Every week, Rock M Nation will post the SEC betting lines for that week’s slate of games. DISCLAIMER: Rock M Nation is not an online gambling operator, nor a gambling site of any kind. We are simply here to provide information about sports betting for entertainment purposes only. None of the staff will be using this information for gambling purposes and are not liable for any losses incurred due to the analysis contained within.
Week 1 is in the books and we are already off to a hot start. Auburn
and Ohio State carried us to a 2-1 record with Notre Dame dropping the ball big time on Sunday night. Overall, our picks went 4-2, with Kentucky covering by a measly half a point to give us that second loss. Oh well, we had a winning week and the plan is to carry that on to Week 2. Let’s get to it!
Best Bets
Iowa vs. Iowa State (-2.5)
El Assico returns! In what is perennially one of the ugliest and weirdest rivalry games on the calendar, it is always worth tuning in to see something strange, bizarre and distasteful because that is what makes college football great. Iowa State looks like a real contender for the Big 12 while Iowa had a very slow start against FCS Albany before finally pulling away in the second half. Since this game is Ames, I’ll take Iowa State to win by at least a field goal, but there are certain to be some weird safeties and punt hijinx throughout.
Baylor vs. SMU (-2.5)
SMU is getting disrespected quite a bit with this line, in my opinion. The Mustangs did lose a decent amount of talent off their playoff roster last year, but their quarterback returns and they handled business in their first game last week against an FCS opponent. Baylor, on the other hand, was dominated by Auburn in Waco last week in a game that was worse than even the 38-24 final indicated. This game is in Dallas so give me SMU by at least a touchdown.
kansas vs. Mizzou (-6.5)
The Border War is back! While this isn’t your little brother’s kansas putting up two-win seasons with regularity, the Jayhawks still don’t have the talent and depth to match Mizzou, especially in the trenches and especially in Columbia. Jalon Daniels will make some plays and annoy the Tiger defense but I expect the good guys to win by a couple scores when it’s all said and done. Play Mr. Brightside.
Worth a look
South Florida (-17.5) vs. Florida
Florida looked strong to kick off DJ Lagway’s sophomore campaign, shutting out woefully outmatched Long Island University 56-0. South Florida had an even more impressive opening game, all things considered. Not only did the upset 2024 playoff participant Boise State, but they demolished the Broncos 34-7. I don’t think the Bulls will win in Gainsville, but I do think the 17.5 point spread is a bit high. I’m going to take South Florida to cover, even if the Gators win by a couple touchdowns.
Vanderbilt (+1.5) vs. Virginia Tech
This is a rematch of the game where we first saw a glimpse of what Vanderbilt would be with Diego Pavia under center. The Commodores lit up the Hokies in Nashville last year in one of the more surprising early season results. In hindsight, it wasn’t all that surprising and what is really surprising is that Vandy is the underdog again this year. The game is in Blacksburg, but Virginia Tech was really uninspiring offensively last week against South Carolina. I think Vandy goes in and pulls out the win outright. Give me the ‘Dores.
West Virginia (-3.5) vs. Ohio
The Mountaineers impressed last week against some guy named Bob in Rich Rod’s triumphant return to Morgantown. West Virginia may finally have found some stability under a familiar face. Ohio is a tricky match up, especially in Athens, considering they are coming off a MAC championship last year. That said, I think West Virginia’s talent will be too much for the Bobcats. While they may not win by double digits, they’ll win by at least 3.5 points, which is all we need.
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See sportsbook.fanduel.com for details.
