Day: September 10, 2026

Friday, September 11

Rutgers at Boston College — 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Odds: Boston College -3½ | Total 54.

Last games: Rutgers suffered one of Week 1’s biggest surprises, losing 37-21 to UMass. Boston College also enters 0-1.

Quarterbacks: This is especially interesting because Rutgers is changing quarterbacks. Dylan Lonergan threw for 242 yards and two TDs but also three interceptions against UMass before being injured. AJ Surace will start Friday. Surace brings more mobility and potentially more vertical-passing ability, but this is a difficult environment for his first start.

Boston College’s offensive advantage is more about avoiding mistakes and attacking a Rutgers defense that surrendered more than 200 rushing yards against UMass.

No. 23 Missouri at Kansas — 8 p.m., FOX

Odds: Missouri -5½ | Total 50½.

The Border War moves to Friday.

Last games: Missouri demolished FCS Arkansas-Pine Bluff 54-14. Kansas beat FCS LIU 51-6.

Quarterbacks: Ole Miss transfer Austin Simmons was outstanding last week: 17-of-19 for 252 yards and four touchdowns before halftime. Kansas QB Isaiah Marshall generated 246 passing yards, two TDs and another 49 rushing yards.

Simmons currently looks like the more polished downfield passer, but Marshall’s mobility gives Kansas a second dimension that Missouri did not have to defend in Week 1.

Kansas and Missouri won’t meet until the 2031 and ’32 seasons unless they face each other in the playoffs.

Saturday, September 12

No. 6 Oregon at Oklahoma State — Noon, ESPN

Odds: Oregon -23 | Total 57½.

Last games: Oregon survived Boise State 34-27 after trailing by 10 in the first half. Oklahoma State lost at Tulsa.

Quarterbacks: Oklahoma State QB Drew Mestemaker threw for 241 yards in the opener. Oregon has Heisman candidate Dante Moore, throw for 378 yards and three TDs. But the Ducks committed 10 penalties for 90 yards and allowed the Broncos to compete the entire game. 

The Ducks destroyed Oklahoma State 69-3 last season.

No. 11 Oklahoma at Michigan — Noon, FOX

Odds: Oklahoma -5½ | Total 43½.

Last games: Oklahoma crushed UTEP 51-0. Michigan escaped Western Michigan 13-12 on a last-play Hail Mary , which was a second attempt after the Wolverines were gifted an extra second.

Quarterbacks: Oklahoma QB John Mateer threw three TDs in Week 1. Michigan’s Bryce Underwood passed for 170 yards and ran for another 47, but Michigan managed only 276 total yards.

The QB matchup favors Oklahoma right now because Mateer is operating inside a functioning offense. Underwood’s raw talent is tremendous, but Michigan needs better protection and more easy throws. Can they use last week’s last-second play to bolster their chances or will karma bite them badly?

Arizona State at No. 10 Texas A&M — Noon, ABC

Odds: Texas A&M -14½ | Total 50½.

Last games: Arizona State smashed FXS Morgan State 70-7; A&M shut out Missouri State 50-0 while allowing only 67 yards.

Quarterbacks: ASU’s Cutter Boley threw for 387 yards and six TDs. This is a massive step up in class and his first major road test.

For A&M, quarterback play does not have to be spectacular if the defense and running game control the matchup. But Marcel Reed is an experienced starter, which is rare in today’s game. He threw for 3,169 yards with 25 TDs and 12 picks last season for the Aggies.

Injuries: Texas A&M WR Micah Williams is out, while WR Jerome Myles has been listed questionable with a leg issue.

Appalachian State at East Carolina — Noon, ESPNU

Odds: East Carolina -7½ | Total 56½.

ECU is coming off a 48-10 loss at Alabama, although that score reflects an enormous jump in opponent quality. Appalachian State had an easy win over FCS Maine 55-3. 

QB analysis: ECU’s quarterback should have considerably more time and cleaner throwing windows than he had against Alabama. App State’s key is creating explosive passes rather than trying to win a methodical possession game. Malachi Singleton completed 22 of 24 for 291 yards with 3 TDs last week. ECU’s QB is Mitch Griffis, who struggled last week against an elite Alabama defense. He had some success at Wake Forest, throwing for 1,553 yards with nine TDs and seven picks in nine games.

