Each week, I will use this space to tell you what I think are a few of the best bets heading into the weekend. I will also throw in an upset of the week, which will be a team that is at least a touchdown underdog that I am picking to win outright.

I got the season off to a good start with a 3-0 week, although my upset special fell short. Let's keep the roll going this week featuring a couple of west coast games and the APR Championship.

Week 2 Picks

Nebraska at Oregon (-14): We know both teams can score. Oregon piled up 77 points, albeit on hapless Southern Utah from the FCS while Nebraska rolled up 43 on Arkansas State, one of the favorites in the Sun Belt. They also gave up a combined 57 points against those teams, so the defenses may not be in midseason form yet. Autzen Stadium is a tough place to steal a road win, so Oregon may come away with the victory, but the Huskers will keep it close. Pick: Nebraska (+14).

San Diego State at Arizona State (-3.5): This is one of those chances for a Group of Five school to pick off a major conference foe. The Aztecs are my pick to win the Mountain West despite losing the NCAA's all-time leading rusher, Donnell Pumphrey, who ran for over 2,000 yards a year ago. Rashaad Penny takes over coming off a 1,000 yard season of his own. Arizona State gave up an alarming 549 yards to New Mexico State in a 37-31 win in the Sun Devils' opener, but their offense can be prolific. The question is whether it can be against the Aztecs aggressive defense. I think the wrong team is favored. Pick: San Diego State (+3.5).

Northwestern at Duke (+3): Northwestern struggled a bit with Nevada last week, but RB Justin Jackson and QB Clayton Thorson had big days. Duke put up a basketball score against North Carolina Central, but this will be a big step up in class for the Blue Devils. In APR terms, this is No. 1 vs. No. 2, but only Northwestern figures to be in the AP Top 25 at the end of the season. If the Wildcats do not give Duke too much help, they should win comfortably. Pick: Northwestern (-3).

Upset of the Week

UTSA at Baylor (-16.5): Didn't Baylor just lose to Liberty? Why should the Bears be two-touchdown favorites over anyone right now, let alone a rising program in Conference USA? Matt Ruhle's rebuilding job appears to be larger than we all thought. My only reservation about picking the Mavericks is that they have not played a game yet because their opener with Houston was postponed. I do expect a better effort from Baylor this week, but still… Pick: UTSA (+16.5).

Other CFP candidates in action