College Football Betting Info. Week 1

[TheGame]

College Football Betting Preview: Northwestern Wildcats at California Golden Bears
By Teddy Covers
SportsMemo.com

Northwestern at California
Saturday, 7:30 pm PT - ESPN2
CRIS Opener: Northwestern -3 O/U 58.5
CRIS Current: Northwestern -5 O/U 57.5
Rob Veno's Power Rating: Northwestern -5
Teddy Covers' Recommendation: Northwestern

When Washington State went from good to mediocre to awful in the PAC-12, it happened rather predictably. Mike Price had success in Pullman, albeit not every year, and he left the cupboard full for his successor, Bill Doba, when Price took the Alabama job. Doba won ten games in his first year, and the Cougars enjoyed their third consecutive top 10 ranking at the close of the season following an upset win over Texas in the Holiday Bowl.

But Doba was not the right hire; unable to recruit (or coach) the way Price did. Washington State quickly went from a top 10 program three years running to a squad that was struggling to reach .500 every year: 5-6, 4-7, 6-6 and 5-7 in Doba’s final four years on the job. Wazzou didn’t enjoy a single winning season ATS as the program declined into mediocrity.

The Cougars gave up on Doba following those four declining seasons and brought Paul Wulff in to transition the team into a wide open spread offense. The results were disastrous. Repeated poor recruiting classes, coupled with an enormous number of injuries and transfers left the program bereft of talent, at the bottom of the BCS Conference world. Wulff went 2-11, 1-11, 2-10 and 4-8 in his four years on the job.

As Wassou was crumbling from mediocre to bottom feeder, they went 8-15-1 ATS in Wulff’s first two years. That extending their streak to SEVEN consecutive .500 or worse seasons ATS before a 7-5 ATS mark in 2010, when Wassou was catching three TD’s or more in 2/3 of their games.

What does all of this have to do with Cal’s opening night game at Northwestern? Simple – Cal might be the next Washington State! I don’t expect the drop-off to be quite as dramatic – there’s more talent on the Bears roster than there’s been on any Washington State roster in the last eight years. It’s easier to recruit kids to Berkeley that includes a recently upgraded Memorial Stadium than it is to get them to leave home for Pullman. But the trend lines are certainly comparable.

Jeff Tedford enjoyed great success with the Bears early in his tenure. He was a hot prospect, coveted by NFL teams as well as true blueblood college programs. But after peaking with a 10-win, ‘tied for the PAC-10 title’ season in 2006, slowly, but surely, the Cal program started to decline. The Tedford era ended with 5-7, 7-6 and 3-9 campaigns; and last year’s 3-9 ATS debacle could be a harbinger of things to come.

Sonny Dykes had great success running the spread offense at Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs won nine games last year, averaging 51.5 points and 578 yards per game; leading the nation in both categories. But Dykes first year at LaTech wasn’t nearly as pretty: 27 points per game on 390 yards of offense in a 5-7 SU, 5-7 ATS season. It’s worth noting that against WAC competition, the Bulldogs won only as a favorite that year – beating the teams they were supposed to beat, but unable to step up in class.

Dykes is installing the same spread offense at Cal with new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. New defensive coordinator Andy Buh has switched from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense this year, forcing several linebackers to convert to defensive end in the offseason. And there’s an entirely new staff of assistants, a complete coaching housecleaning.

Dykes is starting true frosh quarterback Jared Goff in the season opener against Northwestern. This team lacks senior leadership, with only 12 seniors on the roster. Dykes: “We’re a very young team that’s playing a very difficult schedule. If you’re on the outside of our program and you’re looking at Cal football, it doesn’t look very good.” I agree with that quote 100%!

Northwestern went 10-3 SU, 11-1-1 ATS last year, an under-the-radar pointspread machine. That included straight up road wins at Michigan State, Syracuse and Minnesota. They won three road games in 2011 as well, including an impressive upset at Nebraska. Two experienced quarterbacks – Kain Colter, a dangerous running threat and Trevor Siemian, an effective downfield passer – give the new Bears’ defense multiple looks to worry about. The Wildcats defense held opponents to 22 points per game last year and their front seven is loaded once again.

Bottom line? There’s a class difference between these two teams that isn’t fully reflected in this pointspread. Even in a late night West Coast game like this one (situational advantage for Cal), don’t expect miracles from the Bears in their first game under Dykes against a Big Ten contender like the Wildcats.

[TheGame]

College Football Gambling Preview: Boise State Broncos at Washington Huskies
By Ian Cameron
SportsMemo.com

Boise State at Washington
Saturday, 7 pm PT - FS1
CRIS Opener: Washington -5.5 O/U 52.5
CRIS Current: Washington -3.5 O/U 53
Rob Veno's Power Rating: Washington -0.5
Ian Cameron's Recommendation: Boise State

The Washington Huskies will play their first game in newly renovated Husky Stadium on Saturday night as they host the Boise State Broncos in a rematch of last year’s Las Vegas Bowl. Boise won that game 28-26 but failed to cover as 4.5-point favorites.

The Broncos will have quarterback Joe Southwick back for his second year as the starter. He started out slowly last year but gradually improved as the season progressed throwing for 2,730 yards on 66.8% completions and a 19-7 TD-INT ratio. He will have his top two receiving targets back in Matt Miller and Kirby Moore who combined for 102 receptions, more than 1,100 yards, and 6 TDs last season. They did lose their top running back D.J. Harper to graduation but Jay Ayaji should be able to fill in quite well as he rushed for 548 yards on a 6.7 yards per carry as a backup. The key for Boise State’s offense early in the season will be how quickly the new o-line comes together. The unit returns just two starters one of which is starting center Matt Paradis. They’ll be going with two inexperienced sophomore starters on the right side with guard Marcus Henry and tackle Rees Odhiambo. However, they’ve received terrific reviews in camp leading up the start of the season.

