Upset Picks for 2020 College Football Week 2
- Week 2 of the college football season sees a big slate of games on Saturday, Sep. 12
- Which underdogs are worthy of a wager?
- Two off-the-radar programs make the list, including one that pulled an upset in this same spot last season
College football is back, and so are great rivalries, spectacular highlights and, of course, fading favorites.
The facts and figures behind the Week 2 games this Saturday (Sep. 12th) indicate two favorites, in particular, are in trouble.
Georgia Tech vs Florida State Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total at DraftKings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Tech | +12 (-110) | +380 | O 52.5 (-110) |
| Florida State | -12 (-110) | -530 | U 52.5 (-110) |
Odds as of Sep. 11th
This isn’t so much a bet on the Yellow Jackets as it is a bet against the Seminoles.
Mike Norvell is the new head coach at Florida State and calling the beginning of his tenure rocky would be an understatement. First, defensive tackle and team captain Marvin Wilson called him out for lying about his communication with the team in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Next, wide receiver Warren Thompson claimed Norvell lied multiple times regarding COVID-19 protocols. Norvell may be a good coach but his first offseason in Tallahassee was a side-show.
Florida State's Mike Norvell makes amends with players after 'lie' https://t.co/79Jsf4Iuax pic.twitter.com/Hu3Zy5sriV
— New York Post (@nypost) June 4, 2020
From an on-field perspective, there’s a lot to be skeptical about as well. Norvell was the coach of the 10th-ranked offense in college football last year at Memphis. But now he’s leading a a roster filled with someone else’s players and has had little ability to prepare.
In 2019, Florida State was the third-best offense in the state of Florida and ultimately finished the year 59th in total yards. Don’t let the disparity in the teams’ college football win totals fool you, this won’t be an easy victory for the Seminoles.
Game 1 uni combo for @GeorgiaTechFB#uniswagpic.twitter.com/9e1DrLavZz
— UNISWAG (@UNISWAG) September 11, 2020
Betting against circus acts is usually a good idea but it’s still worth exploring if there’s anything to like from the Yellow Jackets. They transitioned away from the option-based offense last year and could take a major step forward in year two under the guidance of Geoff Collins.
Georgia Tech is playing coy about who will start at quarterback. Reports are they’ve made the decision internally but don’t want to tip off FSU. Four-star freshman Jeff Sims has a higher upside than James Graham, who started last year, but either one gives the Yellow Jackets more than a puncher’s chance here.
The Pick: Georgia Tech moneyline (+380)
Coastal Carolina vs Kansas Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total at DraftKings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Carolina | +6.5 (-110) | +190 | O 56( -110) |
| Kansas | -6.5 (-110) | -240 | U 56 (-110) |
Odds taken Sep. 11th
Rock Chalk bet against the Jayhawks. Hey, it might not be as catchy as the actual chant but it helps get the point across. Kansas is the next team on the hit list and for good reason.
For starters, these two teams played last season and it was an ugly affair that saw Coastal Carolina come away with a 12-7 victory. It wasn’t a great start to Les Miles’ first campaign in Lawrence and it didn’t really get any better. The team finished 3-9 and seemingly proved that Miles can only coach well when provided talent like he had at LSU.
Running back Pooka Williams was the star player last year and led the team with 1,061 rushing yards and three touchdowns. To repeat, he led the team with three rushing touchdowns. A Les Miles coached team that can’t score in the red zone? You don’t say.
Kansas RB 𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗝𝗿. hasn't dropped a pass since Wk. 10 of 2018
(🎥 @KU_Football)
pic.twitter.com/q2RwTckh8B— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 11, 2020
On the flip side are the Chanticleers, who not only have one of the best names in college football, but a half-decent team as well. From a betting perspective they are 6-1 against the spread in their last seven non-conference games. Their best player is also a running back in CJ Marable. He ran for 1,085 yards and 11 touchdowns last year – a much more respectable total for a team leader.
Coastal Carolina returns four starters on their offensive line and will pound the rock early and often in this one. Take the underdog on the moneyline and, if you want to get greedy, a parlay with the under could be a wise wager as well.
The Pick: Coastal Carolina moneyline (+190)
Ryan has been working at TSN for over eleven years, and is now a lead writer and content producer at That's Hockey. Over the years, he's launched and hosted TSN's first NCAAF podcast, The College Football Show, and been featured on the likes of TSN 1050, Sportscentre, and That's Hockey 2Nite.
