Last week was officially “Week 0” in college football and let me tell you, it lived up to the “0” in its name. The best part of this week is CFB will kick off Thursday after work and runs all the way through Monday night’s grand finale with Ole Miss playing Louisville.
Last Saturday was time for schools like Alcorn State and NC Central to shine. It also exposed the sloppiness that was Nebraska v. Illinois.
Needless to say, I am happy that is behind us and ready for Week 1 of College Football. Especially when I was sold on College Game Day’s pick of Nebraska.
While I will not touch on every game, I am going to share my insights on certain games and some potential gambling takes for the weekend.
Let’s start with Thursday, September 2nd:
NC State vs. South Florida (NCSU -18; O/U 59): I definitely have a vested interest in this game as a NCSU alumni and perennial fan of a team who only lets me down. While NC State is looking to build off of an 8-4 season in 2020, USF is coming off of a 1-8 season that included 0-7 in AAC Conference play.
For NC State, Devin Leary will be returning from his broken leg suffered during last season. If he can return to the type of play that he was capable of before the injury, the Pack’s offense should be tough to tangle with. Especially considering Knight, Person, and Houston are all returning in the triple-headed running game. The Wolfpack also return 9 defensive starters including Isaiah Moore, Drake Thomas, and Payton Wilson at linebacker.
Gambling Pick: Take the Wolfpack minus the points. NC State is 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games. I would steer clear of the over as I do not foresee USF being able to score much on this stingy Wolfpack defense. Final Score: NC State 45 – USF 10
If you are feeling extra spicy, I would maybe mix in a parlay as well: NCSU – App State – Ohio State all to win ML. Should be fairly easy to cover despite not paying out too well.
Now we move on to day #2, Friday the 3rd:
UNCheat vs. Virginia Tech (UNC – 5.5; O/U 64): While I do believe ESPN and all analysts are overhyping North Carolina, I do think they will easily walk away with this victory in Blacksburg on Friday night. The Tar Holes have been on the rise the past few seasons and with Sam Howell at the helm, it is easy to see why. I do not think they can crack the top 4 or earn a CFP appearance; however, I do think they may be able to give Clemson a run for their money in the ACC.
Where UNC does struggle is on defense. If you recall, last year, UNC beat VT in an absolute barnburner 56-45. The Tar Heels will need to tighten up on the opposite side of the ball if they expect to walk away unscathed in week 1.
Gambling Pick: I will take UNCheat – 5.5 and will not touch the O/U. I think Sam Howell and the rest of the Tar Holes do prevail. I do not think it will be the offensive showcase we saw last year; however, I do think the boys of Chapel Thrill can pull this one off. Final score: UNCheat 35 – VT 28.
Now on to the main event, Saturday, September 4th:
Alabama vs. Miami (Bama -18.5; O/U 61.5): While ‘Bama lost 10 starters to last year’s NFL Draft, seven of which were on the offensive side of the ball; no one has a more “next man up” mentality than Nick Saban. It will be hard for Bryce Young to live up to what Tua and Mac Jones have done over the past few years; however, if he can avoid turning over the ball then he should be able ride the Tide’s elite defense to a win. Kind of like the Jalen Hurts’ game plan not that long ago.
Miami will use the “disrespect” factor by the large point spread as fuel to fire their team up and try to push past the beast that comes from Tuscaloosa. D’Eriq King will hope his dual-threat style of QB is enough to evade the big boys on Alabama’s defensive line; however, I don’t think he will hold up or evade them for a fist fight lasting 4 quarters.
Gambling Pick: Under 61.5 and Bama – 18.5. While I think it is difficult to cover that large of a spread, especially with a first-year starting QB, I do think Bama has the defense to keep King running for his life. They are going to overpower UM and run away with the game. Final Score: Alabama 42 – Miami 14
Clemson vs. Georgia ( Clemson -3; O/U 51): Clemson is having to find its way without Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne leading their offense for the first time in 3 seasons. While DJ Uiagalelei has played in 9 games for the Tigers, he is not Trevor Lawrence nor has he played in a game quite this big before.
On the other side of the ball, UGA will be starting J.T. Daniels who transferred to Georgia after a mediocre start at Southern Cal. In my opinion, Daniels has all of the tools, but no toolbox. This being said, he did earn the last 4 starts in 2020 and threw for 1,231 yards and 10 touchdowns so maybe he figured something out in Athens?
Gambling Prediction: I think this is close, but I give the advantage to the Bulldogs. I would take UGA money line and +3. If you could find a reverse line, like UGA -3, I would throw a little on that as well. I think the ‘dawgs will overpower Clemson and take home the victory in Charlotte. Final Score: Georgia 35 – Clemson 31
My final pick comes from Sunday’s game:
Note Dame vs. FSUck (ND – 7.5; O/U 55.5): Notre Dame is heading in to this game after a successful season that finished with them in the College Football Playoff (where they got dismantled by Alabama). Despite losing 14 players to the NFL, the Irish are still a team with multiple preseason All-Americans. Yes, I triple checked the stat of 14 players leaving the Irish for the NFL. It is correct as 9 were drafted and 5 others left. I am as surprised as you are! While these types of roster moves may lead to a slow start, the Irish are playing against a Florida State team that has not named a starting quarterback as of yet.
The Seminoles will hold home field advantage and if they are able to start hot (or at least competitive), they can engage the crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium and turn that place in to an electric factory which would really mess with Notre Dame’s new QB and offensive line. As mentioned, FSU has not named a starting QB; however, they are returning RB Corbin who had 81 rushes last year for 401 yards and 5 TDs.
Gambling Pick: Notre Dame ML and -7.5. This is a tough pick because no one knows what to expect from either team. FSU is kind of a hot mess the last few seasons and ND lost quite a bit from their CFP team last year. I still think ND is a more talented team and will be able to run the ball against FSU’s offensive line. Final Score: ND 31 – FSU 17.
Are there any games or picks you guys have? I am not an expert, but I am willing to listen and ride with any good picks. Let’s get some of our fans in here and tell me their weekend wagers.
Let’s make some money this weekend!