Today we’re going to be doing something a little different. Let’s gamble! You may say, Hawkguy Matt, this isn’t coming from message boards. True, but our takes might as well be message board fodder. We have even roped in a special guest, @CFBHome, to compete with our picks this week.
Alright, let’s get to the picks! For reference, we are using the spread seen on ESPN’s app at the time of writing this article.
Louisville -4.5 at Syracuse
Malik Cunningham is going to pass all over Syracuse once again. I expect him to tear up to Cuse defense. Cunningham’s incomplete passes (5) will slightly exceed his TD passes (4) this weekend.
Illinois +3 at Indiana
Having played and dominated a game is going to come to Illinois’ advantage. Additionally, Indiana’s projected starting QB threw for under 50% and Illinois’ pass defense looked good.
UTEP +31.5 at Oklahoma
The last two games that Oklahoma was favored by 30 in non-conference play resulted in victories of 5 and 7 respectively. I think they shut down UTEP from scoring more than 10 points, especially with Cowing (WR) at Arizona.
CSU +30.5 at Michigan
Colorado State has legitimate talent and this year, they have a real head coach in Jay Norvell. The talent isn’t enough to beat Michigan, but should be more than enough to keep the game within four touchdowns.
Arkansas -6 vs. Cincinnati
The SEC will once again prove too tough for the Bearcats. The Pitt Boss rolls in this one.
Ohio State -17.5 vs. Notre Dame
This is a bold pick, considering Notre Dame’s history in big games over the past 30 years, but Ohio State is not going to lose a game all year. In fact, they may not have a close game all year.
Colorado St +30.5 at Michigan
Big Blue has a lot to replace and opens the season with a relatively good opponent. It won’t be an upset but don’t expect a blowout. Take the Rams with the 30
Oregon +17 at Georgia
Dan Lanning takes over in Eugene for Mario Cristobal who leaves behind some pieces to work with as the Ducks averaged a recruiting ranking of 10.5 during his tenure. UGA is talented but replacing a lot of key players from last year’s title team. Bulldogs win but don’t cover.
LSU -3 vs. Florida State
It’s a night game at Death Valley and Brian Kelly should pull a Derek Jeter and send Ed Orgeron a gift basket for leaving him with such a talented roster. Unless FSU is finally for real, this is an easy call. And in my sincerest form of flattery, it’s Bengal Tigers, Brian Kelly, betting the over.
Houston -4 at UTSA
I liked this line when it opened at -5.5, I love it even more at -4. Houston returns a dynamic offense with signal caller Clayton Tune, and their 4-2-5 defense looks to be one of the strongest in the AAC.
Georgia -17 vs. Oregon
A very unneutral site game presents a tough start to the Dan Lanning era at Oregon. Coaching inexperience on both sides of the ball for Oregon will cost them points and give Georgia strong field position throughout the game.
Florida +3 vs. Utah (UPSET SPECIAL)
Despite what you heard about Utah, they have plenty of holes that need to be addressed. The Swamp in September is about as tough as it gets for a visiting team. I see Florida winning this straight-up.
Utah State +41.5 at Alabama
Am I pandering to my boss, MBG Guy? Probably a little, but that is an absolutely massive spread. Alabama is probably the best team in college football, but I don’t think they want to humiliate Utah State. That’s being saved for Texas.
Oregon +17 at Georgia
First of all, a Georgia game in Atlanta isn’t a neutral site. I don’t care what ESPN says. Next, Georgia lost their entire team to the NFL Draft. It seems somewhat unreasonable to expect them to roll on all cylinders in week 1 against a good team at a “neutral site”.
Notre Dame +17.5 at Ohio State
All of that goodwill with MBG Guy from my first pick is being demolishing with my last pick. I am buying Notre Dame as a top 10 team. Top 10 teams do not lose games by three scores.
Reminder: If you are actually using an article on messageboards.com for gambling advice, you probably belong on a message board.
For more insightful college football takes, follow me on Twitter @hawkguymatt.
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