Welcome to the first college football Saturday of the season. This calls for a trio of best bets.
I believe I know what each team is up to this season, but believe it or not, the guy who bets on sports for a living is sometimes wrong. There are so many good games tonight, and I would love to bet on every single one, but I tend to pull in the reigns a little for Week 1. Even then, I still have a healthy card tonight that will be updated throughout the day.
You can track my picks here.
Anyway, let's get straight into the picks. If you decide to follow our picks, we ask that you do so responsibly.
*Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
Colorado State vs. Michigan
Michigan has much to replace coming off their playoff season, especially on defense. The Wolverines were so good last season because their defense was dominant enough to allow the offense to pound the hell out of the ball without worrying about relying on the quarterbacks.
Speaking of the quarterbacks for Michigan, they will once again be rolling with a dual-system of Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy, with the former getting the start today and McCarthy getting the Week 2 start. The offensive line reloaded, and they are getting Ronnie Bell back this season, who was lost for the season earlier in the year.
Now, Michigan lost both their offensive and defensive coordinators, and as I said, they lost a ton on defense. I think Michigan's defense will be fine at the end of the day, but they could struggle against a Colorado State offense that is expected to throw the ball more this season.
Nevada OC Matt Mumme is now with the Rams, bringing quarterback Clay Millen with him. Like many teams with new hires, Colorado State will run the Air Raid this season, so expect a lot of passing and a lot of deep shots against a defense that we just do not know about.
Pick: Over 60.5 (-110)
Florida vs. Utah
This has been a very frustrating game for me to handicap. First, I am very high on the Utes this season, so laying the 1.5 with Utah should be the easy pick here. However, Utah has never played in an environment like this.
If you have ever stepped foot inside the state of Florida, first of all, my apologies, and secondly, it is muggy, the crowd is intimidating, and the Gators are building something good here under Billy Napier.
Both defenses come into this game with a lot of questions. For Utah, the last time we saw them, Ohio State gained approximately 5,000 yards, and for Florida, unless their defense has learned how to limit the chunk plays, they are still not a great unit.
Napier brought over a lot of his guys from Louisiana, so this offense should be better, and if Anthony Richardson can live up to his full potential, the Gators might be a team to keep your eye on this season.
I still think Utah will win this game, but both defenses are suspect, and while Florida's offense is still unknown as of now, we know that Cameron Rising and the Utes are going to move the ball. I would take Utah on the spread if this game were not being played in an environment that 99% of Utah's roster never has and might never experience again. Instead, I like the over here with a surprisingly low number.
Pick: Over 51.5 (-105)
Notre Dame vs. Ohio State
This might be the most anticipated regular season game of all time. Two of the most historic programs in the country meet up in one of the oldest stadiums at night, and they are both top-5 teams. This game is also an excellent uniform matchup, so that's sick.
It truly does not get any better than this.
The Buckeyes have become an offensive juggernaut under Ryan Day, averaging over 40 points per game since he took over for Urban Meyer. This season, Ohio State has arguably the best offense in football history (on paper), and I don't think it is outrageous to say that.
There are roughly three first-round talents on the offensive line, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is probably the best receiver in the country, C.J. Stroud is going to battle for the top pick, and TreVeyon Henderson reminds me a lot of Buckeye great J.K. Dobbins. There are guys on the bench that would start and shine in other powerhouse programs across the country (think Jameson Williams), so if you do not come correct on defense, you will get blown out of the building fast.
On the other side, Notre Dame is a top-5 team in the country for a reason, but let's be honest, Ohio State and Alabama are so far ahead of everyone this season that it almost feels like Ohio State is playing an unranked team tonight.
At the end of the day, if Ohio State scores 40+, which they have a lot the last few years, Notre Dame needs to be semi-competent against a suspect Ohio State defense. Once again, I really like the over in this one.
Pick: Over 59.5 (-114)
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