Cy-Hawk Showdown Highlights Big Week 2 College Football Slate, Betting Options for Iowa Fans
Iowa football fans have plenty to watch Saturday as the Hawkeyes host Iowa State in the annual Cy-Hawk Trophy rivalry, but the Week 2 college football schedule offers much more, including a top-five showdown between Texas and Ohio State. For those looking to add some excitement to the games, several sportsbooks are rolling out new-user promotions just in time for the weekend.
The Hawkeyes enter the matchup as 14.5-point favorites at home, with the over/under set at 40.5. Iowa opened the season with a dominant 40-0 win over Northern Illinois, led by Kamari Moulton's 183 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries. Iowa State, under first-year head coach Jimmy Rogers, will look to pull off the upset despite returning only four players from last year's two-deep depth chart.
History suggests this rivalry could be closer than the spread indicates. The Cyclones have won three of the last four meetings, and the Cy-Hawk Trophy hasn't been decided by more than 10 points since 2016. The Hawkeyes won last year's matchup 20-19 in Ames.
Where to find the best sportsbook offers for Week 2
Several major sportsbooks are offering promotions for new users this weekend. Here's a breakdown of what's available:
- DraftKings: New users get $200 in bonus bets with a $5 or more wager. Bonus bets arrive as two $25 credits every seven days over 21 days.
- FanDuel: New users receive $350 in bonus bets by placing a $5+ wager daily for seven days, earning $50 per day regardless of outcome.
- bet365: Offers $365 in bonus bets instantly with a minimum $10 wager.
- Hard Rock Bet: New users get $100 in bonus bets win or lose after a first $5 wager, distributed as five $20 credits over five weeks.
- Caesars Sportsbook: Use promo code CBSDYW to earn a 100% profit boost on 10 wagers after a first $1 bet, with each boost applicable to wagers up to $25.
- BetMGM: New users can receive up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if their first wager loses, using promo code CBSSPORTS.
- Fanatics Sportsbook: Promo code CBSFAN26 unlocks a 10x$100 bet match for up to $1,000 in FanCash over 10 days.
None of the offers at DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, or Hard Rock require a specific promo code to claim.
Texas vs. Ohio State headlines the national slate
The marquee matchup of the weekend pits No. 3 Texas against No. 5 Ohio State in Austin, with the Longhorns listed as 1.5-point favorites. The Buckeyes won last year's meeting 14-7 in Columbus, and this year's rematch features quarterbacks Julian Sayin and Arch Manning, both more experienced after a full season under center.
Sports betting analysts suggest the under on 48.5 total points could be the play, with the game expected to be a defensive battle despite both offenses improving. The model predicts the under hits in 60% of simulations.
Other notable Week 2 matchups
Georgia Tech hosts Tennessee, with the Yellow Jackets getting 11.5 points. True freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon will make his first road start after accounting for five touchdowns in Tennessee's 56-9 season-opening win over Furman. Georgia Tech's defense allowed just 124 passing yards in a narrow loss at Colorado, and the model predicts the Yellow Jackets cover in 72% of simulations.
Kansas vs. Missouri and Michigan vs. Oklahoma round out a loaded Saturday schedule featuring 80 games with at least one FBS opponent.
Betting responsibly
All sportsbooks offer responsible gaming tools, including wager limits and voluntary self-exclusion options. If you or someone you know is dealing with a gambling problem, call the Problem Gambling Help Network at 1-800-GAMBLER.