Written by Trevor Ritchie
We’re going hard in the paint with five picks, three favorites, one dog, an over and our first ‘Lock of the Week’ in college football this season. Our record over the last 75 overall plays stands at 45-29-1 (60%) with a brand new slate ahead. Against all odds… we’re back, degenerates!
The Big Four
No. 18 Oklahoma -16 v. SMU
You’re getting Oklahoma as just 16-point favorites following a 73-point shutout win against a 37-point line versus Arkansas State. It’s worth the play, and the public tends to agree with 78 percent of the bets coming in on the Sooners, according to Action Network. OU completed 30 of its 33 pass attempts for 422 yards and three touchdowns last week, adding 220 yards and six scores on the ground plus a perfect nine-of-nine run on redone attempts. SMU went an underwhelming 7-of-19 on third down in its 38-14 win over Louisiana Tech a week ago, and if the Mustangs can’t find a way to stay on the field Saturday, 16 points is more than a safe enough margin to roll with Oklahoma
No. 3 Alabama -7 v. No. 11 Texas
Within a touchdown, you have to like Nick Saban in Bryant-Denny Stadium here. The Crimson Tide averaged 5.1 yards per rush in their season opener with five touchdowns via the rushing attack, also 10-of-13 on third down and scored on all four redone attempts in a 56-point performance. Seventy-percent completion percentage through the air, 10 yards per pass attempt and three endzone strikes. Alabama has covered in three of its last four home games dating back to last season with all three of those wins coming as double-digit favorites, too. Not enough is known about Texas to say it’s “back” even after a 37-10 win over Rice, at least not to the point of expecting this to be a one score game. Back the Tide.
Over 52.5 — No. 4 Florida State v. Southern Miss
Let’s make this simple: 52.5 points is a steal. Florida State should cruise to 40-plus points at home in this one, and it’s been roughly 11 months since Southern Miss has recorded less than 14 points. The Golden Eagles put up 14 points during a loss at Alabama in 2021 and 27 points in an upset win over Tulane on the road in 2022 — their two strongest opponents over the past two seasons. FSU takes that role in 2023 for Southern Miss, and if the black and gold manage even just 10 points at Doak Campbell, the over is no less than within arm’s reach. Especially considering the Seminoles have exceeded the total in seven of their last eight games at home.
No. 24 Tulane +7.5 v. No. 20 Ole Miss
Plenty of cushion to feel comfortable taking the Green Wave. Tulane is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games, while the Rebels are 1-3 ATS in their last four with an effectively meaningless 73-7 tune-up against Mercer to open the 2023 campaign. In a 37-17 home victory against South Alabama (a program that went 10-3 a year ago) last week, Green Wave quarterback Michael Pratt completed 14 of his 15 attempts for 294 yards and four touchdowns to earn AAC Offensive Player of the Week and tie a school record for career touchdown passes (72). With 7.5 points to spare inside Yulman Stadium behind a comfortable and reliable leader under center in Pratt, if nothing else Tulane is the value play to make on this matchup.
Lock of the Week
No. 22 Colorado -3 v. Nebraska
Deion Sanders is the biggest story in college football, and it’s no surprise this is the most heavily bet game of the weekend. Since most of you are playing this one already, it almost goes without saying at this point that the Buffaloes are the lock of the week as three-point favorites at home. Coming off a upset win at TCU in which the offense threw for 510 yards, logged 30 first downs, converted on all three redzone attempts and put 45 points on the board — catapulting into the top 25 despite entering the week as 21-point underdogs — Colorado is the absolute LAST team you want fade right now.
Meanwhile, Nebraska is currently recovering from a season-opening loss that produced three interceptions, a 45-percent conversion rate on third down, 11 total completions and a mere 10 points. Now the Cornhuskers have to travel to Boulder and face the Folsom Field welcome awaiting Sanders and company? Give me the Buffaloes, without hesitation.
Be sure to check HITP Sports each week for the Club Level College and Pro Football Picks of the Week.
Week 2 Results
| Game | Bet | Final | Result |
| (18) Oklahoma vs. SMU | Oklahoma -16 | Oklahoma def. SMU 28-11 | W |
| (3) Alabama vs (11) Texas | Alabama -7 | Texas def. Alabama 34-24 | L |
| (4) Florida State vs Southern Miss | Over 52.5 | Florida State def. Southern Miss 66-13 | W |
| (20) Mississippi vs (24) Tulane | Tulane +7.5 | Mississippi def. Tulane 37-20 | L |
| (22) Colorado vs Nebraska | Colorado -3 | Colorado def. Nebraska 36-14 | W |
Week 2 Total: 3-2
Season Total: 3-2
Lock of the Week Total: 1-0
Your words have a way of touching hearts and inspiring minds Thank you for using your platform to spread love and positivity