Bet Now Presents: College Football Picking Against the Spread Week 1

Florida A&M at No. 17 UCF (-45.5)

7:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network

Notre Dame transfer Quarterback Brandon Wimbush should make his first start for the Knights, who will face a Florida A&M team that went a solid 6-5 last season in Willie Simmons’ first go-round. UCF maintains its regular season unbeaten streak going with ease.

Prediction: UCF 48 FAMU 0

Georgia Tech at No. 1 Clemson (-33.5)

8 p.m., ACC Network

Geoff Collins’ debut as Georgia Tech’s new Head Coach won’t be easy. Clemson was 1-2 against the spread when favored by more than 30 points in 2018. Georgia Tech will struggle, especially early in this season as they try to transition to a more conventional offense. Look for the Tigers to win handily, but the Yellow Jackets will cover.

Prediction: Clemson 52  Georgia Tech 17

Texas State at No. 12 Texas A&M (-34.5)

8:30 p.m., SEC Network

First-year head coach Jake Spavital leads the Bobcats into a tough opener at Kyle Field and the Aggies, led by Jimbo Fisher, are hoping to pick up where they left off after averaging more than 50 points over their last four games of 2018. Kellen Mond opens with a big first half and the Aggies run away and hide for an easy victory.

Prediction: TAM 40  Tex State 10

No. 14 Utah (-5) at BYU

10:15 p.m., ESPN

A week 1 rivalry game, and it should be a great one. The Utes have won the last eight meetings, but all of the last six have been decided by little more than five points per game. BYU makes it interesting at home, but the Utes have too much talent and pull away late.

Prediction: Utah 30  BYU 17

No. 19 Wisconsin (-13.5) at South Florida

7 p.m., ESPN

On paper, this looks like a dangerous game for the Badgers, but last year the Bulls were terrible against the run and if they have not improved at stopping tit they will have no chance here.

Prediction: Wisconsin 37  South Florida 7

Florida Atlantic at No. 5 Ohio State (-27)

Noon, FOX

Justin Fields and Ryan Day will impress in their debuts, and the Buckeyes show a little more punch on defense around future first-round pick Chase Young. If Day is the real deal as a coach the Buckeyes could be better than last year.

Prediction: Ohio State 45  Fla Atlantic 27

South Alabama at No. 24 Nebraska (-36)

Noon, ESPN

Questions on defense surround the Huskers so 36 is a lot of points give here. The Huskers will roll big-time but the Jaguars will cover.

Prediction: Nebraska 35  South Alabama 17

No. 2 Alabama (-34.5) vs. Duke

3:30 p.m., ABC

Duke is a solid and well-coached team, but Bama is Bama and they should win this game handily.

Prediction: Bama 48  Duke 7

Northwestern at No. 25 Stanford (-6.5)

4 p.m., FOX

This is a solid week 1 matchup between two well-coached teams. I like the Wildcats in an upset.

Prediction: Stanford 24  Northwestern 14

No. 3 Georgia (-20.5) at Vanderbilt

7:30 p.m., SEC Network

Vandy has some talented skill players and Georgia is breaking in some new receivers. The Commodores will stay in this game longer than expected.

Prediction: Georgia 34  Vandy 7

No. 11 Oregon vs. No. 16 Auburn (-3)

7:30 p.m., ABC

The key to this game will be Oregon’s offensive line against Auburn’s defensive line. Take the points in a close one.

Prediction: Oregon 24  Auburn 20

Houston at No. 4 Oklahoma (-24.5)

7:30 p.m., ESPN

The Cougars will not be a pushover here and I expect this to be the game of the weekend.

Prediction: Oklahoma 45  Houston 38

No. 9 Notre Dame (-20.5) at Louisville

8 p.m., ESPN

The Cardinals are at home and will be fired up, but emotion only lasts so long. Irish pull away in the second half.

Prediction: Notre Dame 35  Louisville 24