By John Sarianides
Week one of the college football season is finally upon us. It is pick time. Here are my picks for all the top 25 games this weekend.
Utah State (+27) at No.9 Wisconsin, 51.5: The Badgers are coming into this season with a lot of hype. The schedule is “easy”so they should live up to it right? I think they will win this one but 27 is too big a number for this early in the season. I like the Badgers to win the game but I’m putting my money on the Aggies. Bettor’s Pick: Utah State
Saturday
Kent State (+39.5) vs. No.5 Clemson, 51: The Tigers break in a new backfield but it won’t matter. The defending national champs are loaded, particularly on defense. The home number is big but it’s tough to pick against Clemson in Death Valley. Bettor’s Pick: Clemson
Akron (+30.5) at No.6 Penn State, 66: Saquon Barkley starts his Heisman campaign by running wild on a sneaky good Akron team. Penn State will win this game by three scores. I’m taking the Zips as dogs. I don’t think Penn State covers. Bettor’s Pick: Akron
Maryland (+18.5) at No.23 Texas, 56: The Tom Herman era begins with the Terps visiting Austin. Herman inherited a talented roster and I think he will get the most out of them. Maryland has improved but they have a ways to go. I like the Horns as a big home favorite. Bettor’s Pick: Texas
Bethune-Cookman (N/A) at No.18 Miami: The U is back and they will get off to a good start by rolling Cookman at home. Bettor’s Pick:Miami
UTEP (+43) at No.7 Oklahoma, 64: Baker Mayfield and company are flying under the radar a bit because of Bob Stoops retirement. There is still plenty of talent in Norman and the coaching will be fine. I have no issue taking them as a home favorite in this one. Bettor’s Pick: Oklahoma
No.11 Michigan (-5) vs. No.17 Florida, 43: This would have been a great game but Florida has seven players suspended. It will be hard for the Gators to win this game despite the fact that Michigan is young. The Wolverines only return five starters on both sides of the ball. Despite that, I like them as a favorite in this game. They have more of their starters available and that will be the difference. Bettor’s Pick: Michigan
Stony Brook (N/A) at No.19 South Florida: Charlie Strong inherits a talented team that returns sera key starters. The Bulls should get off to a good start against FBS Stony Brook. Bettor’s Pick: South Florida
Western Michigan (+26.5) at No.4 USC, 57.5: This isn’t 2016. The Broncos are not what they were last season, not even close. USC conversely is a national title contender. Sam Darnold gets his Heisman Trophy campaign off to a great start with an impressive performance in this one. Bettor’s Pick: USC
Appalachian St. (+14) at No.15 Georgia, 45.5: App State is very well coached. It would not surprise me if they kept this game close but I still think Georgia wins by two touchdowns. Quarterback Jacob Eason and running back Nick Chubb are poised for a big season. Bettor’s Pick: Georgia
Central Arkansas (N/A) at No.20 Kansas State: Jesse Ertz and company should roll in this one. Putting money on K-State this season, especially at home is smart. Bettor’s Pick: Kansas State
Georgia Southern (+34.5) at No.12 Auburn, 58.5: My affinity for Auburn this season is well documented. I think the addition of Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham makes them a national title contender. Despite all of that. I am taking Georgia Southern as a dog in this one. 34.5 is a big number to cover.
No.3 Florida State (+7) vs. No. 1 Alabama, 49.5: Come on! I can’t pick against the Nickonater and this Bama offense. Jalen Hurts, Bo Scarborough and Calvin Ridley are one of the best trios in college football. Florida State has the talent to hang and this game will be close going into the fourth. I think Bama will pull away late. I’m taking Bama to win by a touchdown. Bettors Pick: Alabama
BYU (+15.5) vs. No.13 LSU, 47: BYU barely beat Portland State last week so in theory, I should take the Tigers as a two touchdown favorite right? Nah. I think LSU will win this game but not by two touchdowns. I’m taking BYU as a road. LSU wins by Ten. Bettor’s Pick: BYU
Montana State (N/A) vs. No.24 Washington State: Luke Falk and company will roll regardless of what the number is. Bettor’s Pick: Washington State
Sunday
No.22 West Virginia (+4) vs. No.1 Virginia, 51.5: Florida transfer Will Grier give West Virginia coach Dana Holgersen the quarterback he didn’t have last season. Virginia Tech was a nice story last season but they have to replace ten starters. I’m putting my money on the Mountaineers in this one. Bettor’s Pick: West Virginia
Monday
No.25 Tennessee (-3) vs. Georgia Tech, 56: Paul Johnson and his Yellow Jackets usually come to play in big games like this. That is why I am taking them against an overrated Tennessee team. Bettor’s Pick: Georgia Tech