The college football season started last weekend, but the big games are starting this Saturday. There are multiple top 25 matchups this weekend along with other intriguing matchups. We’re here to give you the best bets for this weekend. We’ll also give you one tempting one that you should avoid like the California roll you see at the gas station.
No. 23 Cincinnati @ No. 19 Arkansas: Arkansas -7
It is rare that a team that just came off a run to the College Football Playoff is an underdog in its first game the next season, but that is the case with Cincinnati this year. That is the life of a program that is not in a power five conference. Luckily that won’t be the case forever for Cincinnati. However, Arkansas is the play here. Cincinnati was 3-5 against the spread in its last eight games down the stretch last season. The Bearcats will likely have another strong season, but a road game against Arkansas is a tough way to start a season.
No. 11 Oregon @ No. 3 Georgia: Georgia -17
Georgia lost nine starters from their defense last year, but a program like Georgia should still have the talent to remain strong. Like any other top SEC team, the Bulldogs should have the talent to manhandle Oregon’s defense at the point of attack. It is a lot of points to cover, but Georgia should be in control of this game. Expect the Bulldogs to cover, especially if they get out to an early lead.
Gas Station Sushi
No. 5 Notre Dame @ No. 2 Ohio State
There are just too many unknowns surrounding Notre Dame to consider touching this game. The Irish are ranked fifth, but have a first-year head coach and are also 17-point underdogs. To me, that is conflicting information. This is the biggest game of the weekend, and it’s going to be really tempting to bet, but it’ll probably just leave you in a bad mood by the end of the night.
Bonus Pick
CCSU @ UConn: Under 51.5
You’re probably wondering why this game is even included, but as a UConn graduate, I’m about to give you some free money. UConn’s held its own against a Utah State team that won its conference last season. The Huskies should be able to keep CCSU from scoring much. UConn is also starting a true freshman at quarterback, and will lean on controlling the clock with a running game that found success last week. They say life is too short to take the under, but that doesn’t apply here.
Photo Credit: Steven Miller