“The seniors refer to those guys as the Super Class in terms of their recruiting year together,” offensive line coach Chris Strausser said. “Those two guys (Henry and Odhiambo) are very athletic. They move their feet very well, but they’re also not a couple of old dogs who have had about every injury you could possibly have and I think that makes a difference, too, at this point in their life.”

Boise State’s defensive line is anchored by end Demarcus Lawrence who led the Broncos in tackles for loss, sacks and forced fumbles. The unit as a whole is formidable and that could be bad news for Washington as its offensive line failed to pass protect at an adequate level last season. The secondary should be rock solid as well with Jeremy Ioane and Darian Thompson.

Washington returns third-year starting quarterback Keith Price who has all the physical tools to have a big year for the Huskies. He must improve his decision making after throwing 13 interceptions last season. His ability to improve on that ratio (19-13 TD-INT) will be critical for Washington’s success. Running back Bishop Sankey should be able to deliver good production running the football but for this game there are some concerns for Washington’s receiving corps with All-American tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins doubtful with a finger injury. He was second on the team in receptions and receiving yards last season and led UW in touchdown receptions. The offensive line returns four starters which on the surface is a positive. However, the group didn’t hold up very well in pass protection for Price much of the season albeit some of that due to injuries.

Washington’s defense should be solid I’m a little concerned with only one senior starter projected for Saturday. The Huskies may be another year away from becoming a truly great stop unit due to the overall lack of upperclassmen. The linebacker corps is a strength but they are a bit thin at secondary. The Huskies lost safety Justin Glenn and all-conference cornerback Desmond Trufant in the offseason and depth in the secondary especially at cornerback is a concern facing a verteran quarterback like Southwick.

Washington has the revenge angle on their side and they will also be hosting at the newly renovated Husky Stadium which will likely invoke a strong effort. That being said, the Huskies have some questions that may not be answered successfully in Week 1. Can their offensive line which was woeful last season improve? Can they improve at stopping the run along the interior of a defensive line that has undergone many changes entering this season? Can they thrive in the secondary despite key personnel losses and a lack of experience? Note that Washington has struggled to turn in Week 1 games under Sarkisian going just 1-3 ATS. On the flip side, Boise State has put together a very solid track record of coming out of the gate strong in recent years under head coach Chris Petersen. The Broncos are 3-1 SU but more importantly 4-0 ATS in Week 1 contests dating back to 2009 with one of those wins coming against Georgia. This is not an easy game to call weighing all the factors but with Boise State catching points, especially more than a field goal, the underdog is the preferred play.

[TheGame]

NCAAF Week 1

Louisiana Tech had great year LY, going 9-3 then getting snubbed for bowl, but they lost 15 starters and HC Dykes from LY, so now Skip Holtz takes over program that covered six of last seven tries as home dog, nine of last 12 non-league games. Holtz’ teams are 20-9 vs spread in last 29 games as road dog at UCF/ECU. NC State is 9-4 as home favorite since ’10, but 3-7 in last ten non-ACC games; they’ve got new coach, new QB and six new starters on both sides of ball.

Iowa outgained Northern Illinois 268-201 in narrow 18-17 (-9) win LY, Hawkeyes’ 4th straight series win (other three by 10+); since ’06, Iowa is 16-20 as a home favorite- they’re 15-18 in last 33 non-league games, 3-6 in last nine. NIU has new coach and seven new starters on defense, but also senior QB (14 starts) and all five starters back on OL; they covered eight of last 11 tries as road dog, are 14-17 in last 31 non-MAC games. Iowa has new QB with three starters back on OL.

BYU has new QB, only 44 returning starts on OL; they lost seven starters on defense, but are 14-8 vs spread in last 22 road games, 15-13 in last 28 as a road favorite. Virginia has 16 starters back, including four (three seniors) on OL but a new QB; they’re 3-9 in last dozen games as home dog (2-6 with London), 1-7-1 in last nine non-league games. Teams haven’t met since 2000, when they split pair of close, high-scoring games, with road team winning both.

Extremely young Virginia Tech team; 27 of 71 players on travelling squad are playing first college game here, vs Alabama squad that covered seven of last eight games on neutral field and is 16-11 in last 27 non-SEC games. Tide lost three starters on OL (only 39 starts back) but have senior QB (27 starts) and seven starters back on defense. Tech has senior QB (also 27 starts); they covered only one of last four as a dog and since ’06 are 10-19-3 vs spread out of conference. Bama (-6.5) beat Tech 34-24 in opening game here four years ago.

Troy won three of last four games with UAB; Blazers lost last two visits here, 24-24/27-14. Three of last eight series games were decided by one point, with average total in last three, 60.7. UAB is 8-7 as road dog since ’10, 7-5 in last 12 non-league games; they’ve got four starters back on defense, a soph QB (8 starts) and a date at LSU next. Troy lost four starters off its OL but has senior QB (36 starts); Trojans covered only twice in last dozen tries as a home favorite.