Wake Forest at Purdue — Noon, FS1

Odds: Wake Forest -3 | Total 49½.

Last games: Wake beat Akron 38-16. Gio Lopez, a North Carolina transfer, threw for 350 yards and three TDs. Purdue handled FCS Indiana State 44-19. Purdue QB Ryan Browne threw for 317 yards and three TDs. The Minnesota transfer added 87 rushing yards and a score. Louisivlle trasnfer WR had a 72-yard TD reception for the Demon Deacs.

Old Dominion at Virginia Tech — Noon, CW

Odds: Virginia Tech -19 | Total 50.

Virginia Tech has the obvious roster edge, but ODU games against regional Power-conference opponents have often become emotionally charged. They beat the Hokies last season 45-26 as a 5.5-point dog on the road. James Franklin will attempt to reverse that in his first FBS game.

QB analysis: Tech should get a test in this one after demolishing FCS VMI by 70 in the first game. Ethan Grunkemeyer joined Franklin from Penn State. He stepped in for the injured Drew Allar last season and threw for 1,339 yards with 8 TDs and 4 INTs. ODU, who downed Norfolk State 31-10, was led by QB Quinn Henicle, throwing for two TDs and rushing for two TDs. 

Penn State at Temple — Noon, ESPN2

Odds: Penn State -24 | Total 49½.

Last game: Penn State shut out Marshall 45-0.

Penn State is coming off an easy win to start the Matt Campbell era. His former QB Rocco Becht at Iowa State, threw for 271 yards with four TDs against Marshall. Temple used two QBs last week in their 38-14 win over FCS Rhode Island. Ajani Sheppard and Jaxon Smolik were mediocre, combining for 142 yards and 9-of-16 passing..

South Florida at Army — Noon, CBS Sports Network

Odds: Army -3½ | Total 46½.

Army’s option-based offense generated more than 500 rushing yards in Week 1 against FCS Bryant (59-3 win). USF had trouble against FIU, winning 19-9 at home.

USF QB Michael van Buren threw for just 100 yards last week on 11-of-18. The Bulls will need to slow down the Army rushing attack to have a chance.

Washington State at Kansas State — Noon, TNT

Odds: Kansas State -17½ | Total 49.

Washington State lost to rival Washington 24-10 last Sunday. K-State had an easy 71-3 win over FCS Nicholls. 

The Cougars are led by QB Caden Pinnick, who threw two picks against the Huskies. Pinnick also had 61 rushing yards and a score. He will likely have to play without top WR Tony Freeman, who caught 54 passes for 590 yards last year for Washington State, but suffered a knee injury in the first quarter of their last game. As for K-State, Avery Johnson threw for 199 yards and three TDs before leaving in the blowout. 

Western Kentucky at No. 2 Georgia — 12:45 p.m., SEC Network

Odds: Georgia -40½ | Total 55½.

Georgia crushed Tennessee State 63-3 last week. Western Kentucky lost at Nevada, 49-14 as a 1.5-point favorite..

WKU QB Rodney Tisdale completed 24 of 40 for 203 yards with no TDs and no picks. He threw for 1,432 yards last season with 9 TDs and 7 INTs.

No. 12 Alabama at Kentucky — 3:30 p.m., ABC

Odds: Alabama -10½ | Total 49½.

Last games: Alabama beat ECU 48-10; Kentucky opened the Will Stein era with a 45-13 victory over FCS Youngstown State.

Quarterbacks: Alabama sophomore Keelon Russell passed for 256 yards and led Alabama with 86 rushing yards. Kentucky senior Kenny Minchey threw for 301 yards and four TDs.

This is an excellent QB contrast: Russell’s dual-threat explosiveness against Minchey’s more conventional passing production.

Rice at No. 3 Notre Dame — 3:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock

Odds: Notre Dame -44½ | Total 55.

