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- Week Zero Picks: 2-0 (100%)
- 2019-20 Picks: 2-0 (100%)
We're here to dive into the numbers, teams, and picks setup for this weekend in college football. I could honestly find a way to bet on every game but instead I scour the large slate of college football games and pick which ones present the most value for you.
It’s the first full week of college football, which makes it the most wonderful time of the year. Follow me on Twitter @sgjanik_6 to chat about football and my picks. I’m also on the Action App @sgjanik6 where I’ll post all the picks below and more this season. Here’s the motto we’ll take through the year: Bet. Sweat. Keep the wallet wet.
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Colorado State at Colorado (-13.5)
O/U: 57
**NOTE: this is a Friday, 8/30 matchup**
Colorado State is fresh off a 3-9 season where they lost their quarterback, running back, and their top two receivers on top of losing 38 starts upfront. Now under center is Colin Hill (1,387 yds, 7 TD) who isn't expected to be anything special. The Rams' run game is uninspiring but their top pass catcher Warren Jackson (32 rec, 405 yds, 4 TD) should be able to make things happen with opportunities. However, the offensive line won't give Hill much of a chance to make anything good happen. Under coach Mike Bobo, CSU has been solid against the spread as visitors, going 12-8 since 2015.
Colorado brings a new skipper to the sideline in Mel Tucker who brings along Jay Johnson as his offensive coordinator. Quarterback Steven Montez (2,849 yds, 19 TD) should only benefit from the change in offense that will allow him to be aggressive. He and Preseason All-American wise receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (86 rec, 1,011 yds, 6 TD) developed a strong bond last year and they're ready to jump on the map in the PAC 12. The Buffs were 2-4 against the spread at home last year, so Tucker is going to emphasize on putting teams away at home.
Colorado State just hasn't made moves under Bobo and in the last three seasons, Colorado has outscored the Rams 106-23. The Buffs' offense is flat out better, and their new scheme will give CSU fits in their first time seeing it.
Pick: Colorado -13.5
FAU at Ohio State (-27.5)
O/U: 63.5
Ohio State Week 1 overs are as close to a lock as it gets. Since 2015, every season opener has seen the over hit, including last season when the Buckeyes hit it themselves (O/U 63) when they dropped 77 points on Oregon State. Even with a semi-new head coach in Ryan Day and a plethora of play makers having moved onto the NFL, Ohio State is the quintessential reload, not rebuild program. Former top recruit and Georgia transfer Justin Fields takes over the offense but J.K. Dobbins (1,053 yds, 10 TD) returns in the backfield. Day was OSU's offensive coordinator last season but was also the interim head coach for the first three games during Urban Meyer's suspension, so not much should change with the on-field product.
FAU followed up an 11-1 season in 2018 by going 5-7 last year. While the team lost top offensive play maker Devin Singletary to the NFL, the Owls have underwent a revitalization since Lane Kiffin took over in 2017. They started a true freshman in Chris Robison (2,533yds, 12 TD) at quarterback last year, so he's back with a whole new understanding of the offense. Once Kiffin took over, FAU hasn't had a problem scoring points on the road. Since 2017, the over has hit in eight of their 12 road games and while serving as road underdogs, the over has went 5-1 over the same span.
Even with both teams missing top producers from last season, history has no problem showing that points will be scored at a fast pace in this season opener. Kiffin always get his team ready to play, and Day will be out to show that OSU won't miss a beat.
Pick: Over 63.5
Syracuse at Liberty (+18)
O/U: 68
The Orange are coming off a 10-3 season, their best since 2001. However, they're without Eric Dungey leading the offense, along with a bevy of offensive lineman and two starting linebackers. The reigns get handed over to sophomore Tommy DeVito (525 yds, 4 TD) who got some experience last season, but nothing to write home about. The Orange do have a solid corps of backs and receivers returning, but none are game changers. 2018 marked the first time in Babers' tenure at Syracuse that they were favored on the road, and in those games they were 2-1 against the spread.
The Liberty Flames are one of the FBS’ newest teams and 2019 marks their first-year as a full-time FBS member. However, they impressed folks with their 6-6 record as provisional members in 2018, and they are hungry to start the year off with a strong group of returning players. Senior signal caller Stephen Calvert (3,068 yds, 21 TD) is in his third year starting in Lynchburg, VA. His connection with NFL hopeful Antonio Gandy-Golden (71 rec, 1,037 yds, 10 TD) along with the tailback services of Frankie Hickson (1,032 yds, 11TD) give Liberty a dynamite offense. Add in Jessie Lemonier on the defensive line, who sacked the quarterback 10 times a season ago, and the Flames go from cupcake to problem real fast.
While there is no doubting Syracuse is the more talented team, don't expect Liberty to roll over in Week 1. New head coach Hugh Freeze has been dealing with some health issues, but Syracuse has no film on this offense. Overall, I think it will be a battle of defenses, but Liberty's skill on offense keeps them in it. Don't be surprised if this game is within 10 points.
Pick: Liberty +18