Cincinnati has whole OL (83 starts) back from LY with three senior starters and two QBs who have started games; they’re 8-5 in last 13 games as home favorite, 8-4 in last 12 non-league games. Purdue has eight starters back on defense and three starters back on OL (52 career starts) but only two other offensive starters back- their QB has only six career starts. Since 2006, Boilers are 15-12 as road underdogs. Both teams here have new head coaches.

Former Louisville/Arkansas coach Petrino is new HC at Western Kentucky, which has four senior starters on OL but junior QB with only one career start; Hilltoppers were amazing 16-5 vs spread as underdog under Taggart (now at USF)- they beat Kentucky 32-31 LY, despite being outgained by 50 yards- they had three previous losses vs UK, all by 10+ points. Petrino is 14-10 vs spread in last 24 games as underdog. New coach for Kentucky, which covered four of last five as road favorite and is since ’07 is 15-10 vs spread out of SEC.

Since 2008, Mississippi State is 4-13 vs spread as a road underdog, covering once in last eight tries; they’re 8-13 in last 21 non-SEC games. Bulldogs have senior QB (17 starts and all five starters back on OL (108 career starts), which gives them edge here, over Oklahoma State team that is 9-4 vs spread in last 13 non-league games; they’ve got a senior QB with only five career starts and three starters back on OL (38 career starts). Teams haven’t met since ’99; figure Houston site helps OSU, which recruits Texas more than Miss State.

Syracuse has new coach, new QB, three soph starters on OL; since ’08, they’re 19-28-1 as road dogs, but 13-7-1 in last 21 non-league games. Syracuse lost 28-7/55-13 in last two games vs Penn State (‘08/’09) happier times for Lions. PSU also has new QB but has 8 starters back on offense, three on OL; they were 6-1 as favorite LY, are 11-3 as road favorites since 2008. You figure crowd in NJ would be split, but Orange played USC here LY and game drew poorly, so PSU should have crowd edge.

Clemson has senior QB (27 starts) and four starters back on OL (64 starts); they’re 24-4 SU at home under Swinney, but since ’08 are 0-3 as home underdogs. Tigers-Georgia are old rivals playing for first time in decade; Dawgs have nine starters back on offense, with whole OL back and senior QB (41 starts) but only three back on defense-- 10 of 22 kids on Georgia’s defensive 2-deep depth chart are playing first college game (8 true frosh), bad news vs Clemson offense. Since ’09, Georgia is 7-3 as a road favorite; they’re 9-10 in last 19 non-SEC games.

LSU/TCU both have senior QBs, though Pachall (17 starts) missed LY for Horned Frogs and Mettenberger now has NFL coach (Cameron) as tutor; TCU has nine starters back on defense- they’re 12-7-1 in last 20 games as underdog, but are just 3-11-1 in last 15 non-league games. LSU is 23-31 vs spread in last 54 games as a favorite, 9-14 in last 23 non-SEC games. 7-5-1 on neutral fields under Miles. LSU lost seven starters on defense and two on OL. Each team has only one senior starter on OL. Dallas site is very close to TCU, but LSU fans travel very well.

Boise State (-5) nipped Washington 28-26 in Vegas Bowl LY, even though Huskies outgained them by 40 yards on chilly day in desert. Broncos have senior QB (13 starts) and five senior starters on OL (only two returning starters, 52 starts); they’re 3-1 as road dog under Peterson, 18-7 vs spread out of conference. U-Dub is 7-5 as home favorite under Sarkisian, 8-7 out of conference; they’ve got four returning starters (all juniors) on OL and senior QB (26 starts). Hard to give Peterson points, given his (84-8 career mark as Boise coach).

Northwestern has 8 starters back on offense with senior QB (20 starts) but only two starters back on OL (40 starts); since ’08, Wildcats are 3-7-1 as road favorites, but they’re 9-5-1 in last 15 games out of conference. Cal has new coach, new QB, three new starters on OL; since ’04 they’re 2-8 vs spread as home underdogs, 14-17 in last 31 non-league games. Wildcats lost seven starters on defense- they won wild opener 42-41 at Syracuse LY. Dykes worked wonders at Louisiana Tech, but this is just his first game at Cal.

Other Games
I’m going to give you some notes on every games, except ones with point spreads of 30+ points-- those are a waste of time.

-- Maryland is 3-0 vs FIU, with average score 27-16; Panthers are 7-5 as road dog since ’10, 13-11 in last 24 non-league games. Terps are 2-5 as home favorite under Edsall.
– Miami OH lost last four visits to Marshall by average score of 38-27; Red Hawks are 4-7 as road dogs under Treadwell (8-13 since ’09). Marshall is 5-9 in last 15 games as a home favorite.
– Oklahoma chose younger QB over runner Bell; they’re 25-15-1 as home favorites (9-9 in last 18) but have Big X rival West Virginia up next. ULM has terrific senior QB (36 starts), four starters back on OL; they’re 5-3 in last eight games as a road underdog.
– Southern Miss is on third HC in three years after going 0-12 LY; since ’05, they’re 18-21 as home favorites. Texas State has four starters back on OL for former Bama coach Franchione, who is 3-4 as road dog at TSU

– Rice has senior QB (22 starts) and all five starters back on OL (86 starts); they were 4-0 as road dogs LY. Since ’09, Texas A&M is 13-9 as home favorite- Manziel is suspended for first half of this game. No iidea how Aggies will respond to the circus surrounding him.
– Toledo has senior QB (14 starts), four starters back on OL (78 starts); they’re 9-3 in last 12 games as road dogs. Florida plays Miami next; they’ve got junior QB (12 starts) and 104 returning starts on OLK- they’re 11-13 in last 24 games as a home favorite.
– Malzahn’s first Auburn team has highly-touted JC QB making debut here; they’re 17-22 as home favorite since ’05, 14-22 out of SEC and are very thin on defense. Washington State has junior QB, four starters back on OL in Leach’s second year there- Coogs are 16-12 vs spread in last 28 games as an underdog.
– Since 2005, North Texas is 4-11 as a favorite, but they’re 3-1 as a home favorite under McCarney. Idaho is 12-10 as a road dog, 13-8 in last 21 non-league games.

