On the whole college football’s return will spark celebration from coast to coast. Week one has some intriguing offerings that are certain to spark debate. “Week Zero” will get it all started as Arizona hosts Hawaii. Following that is a strong week one card. COVID-19 has made the handicapping challenge greater than ever. College football week one betting has a greater element of unpredictability. Cause by the lack of spring football are lineups not fully known. Let’s look at early lined matchups. Note that kickoff times and TV coverage is not yet determined.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at Arizona Wildcats -10.5
Saturday, August 29, 2020
Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Arizona
Last year Hawaii stunned Arizona with a 45-28 upset. Wildcats head coach Kevin Sumlin has been on the hot seat ever since. Sumlin arrived with great fanfare even as he flamed out at Texas A&M. Todd Graham takes over as Hawaii coach. In short, this one should be a shootout. Zona has covered just one of its last five home games. But Hawaii is just 5-10 against the spread as a double-digit road dog.
BYU Cougars at Utah Utes -6.5
Thursday, September 3, 2020
Rice Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
Above all this intra-state Utah series is known as the “Holy War.” BYU last beat Utah back in 2009. Utah has covered 11 of the last 15 meetings. Further, BYU got the money in just four games for 2019. But Utah has lost most of its top players from an 11-3 2019 campaign.
Clemson Tigers -26 at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Thursday, September 3, 2020
Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Of course, this is a mismatch from the word go. Clemson is primed to make its fifth consecutive championship game appearance. Counter to that is a rebuilding Georgia Tech team in the midst of radical transformation. Tech spent a decade as an option team. Second year head coach Geoff Collins is converting the program to more of a pro style. Clemson has beaten the NCAA football betting odds in seven of their last eight as double-digit road favorites.
Jan 2, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Peyton Ramsey (12) celebrates after running the ball in for a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the third quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Indiana Hoosiers at Wisconsin Badgers -12.5
Friday, September 4, 2020
Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin
Indiana returns 17 starters from the 2019 Gator Bowl team. Further, head coach Terry Allen was extended and raised after going 8-4. Wisconsin is coming off a Rose Bowl campaign for 2019. However, their five best players have departed for the NFL. UW head coach Paul Chryst leads America’s top developmental program. To show, Wisconsin reloads instead of rebuilds. Wisky has paid in just three of their last 11 as double-digit home chalks.
Alabama Crimson Tide -16.5 vs. USC Trojans
Saturday, September 5, 2020
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
In a similar way to 2016 these teams open the season at Jerry World. Alabama destroyed USC in that meeting 52-6. In view of USC’s current mess another romp is expected. Trojan coach Mike Helton was unexpectedly retained. Afterward a terrible recruiting cycle cast doubts on his program. Helton was left twisting in the wind for several weeks before his reprieve. Recruits chose other programs in the process. By contrast Alabama annually recruits at a top national level. USC has been a strong 6-2 vs. the odds as a double-digit dog. Contrarian bettors may shop the Men of Troy.
Michigan Wolverines -1.5 at Washington Huskies
Saturday September 5, 2020
Husky Stadium, Seattle, Washington
First glance may spark CashBet Sportsbook gamblers to consider the home dog. But U-Dub has a new head coach and quarterback. Michigan has recruited at a higher level. Indeed, Washington has lost five of their last six to the odds as a home pup.
Florida State Seminoles -6.5 at West Virginia Mountaineers
Saturday, September 5, 2020
Mountaineer Field, Morgantown, West Virginia
Starting with this game is the debut of celebrated Florida State head coach Mike Norvell. West Virginia has paid in just one of their last seven as a dog at Mountaineer Field.
CASHBET Best Bets: Michigan Wolverines, Clemson Tigers, Alabama Crimson Tide
