Updated
Updated · CBS Sports · Sep 11
SportsLine Simulates Week 2 Games 10,000 Times, Picks Texas by 1.5 Over No. 1 Ohio State
Updated
Updated · CBS Sports · Sep 11

SportsLine Simulates Week 2 Games 10,000 Times, Picks Texas by 1.5 Over No. 1 Ohio State

3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Sep 11

Summary

  • SportsLine’s Week 2 model made Texas a 1.5-point favorite over No. 1 Ohio State in Saturday’s marquee showdown, projecting the Longhorns to avenge last season’s 14-7 opening loss.
  • The forecast leans on a more experienced Arch Manning, new targets including Cam Coleman, and a home crowd of more than 100,000 in Austin, while Ohio State arrives with new coordinator Arthur Smith.
  • Elsewhere, the featured picks back Oklahoma -5.5 at Michigan, Mississippi State -1 over Minnesota, Alabama -10.5 at Kentucky and Texas Tech -26.5 at Oregon State.
  • The model also flags Arizona State to stay within 14.5 points at No. 10 Texas A&M, despite the Aggies’ 50-0 Week 1 win over Missouri State.
  • Week 2 centers on several ranked matchups, but Texas-Ohio State stands out as an early playoff-caliber test with added pressure on Texas before a difficult SEC schedule.

Insights

Will Arch Manning's newfound composure crumble under Ohio State's elite defensive pressure, or can Texas's revamped offense avenge last year's loss?
Could a lingering knee injury on Texas's offensive line be the hidden factor that derails their College Football Playoff hopes this Saturday?
How will Arthur Smith's NFL-style playcalling unlock Jeremiah Smith's potential against Will Muschamp's aggressive new Texas defense?