– Wyoming covered 15 of last 19 tries as road dogs, but Nebraska has four senior starters on OL and senior QB (38 starts). Huskers are 17-16 as home favorite under Pelini; they pounded Cowboys 38-14 (-21) LY.
– New Mexico was 3-0 as favorite under Davie LY; he has four starters (107 starts) back from OL but has young QB (4 starts). UTSA covered five of its six road games LY; they’ve got four junior starters on OL (83 career starts).
– New coach for Nevada, which has junior QB (20 starts); they’re 9-7 in last 16 games as road dogs. UCLA has soph QB (14 starts), four starters back on OL but no seniors—they’re 3-5 in last eight games as home favorite, but 19-11 in last 30 non-league games.

[TheGame]

NCAAF

Week 1

Trend Report

Friday, August 30

7:00 PM
SAMFORD vs. GEORGIA STATE
Samford is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Samford is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
No trends available

7:00 PM
MORGAN ST vs. ARMY
Morgan St is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Morgan St is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Army is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Army is 2-14 SU in its last 16 games

8:00 PM
FLORIDA ATLANTIC vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida Atlantic's last 6 games
Florida Atlantic is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games
Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:00 PM
WESTERN MICHIGAN vs. MICHIGAN STATE
Western Michigan is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Western Michigan is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Michigan State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Michigan State's last 8 games at home

8:00 PM
TEXAS TECH vs. SOUTHERN METHODIST
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas Tech's last 5 games when playing Southern Methodist
Texas Tech is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Southern Methodist
Southern Methodist is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Southern Methodist's last 5 games when playing Texas Tech

8:30 PM
NORTH DAKOTA STATE vs. KANSAS STATE
North Dakota State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
North Dakota State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Kansas State is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas State's last 6 games

8:30 PM
SOUTHERN U vs. HOUSTON
Southern U is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games

10:00 PM
NORTHERN ARIZONA vs. ARIZONA
Northern Arizona is 1-18 SU in its last 19 games on the road
Northern Arizona is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Arizona's last 9 games
Arizona is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

[TheGame]

Texas Tech will start walk-on freshman Baker Mayfield at QB in the school's opener against SMU, according to ESPN's Jake Trotter.

This is new head coach Kliff Kingsbury's first major decision, and it is a big one. Many believe Mayfield is talented enough to possibly earn a scholarship with another program, but he's certainly on that path with the Red Raiders if he continues to play well.

[TheGame]

Books, KSU have respect for North Dakota State
By Jason Logan
Covers.com

Meet North Dakota State. Every FBS program’s worst nightmare.

The Bison are kings of the FCS – Football Championship Subdivision – otherwise known as Division I-AA, winning their respective national championship the past two years. And each fall, North Dakota State crosses the tracks into FBS territory and tangles with the big boys for a tune-up game.

This time around, the Bison march to Manhattan to face the Kansas State Wildcats in Week 1 and oddsmakers are giving NDSU plenty of respect, setting the FCS champs as 13-point road underdogs. In fact, some books opened NDSU as a 15-point pup and were quickly bet down to its current stand.

That short spread may shock some. But the Bison have been FBS giant killers the past three seasons, winning SU and ATS against Colorado State (22-7 as 4-point dogs) in 2012, Minnesota (37-24 as 9.5-point dogs) in 2011, and Kansas (6-3 as 27.5-point dogs) in 2010.

“It’s safe to say that North Dakota State is the FCS version of Alabama,” Mike Perry of Sportsbook.com told Covers. “After all, they have won two straight national championships so bookmakers definitely have a healthy respect for NDSU.”

Besides being automatically discounted by opponents as an FCS program, North Dakota State has a strong mental edge every time it butts helmets with an FBS school. Unlike their Div. 1-A foes, the Bison have nothing to lose and everything to gain in these games.

If they get beat, they’re just another FCS punching bag. But if they win, not only does that give NDSU a huge head of steam heading into its regular season, it also sends its FBS opponent reeling. Media sources gobble up the big upset, setting the stage for failure for the fallen Goliath. The last three FBS schools to lose to North Dakota State are a combined 10-26 SU and 16-18-2 ATS during that respective season.

Of course, the likes of Colorado State, Minnesota, and Kansas aren’t the toughest gauntlet to run and KSU represents the Bison’s biggest FBS challenge ever. However, NDSU’s resume is not lost on the Wildcats.

“This is a faster football team than people want to envision,” KSU head coach Bill Snyder told the Wichita Eagle. “Sometimes on tape you can’t visualize that, but they run around. Secondly, they are as aggressive and as tough as a football team as you will line up against. They play with a great deal of confidence. Defensively, they have been amazing.”

That’s high praise coming from the guy with his name on the stadium where the Bison and Wildcats meet Friday night.

