Teams (Spread), Time – Central, TV Network
Kansas State @ 3 Oklahoma (-28.5), 11:00 am, FOX
OU is locked, loaded and looking for blood. The young stable of receivers will help quarterback Spencer Rattler push his name further into the Heisman conversation after a huge win on Saturday. Sooners win and cover the spread…if they want to.
5 Florida (-14.5) @ Ole Miss, 11:00 am, ESPN
The fighting Lane Kiffin’s are going to be very exciting with their two quarterbacks but Dan Mullen and the Gators are going to be too much for this Ole Miss defense. I’m taking the Gators and the points on opening weekend.
23 Kentucky @ 8 Auburn (-10.5), 11:00 am, SEC Network
Auburn returns the fastest player in the nation in receiver Anthony Schwartz and the always popular Bo Nix at quarterback. While Kentucky has produced defensive talent over the past few years, I don’t think they have enough to slow down the Auburn offense his weekend. I;ll take Auburn and the points.
24 Louisville @ 21 Pittsburgh (-2.5), 11:00 am, ACC Network
The Pitt defense against the Louisville offense is low key the best matchup of the weekend. Even without Jaylen Twyman out Pitt is loaded on the defensive line and will have the tough task of slowing down Tutu Atwell and Micale Cunningham. I think Louisville rebounds after a tough lost against Miami – making them out first “Super Underdog Locksmith Game of the Week to Bet Your Money on Because I Don’t Have the Nuts to Bet My Own Money on”
Iowa State (-2) @ TCU, 12:30 pm, FS1
Iowa State looked BAD against Louisiana but they have had time to get their shit together now and should be back to their middle of the Big 12 ways – which still puts them on top of TCU after the Horned Frogs lost most of their starters from 2019.
Mississippi State @ 6 LSU (16.5), 2:30 pm, CBS
Corner Derek Stingly Jr might be the best player in the nation. I love Mike the Tiger. Coach O is a great college football coach and personality. BUT LSU lost damn near everyone from their 2019 National Championship team. In fact, they only return starters at RT (Austin Deculus) and receiver (Terrace Marshall) on offense and Stingley and safety JaCoby Stevens on defense. Which means, Mississippi State is winning this game!!! Quarterback KJ Costello is going to throw the ball all over the field – as long as Stingley isn’t over there – and Kylin Hill will be able to show he can run and catch in the new Bulldogs offense. This is the SECOND “Super Underdog Locksmith Game of the Week to Bet Your Money on Because I Don’t Have the Nuts to Bet My Own Money on”
9 Texas (-18) @ Texas Tech, 2:30 pm, FOX
Homer Alert Ok, not really. I’m able to recognize the bad Texas teams because I’ve seen so many of them now but like 50 Cent said – “Sunny days wouldn’t feel so special if it wasn’t for rain.” This Texas team is good and possibly even….back? I’m taking the ‘Horns and I don’t think it is close. I’m looking forward to seeing Ehlinger cook and the young running backs get it going in the second half. Texas wins by 20+
22 Army @ 14 Cincinnati (-14), 2:30 pm, ESPN
Another low key great matchup is the Army triple-option against the Cincinnati defense. The Bearcats have one of the best secondaries in the nation and will play a huge role in trying to create turnovers against the Army ball control offense. I’m taking the ‘Cats to win but in a low scoring, close game. Army covers the points.
West Virginia @ 15 Oklahoma State (-8.5), 2:30 pm, ABC
This game comes down to the health of OSU quarterback Spencer Sanders. If Sanders is healthy the Cowboys should have no problem against West Virginia. But as of Wednesday Sanders was still questionable with head coach Mike Gundy saying “I would think that he should be okay but you never know.” I’m taking OSU win but WVU to cover the points – with or without Sanders.
4 Georgia (-26.5) @ Arkansas, 3:00 pm, SEC Network
Georgia QB JT Daniels is in injury purgatory. He hasn’t been medically cleared to play but coach Kirby Smart does expect him to play Saturday. Even if Daniels does play – I don’t expect it to be for long. Freshman D’Wan Mathis should see the bulk of the reps Saturday because he is either starting or it’s a blowout. Take the Dawgs and the points as Arkansas tries to break in a new QB and head coach.
2 Alabama (-27) @ Missouri, 6:00 pm, ESPN
I like the Tigers but this is Alabama. Mizzou will have a tough time for multiple reasons – new coach, new QB and multiple players out. I like Alabama and the points. Mac Jones played well last year when Tua was hurt and knows this offense well enough that it won’t be a problem despite the crazy offseason.
Florida State @ 12 Miami (-11), 6:30 pm, ABC
I’m old enough to remember when this was a rivalry. Recently this battle has been very one sided though with Florida State dominating for a while and now it looks as if Miami is going to take the reigns. I like Miami and I think they cover behind star quarterback D’Eriq King.
16 Tennessee (-3.5) @ South Carolina, 6:30 pm, SEC Network
The difference in this game is going to be the Tennessee offensive line, led by Trey Smith. The Vols should be able to move the ball on the ground but could struggle through the air against two stud corners for South Carolina. I like Tennessee in this game and think it’s going to be close. Personally, I would stay away from this game though.
NC State @ 20 Virginia Tech (-7), 7:00 pm, ACC Network
Virginia Tech QB Hendon Hooker can be a huge difference maker in the Hookie offense. Hooker was able to get a little action last year and has cemented himself as the starter this year. I like Va Tech and I don’t care about the 7 points. Tech wins big this weekend.
