Not the triple out the box kind of week we were hoping for week zero, but this week is the true start of college football this week we have a plethora of games to choose the card from. Had some tough breaks that could have turned this week into a winning week like if FAU could kick extra points instead of going for two constantly and if there was not so many weather delays, but what can you say that’s gambling baby. It feels good to be getting the back in the saddle typing these up hope y’all are enjoying it and this week lets go make some money instead of getting beat by the juice. If you the reader could do me a favor and just tell one other person about this and the website it would be great really want to expand the readership and see what kind of community we could build with your support anyways lets get to some picks.
Sides YTD 2-3
Central Michigan (+21.5) vs Oklahoma State
The Chippewas our darling sons of last year go to Stillwater to start their season against an Okie state team that was a play away from the CFB last year. The chips return the leading rusher in the country in Lew Nichols and QB Daniel Richardson from last years squad and with the cowboys losing Jim Knowles to ohio state I expect them to take a step back defensively. Give me a fire up chips and 21 points.
West Virginia (+8) vs Pitt.
The backyard brawl returns for the first time in more than a decade. A battle for Appalachia will be decided by two former USC QBs in JT Daniels and Kedon Slovis there is a metaphor about class in America somewhere in there, but I am just a college football guy. Both of these programs have massive turnover from the year before and Pitt I think will take a big step back from last year and getting the point on the side north of a touchdown I will take the mountaineers.
Penn St. (-3.5) vs Purdue
Sean Clifford is still Penn States QB if you can believe it. I think Aiden O’connell is a good QB for Purdue I think the supporting staff for the nittany lions is better. With the loss of some important weapons on offense and this not being a big game I think Penn State goes to West Lafayette and wins comfortably.
Western Michigan vs Michigan State (-21.5)
The Mac conference won one game vs Big 10 opponents in 2021. The average margin of victory for Big 10 teams being 36 points. Give me the Spartans to get the season started off on the right foot at home.
Temple (+7) vs Duke
This Duke team should not be favored by a touchdown vs nearly anyone in FBS give me the owls and a touchdown.
Illinois (+3) vs Indiana
A storied rivalry on the hardwood not so much on the gridiron. This will be a tough test for the illini on a short turn around going to Bloomington on a Friday night. This Indiana team did not win a Big 10 game last year they should not be favored against anyone in their league give me the Illini for a second week in a row.
Colorado State vs Michigan (-30.5)
Michigan will put up 45 to 50 points in this game. The question is whether if they can prevent any late backdoor opportunities for the rams in the big house.
NC State (-11.5) vs ECU
If the wolfpack is as good as everyone seems to think they are this year they will go to Greenville and beat the pirates down and 12 points will seem like a breeze for this winner.
UNC vs App St (-1)
This is a line that was UNC -3 last week before the tar heels struggled with FAMU and did not look as crisp as people thought they should be. The line has now flipped and App state is a one point favorite in Boone. I like the home favorites to win this game.
Rutgers vs BC (-7)
I like BC at home with Phil Jurovec returning for the eagles. I do not think this Rutgers team will be very good. Boston college could struggle somewhat trying to replace all five offensive line starters. I think it will still be enough to win by a touchdown at home.
Cincinnati vs Arkansas (-6)
The hogs are six point favorites at home this weekend against a team coming fresh off the first playoff appearance by a group of 5 team. This is a tale of returning production and while the hogs lost first round pick Treylon Burks to the NFL they retain their starting QB KJ Jefferson. The Razorbacks also retain both coordinators and head coach will be strong in the offensive trenches again this year. Playing a ranked opponent to open the year in Fayetteville ensures the energy will be brought for this 2:30 game, plus no way I am betting the hogs week one.
Houston (-4.5) vs UTSA
Houston I believe will be the best team in the American this year no way better way to enjoy ones last year in a conference than to win it on your way out. Dana Holgerson is building something serious in H-Town and UTSA will take a step back from last year with 2021 being the best year in road runner history. Give me the cougs and lay the points.
Oregon vs Georgia (-17.5)
Oregon is attempting to build a new culture under Dan Lanning in Eugene that will take time. Drawing the team you just one the natty with and playing them in Atlanta is a impossible spot for a new coaches first game. Add in you are trying to win this game with Bo Nix who is historically horrible vs Georgia and in Neutral/Away environments Dawgs roll in this one.