[TheGame]

Friday's NCAAF action: What Bettors Need to Know
By Covers.com

Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan State Spartans (-28, 44.5)

Michigan State’s offensive identity remains a mystery heading into its season opener on Friday against visiting Western Michigan, which was picked to finish fifth in the MAC’s West Division. Fortunately for the Spartans, their vaunted defense again should rank among the nation’s best this season. Even with an offense that’s a work in progress, Michigan State figures to be a difficult matchup for the Broncos and 32-year-old first-year head coach P.J. Fleck.

Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio held an open competition at quarterback before finally naming senior Andrew Maxwell as his starter on Tuesday, but sophomore Connor Cook also is expected to play in the season opener. Thanks to a forgiving early-season schedule, Michigan State has some time to figure out its offense before visiting Notre Dame on Sept. 21. The Spartans should be able to rely on their defense to get past Western Michigan, which faces three Big Ten teams in the first four weeks.

Key betting stat: Broncos are 1-8 ATS in their last nine vs. Big Ten.

Florida Atlantic Owls at Miami Hurricanes (-31.5, 53.5)

With expectations on the rise, Miami looks to begin its season in impressive fashion when Florida Atlantic visits on Friday night. Al Golden, starting his third season as the Hurricanes’ coach, admitted this week that he has “a lot of concerns” about his team, even though Miami is the preseason favorite to win the ACC Coastal Division. Those concerns do not include senior quarterback Stephen Morris, who is coming off a terrific 2012 season.

Morris passed for 3,345 yards last year – the fifth-highest single-season total in Hurricanes history. In his final four games, Morris completed 60 percent of his passes for 1,131 yards with 11 touchdowns and no interceptions. In addition to Morris, Florida Atlantic will have its hands full with Duke Johnson, Miami’s electrifying running back who racked up 2,060 all-purpose yards as a freshman last season.

Key betting stat: Under is 42-19-1 in Hurricanes' last 62 home games.

Texas Tech Red Raiders at SMU Mustangs (+4, 59.5)

Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury won’t be alone in making his debut in a high-profile role Friday at SMU. The Red Raiders are expected to rotate freshmen quarterbacks Davis Webb and Baker Mayfield as projected starter Michael Brewer is battling a back injury. Kingsbury, who guided Johnny Manziel to the Heisman Trophy as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M last season, turned 34 earlier this month but remains the second-youngest active head coach in college football.

SMU will have an experienced quarterback operating its pass-heavy offense. Garrett Gilbert spent parts of three seasons at Texas - starting every game in 2010 - and is pegged to lead the Mustangs for a second straight year. Cutting down on turnovers will be key as Gilbert helps transition SMU into the newly formed American Athletic Conference. He committed five turnovers after taking over for injured starter Colt McCoy in the loss to Alabama in the 2010 BCS title game, was intercepted 17 times as the starter the following year and picked off 15 times last season.

Key betting stat: Mustangs are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 vs. Big 12.

North Dakota State Bison at Kansas State Wildcats (-13)

Kansas State briefly flirted with an undefeated season and a spot in the BCS Championship Game last season behind quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Collin Klein before settling for the Big 12 title. Klein is gone, along with most of the defensive front seven, giving the Wildcats a new look when they begin the 2013 campaign by hosting North Dakota State on Friday. The Football Championship Series power is trying to knock off an FBS school for the fourth straight season.

The Bison have claimed back-to-back FCS Championships and won at Kansas in 2010, versus Minnesota in 2011 and at Colorado State in 2012. The experienced squad takes on a Kansas State team that is going into the season unranked despite a BCS Bowl appearance in January. The Wildcats still are trying to settle on a starting quarterback as Jake Waters and Daniel Sams battle for the position.

Key betting stat: Over is 9-1 in Wildcats' last 10 home games.

Southern Jaguars at Houston Cougars (-40)

The Houston Cougars begin what they hope will be a bounceback season in the new American Athletic Conference when they host Southern University in the opener for both teams Friday at Reliant Stadium. After a 13-1 record and a TicketCity Bowl win in 2011, Houston stumbled to a 5-7 mark last year in head coach Tony Levine's first full season. However, the Cougars return 10 starters from an offense that averaged 32.4 points.

Junior quarterback David Piland is back for a third year under center after producing 2,929 passing yards and 16 touchdowns last season, the program's last in Robertson Stadium. He will lead a squad that will play its home games at three different locations before moving into a new stadium in 2014. Southern, which has not had a winning campaign since 2009, is entering its first full season under head coach Dawson Odums, who served on an interim basis for the final nine games in 2012.

Key betting stat: Over is 6-2 in Cougars' last eight Friday games.

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at Arizona Wildcats (-34.5)

A pair of running backs will be in the spotlight when Arizona hosts Northern Arizona on Friday. Arizona junior Ka'Deem Carey led the nation in rushing yards (1,929) in 2012 and Northern Arizona senior Zach Bauman, a 2013 nominee on the Walter Payton Award watch list, is coming off his third consecutive 1,000-yard season. The Wildcats and Lumberjacks last met in 2011, with the Wildcats scoring an easy 41-10 victory in coach Rich Rodriguez's Arizona debut.

Both teams are replacing their starting quarterbacks. Cary Grossart, a two-year starter for Northern Arizona, leaves as the school's all-time leader in completion percentage (66.3). Arizona is in the process of finding a successor to Matt Scott, who ranked second in the Pac-12 in completions (301) and passing yards (3,620) last season.

Key betting stat: Wildcats are 5-1 ATS in their last six Friday games.

