It seems like it has been forever since the College Football Championship Game, and we are ready for the 2018 season to finally get underway. Nothing against UMass, but we were ready to see some Power 5 Conference teams play.
We have it this weekend, and even though a lot of big universities are playing inferior teams to ready themselves for conference play, we couldn’t be more excited.
There are five bets we like this weekend, all involve teams from the powerhouse conferences. They schedule these games for a reason, and we believe there are some advantageous bets to be made.
1. Western Kentucky (+36.5) vs. Wisconsin
This could be a break out year for the Badgers, and this game will definitely set the tone in Madison on Friday. If Wisconsin can dominate Western Kentucky, it will show the Big 10 Conference that they could challenge for the conference championship.
The line has jumped from 34.5 to 36.5, but we still believe that the Badgers will score early and often. This could be one of those games that gets ugly before halftime.
Take Wisconsin and give away the points.
2. San Diego State (-14.5) vs. Stanford
Last year San Diego was an 8.5-point underdog and won out right, defeating Stanford, 20-17. Don’t look for that to happen on Friday when the Aztecs travel to Palo Alto.
The Cardinal are trying to challenge for the Pac 12 title, and winning this non-conference game will help bolster their confidence. Besides Stanford, who is favored by 14.5 points, is 6-0 ATS as a favorite of between 10.5-21 points since 2016. Expect the Cardinal to avenge last year’s loss. Heisman Trophy favorite Bryce Love should have his way with San Diego’s defense.
Take Stanford and give away the points.
3. UNLV (+26) vs. USC
The Rebels play well on the road, while USC seems to struggle at home, especially early in the season. UNLV is 6-0 ATS when they are a road underdog of 21.5 points or more.
USC lost three of its first four games last year, but seemed to pick up momentum towards the end of the year. Will this year mirror that, or will the Trojans begin strong.
They are expected to beat UNLV by 26 points. We think it will be a closer game than that.
Take UNLV and the points.
4. Washington (+2) vs. Auburn
The Pac 12 always seems to be out of its league when it faces an SEC team. USC got crushed by Alabama last year, and it exposed how weak the conference was against other top teams.
This trend should continue when the Huskies travel to Auburn to face the Tigers. The line opened at 3, but has dropped a point, and at some places have gone down to 1.5.
Take Auburn and give away the points.
5. Miami (-3.5) vs. LSU
There is a lot of conflicting stories swirling around Baton Rouge. Some say the offense is a mess, and LSU coach Ed Orgeron could be fired. He is the favorite to be the first SEC coach let go this season.
Other reports say the team is fine, and should have a successful year. We tend to lean towards the first camp, and believe the Tigers are in for a long year.
Take Miami and give away the points.