COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS BACK! Here are my 10 bets of the week:

 

Best Bet of the Week

South Carolina vs. NC State (-5)

I’m all in on NC State finishing as a top 15 team in the nation. And do you know what Top 15 teams do? They beat the Gamecocks by double digits. A returning quarterback and one of the best defensive lines in the nation is the reason. I think South Carolina does have a talented football team, but the national media is not paying close enough attention to this Wolfpack team.

Thursday Night Games

Tulsa at Oklahoma State (-18) , Over 70

Oklahoma State is a Big 12 favorite. They return most of the offense and will put up a lot of points this year. Tulsa has lost a lot of starters from last year and the 18 points should be covered easily by Oklahoma State.

The one question about Oklahoma State is their defense. Phillip Montgomery (Tulsa’s coach) loves to go fast and put up points. I’m expecting a 49-24 high scoring affair on Thursday night.

Ohio State (-21) at Indiana

Ohio State is loaded with talent and Indiana looks to be a bottom feeder in the Big Ten. Last year Ohio State beat Rutgers, Nebraska and Maryland by an average of 59 points. This year’s Ohio State team should be better than last year and should cover easily.

Saturday Games

Alabama (-7) vs. Florida State, Over 49

These are two teams that can score. People don’t realize Alabama almost averaged 40 points per game last year. Florida State averaged 33 ppg including 33 points against a tough Michigan defense. Take the over.

I never question taking Saban in opening kickoff games. I know Florida State is good, but Saban is 10-0 at Bama in opening games. Additionally, he has outscored opponents 412-120 and has won every game by double-digits. Trust Saban.

Maryland (+19) at Texas

Texas is talented, but giving 19 points to a team that didn’t make a bowl game? Don’t get me wrong, Texas wins this game. But Maryland is talented too with a top 25 recruiting class coming in. Maryland will keep it close and cover.

Gators (+3.5) vs. Michigan Over 45.5

I know Florida has most of their roster suspended for this game, but I think Michigan is getting too much preseason buzz. I see a 9 win team that has a lot to replace on defense. I think Florida is the more talented team and should take care of business in Dallas.

As for the over, Michigan lost 11 defensive players to the NFL. To expect this defense to be just as good as last year is insane. 45.5 is a low line and the Gators will have enough offense. I’m expecting a close 31-28 game.

Vanderbilt (-3.5) at MTSU

Vanderbilt is looking like a 6-6 SEC team… I’m betting for a bowl eligible SEC team to beat Middle Tennessee State by more than a touchdown every time.

Appalachian State at Georgia, Over 46

Appalachian State has a sneaky good offense. I really like the Georgia defense, but I still think the Mountaineers will put up points. Georgia’s offense will be improved as well. Expect a 31-20 type game.