TCU is looking to give Oklahoma a run for its money in the Big 12 this season, and it has to win the games it is supposed to win in order to keep climbing in the national polls. SMU should win a fair amount of its games in the AAC this season, but it is losing this one both SU and ATS.

The Tide are 11-0 SU, 10-1 ATS in 11 previous season openers under Coach Saban. However, 'Bama is often favored by a bit too much regardless of the situation, and under Saban, they've actually got a bit of a history of easing up in certain spots, against certain opponents. Also, we'll give Coach Petrino a measure of respect in believing he'll get some production from Jackson's replacement, sophomore Javon Pass. Alabama will most likely win this game, but we're taking the points with the Cardinals.

The jury remains out on Louisiana Tech's defense, and that will be enough for South Alabama to find a few avenues to generate a score. This team has no qualms rumbling with the big boys on the road so one would assume that this contest is a bit more of a formality for the Jaguars; they might even think they can win outright and that motivation factor will play a role in this contest.

Troy State will play a much cleaner game and now give away much-needed points to a Broncos team that capitalizes as good as anyone on mistakes. With the home crowd on their side, the shoe may be on the other foot in this game, and Boise State may even stub their toe here.

North Carolina is looking to re-establish itself, and nothing can certify that ambition more than starting off the season with a win in a hostile environment against a reputable opponent. North Carolina cannot only cover here but perhaps pull the upset outright to atone for last year’s bitter loss against Cal.

There is little reason to believe Oklahoma will not win this game but Florida Atlantic will look to utilize the opportunity to make a statement to the New Year’s Six selection committee. If FAU comes in under the number and makes it closer than expected that is a win for this program and there is no reason to suspect they cannot do so.

There is little question that the Rams were looking ahead to this match-up last week when it hosted Hawaii. The hunger and determination for this team to end CU's dominance will keep the Rams in the game but furthermore lead to an upset. This is one of Colorado's weaker teams to take the field in recent years, and you can rest assured that the Rams will make the most of it.

The Badgers will have their way in this contest but the number presented to back them is most likely an overlay. A few late scores by WKU for morale generates a cover here for the Hilltoppers.

Such scenarios often create prejudice and bias that the Power Five team should win even when the opposite could assuredly be the case. Do not be shocked if an upset takes place here outright.

The big question in this matchup is can UCF cover the three touchdowns plus on the road this Thursday night. The Knights are once again frontrunners for the conference title, while the Huskies could have a tough time posting more than three or four wins.

The gap between the two remains pretty wide, and I would expect the Knights to pull away in the second half of Thursday night’s season opener to win this game by more than 23 points.

With the exception of that slip against Auburn, the Tide have proven themselves to be the best team in college football this season. This does not diminish what Georgia has been able to accomplish in its highly impressive run to this title game, but I still believe the gap between these two SEC foes is wider than the current 4.5-point spread. Look for another strong showing by Alabama’s defense on Monday night to shutdown the Bulldogs’ running game in a SU win that covers ATS while also working to keep the total UNDER.

Both teams are coming off a disappointing loss that cost them a shot at a national title. You could give Miami the slight edge in light of its inherent home field advantage in this game, but Wisconsin fans travel well so there should be quite a bit of red and white in this crowd. I would definitely give the Badgers the edge when it comes to motivation as well as overall talent. My “best bet” pick would be to lay the 6.5 points and go with Wisconsin SU and ATS.

I would normally jump all over a Mid Major with the Tigers’ credentials against a mid-level team from a Power 5 conference, but I have been equally impressed with what Iowa State brings the table in this game. Memphis also has the luxury of playing the Liberty Bowl in its home town, but that extra half-point on the current spread is another factor pushing me towards the Cyclones in this game.

This one should be a barnburner that racks up some serious points to take the total OVER the 66.5-point total, but my ‘best bet’ pick is Iowa State plus the 3.5 points in what could easily be a three-point game either way.

Louisville has the definite edge in this matchup with its top playmaker Jackson healthy and under center. The Bulldogs do come into this game with one of the stingier defenses in the nation with a points-allowed average of 20.4, but shutting down one of the most explosive duel threats in the country for all four quarters could be a tall task. As long as the spread stays less than seven points, I am confident that the Cardinals can come out on top in this one both SU and ATS.

Situationally, this scenario sets up ideally to back the Trojans. Ohio State’s psyche heading into this game remains in question. After all, the Buckeyes were stiff-armed out of the playoff and this game may seem like a pale consolation prize. The opposite is the case for USC. The Trojans were one of the most highly touted teams in the beginning of the 2017 season and failed to live up to the hype. Some had dared to call Southern California National Champion material and penciled in their quarterback Sam Darnold as a consensus Heisman Trophy winner. Whilst the perception of this outfit was inflated, this is the opportune scenario for USC to at least justify some of that hype. Typically, we would expect to pay a hefty price to back the Men of Troy in a bowl game of this magnitude. However, given the fact Ohio State has been gaining a lot of national attention as of late the Trojans may offer tremendous value for the first time in a long time in any bowl game.

Utah State have made five bowl appearances dating back to 2011. New Mexico State has not been to a bowl game since the Kennedy Era. This in itself makes New Mexico State a tough option to back to the public eye. Over Utah State’s recent bowl appearances, they are 3-2 SU in these respective affairs. The two losses were decided by a combined three points. Furthermore, Utah State defeated recognizable names when it comes to mid-major teams, including Toledo and Northern Illinois. All of these considerations further inflate the consensus perception of Utah State. Nevertheless, we would urge all keen to back Utah State to think again as these conditions curate the possibility for an overlay. Not only can New Mexico State cover, they can likely win here. Thus, NM State may also be worth a look on the Money Line in addition to simply taking the points.