonconference games under Tom Herman.
Texas wins 51-9 but FAILS TO COVER the spread.
Western Kentucky at Louisville (-12)
The Cardinals bring back a lot of offensive firepower in Scott Satterfield's second season, and this will serve as a tune-up for next week's ACC opener against Miami.
Louisville wins 40-20 and COVERS the spread.
Coastal Carolina at Kansas (-7)
The Jayhawks are a TD favorite at home against the Chanticleers, a line that has jumped from its original 3.5 mark. There is some value with the Chanticleers, but we like Les Miles to get Kansas off to a good start at home.
Kansas wins 30-20 and COVERS the spread.
