YTD 1-3-0
Warm ups are over, time to step into the arena and test your metal. This is the best week one slate of games we have had the pleasure of watching since I started doing this little endeavor. Tough start to week zero going 1-3, but that is behind us and the only way out happens to be through. I am ready to gamble and I am ready to get to these picks so no dilly dallying this week let’s go.
Sides YTD 0-2-0
Texas vs Ohio State (+1.5)
What a matchup to start the year in columbus ohio. Big bad Texas coming for revenge for last year’s playoff loss to these same buckeye’s. All the talk about Arch Manning in the saddle, but the players that make me lean Ohio State in this game are the WR’s. Elite talent at WR elevates average QB’s more than Elite Talent at QB elevates Average WR talent in college football. With this close of a spread though whichever team Lee Corso puts on his final headgear for will honestly win this matchup. I can’t see a world were he won’t put on Brutus’s head one more time to bookend an illustrious career in football.
Tennessee (-13.5) vs Syracuse
One thing the Vols do remarkably well is start the year red hot. I see this trend continuing this season as well. It is rare for them to start away from rocky top, but I imagine they will feel a little more at home in Atlanta than Cuse, I mean they have Chick-Fil-A in the stadium for Christ sake.
Toledo (+10) vs Kentucky
Everyone seems ready to close the casket on the Mark Stoops era of Kentucky football. Which means he will probably win this game by a million to start the year. That is no the case in my estimation and this is talented Rockets team that has a ton of returning talent. I think they keep this one inside the number for us early on Saturday.
Montana State (+26.5) vs Oregon
Oregon won it’s season opener by 10 points last year. I think this Dan Lanning team will be in a great spot to compete for the Big 10 this year, but I am leaning on them starting the year slow and then preceding to round into shape. Give me the Bobcats a team that went 15-1 last year in the FCS ranks.
LSU vs Clemson (-4)
I promised myself I would not bet on LSU in their season opener last year. This game being at Clemson is a large factor for me in this decision. I like Kade Clubnik a lot and I think this Clemson front seven could provide a lot of uncertainty for a newly formed LSU O-Line. EDITORS NOTE (Clemson is the fake death valley, but it is still very loud and is selling booze for the first time in school history for this game.)
Utah (-6) vs UCLA
Now my good friend Johni hates when I do this, but I am taking a road favorite to cover in week one no less! I am not a Nico believer for UCLA and I think this is the year Kyle Whittingham gets his Utes rounded back into their more typical form.
TCU vs UNC (+3.5)
Anyone that tells you with any certainty what this game will look like is lying straight to your face. That being said I am a born and bred Patriots fan so blind allegiance bet to the king Bill Belichick and his queen Jordon.
Totals YTD 1-1-0
Tennessee vs Syracuse (Over 51.5)
Tempo is a hell of a drug. I forsee a lot of possessions and ideally for my other bet Syracuse will be playing catchup and throwing the ball around the yard as well.
Northwestern vs Tulane (Under 46.5)
Northwestern plays boring football and they will make this game one I will not probably be viewing. Go muck it up in the bayou for me wildcats.
Alabama vs Florida State (Under 48.5)
It is my held belief that this Bama defense is the real deal this year. Couple that with some inclement weather forecasts in Tallahassee and Ty Simpson getting his first career start for the tide I see things starting slow.
Nevada vs Penn State (Under 54.5)
James Franklin will get his boys up a comfortable amount and sit on the football. Just pray for no defensive or special teams touchdowns late in this one.
LSU vs Clemson (Under 57.5)
This game will be rougher sledding for both offenses then they are accustomed to. Give me an under for these two teams with sky high expectations this year. It will take a while to settle the nerves.
Georgia State vs Ole Miss (Under 60.5)
A drunk guy at my bar told me to bet this can I get a hell yeah?!
Parlay of the week that never wins!
YTD 0-0-0
+0.0 Units
Ball State +17.5, Air Force -30.5, Under 61.5 Oklahoma
+573