The season got off to an exciting start with an action-packed Week 1, and now it’s time to turn the page to Week 2. There aren’t that many high-profile matchups, but there are plenty of intriguing games scattered throughout the day on Saturday to keep our attention.
You never know where a surprising surprise might arise.
#1 Alabama in Texas
Time: Noon | TV: Fox | Line: Alabama -20.5| Total: 65.5
After Alabama won overwhelmingly in Week 1, there should be a little more resistance in Week 2 with a trip to Austin against Texas. The Longhorns, led by head coach and former Alabama assistant Steve Sarkisian and transfer quarterback Quinn Ewers, will have their hands full. With a spread of nearly three TD points, it would be a sign of progress for Texas to maintain that level of competitiveness.
No. 24 Tennessee at No. 17 Pittsburgh
Time: 3:30 p.m. | TV: ABC | Line: UT -6.5 | Total: 66.5
Josh Heupel and his fast offense brought a much-needed life boost to the Tennessee program. If the defense can step up from a rough 2021, Tennessee has a chance to make some noise in the SEC. After a season-opening blowout over Ball State, this weekend’s trip against defending ACC champion Pitt will be a good test for the Vols. Pitt pulled off an exciting Week 1 win over rival West Virginia.
No. 20 Kentucky at No. 12 Florida
Time: 7 p.m. | TV: ESPN | Line: UF-5.5 | Total: 52.5
Prior to 2018, Florida had won 31 straight matchups with Kentucky. However, Kentucky has won two of the last four in the series, including a 20-13 win in Lexington last fall. Can the Wildcats do it again? British fans are brimming with optimism after the team won 10 games last year and star QB Will Levis returns. The Gators have their own QB star in Anthony Richardson, who was instrumental in the team’s impressive season-opening win over Utah.
No. 10 USC at Stanford
Time: 7:30 p.m. | TV: ABC | Line: USC-8.5 | Total: 67.5
USC kicked off the Lincoln Riley era with a resounding win over Rice thanks to strong defensive performance and a good Trojans debut for transfer QB Caleb Williams. He will make his debut in the Pac-12 game at Stanford on Saturday. He will face another future NFL quarterback in Tanner McKee. McKee didn’t get much offensive help during his time as a starter, but the Cardinal is hoping EJ Smith, son of NFL legend Emmitt Smith, can become a weapon.
#9 Baylor at #21 BYU
Time: 10:15 p.m. | TV: ESPN | Line: BYU-3.5| Total: 53.5
After winning a Big 12 title with Gerry Bohanon, Baylor coach Dave Aranda made a quarterback rotation and named Blake Shapen the spring starter over Bohanon. That decision will be put to the test this week against a good BYU team. While Baylor blew up an FCS team in Week 1, BYU traveled the country dominating South Florida 50-21. The Cougars are attempting to make an early season statement for a multiple high-profile game program this year.