[TheGame]

Friday's Betting Notes
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

Western Michigan at Michigan State

As of Monday, most betting shops had Michigan State installed as a 27 1/2-point favorite with a total of 44 1/2.

Mark Dantonio’s team finished 2012 with a disappointing 7-6 straight-up record to go with a 5-8 against-the-spread mark. The Spartans lost five games by a combined 13 points with their only lopsided defeat coming in a 20-3 home loss to Notre Dame.

Last season’s issues had nothing to do with the defense. This unit gave up only 16.3 points per game and held opponents to 19 points or fewer in four losses. This group will be stout again in 2013 with seven returning starters, including first-team All Big Ten linebacker Max Bullough, who had a team-high 111 tackles. Bullough also had 10 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three QB hurries and one interception.

Michigan St.’s 2013 offense was pedestrian if not downright abysmal. The Spartans averaged only 20.0 PPG despite having a RB who ran for 1,793 yards. But Le’Veon Bell isn’t around anymore and Dantonio hasn’t been in any hurry to declare returning starting QB Andrew Maxwell as this year’s starter. Maxwell completed only 52.5 percent of his passes for 2,606 yards with a 13/9 TD-INT ratio in 2012.

Michigan St. compiled an atrocious 0-6 spread record as a home favorite last season. During Dantonio’s tenure, the Spartans are 14-20-1 ATS as home ‘chalk.’

Michigan St. starting junior offensive tackle Skyler Burkland is out for the season. Burkland started 11 of 12 games last season and participated in 775 plays. The defensive line could be thin in Week 1 due to the ‘doubtful’ status of nose tackles Lawrence Thomas (undisclosed) and James Kittredge (hernia).

Western Michigan went through its worst season since 2004 when it finished 4-8 both SU and ATS last season. This prompted the school to hand Bill Cubit a pink slip following an eight-year tenure.

P.J. Fleck is the new head coach. He is familiar with the MAC after a stellar playing career at No. Illinois, where he served on the coaching staff for three seasons. Fleck spent last season in the NFL on Tampa Bay’s staff.

Western Michigan returns five starters on offense and seven on defense. Tyler Van Tubbergen returns as the starting QB for his senior campaign. As a junior, Van Tubbergen split time with Alex Carder, throwing for 1,825 yards with a 15/11 TD-INT ratio.

Western Michigan will be without its best WR Jaime Wilson due to an ankle injury. Wilson, who had a team-high 67 receptions for 792 yards and six touchdowns last year, isn’t expected to be back until late September or early October.

Kickoff is slated for 8:00 p.m. Eastern on Friday night. The Big Ten Network will provide the telecast.

Florida Atlantic at Miami

As of Monday, most spots had Miami as a 32 1/2-point favorite with a total of 53 1/2.

Al Golden’s team can go to a bowl game for the first time since he took over in 2011. The Hurricanes finished 2012 with a 7-5 SU record and an 8-3-1 ATS mark. They return 10 starters on offense and eight on defense.

UM senior QB Stephen Morris threw for 3,345 yards with a 21/7 TD-INT ratio last season. Morris has his top three WRs back, including Phillip Dorsett and his 58 receptions for 842 yards and four TDs. Perhaps most important, the ‘Canes have dynamic sophomore RB Duke Johnson back in the fold. Johnson rushed for 947 yards and 10 TDs while averaging 6.8 YPC last year.

If Miami is going to have a shot at winning the ACC, it has got to improve on defense. This unit gave up 30.5 PPG in 2012.

Miami owns a 5-5 spread record in 10 games as a home favorite during Golden’s tenure.

Florida Atlantic enters its first season in Conference USA after limping to a 3-9 SU record last year. However, the Owls posted a profitable 8-4 ATS ledger. They return six starters on offense and nine on defense.

FAU went 6-1 ATS as a road underdog last season.

This is the first meeting between these schools.

ESPNU will provide television coverage at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

Texas Tech at SMU

Most books are listing Texas Tech as a 5 1/2-point favorite with a total of 59 1/2.

Texas Tech has a new head coach in Kliff Kingsbury, who is the school’s second all-time leading passer and the youngest BCS coach in America. Kingsbury was Kevin Sumlin’s offensive coordinator at Texas A&M last season, helping Johnny Manziel win the Heisman Trophy.

Texas Tech finished 2012 with an 8-5 SU record and a 6-7 ATS mark. The Red Raiders beat Minnesota 34-31 at the Car Care Bowl, but they failed to cover as 13-point ‘chalk.’

Sophomore Michael Brewer was expected to take over as the new starter at the QB position. As a redshirt freshman, Brewer connected on 34-of-48 passes for 375 yards with four TDs and zero interceptions. However, a back injury has Brewer sidelined with two freshman QBs competing for the job. The winners will have one of the Big 12’s top WRs in Eric Ward, who had 82 receptions for 1,053 yards and 12 TDs last season. The Red Raiders also return their leading rusher, Kenny Williams, who had 824 rushing yards and five TDs while averaging 5.8 YPC.

Texas Tech returns five starters on offense and eight on defense.

Texas Tech owns a 5-0 spread record in its last five games as a road favorite.

In addition to Brewer, starting OG Tony Morales is ‘out’ with a shoulder injury. Also, starting WR/TE Jace Amaro has to sit out the first half due to a suspension. Amaro had 25 catches for 409 yards and four TDs last year.

SMU compiled a 7-6 SU record to go with an 8-5 ATS mark in 2012. The Mustangs ended the year on a high note by spanking Fresno St. 43-10 as 13-point underdogs at the Hawaii Bowl. They bring back six starters on offense and five on defense.