Notre Dame beat Wisconsin 41-13 in Green Bay after a slow start. Rice crushed FCS Houston Christian 31-3 at home. The Owls rushed for 465 yards and four TDs in this game.

ND QB CJ Carr completed 19 of 29 for 239 yards with two TDs against the Badgers. Tyvonn Byars led Rice with 104 yards on 16 carries. QB Jacurri Brown added 98 rushing yards, but threw just five times.  Brown is a senior, who has played sparingly at UCF and Miami-Fla.

Arizona at No. 15 BYU — 3:30 p.m., FOX

Odds: BYU -7½ | Total 48.

BYU demolished FCS Utah Tech 63-7 in its opener. Arizona beat FCS Northern Arizona 35-7 last week.

QB analysis: Two of the best QBs in the Big 12 meet. Arizona’s Noah Fifita is the FBS active leader in touchdown passes with 75. BYU RQB Bear Bachmeier threw for 3,033 yards and 15 RDS and ran for 11 more as a freshman. Senior BYU RB LJ Martin led the Big 12 in rushing with 1,305 yards. 

Last season, the Cougars beat Arizona 33-27 in overtime on the road.

UCF at Pittsburgh — 3:30 p.m., ESPN2

Odds: Pitt -7 | Total 57.

UCF opened with a 73-6 rout of FCS Bethune-Cookman. Pitt dominated Miami-Ohio 59-14 at home.

QB angle: Pitt QB Mason Heintschel threw for 453 yards with seven TD passes to set an ACC single-game mark. Alonza Barnett III completed 11 of 18 for 158 yards for UCF in their easy win over Bethune-Cookman. Louisville tranfser RB Duke Watson added 110 yards and a TD on seven carries.

California at Syracuse — 3:30 p.m., ACC Network

Odds: Syracuse -3½ | Total 57.

Cal is coming off a 45-24 home loss to UCLA. Syracuse destroyed FCS New Hampshire 66-3. 

Cal QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele therw for 271 yards with two TDs and two picks against UCLA, but is very highly regarded. The problem for Cal was their rush defense, which allowed 277 rushing yards and six TDs against UCLA. Cuse QB Steve Angeli (began his career at Notre Dame) threw for 3 TDs in the opener and 1,317 yards last season with 10 TDs and two picks in four games. 

Maryland at UConn — 3:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network

Odds: Maryland -13½ | Total 52½.

Maryland crushed FCS Hampton 62-0. Malik Washington passed for 186 yards and a TD while Maryland used multiple quarterbacks. UConn handled FCS Lafayette 56-7 as the Huskies put up a program-record 671 yards. Jason Candle, a former Toledo coach, has 87 new players. He brought his QB Kalieb Osbourne with him to Stors. He completed 19 of 26 for 265 yards against the Leopards. 

UTSA at Texas State — 3:30 p.m., CW

Odds: Texas State -1½ | Total 66.

Texas State is coming off a 59-7 loss at Texas, while UTSA beat FCS UTRGV 45-16.

QB angle: UTSA starts Owen McCown, who has been a solid starter for the last two seasons, tossing for 55 TDs and 17 picks.  Texas State will go with Brad Jackson, who threw for 3,224 yards with 27 TDs and seven picks, while rushing for 17 TDs last year. 

Last season, Texas State beat UTSA 43-36 on the road last season as a 5.5-point dog.

Mississippi State at Minnesota — 3:30 p.m., CBS

Odds: Pick’em | Total 55½.

Minnesota destroyed FCS Eastern Illinois 59-7 in Week 1. Mississippi State beat ULM 62-13 in their opener.

This is the first time Minnesota will be hosting an SEC team since 1959. They’ll be facing a Miss State that amassed a school-record 762 yards of total offense last week, including 354 yards passing from Kamario Taylor. Minnesota piled up 495 yards last week, including two punt-return TDs by Javon Tracy. The key will be the play of Dake Lindsey, who threw for 264 yards and a TD.

UNLV at North Texas — 3:45 p.m., ESPNU

Odds: UNLV -3 | Total 57½.

