We’re back, friends! The long offseason is over, and a full slate of college football action is upon us.
I’ve got a lot of games to choose from this week, but there are lots of big and fun games to kick off the season that I’m going to take a stab it. All lines come courtesy of SB Nation sportsbook partner FanDuel Sportsbook, which you can find here.
And now, on with this week’s picks…
(Disclaimer: these are just my opinions. Please do your own analysis and pick accordingly. I am not telling you what
to do with your money. Be responsible. Have a gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&C apply; lines subject to change.)
Notre Dame vs. MIAMI (+2.5)
I said this week that my head says Notre Dame, but my heart says Miami. I made my bed, so now I have to lie in it. Hopefully the Canes don’t hang me out to dry here.
TEXAS (+1.5) at Ohio State
This is a tough game to call – on a neutral field, I think Texas would be the clear pick. But the Longhorns have another good defense, and Manning is finally set to take center stage. I think he doesn’t disappoint.
ALABAMA (-13.5) at Florida State
The talent disparity between these two programs is a far greater gap than what I think Vegas is seeing in this game. The Tide pound on FSU’s patchwork defensive front and control this game with a workmanlike win in the 17–24-point margin of victory range.
LSU at CLEMSON (-3.5); LSU/Clemson – OVER 57.5
A two for one here. I feel like the book is trying to get me to bite on LSU with the three points and the hook. I’m not biting. Both sets of Tigers should be good this year, but the atmosphere and Cade Klubnik get Clemson a 7-point win at home.
Also, the offensive talent on display here is substantial, and this one will be a shootout. I’ll take this one betting over the total and into the 60s.
Missouri State at USC (-35.5)
I’ve seen the Trojans projected by some as a fringe CFP team this year. If they really are that, then they’ll cover this big spread comfortably.
Virginia Tech vs. SOUTH CAROLINA (-7.5)
Speaking of CFP contenders, if the Gamecocks are for real, and if Lanoris Sellers is a truly difference maker, this is a double-digit win for the Gamecocks.
Long Island vs. FLORIDA (-45.5)
Long Island is barely a football program, so if this isn’t around 63-3, I’ll be a bit surprised.
Auburn at BAYLOR (+2.5)
I’m leaning this way just because of the hot mess that Auburn’s appeared to be this month. Multiple play callers depending on downs? Multiple QBs to play? Gah. Home team plus points here.
BOISE STATE (-5.5) at USF
The Bulls have been respectable under Alex Golesh, but the Broncos are a CFP contender this year, and just a 6-point win in Tampa gets it done here. I think that’s very realistic.
