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Steve Janik's NCAA college football betting picks for 8/24/19. He analyzes CFB Vegas lines and recommends the top expert bets including spreads and over/unders.
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Luckily legal sports betting is becoming more and more available to the masses around the country. If your state hasn’t gotten with the times yet, I hope that it comes in the near future.
It’s Week Zero of college football and while there’s only a pair of games, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Follow me on Twitter @sgjanik_6 and the Action Network @sgjanik6 to get my picks or just chat about the games. Here’s the motto we’ll take through the year. Bet. Sweat. Keep the wallet wet.
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Florida at Miami (+7)
O/U: 47
A historic rivalry that is meant to celebrate the 150th anniversary of college football. Florida returns quarterback Feleipe Franks who completed just 58 percent of his passes for 2,457 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. While they also bring back tailback Lamical Perine (826 yds, 7 TD) and an experienced receiving corps, including Van Jefferson (35 rec, 503 yds, 6 TD) who hauled in six touchdowns last season. Although, they do lose four of five starting offensive lineman. On defense, the Gators ranked 20th with 20 ppg allowed last season, but lose a handful of starters upfront.
On the other side, Miami is starting redshirt freshman Jarren Williams at quarterback over Ohio State transfer Tate Martell. This only adds to the question marks of the offense. However, the Canes’ defense returns to form with Manny Diaz now as head coach. After having one of the top defensive lines in 2018, the Canes have reloaded up front, thanks to some grad transfers who should have no problems getting pressure on Franks. Miami allowed just 19.5 ppg last season and they very well could be better this year.
Miami’s offense was rough last year, and if it wasn’t for their defense, they wouldn’t have finished 7-5. However, facing off with Florida in the opening game of the season, the Canes’ front seven will shut down the run game and put the pressure on Franks to do the dirty work. I think that Florida ultimately comes out on top in a close game, but taking the points with Miami is also a viable play.
Pick: Under 47
Arizona at Hawaii (+11)
O/U: 74
The Wildcats return electric quarterback Khalil Tate but he loses three of his top receivers from 2018. Tate and running back J.J. Taylor combined to rush for almost 1,800 yards last season. They will remain the offensive catalysts and should have no problems finding space in their opener. The Arizona defense was about average last year and are expected to be slightly better in 2019, thanks to experienced returners. However, they are tasked with replacing key cogs on the line which is never easy, especially on a defense that is said to be toying with a new scheme.
Hawaii welcomes back quarterback Cole McDonald after throwing for 3,875 yards and 36 touchdowns, while rushing for 580 and four more scores last season. As is tradition with Hawaii, the damage is done through the air. While leading receiver John Ursua is in the NFL, they return 23 receiving touchdowns, including 18 between Cedric Byrd and JoJo Ward. The Warrior defense allowed an average of 6.3 yards per play in 2018 and didn't lose (or gain) many names. They shouldn't have much of an impact in this one.
This should wind up the shootout we all want to experience with the opening weekend of college football. Neither side's defense is stout but both offenses lost playmakers. The O/U is set at 74, which is high but Hawaii will surprise people with their competitiveness to open the season under the spotlight.
Pick: Hawaii +11
