And just like that, college football returns to where it belongs — on the field, on TV, and in the sportsbooks.
To say that this campaign has been unique is an understatement. With all the uncertainty in sports we’ve had to endure over the last months, just about all the conferences are set to return. In late October the Big Ten and Mountain West kick off, while the Pac-12 and the Mid-American will begin early November.
This news has been met by an overwhelming excitement by both the books and the bettors alike as we get back to the normalcy which is the craziness of college football. Obviously with more teams coming back, we have a broader selection and more opportunity to make money.
It may have a bit of a different look to it, but this campaign will offer us even more of an appreciation for the sport as we knew what it was like to be without it. In just a few short weeks, the oddsmakers and the bettors seem to have adapted to the issues surrounding the current health crisis. The bettors have had their moments thus far and the handle and attendance in the books has exceeded expectations. With more conferences springing into action making for a longer season, both sides of the counter are sure to enjoy the ride.
After last week’s 2-0 record, we follow with yet another strong card in this week’s selections. Here are this week’s Best Bets (Lines are as of Tuesday and can change. If a line is around a Hot Number or moves against us, be smart):
It may have a bit of a different look to it, but this campaign will offer us even more of an appreciation for the sport as we knew what it was like to be without it. In just a few short weeks, the oddsmakers and the bettors seem to have adapted to the issues surrounding the current health crisis. The bettors have had their moments thus far and the handle and attendance in the books has exceeded expectations. With more conferences springing into action making for a longer season, both sides of the counter are sure to enjoy the ride.Get up @_TheJoshuaMoore 👀 pic.twitter.com/HADqfDOEcx
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 28, 2020
Saturday
Tulsa +22 at Central Florida: Sports betting is funny. A few weeks ago, we had Central Florida, as they won and covered against Georgia Tech. This is just too many points for them to lay.
The Knights are certainly the cream of the AAC crop. However, Goliath had David and UCF has Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane have won seven of the last eight meetings with their conference rival, going 6-2 ATS, including last year’s 34-31 outright win and cover as an 18-point underdog.
Tulsa comes in here well-rested after a coronavirus bye week. This team showed they can compete with the big boys as they held Oklahoma State to just 16 points in their season opener. Their very talented defense, led by linebacker Zaven Collins (3 sacks) will be a burden to the UCF offensive line, hurry quarterback, Dillon Gabriel and keep this one closer than the number.
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The Golden Hurricane are money when traveling, going 6-1 ATS the last seven on the road. The Knights are overvalued in AAC play, donning a 1-4 ATS mark the last five vs. conference opponents. TULSA
Texas Christian at Texas -13: The once feared TCU defense is no more. Leading off with no improvement from last season, they allowed the pedestrian Iowa State “O” to put up 37 points last week.
One of the Heisman contenders not named Trevor Lawrence — quarterback Sam Ehlinger (688 yards passing10 TD’s, one INT) — leads the top-scoring offense in the nation. Look for him to hook up with standout receivers Joshua Moore and Brenden Schooler at will and burn the Horned Frogs.
After seeing the Sooners go down this past week, the Longhorns won’t take this matchup lightly, knowing they can take control of the conference here.
TCU has crushed bettors, going 1-6 ATS the last seven in the month of October, 1-4 ATS the last five on the road, and 6-15 ATS the last 21 vs. the Big 12. TEXAS
Texas A&M at Alabama -17: Alabama is not just the No. 2 ranked team in the nation, they are also one of the healthiest. Role players, playmakers, coaches and even the towel boy will be suited up here as they are one of the few college football squads presently at full strength.
Head coach Nick Saban enjoys only one thing as much as winning titles, and that’s beating former assistants like Jimbo Fisher. As a matter of fact, Saban is 19-0 SU vs. his former assistant coaches.
Trying to match up with the well-balanced Alabama offense is going to be a nightmare for Fisher and the Texas A&M stop-unit. The Crimson Tide are 5-0 ATS the last five following an ATS loss. ALABAMA
Auburn +6.5 at Georgia: They say revenge is a dish best served cold. Since taking over the reins at Auburn, head coach Gus Malzahn has only beaten Georgia two of the eight meetings, including three consecutive defeats at the hands of Kirby Smart.
This is the meeting that will cost the Bulldogs’ revolving door quarterback issue dearly. There were reports this off-season that the offense wouldn’t be as strong as recent units. Whether it’s USC-transfer J.T. Daniels (waiting on medical clearance, last start August 2019), the shaky Stetson Bennett or redshirt freshman D’Wun Mathis under center, look for the experienced Tigers defense to wreak havoc on any play-caller they face. They have the size and the speed to exploit the quarterback issue here.
Auburn sophomore quarterback Bo Nix (233 yards passing, 3 TDs/0 INTs) looks to be on top-form after dismantling the tough Kentucky defense a week ago. He can keep the Georgia “D” on the field and on their heels come the second half.
The Tigers are 11-4 ATS the last 15 overall. AUBURN
Last week: 2-0
Season: 4-4