Week 1 College Football Picks

Written by Jake Loessin

The 2015 college football season starts Thursday September 3rd and historically the odds are in your favor early before Vegas makes adjustments.  I normally don’t do many Thursday night games because the “pond” is smaller with a lot less fish.  However, looking at this opening Thursday, the “pond” is well stocked so let’s dive in! All games are weighted the same. If I am betting on a game, I am using the same amount, unlike Bill, who prefers to weight games. Different philosophies. You choose a style that fits your budget.

Thursday 9/3 games

Ohio -10 @ Idaho

Ohio brings back 9 on offense (basically everyone) and 6 on defense.  In 2014, Ohio went 6-5 and a played in a better conference than the Vandals.  Idaho brings back 6 on offense and 7 on defense.  Although it really doesn’t matter, Idaho was horrible last year going 1-10 and their defense was a wet paper bag giving up 37 points a game ranking them at a smooth 114th.  Take Ohio and give the 10 points.
Okla. St -16.5 @ Central Michigan

Oklahoma State brings back 8 on offense and 8 on defense.  Oklahoma State is one of the sleeper teams this year that could do some damage in the Big 12.  The Cowboys got on a late run at the end of last year, and knocked of then #20 Oklahoma to make a bowl game and then proceeded to dominate a middle tier Pac 12 team in Washington.  Central Michigan beat the teams they were supposed to beat and lost to all the “big boy” teams including a 24 -10 whipping by powerhouse Kansas…Kansas!  Give the 16.5 and watch the Pokes roll.

TCU -14 @ Minnesota

TCU brings back 9 on offense and 5 on defense and should not miss a beat.  I have them winning the Big 12 and making the playoffs.  Minnesota got demolished by TCU last year 30-7. I don’t see anything changing this year.  This will be ugly, Horned Frogs win big.
Dog with bite: Michigan +5 at Utah

Friday 9/4 games

Baylor -34.5 @ SMU

Baylor giving up basically 35 points is not for the weak of heart.  But this is an Art Briles team and Art would run the score up on his mom if he could.  SMU is SMU and possibly might not score at all; meanwhile, Artie and Baylor will try for 80 points.  Give the 34.5 points, Bears big over the 'Stangs.

Michigan St. -19 @ Western Michigan

Michigan St. brings back 6 on offense and 7 on defense.  This was a damn good team last year going 11-2 and losing to a good Oregon team and to the eventual national champ Ohio State.  With that in mind, the Broncos have not won an opener since 2004.  It’s not a case if State is going to win, it’s by how much, Sparty wins big 49-14.

Saturday 9/5 games

UTEP @ Arkansas -33

Hogs run wild in Fayetteville and easily over the Miners 56-7

Akron @ Oklahoma -30.5

Zips get paid regularly to go get crushed in openers by the “big boys”. Last year, Oklahoma lost their last 2 games plus they got smoked by Clemson 40-6 in the bowl game. Right now, Bob Stoops has multiple veins popping out of his forehead.  Expect OU to make an opening statement.  Oklahoma 63-10.

Troy @ NC State -25

The Wolfpack are riding a 3 game win streak including a bowl win over a good UCF squad.  Troy is just a very bad team in the weak Sunbelt conference.  NC State rolls Troy 45-10.
Dog with bite: Virginia +17 at UCLA

Sunday 9/6 games

Ohio State -14 @ Virginia Tech

Remember that time in 2014 when the Hokies beat Ohio State and ruined their undefeated season?  Yeah so does Ohio State.  It’s a revenge game and Urban Meyer will have the Buckeyes looking for blood. Ohio State rolls big.
Dog with bite: Purdue +8.5 at Marshall