North Texas lost 52-16 at Indiana, while UNLV is 1-1 after beating Hawaii 21-6 last week. That came after a tough 27-21 home loss to Memphis on Aug 29.

UNLV QB Jackson Arnold struggled againaw Hawaii, throwing for just 116 yards, but ran for 89 yards with two TDs. He did throw for 291 yards and two TDs against Memphis. Tayven Jackson therw for 192 yards with a TD against Indiana, one of his former teams.

UNLV has two skill-position injuries to monitor: WR T. Stellato and RB S. Vann are questionable.

Eastern Michigan at Michigan State-3:30pmET,

Odds: Mich State -18.5/Total: 50.5.

MSU beat Toledo 30-20 last week at home, while Eastern Michigan fell at home against San Jose State 27-21.

Noah Kim is the starting QB for Eastern Michigan and has 453 yards passing with three TDs and one pick in two games. He began his career at Michigan State. The Spartans are led by QB Alessio Milivojevic threw for 247 yards with a TD in the opener. Last season, he threw for 1,267 yards with 10 TDs and 3 picks.

Jacksonville State at Ohio — 6 p.m., ESPN+

Odds: Ohio -3 | Total 51.

JSU crushed FCS Kentucky 49-7 last week; Ohio fell at Nebraska 49-21.  JSU is 1-1 after losing to North Dakota State 33-7 on Aug 29.

Ohio QB Nick Poulos struggled against Nebraska, completing 14 of 31 for 164 yards and a TD. He’s been a backup for the Bobcats in his first two seasons. Caden Creel threw for 327 yards with five TDs and a pick last week for JSU. The 6-foot QB rushed for 1,076 yards last season and passed for 1,514 yards.

Ohio WR R. Perry is dealing with an injury and has been considered unlikely to play.

Memphis at Boise State — 6 p.m., USA Network

Odds: Boise State -8½ | Total 55.

Last game: Boise lost a competitive 34-27 game at Oregon; Memphis is 2-0 after beating UNLV on the road on Aug. 29 27-21 and Arkansas State 42-24 last week.

QB analysis: Boise State hung in the game against Oregon, despite giving up 497 yards and producing just 274. QB Maddux Madsen threw for three TDs. Last season, he completed just 58.3% of his passes for 2,334 yards with 18 TDs and nine picks. Memphis QB Marcus Stokes completed 12 of 15 for 188 yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTS last week against Ark State. The D2 transfer from West Florida (they are now FCS), is playing in his first season in FBS.

Buffalo at FIU — 6 p.m., ESPN+

Odds: FIU -10½ | Total 47½.

Buffalo escaped FCS Albany 21-17 in its opener. FIU lost at USF 19-9 last week. 

QB analysis: Buffalo was down 17-14 late in the game against Albany before Elijah Holmes threw a 5-yard TD pass with 4:53 left for the game-winner. Holmes threw for 189 yards with three TDs and no picks. The senior is a transfer from Wingate. FIU covered last week, but they could have won had they been more efficient. JJ Kohl threw for 301 yards with a TD, but was also picked off twice. The App State transfer threw for 1,465 yards with 12 TDs and 2 picks last season.

No. 18 Tennessee at Georgia Tech — 7 p.m., ESPN

Odds: Tennessee -11½ to -12½ | Total approximately 55½.

Last games: Tennessee rolled Furman 56-9. Georgia Tech lost a heartbreaker to Colorado 14-13.

Quarterbacks: Tennessee freshman Faizon Brandon passed for 226 yards in the opener.

Georgia Tech’s quarterback  Alberto Mendoza, the younger brother of Fernando, threw for 237 yards against Colorado, but did not throw a TD pass or a pick.  

Injuries: Tennessee LB J. Harmon is out for the season with an ACL injury, although standout Arion Carter returns from suspension.

South Alabama at Tulane — 7 p.m., ESPN+

Odds: Tulane -9½ | Total 49½.

USA defeated FCS SE Louisiana 39-14 in their opener; Tulane fell at Duke 17-3 and didn’t cover the 9.5. 

