NCAA Football Week 1: Betting all Top 25 Teams against the spread

Week one of College Football is upon us with high-powered matchups and cannon fodder games. Each week, we will pick all of the top 25 games against the spread. So sit back and get ready to win money with the Grueling Truth.

Georgia vs Clemson

• Point Spread: Georgia -13.5
• Moneyline Clemson +420
• Moneyline Georgia -580
• Over/Under 48.5

That is an enormous spread, considering Clemson is a big-time program, and it’s the first game of the season. Georgia could easily blow this game open if Carson Beck is comfortable early; Clemson did lose its opener 28-7 last season, though, so this line has dropped slightly among some books, which seems to suggest Clemson may hang around into the second half – this game should be more of a referendum on Dabo Swinney than Kirby Smart and play out accordingly. The Tigers won’t win the game, but they wont get blown out either.

Prediction: Georgia 31  Clemson 23

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Clemson +13.5

• Both teams good defensively
• Carson Beck could be the difference
• Clemson has something to prove

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Temple vs Oklahoma

• Point Spread: Oklahoma -42.5
• Moneyline Temple NA
• Moneyline Oklahoma NA
• Over/Under 59.5

Sooner football will be leaping into SEC play with new quarterback Jackson Arnold, and starting amidst such a staggering spread. Oklahoma is undefeated under Brent Venables in non-conference regular-season games by an average margin of 39.3 points per contest. At the same time, Temple has had three straight 3-9 seasons and 3-12 ATS performances as road underdogs over these last three years.

Prediction: Oklahoma 55  Temple 10

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Oklahoma -42.5

• How good is Jackson Arnold
• Sooners should roll
• Oklahoma has something to prove after last season

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Penn State vs West Virginia

• Point Spread: Penn State -8.5
• Moneyline Penn State -320
• Moneyline West Virginia +255
• Over/Under 51.5

This game could prove one of the more thorny contests of the weekend. On one hand, West Virginia closed last season on an impressive note. Garrett Greene is among the premier dual-threat quarterbacks in FBS, and Milan Puskar Stadium will be packed with fans looking for its first win against Penn State since 1989 – Penn State on paper is a great team and they should win this game. In the end though the best bet is taking the Mountaineers and the +8.5.

Prediction: Penn State 31 West Virginia 27

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet West Virginia +8.5

• How good is Drew Allar
• West Virginia at home
• West Virginia finished 2023 on a hot-streak

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Akron vs Ohio State

• Point Spread: Ohio State -50.5
• Moneyline Penn State NA
• Moneyline West Virginia NA
• Over/Under 59.5

Ohio State is more than a seven-TD favourite against Akron for a good reason, as head coach Ryan Day has seen his team outscore three Mid-American Conference opponents by a combined score of 212-33, including an emphatic 59-7 victory over Akron on September 25th 2021. Of Akron’s five games to start the season, four will take place away from Akron – will they score in this game?

Prediction: Ohio State 65  Akron 10

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Ohio State -49.5

• Ohio State offense to explode
• Akron is in way over their heads
• Why is this game even being played

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Miami vs Florida

• Point Spread: Miami -2.5
• Moneyline Miami -137
• Moneyline Florida +118
• Over/Under 59.5

The Hurricanes are slight favorites with an impressive backfield featuring Washington State transfer quarterback Cam Ward and Oregon State transfer running back Damien Martinez . Meanwhile, Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz played well during the second half of last season – this could be one of the day’s marquee matches; remember when Florida defeated Utah at The Swamp a couple of years ago? Here we go again!

Prediction: Florida 34  Miami 31

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Florida +2.5

• High Scoring Game
• Gators in the swamp
• Expect a close game

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Colorado State vs Texas

• Point Spread: Texas -32.5
• Moneyline Colorado State +2800
• Moneyline Texas -10000
• Over/Under 59.5

The Texas Longhorns may have injuries at running back, but Quinn Ewers should return, and the defense should remain strong under Steve Sarkisian. Texas failed to cover 30-plus point lines against Wyoming and Rice last season, while Colorado State went 3-1 against the spread when taking road underdog roles. These trends favor Colorado State, but we expect the Longhorns will bring their best game prior to facing Michigan in Week 2. The Rams will not be able to hang with the longhorns.

