2018 NCAA Football Week 1 Beating the Spread

Northwestern Wildcats at Purdue Boilermakers(-2.5)

This is a huge game for the Boilermakers and a win here could lead to a special season in West Lafayette. Take the Boilers and give the points in what should be a close, hard fought matchup between two solid Big Ten teams.

Pick: Purdue 34  Northwestern 27

San Diego State Aztecs at Stanford Cardinal(-14.5)

The Aztecs are a very good team once again, but this time look for Stanford to be able to throw the ball and that will be the difference in this game. Still, take the Aztecs and the points.

Pick: Stanford 27  San Diego State 17

Florida Atlantic Owls at Oklahoma Sooners

The Owls are loaded on offense and Oklahoma is loaded all-around. Take the Sooners to win but the Owls with an explosive offense will cover this spread.

Pick: Oklahoma Sooners 44  Florida Atlantic 27

Oregon State at Ohio State Buckeyes(-38)

This game should be a mismatch no matter who coaches the Buckeyes. Take the Buckeyes and the points.

Pick: Ohio State 55  Oregon State 7

Appalachian State at Penn State Nittany Lions(-24.5)

App State has a history of playing big schools close and that will probably be the case again, but Trace McSorley is too good to lose this game.

Pick: Penn State 34  App State 17

Texas Longhorns(-13) at Maryland Terrapins

To say Maryland has had a bad offseason is a huge understatement. Texas, on the other hand, looks poised to have a big season under Head Coach Tom Herman. Take the Longhorns and give the points.

Pick: Texas 31  Maryland 13

Washington Huskies vs Auburn Tigers(-1)

This is the game of the opening weekend to me as both teams look to be title contenders. For the Huskies to contend they HAVE to win this game.

Pick: Washington 24  Auburn 20

West Virginia Mountaineers(-10) vs Tennessee Volunteers 

The Mountaineers look like a darkhorse contender for a national playoff berth, but giving ten points to Tennessee seems like a lot, but I am going to give the points because there are just too many questions surrounding the Volunteers.

Pick: West Virginia 34  Tennessee 20

Michigan at Notre Dame(PK)

A lot of questions surround both teams headed into this matchup. Those questions to me are quarterback and offensive line. At quarterback, I would give the edge to Shea Patterson. The offensive line would be a complete mystery as of now. Take the home team in a close one.

Pick: Notre Dame 27  Michigan 24

Louisville Cardinals vs Alabama Crimson Tide(-24)

The Cardinals have some weapons on the offensive side of the ball, but Alabama has answers on both sides.

Pick: Alabama 41  Louisville 13

Miami(Fla)(-3) at LSU Tigers

The Canes were a surprise last year but they won’t be this year, and I think they will be too talented for LSU in this one.

Pick: Miami(Fla) 27  LSU 16

Virginia Tech at Florida State(-7.5)

The Hokies are a big-time sleeper in this game. I will go with the home team in this game, but I will bet the Hokies and take the points.

Pick: Florida state 24  Virginia Tech 23