BYU (-12) vs USF
The bulls have been terrible in recent years the cougars have not been. Under two touchdowns? Give me BYU.
Miami (OH) vs Kentucky (-16.5)
I do not like betting on middle of the road MAC teams vs SEC and Big 10 level talent give me the wildcats to take care of business in Lexington.
Utah (-2.5) vs Florida
We will be able to see if this Utes team is a serious playoff contender week 1. Nothing like a trip to the swamp to test your metal right off the bat. Everything head coach Billy Napier has said all offseason is do not expect it to happen right away in Gainesville this will take time. Weather and Humidity be damned this Utah team is better than the gators and they will show it Saturday night in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Notre Dame (+17) vs Ohio State
In the Shoe vs CJ Stroud and a Juggernaut offense with a first year coach? I may have put myself in a mental pretzel with this one. Week one without a tune up game for the buckeyes give me the Irish to keep it within the number.
Louisville (-4.5) vs Syracuse
Another conference matchup week 1 these games are always interesting. I like Malik Cunningham a lot for this cardinals squad. He is the spoon that stirs the drink and he will carry Louisville in this game and every game they win this season.
WKU (-16) vs Hawaii
Western Kentucky did not look all that impressive and lost us money last week, but we are embarking in the fade Hawaii tour. They are bad and are a sick program and we will make money fading them wherever they may roam.
FSU vs LSU (-3)
Not sure what I expect from either of these teams this year. I know that LSU should not lose stand alone night games in New Orleans though give me the tigers.
Georgia Tech vs Clemson (-21.5)
Dabo will have the boys ready to make a statement that the reports of their demise are greatly exaggerated. Clemson rolls in this one Tech may not score.
Totals YTD 3-2
Ball State vs Tennessee (Under 68)
Tennessee’s offense is gonna be so scary that I am actually scared about this number. The Vols will lay off the gas early enough for this one to hit the over.
Central Michigan vs Oklahoma State (Over 60)
CMU games have a mysterious quality of finding points where you least expect them. With the cowboys taking a step back on defense this one could be more reminiscent of okie state games of old point points points.
West Virginia vs Pitt (Under 51)
I think this will be an old school game of who can be more physical. With me picking the Mountaineers to cover it is natural for this game to be more of a grind it out kind of affair. Keep this one tight and low and it will be all good.
Western Michigan vs Michigan State (Over 54.5)
I think Mel Tucker will have this team where it needs to be offensively and who doesn’t want to run it up on a MAC team to open the year at home in Spartan Stadium.
Illinois vs Indiana (Under 46)
This is the Big 10 west we are only allowed a certain ration of points as a division per week. This one will be a punt fest and this Illini defense is very good against the pass. The offense will struggle a bit more than last week with a quick turnaround and playing a conference game on the road, but I like the defense of the illini to play well.
Colorado State vs Michigan (Under 61.5)
I said in the sides portion Michigan will put up 45-50 points. Colorado State will put up less than 12 give me the under in Ann Arbor.
Cincinnati vs Arkansas (Over 52)
Arkansas in Non Conference games last season averaged a score of 42-12 that gets us to 54 give me the over.
Houston vs UTSA (Under 62)
62 seems awfully high for these teams. Week one kinks give me the under.
Tulsa vs Wyoming (Under 44)
This Wyoming QB is not a very good college football QB. At home and against a lesser opponent I think the cowboys defense will be a bit better than last week. This one I do not suggest watching simply wait till this bet cashes on your score checker of choice.
Troy vs Ole Miss (Under 58.5)
This Ole Miss team will mess around with Troy a little longer than they should. I do not see Troy scoring enough to get this pushed over 58.5.
Notre Dame vs Ohio State (Over 59)
In this house we bet Ohio State Overs. I think the buckeyes will get beat on some big plays as well adjusting to this new defensive scheme so the Irish keep it close enough for our 17.
Utah State vs Alabama (Under 63)
Nick Saban screaming at the 3rd string defenders to keep the aggies from scoring late will make this a winner.
FSU vs LSU (Over 51.5)
This will be a fun game I think the nole’s will do enough to help us get to 52.
Parlay of the week
0-1 YTD -1 Units
Arkansas -6, Houston -4.5, Alabama under 63
+593
10 to win 59.31
All Odds are via the Barstool Sportsbook as of 8/30/2022