College football odds, lines, schedule for Week 2: Oklahoma, Iowa State early favorites in marquee showdowns

Heavyweight Showdowns Headline Pivotal Week 2 in College Football Key Developments: Week 2 of the college football season is shaping up to be a blockbuster, with several marquee matchups between top-ranked programs set to take center stage. Headlining the action is a highly anticipated clash between No. 3 Oklahoma and No. 6 Michigan, with the Sooners opening as slight favorites. Elsewhere, No. 9 Iowa State is expected to be favored at home against in-state rival Iowa, while several other ranked teams will face early tests to solidify their playoff aspirations. Context & Background: The second week of the season is often a critical juncture, as teams look to build momentum and position themselves for the grueling conference slate ahead. This year's slate is particularly intriguing, featuring a number of high-profile intersectional showdowns that could have far-reaching implications for the national championship race. The Oklahoma-Michigan tilt is especially compelling, pitting two historic powers looking to assert their dominance. The Sooners are perennial contenders under Lincoln Riley, while the Wolverines are seeking to take the next step under Jim Harbaugh and finally break through against their Big 12 counterparts. Their previous two meetings, in 2013 and 2018, were both won convincingly by Oklahoma, making this an important opportunity for Michigan to prove its mettle against an elite opponent. Impact Analysis: The outcomes of these marquee Week 2 matchups could have a profound impact on the College Football Playoff picture. For Oklahoma and Michigan, a victory would provide a significant resume-boosting win and put the winner firmly in the national title conversation. Similarly, Iowa State's clash with Iowa carries major implications for the Big 12 and Big Ten, with the Cyclones looking to solidify their status as a dark horse playoff contender. Beyond the playoff implications, these games also hold major recruiting significance. Programs like Oklahoma and Michigan rely heavily on their ability to attract top talent, and winning high-profile non-conference battles can be a major boon on the recruiting trail. A convincing performance, regardless of the final result, could pay dividends for these schools in the years to come. Expert Perspective: "These types of games are exactly why the college football regular season is so captivating," said longtime analyst and former coach Kirk Herbstreit. "You have elite programs squaring off with so much on the line, and the outcomes can really reshape the national landscape. Oklahoma and Michigan both have a lot to prove, and I expect an absolute war on the field. Iowa State-Iowa is another fascinating matchup, with the Cyclones looking to solidify their status as a true contender." Looking Forward: As the 2021 season progresses, the results of these Week 2 showdowns will undoubtedly have a major impact on the playoff picture. A convincing win for Oklahoma or Michigan would vault the victor into the national title discussion, while an Iowa State victory over the Hawkeyes would further cement the Cyclones' status as a team to watch. Regardless of the outcomes, these marquee matchups are sure to captivate college football fans and provide early clarity on some of the nation's top contenders.