Saturday, May 18, 2024

Betting

College Football Big Bets for This Week

Considering how many games have been postponed or canceled from Covid-19 still being a presence in our country, this week is rather anti-climactic. We lost the Alabama-LSU game, Ohio State will not play this week, and after not playing in a few weeks, Wisconsin will be playing football (weird right). There are still plenty of games worth putting money down on and watching this Saturday with all Power Five conferences having games this week. Let’s look at some of the big bets for this week of College Football.

Over/Under

Notre Dame-Boston College Over 49.5

Notre Dame is riding high off last week’s upset of the top-ranked Clemson Tigers. After scoring 47 points in overtime last week, this line seems to confuse me. The impression one has to think from this line is that we are in for a defensive struggle. Considering Boston College score 28 points against Clemson two weeks ago, this seems like a prime opportunity to capitalize on the Over. I only see two scenarios in which the spread isn’t covered. Either Notre Dame routs B.C. with a shutout or something close to that or Notre Dame plays down to the Eagles to the extant where the final score is 20-17.

Arkansas-Florida Under 60.5

The Florida Gators have scored 40 points in back-to-back games, but 60.5 is still a high total for a college football game. After handily defeating the Georgia Bulldogs, the Gators are poised to blow out the Arkansas Razorbacks. While Florida has one of the better offenses in the game and Arkansas can put up points as well, it’s hard to see the 60.5 point total being covered. Expects Florida’s defense to step up in this game and thus the total fall Under.

Intriguing but be Cautious

(-7) Indiana over Michigan State

Indiana has been the shocker of the season thus far, starting out 3-0 and upsetting both Penn State and Michigan. The Hoosiers can become the school to watch as this season progresses and we can see a potential Big 10 contender. It seems like a given to take Indiana with the touchdown but Michigan State can be troublesome. They lost to Rutgers and Iowa but upset Michigan in between. Indiana should win this game but be careful betting on them to win by more than a touchdown.

(-4.5) Wisconsin over Michigan

MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 07: The Wisconsin Badgers might be one of the best in the nation but it’s hard to tell when they only played one game in the season so far. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The wheels have fallen off in Michigan. Back-to-back losses have essentially ended the season and likely cost Jim Harbaugh his coaching job at Michigan. I know this is a must-win for Michigan but this game can get ugly against Wisconsin. Wisconsin only played one game this season with their facility being shut down for most of the season. The lack of play can hurt the Badgers but in all likelihood will help them in Saturday’s game. Expect Wisconsin to win but betting on them to win is risky considering that Michigan is going to play this upcoming game like a championship game (a loss might have Harbaugh fired with a 1-3 start to the season).

Favorites to Bet on

(-10) Oregon over Washington State

Oregon proved last week that they are going to be serious contenders for the College Football Playoff. They hosted Stanford and controlled the game from start to finish in almost every aspect necessary. I was concerned about Oregon losing all the star power as they entered this season, especially on the offensive line with left tackle Penei Sewell opting out. Last week, they proved they can still establish the run and overpower teams. Oregon should win this game easily and can easily win by more than ten points.

(-3.5) Utah over UCLA

I mentioned last week that I was skeptical to bet on Utah scoring many points. Utah has to replace many of their stars from last season and I wanted to see how the new-look Utes would fare. Well, last week’s game for Utah was postponed with Covid-19 taking its toll. Regardless, you should be confident in Utah winning on Saturday against UCLA. UCLA already played once this year and lost. The Chip Kelly magic clearly isn’t working and they appear to be subpar once again.

Underdogs to Bet on

College football big bets: Purdue over Northwestern

Purdue over Northwestern (+116 money line)

This game might be one of the underrated matchups of the week. Both teams enter this game unbeaten and have both defeated worthy opponents (Purdue beat Iowa, Northwestern beat both Nebraska and Iowa). Considering that Northwestern is only slightly favored, this is a prime game to bet on Purdue with the money line. WE should anticipate a close game but one That Purdue just inks out to keep their surprising season alive.

Nebraska over Penn State (+134 money line)

Nebraska has been frozen since the Tom Osbourne years and it looks like Scott Frost isn’t going to deliver the promise. The Cornhuskers are 0-2 and haven’t been able to muster any form of offense in both losses. Penn State is also looking for their first win as well. Unlike Nebraska, they have been struggling on the defensive side of the ball. In a pick ’em game, you have to like Nebraska at home as an underdog. While Penn State might have the more talented team, we can see the Huskers steal this win and kickstart their college football season.

The betting lines and odds for Saturday’s games are from vegasinsider.com

For more Betting and Fantasy sports advice go to bellyupfantasysports.com