Saturday September 4 College Football Picks & Predictions

This week could not have been less lucky if it tried. Ohio State had a touchdown to cover wiped off the board. Then, UCF followed that up with a failed 2 PT conversion to miss the spread and the over. That was rough.

Good thing I’m resilient and will still be giving you guys some winners. A lot of games on my slate, so each game will only receive a quick explanation for why is selected it. Let’s get rolling.

#19 Penn State vs #12 Wisconsin (-5.5) O/U 50

The Nittany Lions will be looking to run an uptempo spread offense this year. That offense will be run by Sean Clifford, who head coach James Franklin thinks is capable of getting them into the playoff conversation. I like a lot of points in this one and a surprise over in a Wisconsin game. 

Picks: Over 50

Temple vs Rutgers (-14.5) O/U 52

Temple is really bad this year and Rutgers is surprisingly decent. Piscataway should be rocking as they finally have a decent football team again. Greg Schiano has a scrappy group of guys who will exceed a lot of expectations this year. 

Leans: Under 52

Picks: Rutgers -14.5

Stanford vs Kansas State (-3) O/U 53

The world needs to realize that it’s no longer 2015 and that Stanford isn’t that good anymore. The Cardinal don’t have a starting QB yet and will be rotating drives to see who can win this battle. They’ll also be without their starting center and wide receiver so their offensive will have minimal firepower. For the Wildcats, head coach Chris Kleiman will be returning for his 4th season, where he will have all of his own guys play key roles this year. Theirs a culture shift happening in Manhattan, Kansas and it will be on display this weekend.

Picks: Kansas State (-3)

#1 Alabama (-19.5) vs #14 Miami O/U 61

I hate doing this, but I think the Hurricanes will keep this thing close. Miami’s QB D’Eriq King might be 100% and he should make an inexperienced Alabama defense nervous. I think Bryce Young will be an elite Bama QB down the line, but I don’t love his inexperience in a difficult season opener. I think they still get out of town unscathed, but I think this stays close. If it isn’t close, that means Bama’s offense was unstoppable.

Leans: Over 61

Picks: Miami (+19.5)

UMASS vs Pitt (-38) O/U 56

I have a system in place this year where I bet against UMASS no matter what. Doesn’t matter how many points just take the other team.

Picks: Pitt -38

Campbell vs Liberty (-33.5) O/U 64.5

Why is Liberty not getting any respect? Their entire offense is back this season! Malik Willis led the Flames to a 9-1 record last year that was capped off with a huge bowl win over Coastal Carolina. Campbell is a horrific opponent and this thing won’t be close at all.

Leans: Over 64.5

Picks: Liberty -33.5

Akron vs Auburn (-37) O/U 55.5

This strategy is the same as the UMASS strategy. No matter what bet against Akron. UMASS, Akron, and UCONN are automatic fades.

Leans: O 55.5

Picks: Auburn -37

#5 Georgia vs #3 Clemson (-3) O/U 51

Georgia finished last season as a team with a purpose. Their defense will be one of the best in the country and JT Daniels is my pick to win the Heisman this year. This isn’t your normal slow-moving Bulldogs offense. They’re going to run Clemson out of the building and play enough defense to put this thing away. Expect a fireworks show by both of these quarterbacks today.

Picks: Georgia +3, O 51

Season Totals

Leans: 3-2 (TBD)

Picks: 2-2-2 (TBD)