Editor’s note: The odds below are courtesy of Heavy’s partners at OddsShark. Click here for more odds and betting info at OddsShark.com.
College football season is finally here, and with it comes the debut of Heavy’s weekly picks post.
Each week, we’ll explore the lines and give you five best bets. All lines are from OddsShark and are subject to change.
Here are Week 1’s picks:
1. Minnesota +16 Against TCU
Trevone Boykin is the heartbeat of TCU. (Getty)
TCU is a great team and should be in the conversation at the end of the season for the College Football Playoff. That said, a Thursday night season opener at Minnesota has all the makings of a nail-biter. TCU is starting almost a completely new defense this season.
Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner came into the TCU game last year with a sprained MCL and struggled. This year, he comes into the game healthy. While I think TCU should win the game, take Minnesota and the points.
2. Temple +14 Against Penn State
P.J. Walker offers a dual-threat for Temple. (Getty)
Last season, Temple opened the season by destroying Vanderbilt. P.J. Walker is probably the best quarterback you have not heard about. Temple struggled last year in Happy Valley, but this year’s game is at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, and the Owls are returning almost their whole team from last season. This one could go down to the wire, so take the Owls and the points.
3. BYU +7.5 at Nebraska
Taysom Hill is back for BYU. (Getty)
BYU quarterback Taysom Hill is back after missing last season because of injuries. Hill took the college football world by storm two seasons ago against Texas. It was bad enough that Texas fired defensive coordinator Manny Diaz after the game. Hill should put on a show in Lincoln on Saturday. It will take new Nebraska coach Mike Riley some time to implement his system. Expect a close game and take the Cougars and the points.
4. Alabama -10 Against Wisconsin
Derrick Henry is poised for a great season. (Getty)
Since Nick Saban took over at Alabama, the Crimson Tide have never lost a home opener. Don’t expect that to change on Saturday. This one will likely be close for the first half, but Alabama pulls away in the second half. Take the Tide to cover the spread.
5. Virginia Tech -14 Against Ohio State
Quarterback Michael Brewer impressed against Ohio State. (Getty)
Virginia Tech was the only team in the country to defeat Ohio State last season. Quarterback Michael Brewer had one of his best performances of the season against the Buckeyes. This season, it’s a Labor Day night game in Blacksburg. Ohio State will be missing four players, including star defensive end Joey Bosa, because of suspensions.
Ohio State will come into the game aiming for redemption from last year’s loss, but that won’t be enough for them to cover the spread.
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