So Alabama QB Bishop Davenport threw for 154 yards with a TD and had a rushing TD in the opener. Last season, he passed for 2,073 yards with 12 TDs and 6 picks, while rushing for 325 yards and nine TDs. Kadin Semonza threw for 140 yards in the opener for Tulane. The 5-11 QB had success for Ball State last season with 2,904 yards passing with 25 TDs, and 10 picks.  

Injury: Tulane RB J. McClure is questionable with a foot injury.

Tulsa at Sam Houston — 7 p.m., ESPN+

Odds: Tulsa -13½ | Total 51½.

Tulsa enters with confidence after beating Oklahoma State 24-10 at home as a 2-TD underdog. Sam Houston fell at Troy 24-21 but covered the 16.5 in their opener. 

Tulsa QB Baylor Hayes threw for 228 yards with a TD and a pick. He threw for 2,158 yards with 12 TDs and six picks last season. SHU QB Landyn Locke threw for 335 yards with three TDs and a pick in the opener. He threw for 765 yards with four TDs and four INTs in six games last season.

Middle Tennessee at Marshall — 7 p.m., ESPN+

Odds: Marshall -13 | Total 57.

Marshall fell 45-0 at Penn State last week, while MTU beat FCS Murray State 38-14.

QB angle:  Roman Gagliano threw for 200 yards with two TDs in the opener for MTU. He threw for 1,005 yards last season for the Blue Raiders in five games. Carlos Del Rio-Wilson struggled in the opener, with just 102 yards passing. He threw for 2,043 yards passing with 17 TDs and five INTs last season. 

Georgia State at Kennesaw State — 7 p.m., ESPN+

Odds: Kennesaw State -9 | Total 54½.

Georgia State beat FCS NC A&T 59-10, while Kennesaw State destroyed FCS West Georgia 47-0.

Georgia State QB Cameran Brown threw for 190 yards with two TDs last week. He had 13 TD passes and just one pick last season for the Panthers. Rickie Collins threw for 156 yards and one TD, while rushing for 51 yards and two TDs for Kennesaw State last week. He played for Syracuse last season, throwing for 1,042 yards with 6 TDs and 10 INTs last season.

San Diego State at UCLA — 7:15 p.m., Big Ten Network

Odds: UCLA -11½ | Total 55.

UCLA’s rushing attack was one of the positive Week 1 stories. They dominated Cal 45-24 on the road; SD State beat FCS Portland State 53-20.  

Jayden Denegal threw for 137 yards with 2 TDs and a pick last week. Last season, he threw for 1,807 yards with nine TDs and eight picks for the Aztecs. Nico Iamaleava threw for 184 yards with a pick, but was helped by RB Anthony Woods, who rushed for 118 yards and two TDs. Wayne Knight added 71 yards and three rushing TDs.

Important QB injury: UCLA QB T. Dieffenbach is questionable with an undisclosed injury.

Georgia Southern at Clemson — 7:30 p.m., ACC Network

Odds: Clemson -20½ | Total 56.

Clemson was embarrassed 51-10 at LSU. Geo Southern dominated Charleston Southern 31-0.

QB analysis:  Clemson QB Christopher Vizzina had a rough opener with 83 yards passing and a pick. Max Johnson, a former UNC, Texas A&M and LSU QB goes for the Eagles. He threw for 281 yards with a TD in the opener. 

Navy at Florida Atlantic — 7:30 p.m., ESPNU

Odds: Navy -5 | Total 58½.

Navy topped 500 rushing yards in its opener, a 42-15 win over FCS Towson. FAU was roughed up at Floida 66-21. 

QB analysis: Braxton Woodson threw for 21 yards in the option offense, but ran for 200 yards and three TDs in the opener. Caden Veltkamp threw for 276 yards with a TD and two picks in the opener. The WKU transfer had 25 TDs and 10 picks last season for the Hilltoppers.

Last year: Navy beat FAU 42-32 but didn’t cover the 14.5.

Iowa State at No. 21 Iowa — 7:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock

Odds: Iowa  -14 | Total 40½.

