Two official weeks into the college football season and the Upset of the Week column sits a healthy 1-1 and up +1.4 units. Week 2 continues the thrilling start of the year with some marquee matchups, including Alabama hosting Texas. In the spirit of the previous two columns, the idea here is identifying winnable upsets, games that provide value for a dog — ideally at home — and a legit belief they can win the game. There is no need to force anything, especially after watching a week or two of action. The Upset of the Week finds itself in South Beach looking to capture some rays and a home W for the U. Here is the CFB upset pick of Week 2!
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CFB Upset & Underdog Pick for Week 2: Texas A&M-Miami
Texas A&M-Miami Odds
Odds via DraftKings
Texas A&M: -205 | Miami: +170
Texas A&M -4.5: -108 | Miami +4.5: -112
Over 51.0: -108 | Under 51.0: -112
Texas A&M-Miami Upset Pick
Hard Rock Stadium will certainly live up to its name, making it nearly impossible for the Aggies to escape victorious. This game truly boils down to one thing: Belief. Which side gets the benefit of the doubt after a couple of Week 1 wins against mediocre opponents? New Mexico was obliterated last week by Texas A&M — a decent sign for an offense that struggled last year. The problem is New Mexico is a trash can on defense and barely showed up to compete on offense. Beating a bad team might propel the Aggies into a tougher matchup with bigger momentum, but Miami also cruised last week. The Hurricanes were smart in pounding Miami (Ohio) on the ground all night, not needing to open any of the passing game. The U crushed the “Oh” and is now able to take that momentum from the ground game into this week’s matchup. It is going to need it.
Texas A&M makes this game super difficult for Miami to work its running attack, so expect more of an aerial attack from the Hurricanes. Tyler Van Dyke is going to be tested, but that doesn’t mean he needs to constantly air out the ball downfield. Look for Miami to ask its quarterback to hit shorter and more medium routes, softening up the aggressive defensive front of Texas A&M. The other side of the coin is Texas A&M unable to bleed the clock and control possessions like it did last week against the Lobos. This is big-boy football in a ridiculous environment where Texas A&M’s offense will constantly be under duress.
Conner Weigman threw for five touchdowns against New Mexico, but don’t expect anywhere near that same level of production this week. The Hurricanes boast one of the toughest defensive units Weigman will see all year and in front of a loud home crowd. Miami will get plenty of push up front, and that is enough to disrupt the Aggies passing game. This is too much of a dip from last week’s performance to what’s needed this week for Texas A&M. Take the Hurricanes to walk away winners yet again.
CFB Upset Pick for Week 2: Miami +170 (DraftKings)
