College Football Week 1 – Saturday 9/2/17 – Free Picks
Odds provided in this article will be from Bovada.lv, our top ranked online sportsbook for U.S. players. They’re an excellent sportsbook, but it’s always important to line shop for the best odds before placing your wager.
Boise State at Troy +10 Total: 63 Points
This game is a battle between two teams that have a good chance of winning their respective conferences. The game could turn into a shootout and should be one of the more exciting contests this Saturday.
Betting Odds
Boise opened as a -12.5 favorite, but that line has moved to -10 at most sportsbooks and some -9.5. Troy has gotten most of betting action so far, with about 60 percent of bets coming in on the Trojans. The total has risen quite a bit since opening at 57 points and now stands at 63 points.
Prediction
It would have been excellent to get Troy at +12.5 when the odds opened, but we’re still looking at a decent value at +10. They’re easily my favorite underdog this weekend that can win this game outright. It makes the +290 moneyline an attractive bet, as well.
Last year Troy broke out in a big way offensively, and they have everyone returning. Quarterback Brandon Silvers, running back Jordan Chunn and an excellent receiving corps will anchor a potent offense.
We can expect Boise to adjust against the run somewhat, but this offense should have any problems adjusting and using their other weapons. Troy’s defense was strong last year but was weaker against the run. If they can manage to get up early and keep pouring on the points, they should easily cover the +10 and may even get an outright win.
Pick: Troy +10 at Bovada
Florida State at Alabama -7 Total: 49.5
We don’t usually get to see two teams like this face off so early in the season, but here we are. It’s Week 1, and two of the best teams in college football are going at it, and the implications are massive. There has never been a time in history that the No. 1 ranked team and No. 3 ranked team have faced off in Week 1.
Betting Odds
The Crimson Tide originally opened as a -7.5 favorite. Betting action has been on Alabama for the most part. However, the odds have moved to -7 at just about every sportsbook online. The total has come down a bit since opening at 53 points and now sits at 49.5.
Prediction
The hype on this game has gotten out of control. Alabama is a team that should have success offensively against Florida St. but they’re an excellent defense that has lots of size. However, in my mind, there is too much of a chance that they lose the battle in the trenches against the Crimson Tide.
Alabama is also likely to force a turnover or two defensively. Florida St. seems to need to play almost perfectly to keep this game close. I will take the -7 with the Crimson Tide.
Pick: Alabama -7 at Bovada
Previous post
NFL Preseason Week 1 – Texans at Panthers
Joseph Falchetti | August 9, 2017Next post
