College Football: Beating the Spread Week 1

Western Michigan at Michigan

Time: Noon | TV: ESPN | Line: Michigan -17 | Total: 66.5

17 points seem way too much in this game. I believe Michigan will win the game.  Look for Michigan to play physically and run the ball with a solid offensive line and running backs  Hassan Haskins, Blake Corum, and freshman Donovan Edwards.

Pick:  Michigan -17

Oregon State at Purdue

Time: 7 p.m. | TV: FS1 | Line: Purdue -7 | Total: 68.5

Oregon State could very well win this game straight out behind new Quarterback Sam Noyer at QB, who transferred from Colorado. Purdue struggled last year doing everything, and it will continue in this game.

Pick: Oregon State +7

Florida Atlantic at No. 13 Florida

Time: 7:30 p.m. | TV: SECN | Line: Florida -23.5 | Total: 52

With Kyle Trask gone, dual-threat Emory Jones takes over at QB; Jones is the kind of QB that head Coach Dan Mullen is used to coaching. Willie Taggert’s defense last year at FAU was outstanding, and it should be again, the question will be on offense for FAU, but they should be better than last year.

Pick: UNDER 52

No. 9 Notre Dame at Florida State

Time: 7:30 p.m. (Sunday) | TV: ABC | Line: ND -7.5 | Total: 55.5

I think the Irish will finish as a top 10 team this season behind Wisconsin transfer QB Jack Coan, the Irish offensive line will be good, and the Irish will have the best Tight End in the country in Sophomore Michael Mayer. The Irish will be too much for the rebuilding Seminoles.

Pick: Notre Dame -7.5

Best Games of the week

Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Wisconsin Badgers

•Spread: Penn State +5.5 (-110) | Wisconsin -5.5 (-110)
•Moneyline: Penn State (+188) | Wisconsin (-225)
•Total: 50– Over (-110) | Under 50 (-110)

This point spread has been slowly rising over the last month as the bettors and the general public have helped push this spread more towards the badgers. For a good reason, the badgers at home should win this game by at least a TD. But, Kirk Franklin seems to have the Badgers number, take the Lions and the points.

Pick: Penn State +5.5

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Miami Hurricanes

•Spread: Alabama -19.5 (-110) | Miami +19.5 (-110)
•Moneyline: Alabama (-1100) | Miami (+700)
•Total: 61.5– Over (-110) | Under 61.5 (-110)

Bryce Young replaces last year’s QB Mac Jones, and there should not be a huge drop-off; but the Tide did lose a ton of playmakers on offense, but the defense may be the best it has been in a few years. Miami returns a lot but will it be enough? No Bryce Young is a stud and the Tide defense will be suffocating.

Pick: Bama 19.5

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Clemson Tigers

•Spread: Georgia +3 (-110) | Clemson -3 (-110)
•Moneyline: Georgia (+130) | Clemson (-154)
•Total: 50– Over (-110) | Under 50 (-110)

To me, this is the closest matchup of all of the games this weekend. After Trevor Lawrence’s departure, the Tigers will now turn to D.J. Uiagalele, and he played well when called upon last year. Georgia will heavily involve star junior tailback Zamir White; that could be an issue, though Clemson has the best defensive line in the entire country. I do not think that Georgia will be able to control the game on the ground, and they will have to do that to win this game.

Pick: Clemson -3