Iowa shut out Northern Illinois 40-0, while Iowa State beat FCS SE Missouri 38-10.

Last season: Iowa State (-3.5) over Iowa 16-13.

QB angle: Arkansas State transfer QB Jaylen Raynor passed for 2 TDs and for 2 more in the opener for the Cyclones. Iowa played two QBs in the opener with Hank Brown throwing for 129 yards with a TD and Jeremey Hecklinsi completing just 7 of 16 for 76 yards with a TD and a pick.  

No. 1 Ohio State at No. 4 Texas — 7:30 p.m., ABC

Odds: Texas -1½ | Total 49.

This is the game of the weekend.

Last games: Ohio State routed Ball State 56-3. Texas crushed Texas State 59-7.

Quarterbacks: Ohio State’s Julian Sayin was 21-of-25 for 320 yards and three TDs. Texas has Arch Manning, whose arm talent and ability to attack vertically are the biggest challenge for Ohio State’s rebuilt secondary.

Sayin has arguably the best receiver in the nation in Jeremiah Smith. Texas counters with Ryan Wingo and Cam Coleman.

Injuries: Ohio State WR K. Parker is questionable. Texas WR D. McCutcheon and OL T. Goosby are also questionable.

No. 13 Texas Tech at Oregon State — 7:30 p.m., CBS

Odds: Texas Tech -26½ | Total 53½.

Texas Tech beat FCS Abilene Christian 33-10 but failed to produce the blowout many expected. Oregon State lost at Houston 33-20 but covered the 20.

QB angle: Will Hammond threw for 298 yards, a TD, and a pick in the opener for Texas Tech. OSU QB Braden Atkinson threw for 376 yards with a TD against Houston last week.

Southern Miss at Auburn — 7:45 p.m., SEC Network

Odds: Auburn -33 | Total 57.

Auburn survived Baylor 17-16 in Week 1. So Miss beat up on FCS Alcorn State 49-3, covering the 19.5 last week.

QB analysis: Auburn QB Byrum Brown threw for 259 yards, but also had 3 picks.  He played four seasons for USF.  Ethan Hampton threw for 180 yards and a TD for the Eagles. Hampton had four seasons of experience at Northern Illinois.

Arkansas at No. 20 Utah — 10:15 p.m., ESPN

Odds: Utah -12½ | Total 54½.

Utah crushed FCS Idaho 66-14 in its opener. Arkansas took care of FCS North Alabama 31-14, but didn’t cover.

QB analysis: Arkansas QB KJ Jackson threw for 267 yards and three TDs with a pick. Devon Dampier threw for 3 TDs in the opener. The 5-11 QB threw for 2,490 yards with 24 TDs, 5 INTs and 10 rushing TDs. 

Louisiana at No. 14 USC — 11 p.m., Big Ten Network

Odds: USC -31 | Total 60.

USC blanked Fresno State 39-0 as Jayden Maiava threw for 349 yards and three touchdowns. That was after beating SJ State 42-26 in the opener. Louisiana beat FCS Lamar 38-7. QB D’Wayne Winfield threw for 189 yards and ran for 84 with two TDs, but he alsot threw two picks.

USC freshman receivers Trent Mosley and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt both went over 100 yards, giving Maiava an increasingly dangerous group of targets.

Injuries: USC has several offensive players listed questionable, including TE T. Ashcraft, WRs R. Tezeno and T. Anderson, and backup QB Sam Huard.

New Mexico State at Hawai’i — 11:59 p.m. ET

Odds: Hawai’i -7 | Total 50.

NM State beat FCS Mercyhurst 5-14 in their opener. They fell at Florida State 34-17 in their opener on Aug. 31. but covered the 31.5. Hawai’i opened with a 37-27 loss at Stanford, before falling to UNLV 21-6 at home last week to start 0-2.

QB angle: Hawai’i QB Micah Alejado struggled against UNLV, completing 17 of 41 for 176 yards. He threw for 3,106 yards with 24 TDs and nine picks last season. Trey Hedden is a Furman transfer who has thrown for 525 yards with four TDs and one pick in two game for the Aggies.