Senior QB Garrett Gilbert, a transfer from Texas, struggled early in his first season in June Jones’s offense. But Gilbert played much better late in the year and finished with 2,932 passing yards. His favorite target in 2013 will be Jeremy Johnson, who had 67 receptions for 679 yards and three TDs last season.

As a home underdog on Jones’s watch, SMU has posted an 8-3 spread record.

SMU has lost 14 in a row to Texas Tech in this rivalry.

Kickoff is slated for 8:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

[TheGame]

Win Total Winners
By Kyle Hunter
VegasInsider.com

We’ve waited almost eight months for college football action, and it’s finally here. The hard hitting action that all of us love is back! Bettors should always look for ways to beat the books in any way possible, and I believe season win totals provide a great opportunity. Let’s take a closer look at three season Win Total bets that I believe provide a ton of value.

Virginia Tech Hokies - Over 8.5

Frank Beamer’s team won at least 10 games in every season between 2004 and 2011, but last year’s team won only seven games. Some may think this is the beginning of a trend, but I’m not buying that. Beamer’s success at Virginia Tech for so many years was no accident, and he knows how to win football games.

Virginia Tech is known for taking care of the football, but last year they had a minus-five turnover margin. That isn’t going to happen again. The Hokies play in the ACC, and while there are a couple very good teams in this conference, it isn’t going to be confused with the SEC anytime soon.

Defensively, the Hokies were a little subpar last year, but they return nine starters in 2013. I expect this defense to finish the season ranked in the top ten nationally in total defense. The defensive line is one of the best in the country, and Antoine Exum is one of the nation’s premier cover corners. Logan Thomas should be more consistent in his senior season at the quarterback spot.

Looking at the Virginia Tech schedule, I see only three games that they have legitimate shot of losing. Those games are against Alabama in the opener, at Georgia Tech, and at Miami. Even if they lose all three of those games, they’ll be at nine wins which is a winning ‘over’ ticket.

Rice Owls - Over 7.5

Rice is a program that is on the rise. The Owls won their last five games in 2012, which gives them a ton of momentum heading into the 2013 season. David Bailiff has recruited very well over the past few years, and Rice’s improved depth on both sides of the ball is really starting to show up. The Owls return 54 lettermen from a year ago, and they will be the most experienced team in Conference USA this season.

Rice allowed 30 points per game on defense last year, which certainly isn’t good, but it was much better than they were in 2011. Look for the Owls defense to be one of the most improved units in the nation this year. Rice returns 10 starters on this side of the ball, and they have a couple big stars in Phillip Gaines and Cameron Nwosu. Offensively, Taylor McHargue and Charles Ross are great play makers at the quarterback and running back positions.

Rice isn’t going to beat Texas A&M in the season opener, but there isn’t another team on the schedule that they won’t have a solid chance against. The game at Tulsa will a tough one, and I’ll assume they lose that game.

Still, I look for Rice to be favored in at least nine games this year. I believe a 9-3 or 10-2 ledger is very possible and definitely puts us in the win category.

Pittsburgh Panthers - Under 6

Pittsburgh got to only six wins a year ago, and that was playing in the Big East Conference. While the ACC certainly isn’t a great conference, it is a huge step up from the Big East they played in during 2012. To make matters worse for Pittsburgh, it is clear this team doesn’t have as much talent as last year’s team.

Paul Chryst likes to run the football, but the Panthers have no star power or depth at the running back spot. Both Ray Graham and Rushel Shell are gone, and the Panthers are really going to miss those guys. Tino Sunseri wasn’t that great of a quarterback, but he had a very good season last year, and I expect a drop in production from the quarterback position this year as well. The defense is mediocre, and they’ll give up a lot of points when they play a top offense.

There’s a very good chance Pittsburgh won’t be favored in more than three games this year. The Panthers should be exposed in their Labor Day clash at home against Florida State and non-conference matchups against Old Dominion, Navy and Notre Dame won’t help the program pad their record either.

Look for the Panthers to take a major step back this season and finish worse than 6-6.

[TheGame]

SEC Report - Week 1
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

The opening weekend of action in the Southeastern Conference figures to be a good one. Sure, there are a couple of dogs on the schedule, but if Thursday's Mississippi-Vanderbilt game is any indication, the SEC will be better than ever in 2013. It all culminates with two huge primetime matchups, as Georgia heads to Death Valley to meet Clemson, and Louisiana State and Texas Christian meet at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

Toledo at Florida

Toledo comes into this game as a rather hefty underdog, but don't sleep on the Rockets. QB Terrance Owens, RB Andre Fluellen and WR Bernard Reedy are bright stars who could start with plenty of big-time college programs. The problem will be on defense, where Toledo has just four starters back. Florida opens the season ranked No. 10, and, as usual, expectations are high in Gainesville. Winning straight up is one thing, but covering big numbers is another. The Gators are just 1-4 ATS in their past five non-conference games, and 0-4 ATS in their past four home contests.

Rice at Texas A&M

The Aggies of Texas A&M received good news this week when it was learned the NCAA could not prove QB Johnny Manziel accepted money for signing autographs. As a result, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner will be suspended for only one half of Saturday's opener. The Aggies have not lost a non-conference home game to an in-state opponent since 1954, and they have beaten Rice 15 consecutive times. However, this is the first meeting since 1995. Still, it will seem like old times, regardless who is under center for the Aggies.

