G5 College Football Predictions & Best Bets, Week 2

No matter if games are on Tuesdays or Saturdays, the Group of Five conferences will have plenty of entertaining matchups throughout the 2023 season.

Here’s a look at some of my favorite G5 bets for Week 2.

UTEP vs. Northwestern Prediction: Spread Bet

For UTEP vs. Northwestern in Week 2, I predict UTEP will cover the spread at -1.5.

It’s not very often a Conference USA team is favored on the road against a Power Five opponent, but UTEP is. Northwestern is coming off a 24-7 loss to Rutgers.

Meanwhile, UTEP just beat Incarnate Word by a couple touchdowns, and the Miners’ offense and defense have both shown some potential. I think they can keep that momentum going here.

Prediction: UTEP -1.5

JMU vs. Virginia Prediction: Spread Bet

For JMU vs. UVA in Week 2, I predict the teams will go Over 40.5 total points.

Maybe JMU’s starting quarterback situation isn’t exactly clear after backup Jordan McCloud threw for 144 yards and starter Alonza Barnett III threw for 15 last week. But whoever is behind center, I think the Dukes have some firepower on offense.

And while Virginia lost 49-13 to Tennessee, the Cavaliers still managed to score a couple times against an SEC team. I think both teams will score in the 20s in this matchup this week.

Prediction: Over 40.5

Texas State vs. UTSA Prediction: Spread Bet

For Texas State vs. UTSA in Week 2, I predict Texas State will cover the spread at +13.5.

Texas State proved how great it can be with G.J. Kinne as head coach in a 42-31 upset win at Baylor last week. Although a letdown is possible, I still don’t believe UTSA is 14 points better than the Bobcats.

UTSA is also likely desperate for a win after a narrow loss to Houston. But after what we saw last week, this isn’t going to be an easy win for the Roadrunners.

Prediction: Texas State +13.5

UCF vs. Boise State Prediction: Spread Bet

For UCF vs. Boise State in Week 2, I predict Boise State will cover the spread at +3.5.

Many people, including myself, thought Boise State would cover against Washington. Instead, the Broncos lost 56-19.

But that’s why I think keeping this game close is a strong possibility for Boise State. The Broncos will certainly want to bounce back in their home opener against UCF, and I think they have the talent to cover and maybe even win.

Prediction: Boise State +3.5

Ole Miss vs. Tulane Prediction: Over/Under Total Points

For Ole Miss vs. Tulane in Week 2, I predict the teams will go Under 67 points.

Tulane just proved why it’s No. 1 in the HERO Sports G5 Top 25 Rankings. The Green Wave are a complete team, meaning their defense is going to be spectacular in 2023.

Ole Miss just put up 73 points against Mercer and is No. 20 in the Associated Press Top 25. But I think Tulane’s defense brings another type of challenge, and I expect the Rebels’ defense to give Tulane some issues, so I don’t see this being a high-scoring game.

Prediction: Under 67