Here’s a quick run down of the top 25 action in college football for Week 1. (Dear sweet Heaven…football is back.)
San Jose State at. No. 1 Alabama, 7:00PM ET
After winning the national championship last season, Alabama looks to defend without Heisman running back Mark Ingram for their opener. They shouldn’t have any problems with a Spartans team that is 0-8 against the spread in their last eight road games and 0-5 ATS in their last five games on grass. The Tide, meanwhile, are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games in September.
Odds: Alabama –37.5 (51.5)
No. 5 Boise State vs. No. 6 Virginia Tech, 8:00PM ET (Monday)
The highlight of the Week 1 schedule won’t be played until Monday night, but it’s shaping up to be an incredible bout. The Broncos are 5-0 ATS in their last five games in September, while VA Tech is 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall. The over is also 5-0 in the Broncos last five games on fieldturf and 4-1 in the Hokies last five games at a neutral site.
Odds: Boise State –1.5 (51)
Miami (OH) at. No. 4 Florida, 12:00PM ET
The Tim Tebow-less era starts in Gainesville this afternoon when the Gators host MAC opponent Miami of Ohio. The Redhawks are 0-5 against the spread in their last five games in September, while Florida is 4-1 ATS in their last five home games.
Odds: Florida –38 (54.5)
No. 5 Texas at. Rice, 3:30PM ET
Out is Colt McCoy and in is talented youngster Garrett Gilbert. The Longhorns are 4-0 against the spread in their last four meetings with Rice and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 vs. Conference USA. The Owls are just 1-7 ATS in their last eight games against the Big 12.
Odds: Texas –31 (56)
No. 24 Oregon State at. No. 6 TCU, 7:45PM ET
In what should be one of the best games on the Week 1 schedule, the Horned Frogs will look to erase memories of their Fiesta Bowl loss to Boise State when they host a rising Beaver team tonight. TCU is 6-2 ATS in its last eight games, but the Beavers are 23-9 ATS in their last 32 overall.
Odds: TCU –13.5 (49.5)
Utah State at. No. 7 Oklahoma, 7:00PM ET
There are high expectations in Norman this year, but the Sooners better not overlook an Aggies team that is 4-0 against the spread in their last four non-conference games. Oklahoma, on the other hand, is just 1-4 ATS in its last five non-conference games.
Odds: Oklahoma –34 (56.5)
Western Kentucky at. No. 8 Nebraska, 7:00PM ET
There are high hopes for the Cornhuskers this season, but will they find enough offense under quarterback Zac Lee? The under is 5-0 in the Huskers last five home games and 4-0 in the Hilltoppers last four overall. Nebraska is also 5-1 in their last six non-conference games.
Odds: Nebraska –38 (50.5)
Eastern Illinois at. No. 9 Iowa, 12:05PM ET
No Odds.
New Mexico at. No. 11 Oregon, 3:30PM ET
After a tumultuous offseason that saw one-time Heisman candidate Jeremiah Masoli get kicked off the team, the Ducks will try to make a statement against New Mexico in their opener. The over is 4-1 in the Lobos last five road games and 6-1 in the Ducks’ last seven games overall, which also includes a 10-2-1 mark in their last 13 home games.
Odds: Oregon –35 (54.5)
No. 12 Wisconsin at. UNLV, 11:00PM ET
The under is 4-0 in the last four meetings between these two teams and 6-0 in the Badgers last six games against the Mountain West.
Odds: Wisconsin –20 (55)
South Carolina State at. No. 16 Georgia Tech, 1:00PM ET
No odds.
Tennessee Tech at. No. 17 Arkansas, 7:00PM ET
No odds.
No. 21 LSU at. No. 18 North Carolina, 8:00PM ET
Pundits are expecting a lot out of the Tar Heels this season, while many believe the Tigers will bounce back after disappointing 2009. LSU is 4-0 ATS in their last four games against the ACC, but 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall.
Odds: LSU –9.5 (44)
Youngstown State at. No. 19 Penn State, 12:00PM ET
No odds.
Samford at. No. 20 Florida State, 12:00PM ET
No odds.
Arkansas State at. No. 22 Auburn, 7:00PM ET
The Tigers should have zero problems with a Red Wolves team that is 1-5 ATS in their last six non-conference games and 1-6 ATS in their last seven outings in September. Arkansas State is also 0-5 ATS in their last five games on grass.
Odds: Auburn –31.5 (57.5)
LA-Lafayette at. No. 23 Georgia, 12:21PM ET
After a disappointing 2009 campaign, Mark Richt and the Bulldogs look to get off to a good start when they host LA-Lafayette. The under is 4-1 in the Ragin’ Cajuns last five games overall and 5-0 in Georgia’s last five non-conference games.
Odds: Georgia –29 (51)
Coast Carolina at. No. 25 West Virginia, 3:30PM ET
No odds.
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