Premiums, 9.6

Subpar results in tennis yesterday but we move on! First CFB picks for the week included below.

I know what you’re thinking – Chris, all you’re doing is better overs on these games. Yes, that’s true. Thing is, almost all of these tennis players have been elite leading up to these matches. It’s also a more even playing field than ever before. Djokovic, Nadal, Federer, Serena, etc. – all the elites of the past have either been eliminated or they’re not at the US Open, and all of these players are trying to take advantage. All four players who we’re betting on today have elite endurance and serving prowess. Hence every one of them should be really hard to eliminate. Betting the overs, again – trust the process.

The total doesn’t match the spread (-44) on the Buckeyes, who are bound to explode, at home, after a pedestrian showing on offense against the Irish. Notre Dame has a very formidable defense though (and we knew that, despite being doubted constantly) — can’t say the same thing about Arkansas State. I think Ohio State annihilates their opponent Saturday; they might score 68 themselves.

This total is too inflated and I expect it to fall. The strength of both of these programs is their defense and although both had higher scoring outputs in Week 1, their opponent will present different problems in this matchup. Regression to the norm and a potentially sloppy day in Pittsburgh add on to our liking the under here.

Auburn may have the best defense in the SEC this year – please hold, too early to call – but there’s a shot. San Jose State struggled against Portland State in Week 1… When team total props come out we’ll probably bet on SJS under, but for now we’ll take the full game total under. SJS may not score a point.