We had Purdue at +3.5, they lost by 4. We had under 68 on the Tennessee game, the score ended at 69. That’s college football baby!
We move on and ignore dumb variance. Added one more CFB play – happy Friday!
U.S. Open Picks 9.2 (4-2, +0.8 units):
Jabeur/Rogers over 21.5 (-120), to win 1 unit
Coco Gauff -2 (-120), to win 1 unit
Tomljanovic/Williams over 21.5 (-110), to win 1 unit
CFB Week 1 Picks (3-4-1, -3.15 units):
Illinois ML (-105), to win 1 unit
I like the way the Illini played last weekend against a Cowboys team that, if nothing else, prides itself on defense. I’m betting that Illinois can keep that offense movin against a pedestrian Indiana defense.
UNC/Appalachian State over 56 (-105), to win 1 unit
I like that North Carolina got a warm up game against inferior competition last week, putting up 56 points in a nice, comfy home win. They probably won’t do the same on the road in Boone, lately they’ve been horrendous on the road, but they should be able to move the ball against an App St. team that’s not known for stopping any power 5 conference team. App State, on the other hand, can turn into a juggernaut on offense at home. Like the over.
Oregon/Georgia under 53 (-110), to win 1 unit
This total is just too high. Both teams lost a ton of defensive talent but both teams retained a ton of defensive talent, too. Oregon acquired a few 5 star talents on offense this offseason but I’m not worried about it against the Bulldogs – Georgia may have its best backfield in years and its D-line receives an A+ rating from most sources that know. I think this game feels like a playoff, slows down, and we see a ton of good defense. Oregon’s speed will make big plays but GA keeps them in check for the majority of this contest.
Army ML (+110), to win 1.1 units
Coastal Carolina gave up a ton of playmakers last year and they also gave up a whopping 230 rush yards per game last season. Army is always dangerous in their first game against vulnerable rush defenses and I think they could control the clock with ease in this. Taking the Black Knights for a road upset.
Florida +3 (-115), to win 1.5 units
The Gators should not be the underdog in this contest, in our opinion. Of course they have to be as Utah comes into this rnaked #7 in the country, but the Gators could have one of the best QBs in all of college football this season. One of the most respected college football writers, Phil Steele, is reportedly very high on Anthony Richardson and we’re in agreement. Dude has elite athletic talent and all the intangibles to be a game-wrecker. Oh yea, and this game is in a hostile environment at the Swamp. All Florida for me, and ML should be in play, too.
Alabama -41 (-110) against lowly Utah State is probably the right side… just hate big numbers like that. Wouldn’t blame ya if you did, though.
Notre Dame +15 (-110), to win 1.5 units
Notre Dame +17.5 (-105), to win 1.5 units
Everyone loves the Buckeyes and for good reason. They’re absolutely loaded with talent, especially on offense, and CJ Stroud is set to have a big year. That’s all fine and good, but there’s one area where Ohio State could be very vulnerable; their offensive line. Play schemes to accommodate speed make elite O-line play less important in college football, but Lindy’s preseason magazine, a highly touted and respected source for college football before the Week 1 kickoff, ranks the Irish as having the 4th best secondary AND defensive line in the country. Ohio State lacks O-line depth and arguably their best lineman, a 3 year sophomore, is coming off an ACL tear last season. Notre Dame is fired up under their new head coach and although they still have many question marks on offense, their showing against Oklahoma State in Marcus Freeman’s first game as HC is a good sign that this program will fight for their new leader. On top of that, Ohio State owns an unimpressive +9 margin against their last 15 ranked opponents, dating back 3 seasons under Ryan Day. Last season they beat Utah by only 3, Michigan by 15, Penn State by 9 and they lost outright to Oregon. Their one impressive showing vs ranked opponents last year was a win against an overrated Purdue team, ZzZzZ. Long story short – Notre Dame’s legacy is full of pride and they know they’re a big underdog heading into this contest. With Ohio State’s proclivity to let down and demonstrate underwhelming production despite their overwhelming talent, we have to take the Irish in Week 1.
Everyone loves the Buckeyes and for good reason. They’re absolutely loaded with talent, especially on offense, and CJ Stroud is set to have a big year. That’s all fine and good, but there’s one area where Ohio State could be very vulnerable; their offensive line. Play schemes to accommodate speed make elite O-line play less important in college football, but Lindy’s preseason magazine, a highly touted and respected source for college football before the Week 1 kickoff, ranks the Irish as having the 4th best secondary AND defensive line in the country. Ohio State lacks O-line depth and arguably their best lineman, a 3 year sophomore, is coming off an ACL tear last season. Notre Dame is fired up under their new head coach and although they still have many question marks on offense, their showing against Oklahoma State in Marcus Freeman’s first game as HC is a good sign that this program will fight for their new leader. On top of that, Ohio State owns an unimpressive +9 margin against their last 15 ranked opponents, dating back 3 seasons under Ryan Day. Last season they beat Utah by only 3, Michigan by 15, Penn State by 9 and they lost outright to Oregon. Their one impressive showing vs ranked opponents last year was a win against an overrated Purdue team, ZzZzZ. Long story short – Notre Dame’s legacy is full of pride and they know they’re a big underdog heading into this contest. With Ohio State’s proclivity to let down and demonstrate underwhelming production despite their overwhelming talent, we have to take the Irish in Week 1.