Prediction: Texas 51  Colorado State 17

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Texas -32.5

• Ewers to have a big game
• Texas at home
• Longhorns are the better team

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Western Kentucky vs Alabama

• Point Spread: Alabama -31
• Moneyline Colorado State +2400
• Moneyline Texas -10000
• Over/Under 59.5

Alabama will open up Kalen DeBoer’s tenure against the Hilltoppers with Alabama as an overwhelming favorite. This line has decreased by one point since their previous meetings between these teams in which Alabama won by an average margin of 32.5 points per game – giving DeBoer ample room to take charge and put the Tide back on top. If DeBoer can do what DeBoer says he can, they should expect some fireworks come Tuesday.

Prediction: Alabama 55  Western Kentucky 17

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Alabama -31

• DeBoers first game at Bama
• Bama at home
• Expect an explosive Bama offense

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Notre Dame vs Texas A&M

• Point Spread: Texas A$M -2.5
• Moneyline Notre Dame +123
• Moneyline Texas -144
• Over/Under 46.5

The Irish are in a difficult spot against Texas A&M. Third-year coach Marcus Freeman stands 7-4 against ranked opponents with a 2-3 record on the road. Mike Elko makes his debut for Texas A&M, while Conner Weigman faces Riley Leonard at quarterback. Defense is key at Kyle Field, where temperatures may exceed 100F, so that should help overcome what will likely be an intense game against these Aggies if the Irish don’t turn over too often. The Notre Dame defense leads a minor upset win.

Prediction: Notre Dame 24  Texas A&M 23

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Notre Dame +2.5

• Irish Defense prevails
• Aggies at home
• Notre Dame is slightly better

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Fresno State vs Michigan

• Point Spread: Michigan -2.5
• Moneyline Fresno State +1000
• Moneyline Michigan -2100
• Over/Under 45.5

Fresno State could become an attractive upset pick this week, and their first-half line could be tight. Last season, they defeated Purdue and, under interim coach Tim Skipper, have an experienced defensive coordinator, Kevin Coyle, who will challenge new QB Alex Orji. Michigan still boasts an intimidating defense, though, and Sherrone Moore should start strong as the new head coach. Donovan Edwards could be the difference in this game.

Prediction: Michigan 34  Fresno State 23

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Freesno State +21.5

• Donovan Edwards to be the difference
• Michigan at home
• Fresno State is a good team

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New Mexico vs Arizona

• Point Spread: Arizona -31.5
• Moneyline New Mexico +2000
• Moneyline Arizona -7000
• Over/Under 56.5

This line has steadily decreased at multiple books, and the Lobos went 5-4 against the spread as underdogs in 2023. Arizona is in transition under Brent Brennan; covers could occur late into the night. We still trust Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan to connect for at least two touchdowns as Arizona rolls in the second-half. Arizona was 11-2 against the spread last season—will that magic translate?

Prediction: Arizona 51  New Mexico 10

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Arizona -31.5

• Fifita and McMillan to have big game
• Arizona at home
• Arizona will pull away

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LSU vs USC

• Point Spread: LSU -4.5
• Moneyline USC +152
• Moneyline LSU-184
• Over/Under 64.5

LSU looks to avoid their fifth straight season opener loss against USC. At the same time, Lincoln Riley can show how D’Anton Lynn can make an immediate, impactful statement against an SEC opponent after suffering their 52-6 defeat by Alabama a few years ago, which became famous for the Trojans’ disastrous entrance on to the field and Garrett Nussmeier coming through with clutch play – this a great matchup.

Prediction: LSU 34  USC 27

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet LSU -4.5

• A test for USC defense
• LSU close to home
• LSU better talent

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Boston College vs Florida State

• Point Spread: Florida State -17
• Moneyline Boston College +152
• Moneyline Florida State-184
• Over/Under 64.5

Florida State is coming off of a disappointing Week 0 loss against Georgia Tech, while Boston College is trying to rebound under first-year coach Bill O’Brien. DJ Uiagalelei should have more downfield opportunities with Hykeem Williams back. This spread seems high considering Thomas Castellanos had 355 passing yards and 95 rushing yards last season in their 31-29 loss at FSU; Boston College will likely try to imitate Georgia Tech and try their luck against FSU before ultimately pulling away in the fourth quarter.

Prediction: Florida State 31  Boston College 17

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Boston College +17

• NC new coach
• FSU tough week one loss
• FSU better talent

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