Week 2 CFB Picks: Major road tests await Iowa, Michigan

Illinois at Duke, Saturday, 12 p.m.

Duke will look to keep building upon a 9-4 campaign in the second year under coach Manny Diaz, and high-profile transfer quarterback Darian Mensah (389 passing yards and three TDs in opener) leads a passing offense stocked with quality receivers. Illinois will provide a challenge with their secondary, and Luke Altmyer can wing it for the Illini, but Duke has taken care of the ball under Diaz (+2.1 turnover margin) and can hold their own behind a high-powered offense in the biggest home game of the season.

Pick: Duke (+3)

Iowa at Iowa St., Saturday, 12 p.m.

These teams bring out the best in each other. Six of the last seven meetings have been settled by a touchdown or less, five by three points or less, and the road team has won the last four games. We expect another close one. The Hawkeyes feature their typical stingy defense and hard-nosed run game (310 rushing yards Week 1), and transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski brings a new dimension with his big arm. The Cyclones must avoid letdown following overseas upset of Kansas St. and blowout win over South Dakota, and well-rested Iowa figures to give them all they can handle.

Pick: Iowa (+3)

Michigan at Oklahoma, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Both teams addressed their major concern last year by bringing in high-profile quarterbacks, and consider themselves playoff contenders. The Wolverines concluded last year with victories over Ohio St. and Alabama, winning both despite one of the worst quarterback rooms in the nation, and defense will be a strength once again this season. Bryce Underwood is the difference maker, becoming the first freshman to throw for 250+ yards in Michigan history last week. If he handles the road environment, the Wolverines have the personnel to win straight up. Transfer John Mateer threw for nearly 400 yards in his Sooners debut. Oklahoma figures to be prepared for their best and features one of the top-ranked defenses in the SEC, but this is too many points to lay against a capable rival.

Pick: Michigan (+5.5)

Wagers

• Duke (+3), Iowa (+3), and Michigan (+5.5) are all 2-unit plays.