College Football Picks: Top 5 Best Bets Against the Spread Week 1

No. 5 Texas Covers -13 Spread Over Maryland

It has been a turbulent off-season for Maryland. It does not get easier for the Terps once the season starts as they open with Texas. With all the team has been through in the past couple months, it is hard to imagine Maryland getting off to a great start. Maryland was already coming off a difficult 4-8 season in 2017. Matt Canada takes over a program that is still dealing with a lot. The Washington Post details what Canada is inheriting.

"Canada will inherit a group of players still grieving the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair following a workout, a group that must now finish camp amid the distractions of explosive news reports Friday that outlined a toxic culture within the program, which led to the school putting Durkin, strength coach Rick Court and head trainer Wes Robinson on leave. A fourth staff member, director of athletic training Steve Nordwall, also reportedly was put on leave," The Washington Posts noted.

As for Texas, they are hoping to take the next step forward under Tom Herman after going 7-6 last season. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger is expected to begin the season at the Longhorns starting quarterback. Ehlinger started six games for Texas last season. He has a couple big receiving targets in Collin Johnson and Lil'Jordan Humphrey that could make the Texas offense tough to deal with this season. Linebacker Gary Johnson is expected to fill the void Malik Jefferson left behind after he headed to the NFL.

Texas is favored by nearly two touchdowns, and I expect the Longhorns to cruise to victory. Texas starts out ranked in the top 25 at No. 23, and a blowout win could help them move up in the polls. While I don't expect Texas to compete for a Big 12 title this season, I do think they are a lot more talented than Maryland. The Longhorns had the benefit of having a normal off-season, while Maryland is dealing with so many things away from football that it will be hard for 18 to 22 year olds to be able to put behind them.

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