Week one brought us some storylines that will last for weeks. College football fans are still talking about Arch Manning’s rocky start, Brian Kelly’s breakthrough, and Alabama’s collapse. I have good news for all of my fellow college fans. Week two is going to bring its own wild games and crazy storylines. We’ve got Bryce Underwood’s first big start, the potential start to John Mateer’s Heisman push, a matchup between Illinois and Duke that could decide a spot in the College Football Playoff, and much more.
Oklahoma vs. Michigan
Location: Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma
Spread: Oklahoma (-4.5)
Over/Under: 45.5
ML: Oklahoma (-195), Michigan (+165)
Brent Venables versus Bryce Underwood
While Brent Venables has his question marks when it comes to being a program builder and head coach, no one questions his abilities as a defensive mind. Venables has been a renowned defensive designer and play caller in college football for over 10 years. Bryce Underwood will face the most challenging test of his young career on Saturday night. The Sooners’ defense will stunt linemen, simulate pressures, disguise blitz packages, and mix and disguise coverages at an elite level against a young QB. The key for Underwood is not to force himself to make the big play, but to limit the turnovers. If Underwood commits two turnovers, Michigan will lose the game.
Oklahoma DL versus Michigan OL
The ultimate deciding factor for Michigan will be the success of its offensive line. It must keep Bryce Underwood comfortable. If Underwood’s internal clock is sped up all night, the game can unravel quickly for Underwood. We saw last Saturday with Arch Manning how quickly a young QB’s mechanics can disappear when the game is sped up. Michigan’s LT and RT will face the challenge of blocking Oklahoma’s star edge rusher, R. Mason Thomas. Thomas racked up nine sacks and 11 quarterback hits in 2024. Also, the Michigan OL will need to open holes for RB Justice Haynes. Underwood will not win this game with his arm alone. The performance of Haynes will be something to watch.
Mississippi State vs. Arizona State
Location: Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS
Spread: Arizona State (-6.5)
Over/Under: 59.5
ML: Arizona State (-225), Mississippi State (+190)
Mississippi State DBs versus Jordyn Tyson
As the popular phrase goes, Jordyn Tyson is a “problem.” Tyson missed ASU’s last couple of games last season with an injury, but he opened his 2025 college football season with 12 receptions, 141 yards, and 2 TDs. Mississippi State’s most challenging task in this game will be stopping Tyson. The Bulldogs had one of college football’s worst pass defenses last season, allowing around 8.4 yards per pass attempt, a dreadful number. The Bulldogs’ secondary has plenty of length to throw at Tyson, who stands at 6’2″, 200lbs. Mississippi State has a handful of defensive backs who stand 6’1″or 6’2″, along with starting cornerback Kelley Jones at 6’4″.
Mississippi State Run Defense versus Arizona State Run Game
Neither team opened with an impressive opponent, but we can attempt to draw some early insights from week one. Arizona State ran the ball for 203 yards on 9.7 yards per carry against Northern Arizona. A YPC number of 9.7 should be a vote of confidence for this offense. Any number 6 or less against North Arizona would’ve been worrisome, but 9.7 is elite, despite the lack of competition.
Mississippi State held Southern Miss to 102 yards on 2.9 yards per carry. While that number is good, a number closer to 2.0 would’ve been a great result against a team that averaged 3 yards per carry last season. For Mississippi State fans, your team did play 31 players on defense. That number will decrease against ASU, so you can expect the consistency to increase.
Seeing as Mississippi State did not defeat a Power 4 opponent last season, the defense will need to make this game a rock fight if the Bulldogs are to win. Mississippi State is unlikely to win a high-scoring game. For those who are missing this matchup, I suggest you don’t. Arizona State won this matchup by 7 points at home last season, despite Cam Skattebo rushing for 262 yards. Mississippi State is looking for a momentum-building win, while Arizona State is looking for a Power 4 OOC win to add to a potential college football playoff resume.
Duke vs. Illinois
Location: Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, NC
Spread: Illinois (-3.5)
Over/Under: 49.5
ML: Illinois (-155), Duke (+135)
Illinois Pass Defense versus Darian Mensah
Illinois lost three games during the 2024 season. In two of the three games, the Illini allowed 200+ passing yards. Duke’s goal will be to spread the Illinois defense across the field and to play in space. Illinois’ goal will be to force the Duke offense to play in a box. To do that, Illinois will need its DBs to play sticky coverage. Darian Mensah is good enough to make any throw on the field. He can beat a defense from the pocket, on the move, and at any level through the air.
If the Illinois DBs can slow Mensah down, it will force Duke to win the game on the ground. Mensah now averages 9.7 yards per attempt in his career and has thrown 6 INTs through 321 attempts. This is no easy task for Illinois. However, with Illinois’ offense able to eat up time of possession, all it will take is for the Illinois pass defense to force a couple of mistakes.
Illinois OL versus Duke DL
The Illinois OL has typical Big 10 size, averaging about 6’4.5 320 pounds, with three players weighing 335 pounds. However, the OL will have its hands full with a productive DL from the Blue Devils. Three returning starters on the Duke front four produced 31 TFLs, 16 sacks, and 28 QB hits. This will be a phenomenal battle in the trenches to witness. The Duke defensive front prides itself on creating chaos in the backfield, while the Illinois OL prides itself on its powerful Big 10 style.
Illinois QB Luke Altmyer was sacked 32 times in 2024. The Blue Devils’ front will be itching to get in the backfield. I look for the Illinois OC to use that against the Duke defense. Look for Illinois to use screens, draws, and zone reads to take advantage of some aggressive Duke defensive linemen.
