NCAA: Week One College Football Picks

• We will track all the plays, everyone loses if not they wouldn’t build those palaces out in the desert.

• For the purpose of this article we will use units, now units to me could mean 10 bucks to someone else it may mean a thousand, it’s all about your betting style.

• Let’s have FUN, that’s what this really is, a little extra spice to the game we already love watching.

So let’s dive into week one. A few things I’ve learned over the years about week one!

Look for the motivated squads with something to prove. They want to set the tone for their whole season.

”Lay it or don’t play it”. I used to be the guy that said “42 that’s a ton” well it’s 42 for a reason. I’m not saying if you genuinely think a team is giving too much not to play it. I just always put it this way, would you rather lose your money cause Clemson wins by 35 instead of 37 or because you took some directional state school you know nothing about getting 42 that gets smacked by 50?

Start out low and slow, remember these are 18-19-year-old kids, let’s get a feel for the teams before going “all in” week one. Here are my picks for the opening week of college football!

Michigan vs Middle Tennessee St.

Line: Michigan -34 O/U: 53.5

This is all about motivation. Jim Harbaugh is on the hot seat and with Urban Meyer leaving Ohio St, everyone is expecting big things in Ann Arbor. A new look offense should get their playmakers in space but the defense has a lot to replace against a Blue Raider offense that can score. Jim Harbaugh is a coach that never takes his foot off the gas, so I expect a high flying affair with lots of points.

Picks: Over 53.5 (1 unit)

Virginia vs Pittsburgh

Line: Virginia -2.5 O/U: 45.5

Contender Vs Pretender? Problem is which is which? I think Virginia is the contender led by Bryce Perkins and a stout defense. Pitt has owned this series recently taking four straight, including last years 23-13 win in Charlottesville. This game could very well be a trap so tread lightly. Heinz field is no home-field advantage for the Panthers and the Cavs are on a mission. I look for them to take the first step towards the division title and grab the W.

Picks: Virginia -2.5 (1/2 unit)

Baylor vs Stephen F. Austin

Line: Baylor -38 O/U: 57.5

Lay it or don’t play it? Lay it. Baylor has played SFA 4 times, combined score 201-0. Matt Rhule, much as he did at Temple, has brought the Bears back from the dead. The Bears are a dark horse Big12 contender. SFA is in the FCS. Charlie Brewer and company are going to light up the scoreboard like the good ole days in Waco come Saturday night.

Picks: Baylor -38 (1/2 unit)

2019 record: 0-0

Best of luck in week one everybody! Stopover to the OTH forums and get into the discussion! For more college football picks follow me @SteelCurtainPEH