The best bets from this Saturday's college football slate
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On Thursday night college football took the spotlight as the Indiana Hoosiers gave an early scare to the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. While the Buckeyes would take over in the second half and settle into a comfortable lead, the game served as a nice appetizer to the full slate of college games to come this weekend.
With over 100 FBS programs kicking off their season this weekend, it would be impossible (and fiscally irresponsible) to bet every game on the slate, so we're narrowing it down to just seven games you may want to consider throwing a few coins at.
Below are your best seven bets of the first Saturday of the college football season. All lines come courtesy of the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook.
Michigan (-3.5) over Florida
This line has been seen as high as seven but I would still take Michigan mostly out of faith that Harbaugh comes prepared. Harbaugh LOVES preparing, and Michigan is coming off an impressive year where they did everything except climb the mountain that is beating Urban Meyer and Ohio State. They are in a position again this year to compete for the Big Ten title, despite losing some senior talent. Conversely, Florida is dealing with a slew of suspensions, meaning a bit of uncertainty and a lack of depth. The Gators will be a force as the season goes on, but this game is Michigan's to lose.
Appalachian State (+14.5) over Georgia
Ten years ago Appalachian State took over the first weekend of college football with their shocking upset of fifth-ranked Michigan in Ann Arbor. Now in their fourth year playing an FBS schedule, the Mountaineers have continued to impress, finishing last year 10-3 and first in the Sun Belt. Georgia will be good enough to make a run at the SEC title by winning their weaker division, but expect App State's defense to be stout enough to keep this game within two scores. Who doesn't like to root for an underdog?
Penn State (-30.5) over Akron
Regular bettors should be wary of lines this long, but there's usually one or two worth wagering on early in the season, and this looks like it could be one. Penn State will be looking to make a statement in their opener and have not one, but two potential Heisman candidates on the offensive side of the ball in quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley. With that talent, look for the Nittany Lions to jump out to a huge lead early and never look back. Might be a good game to check the first half line on as well.
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