There are late starts for teams from the Eastern

James Madison heads west feeling good about itself

If there is a true sandwich game in September, it's this one. Texas must return from the clouds after a comeback for the ages against Ohio State, and Tennessee looms next week. The Longhorns failed to impress for three quarters against the Buckeyes, so they hardly are coming off a complete game. Visiting QB Owen (son of Josh) McCown will not be cowed by the scene; he has started 28 straight games. UTSA rolled into Austin in 2022 and played the Horns even into the third period before falling. The 'Runners can feast in ATS terms with this sandwick scenario.

Mississippi State’s 23-point shellacking of Minnesota on the road fell under the radar last weekend. Through two wins, the Bulldogs have carved out an 8.4-yard gain per snap, double what the defense has yielded. Almost overnight, QB Kamario Taylor has advanced from virtual unknown to fringe Heisman Trophy candidate. Only one TD has been registered against South Carolina, but the schedule has been tissue soft, with wins over Kent State and Towson. Two key Gamecocks -- edge rusher Dylan Stewart and O-lineman Jaccarius Peak -- are expected to belatedly launch their seasons after injury rehab but reportedly will be limited.

This gargauntuan line seems rooted in the perception that Oregon will unload its frustrations from the stunning loss to Oklahoma State on the little ol' Vikings. With Southern Cal looking next week, it's doubtful coach Dan Lanning will heavily deploy his regulars just to vent. Portland State's defense is dreadful, but the team has tallied 20-plus points in three outings against decent competition. The average margin in six recent meetings is 52.8. That's massive but still shy of this line. If the Vikes can manage a couple of TDs, the Ducks would have to climb into the 70s for a cover.

We are buyers on the revamped USC defense operated by new coordinator by Hall of Famer Gary Patterson. It has yielded just one rushing TD in two games. The D even pulled off a pair of safeties in blanking Fresno State. For Louisiana, the scheduling leap from an FCS foe (Lamar) to a national title contender is beyond ambitious. As if the Trojans needed another edge: Kickoff is 10 p.m. (CT), an absurd late show for the Cajuns.

Wait, a visiting current FCS member, albeit a bully on that level, is spotting more than a field goal to an FBS card-carrier off to a blazing start? This matchup might have the wrong team favored. Nevada gutted Western Kentucky last week, while Montana State defeated an opponent (Butler) that doesn't even offer scholarships and rang up 24 points. The Bobcats’ first victim (Utah Tech) just stepped up from FCS. The Wolf Pack are distancing themselves from a 3-9 season in 2025, though one that closed promisingly with two SU wins in the last three games. The Pack is back.

North Dakota State’s inaugural season in the FBS is off to a smashing success, with two effortless wins by a cumulative score of 71-7. Up next, however, after a pair of soft foes is a late-night matchup at high altitude against a host with a quirky offense. Too many trap doors here to back the Bison. Air Force shut out Duquesne, allowing 10 first-time Falcons starters to wiggle their toes in the big-boy football pool. The defense permitted just 107 yards, while the offense hogged the ball for nearly 41 minutes. While Air Force has been in rebuilding mode recently, it should not be on the receiving end of points against an FBS newbie.

UNLV, fresh off an unflashy win at Hawaii, must repack for another road trip. The Rebels have sent off mixed signals so far, having bowed in their opener at home to Memphis. The Mean Green were a cash cow a year ago throughout a 12-2 SU season. Despite the lopsided score against Indiana in this season’s opener, it outgained the high and mighty Hoosiers. Coach Neal Brown, dealt a difficult card for his debut as the NTSU coach, gets to settle in against a beatable guest.

Overreaction to Week 1 results is a common malady among bettors. Still, Michigan’s all-but-invisible offense against Western Michigan can't be dismissed. Forget the infamous wait-a-second finish. The Wolverines were thoroughly outplayed for the first 59:59 while QB Bryce Underwood removed himself from Heisman Trophy consideration before Labor Day. Oklahoma wielded the No. 3 rush defense in the land last year. If Michigan’s pass game does not reawaken, relying on the run might be fool’s gold. The Sooners cake-walked over UTEP 51-0, showing little in the process. Injuries to the O-line are mildly concerning, but UM must score some to stay within the spread.

Wazzu’s defense can take a bow for the Cougars covering against Washington last week. On the flip side, the Cougs’ offense managed a measly 242 yards, committed three turnovers and neglected to convert a single third down. Now they must hit the road again for an unsavory 9 a.m. (PT) start time — likely without the versatile Tony Freeman (knee). He’s not only their main receiver but also handles kick and punt returns. K-State barely broke a sweat in pummeling Nicholls 71-3, setting the Wildcats up for a somewhat tighter but still stress-free result.

Even with FSU having played in Week 0 -- and even with SMU coach Rhett Lashlee opining that the Seminoles should be favorites by at least a touchdown -- let's side with the Mustangs. The 'Noles were unimpressive in a 17-point win, outgaining New Mexico State by a mere 100 yards. SMU welcomes back most of its offensive production. QB Kevin Jennings has accumulated 20 wins with the 'Stangs, including a demolishing of FSU two years ago, and should be in the early Heisman Trophy picture. The O-Line is loaded with NFL prospects. Until the 'Noles reverse their ATS trend -- 2-8 in the last 10 games -- they can't be trusted.

One definition of insanity might be backing a team with no -- as in zero -- defensive starters retuning. However, Washington State loaded up with veteran transfers, so the D's outlook is far from bleak. Further, this is a hefty spread for a rivalty game. In fact, the Cougars have pulled upsets in two of the past three treks to Seattle. Forced to replace NFL rookies Denzel Boston and Jonah Coleman, both big gainers last season, Washington might struggle to score enough points for a cover. As well, the Huskies' O-line lacks their usual experience. Taking about two-dozen points seems quite sane.

It's an undesirable late show for Central Michigan. Toe meets leather in the Land of Enchantment at 10:10 p.m. (ET), when the Chippewas could be stifling yawns. The Lobos went 7-0 outright at home last season and were 6-0 on the money line as favorites. Projected QB starter Jack Layne was ruled out for the season this week, but there is a silver lining. New Mex coach Jason Eck has mastered operating a two-QB system, which seems likely to be on display here. The Chips evidently are shifting from a run-first to a more pass-minded offense, which could require time for the transition.

While Arkansas State practiced and chilled, Memphis not only got a head start with a Week 0 outing but tripped up UNLV in Vegas. Momentum carried into the home opener will be ratcheted up as the Tigers play in a fully renovated stadium after dealing with construction the past few seasons. Ark State must figure out how to repel a defense that racked up a half-dozen sacks and five more tackles for loss last week. The Red Wolves work in an unfamiliar QB while keeping fingers crossed that the defense is improved over its predecessor that ranked 112th in FBS.