CFB Week 2 odds preview: Top three upset picks and best sportsbook welcome bonuses
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With Week 1 of college football in the books, we have a better understanding of each team’s potential in 2023, making it a tad easier to identify Week 2 matchups that could result in upsets.
Last week, our upset predictions went two for three, hitting on the Colorado Buffaloes and Duke Blue Devils. Below are the three games in Week 2 that are most likely to end in an upset, and each market is accessible through our premier sportsbook promo codes, which also grant new users up to $3,615 in bonuses:
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This may not seem like an upset on the surface, considering both teams are ranked, but anytime a G5 school takes down a P5 program, it’s upset-worthy. Especially considering the oddsmakers list Tulane as a touchdown underdog at home.
Willie Fritz’s Tulane squad had a shockingly impressive 2022 season, posting a 12-2 record and ending the year ranked ninth. The Green Wave were No. 24 in the AP preseason poll and had no movement after a 37-13 Week 1 victory over South Alabama.
Tulane’s best wins of 2022 came over Kansas State, Cincinnati, and UCF, and topping the list is USC. The Green Wave proved capable of securing non-conference wins over power five opponents.
If Tulane comes out on top, it’ll be in shootout fashion. The Green Wave had 436 yards of offense in Week 1, while Ole Miss had 667 yards in a 73-7 victory over Mercer.
Fanbases get antsy when the Mountaineers come to town after App State defeated No. 5 Michigan in 2007 in one of the most iconic upsets in college football history.
North Carolina narrowly beat App State 63-61 in 2022, and another tightly contested showdown is in store. But this time, UNC holds home-field advantage in Chapel Hill.
The Mountaineers are coming off a 45-24 victory over Gardner-Webb, and North Carolina beat South Carolina 31-17.
This is a potential let-down spot for the Tar Heels following the hype of ESPN’s College GameDay broadcasting from its matchup vs. South Carolina. UNC could take this game lightly after downing an SEC foe in a primetime, nationally televised game.
Plus, App State upset No. 6 Texas A&M by a score of 17-14 last season. Look for App State to keep it close against the Tar Heels on Saturday.
Washington State earned an impressive 17-14 win at Camp Randall Stadium last year, and this season’s matchup takes place in Pullman. However, the Badgers will look much different this year following the hire of former Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell.
Fickell went 57-18 in six years with the Bearcats, leading the squad to a College Football Playoff berth in 2021.
Wisconsin has always been run heavy on offense, but that will begin changing under Fickell. The Badgers brought in star QB Tanner Mordecai via the transfer portal, but Week 1 was challenging for the new passer, as he threw for 189 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Fickell leaned on Wisconsin’s ball carriers, who combined for 314 yards and four scores in a 38-17 win vs. Buffalo.
Washington State cruised to a 50-24 Week 1 win vs. Colorado State, and hosting the game will be a significant factor in its matchup with Wisconsin.
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