A couple of intriguing contests on the Week 2 schedule have caught our handicapper’s attention as we scour the card for the top NCAAF picks on a busy Saturday of college football.
Kentucky Wildcats vs. Florida Gators
Saturday, September 10, 2022 – 07:00 PM EDT at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
An SEC showdown is on tap Saturday evening in Gainesville where Florida welcomes East Division rival Kentucky for a battle of a couple of squads that are each looking to move to 2-0 on the young season after picking up wins in their openers.
While the 2022 campaign is still very young, this is a collision that could determine whether Kentucky or Florida can be a legitimate challenger to defending national champ Georgia in their half of the Southeastern Conference.
Gators Drawing Early Interest From Bettors
If the current college football odds ring true, the Gators will be that team. After opening -3½ Florida has been bet up to -4½ in early trading at BetMGM.
The same shop is carrying a 51½-point total, while other outlets have it listed a point higher.
Quick Second-Half Scores Propel ‘Cats in Opener
Usually, when the name Stoops is mentioned, it’s Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops that comes to mind. Mark Stoops, however, has made a name for himself at Kentucky where another brother, Mike, serves on his staff as a defensive assistant.
Now in his 10th season at Lexington, Mark Stoops needs just one more win to become the winningest head football coach at Kentucky. The Wildcats gave Stoops his 60th dubya a week ago with a 37-13 decision over Miami-OH.
Favored by 16 and leading by 3 at halftime, Kentucky grabbed control of the game by returning the second-half kickoff the length of the field for a touchdown and then scoring a minute later following a RedHawks turnover.
Gators Look to Build on Utah Upset
One game into his coaching career at Florida, all is well for Billy Napier after the Gators pulled off one of the bigger upsets on the Week 1 fixture. Getting a field goal from the books at The Swamp, Florida downed seventh-ranked Utah in a 29-26 final.
It was definitely one of the most exciting games with Florida scoring the winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter and then intercepting a pass with the Utes threatening on their final drive. There were eight lead changes or ties in the contest that featured a combined 513 yards rushing by the Gators and Utes.
Teams Meet for 73rd Time
Florida has dominated the rivalry to the tune of a 53-19 record, beating Kentucky 31-straight from 1987-2017. The Wildcats have held their own in recent years by winning two of the last four and covering four of the last five.
If you are one to put all your eggs into the computer picks basket, then Kentucky straight-up is the play. The more prudent play would be to take the points in a close 27-24 final.
NCAAF Pick: Kentucky +4½ (-110) at BetMGM
Baylor Bears vs. BYU Cougars
Saturday, September 10, 2022 – 10:15 PM EDT at LaVell Edwards Stadium
From the lowlands of the Sunshine State to the mountains of Utah we go for a late-night college football pick, and it’s a preview of things to come for the Baylor Bears and BYU Cougars who will be conference foes a year from now in the Big 12.
Cougars Looking to Avenge Loss a Year Ago
This could develop into a really good rivalry of Bible thumpers, both on the gridiron and the hardwood. We got a taste of it last season when the Bears recorded a 38-24 decision in a mid-October matchup down in Waco.
Baylor ran roughshod over BYU in the contest, rushing for over 300 yards while shutting down the Cougars’ ground attack and wearing out their defense with a big 11-minute advantage on the clock.
The Bears were favored by 6 and the final went past the total with about 10 points to spare.
Bears Enjoy Blowout Win in Opener
David Aranda and Baylor tuned up for this contest with a glorified scrimmage against Albany.
The Bears were favored by 6 touchdowns and coasted to a 69-10 laugher that saw them build a 21-0 lead less than 10 minutes into the game while amassing more than 570 yards of offense.
Cougars Crack AP Top 25
Kalani Sitake’s squad moved into the No. 25 slot of the latest AP poll following an impressive 50-21 thrashing of South Florida in Week 1.
The Cougars were favored by 10½ on the road and had the cover nailed down with an explosive 28-point first quarter.
BYU Always Tough in Provo
The Cougars are favored by 3½ at the best sportsbooks where the total is showing up in the 53½-54½ range.
Brigham Young could be without a couple of offensive weapons, Gunner Romney who injured a leg during summer practice, and Puka Nacua who was injured in the win over South Florida. Baylor and the points are the right play in a 28-27 BYU triumph.
NCAAF Pick: Baylor +3½ (-110) at BetMGM
