Thursday August 2nd College Football Best Bets

Thursday August 2nd College Football Best Bets

Drew Thirion
3 years ago
3 min read
Thursday August 2nd College Football Best Bets

In last Saturday’s, “Best Bets”, we started off on the right foot. I was only 1-2 in leans but I was a perfect 2-0 in official picks.

With the real week one starting this Thursday, I’m here to throw some picks on my favorite games that will kick off before Saturday. Almost every game will be more interesting than last weekend’s games, so let’s get right into the picks.

Ohio State (-14) vs Minnesota O/U 62.5

There’s no such thing as a week one trap game. I know everyone has week two’s matchup versus Oregon on their minds, but Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day, knows better than to look past any road game. 

But to play devil’s advocate for just a second, I’d like to explain the reasons why Ohio State could get upset. A night game against a physical Minnesota team to open the season is always rough. The fans are having a blackout to introduce the Golden Gopher’s new all-black uniforms. Lastly, Tanner Morgan is a red-shirt senior QB who will be one of the best game managers in the country.

Did anyone reading my argument notice a few flaws?

None of these arguments bring actual football into the equation. Minnesota had an okay pass defense last year, finishing 36th in the country for YPG. Will their corners be able to slow down the two best pass-catchers in the country in Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson? I just don’t see that happening.

I’d be crazy if I didn’t bring up Ohio State’s QB situation, but I seriously don’t think it will be an issue. I think the Buckeye’s insane front line will control the game offensively and defensively and will keep the ball in CJ Stroud’s hands as much as possible. I think Minnesota will keep pace in the first half, but as the game moves along, I think it will be all OSU.

Leans: Over 62.5

Picks: Ohio State (-14)

Boise State vs UCF (-5) O/U 68

This game is going to be a shootout.

Both offenses were phenomenal last year and both defenses were pretty abysmal. UCF’s defense was bad versus everyone while Boise State’s was only bad versus good teams. The Broncos were notably horrendous against San Jose State’s, Nick Starkel, and BYU’s, Zach Wilson.

Unfortunately for Boise State, they’re facing Taylor Gabriel and last season’s second-best scoring offense in the country. The Broncos still have a solid third-year starting QB in Hank Bachmeier and he will keep them in this game for most of the way.

Overall, I just think Orlando is a surprisingly tough place for teams to play, and the Knights’ offense will be too much for Boise State to handle. Expect this to be a shootout, but for UCF to come out on top.

Picks: UCF (-5), Over 68

UNC (-5.5) vs Virginia Tech O/U 64

Maybe I’m just a dummy, but this game feels way too easy. I know it’s only week one, and teams could be a little rusty, but UNC should boat race VT in this one.

Everyone understands that when you head down to Lane Stadium you’ll be in for one of the loudest crowds in the country. Enter Sandman is my favorite tradition in all of college football and this rendition will be first playing with the stadium back at full capacity. It will be rowdy.

If UNC survives a first-half punch in the mouth, they should have no problems winning this one. Sam Howell will torch a bad Hokies secondary, while transfer running back Ty Chandler (not the basketball player), will run all over an inexperienced Virginia Tech front 7. 

I’m not sure the Hokies can score enough to hit this over, so it’s just a lean; however, I love UNC to cover, and if you can sell a few points, I wouldn’t consider that a bad move either.

Leans: Under 64

Picks: UNC (-5.5)

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