Week 2 is here and we are fully back in the chaos. The slate is loaded, my couch is already warming up, and I’m mentally prepared to stare at a TV for 14 straight hours like it’s my full‑time job. We’re kicking things off early, too — because nothing says “responsible adult” like football before lunch. So let’s lock in, fire up the picks, and try to win back at least some of the money we’re about to spend on beer. Time to get in gear and embrace the degeneracy.
Army Golden Knights vs South Florida Bulls
Location: Michie Stadium, West Point, NY
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM ET
Channel: CBS Sports Network (CBSSN)
Opening Line: Army -1.5
Current Line: Army -3.5
Analysis
It’s a long haul from Tampa to West Point, and if this matchup were being played in November, this number would be flirting with double digits. But in early September, I’m more than comfortable laying 3.5 with the Knights. I’m genuinely concerned about what USF is going to be this season. They were outgained last week in a win over FIU, and Michael Van Buren managed just 100 passing yards. This Bulls offense hasn’t found an identity yet — and that’s a dangerous place to be when you’re facing a team as structurally sound as Army.
We know exactly what we’re getting from the Knights: discipline, ball control, and a scheme that punishes defenses who don’t stay assignment‑sound. And I don’t believe this USF coaching staff has any real plan for defending the triple option. It is going to be a long day for this coaching staff as they get their first look at a real triple option offense.
Let’s fade the southern boys.
Pick: Army -3.5
Game 2: Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Mississippi State Bulldogs
Location: Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM ET
Channel: CBS
Opening Line: Minnesota -2.5
Current Line: Mississippi State -1.5
Analysis
Mississippi State blows out the worst team in the Sun Belt and suddenly they’re laying points on the road. Fine by me — I had this matchup circled back in the offseason, and now I get Minnesota as a home dog. Kamario Taylor is an absolute stud, and Fluff Bothwell has one of the best names in college football, but let’s be honest: in two years under Jeff Lebby, the Bulldogs have exactly one road win against a Power Five opponent. Minnesota has the personnel to slow down this Bulldogs attack, and don’t sleep on Drake Lindsey and Darius Taylor — those two can flip a game in a hurry. Row the Boat, baby.
Pick: Minnesota (+1.5)
Game 3: Delaware Blue Hens vs Vanderbilt Commodores
Location: FirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 4:15 PM ET
Channel: SEC Network
Opening Line: Vanderbilt -23.5
Current Line: Vanderbilt – 21.5
Analysis:
Aside from last season, whenever Vanderbilt faces Group of Five opponents, they slow the game down, hold the ball, and do just enough to escape — and sometimes they don’t escape at all. Just two years ago they lost to a bad Georgia State team and barely squeaked past Ball State 24–10. Last week against FCS Austin Peay, they held the ball for 35 minutes, rotated two quarterbacks, and still managed only 28 points. That’s who they are: methodical, conservative, and rarely explosive.
I’d expect the exact same game plan this week. Vandy will try to shorten the game, bleed the clock, and grind out a win. And I do think Nick Miniccuci and this Blue Hens offense can move the ball a bit against Vanderbilt’s defense. We don’t need much to cover a three‑touchdown spread against a slow, methodical Commodores team that isn’t built to blow anyone out. Delaware should be good for a couple of scores, and that alone makes this number too high for a team that almost never wins comfortably.
Pick: Delaware (+21.5)