Mississippi State at Oklahoma State

The Aggies of Texas A&M received good news this week when it was learned the NCAA could not prove QB Johnny Manziel accepted money for signing autographs. As a result, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner will be suspended for only one half of Saturday's opener. The Aggies have not lost a non-conference home game to an in-state opponent since 1954, and they have beaten Rice 15 consecutive times. However, this is the first meeting since 1995. Still, it will seem like old times, regardless who is under center for the Aggies.

Alabama vs. Virginia Tech

The defending national champs open up their title defense in familiar territory, under the roof of the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta. Neutral site games have been a friend to Bama lately, as they are 7-1 ATS in their past eight neutral site tilts. If the trends are any indication, this one could get ugly. Virginia Tech is just 1-3-1 ATS in their past five neutral site battles, and they're 2-7-1 ATS in their past 10 non-conference games. The Crimson Tide will rely upon a two-headed backfield of T.J. Yeldon and true freshman Derrick Henry. For the Hokies, QB Logan Thomas is a star in the making. However, the running game might be hurt if starting RB J.C. Coleman (ankle) is not ready. Alabama has won 11 of the previous 12 meetings in this series.

Georgia at Clemson

The house will be shaking in the upstate, as Georgia invades Death Valley to tangle with Clemson in a battle of Top 10 teams. The Bulldogs have plenty of big-time aspirations, and they'll go as far as QB Aaron Murray will take them. The same holds true on the other side of the field, as Clemson's hopes hinge on the right arm and legs of QB Tajh Boyd. This is the first meeting in 10 years between the relative neighbors, and UGA leads the all-time series 41-17-4. The difference in this one could be in the secondary for Georgia. They have just one starter, CB Damian Swann, returning. Boyd and WR Sammy Watkins will look to exploit that inexperience.

LSU vs. TCU

Any other time, this would be the marquee game of the week, but it is certainly overshadowed by Georgia-Clemson. It will be interesting to see how the Tigers fare after having to replace a school-record eight drafted defensive players. TCU faces questions of their own, including under center, as head coach Gary Patterson has still not tabbed Trevone Boykin or Casey Pachall as his starting QB. The key matchup in this game will be LSU's experienced offense, which looks to be improved under new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, against the shutdown defense of TCU. LSU was ranked 11th out of 14 teams in passing in the SEC, tossing just 12 TD passes in 13 games. That needs to be much better if they're to be taken seriously.

Other Games

Louisiana-Lafayette at Arkansas (4:00 p.m. ET)
Austin Peay at Tennessee (6:00 p.m. ET)
Washington State at Auburn (ESPNU, 7:00 p.m. ET)
Kentucky at Western Kentucky (7:00 p.m. ET)
Murray State at Missouri (7:00p.m. ET)

[TheGame]

ACC Report - Week 1
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

The Atlantic Coast Conference kicked off the season with a pair of games Thursday. North Carolina took it on the chops, losing to South Carolina 27-10 in their first test of the 2013 season. Meanwhile, Wake Forest turned aside Presbyterian by a 31-7 score, but the Demon Deacons still have much work to do. There are all kinds of outstanding matchups in the first weekend of ACC play, including the big one in Death Valley between Clemson and Georgia. Don't sleep on the Louisiana Tech-NC State game, either. That could be a very interesting matchup.

Florida Atlantic at Miami, Fl.

The Hurricanes enter the season as the favorites in the ACC's Coastal Division, but there are plenty of questions to be answered before they get into the meat of their schedule. It all starts and stops with QB Stephen Morris and RB Duke Johnson, who might be one of the top tailbacks in the nation. The young Owls will look to keep the Canes off balance with a multi-pronged QB attack, as head coach Bo Pelini gets his inexperienced Owls some much-needed experience. FAU is 1-25 all-time against teams from BCS conferences, and that doesn't figure to improve Friday.

Louisiana Tech at North Carolina State

This is the undercard game in the ACC, and one of the most underrated of the weekend. The Bulldogs invade Carter-Finley Stadium as two-touchdown underdogs, but it would be ise for the Wolfpack not to underestimate their first opponent. La. Tech posted nine victories last season. The Dave Doeren era begins in Raleigh, and there are questions as to who will replace the departed QB Mike Glennon. It appears Brandon Mitchell is the favorite, but don't count out Pete Thomas either. Louisiana Tech is 0-5 ATS in their past five non-conference games, while NC State is 1-3-1 ATS in their past five out of conference.

Syracuse vs. Penn State

It's going to take some getting used to when referring to the Orange as an ACC team. Heck, I am old school, and it is still weird calling Penn State a Big Ten team. The Orange hit the reset button in more ways than one, as they had to replace head coach Doug Marrone and QB Ryan Nassib, both of whom left for the NFL. Scott Shafer takes over for 'Cuse, and he has not yet handed the keys over to one quarterback in particular. QBs Drew Allen and Terrel Hunt are in the mix for snaps. Penn State was expected to struggle last season after the NCAA's penalty for the Jerry Sandusky situation, but they were an impressive 8-4. Penn State is 9-1-1 ATS in their past 11 games, but they are 5-12 in their past 17 non-conference tilts. The 'over' might be the play here, as there over was 4-0 in Syracuse's final four games, and the over cashed in seven of Penn State's final eight in 2012.

Brigham Young at Virginia

Vegas has set the line for this game as a pick 'em, and not many bettors are giving the homestanding Cavaliers a lot of credit. It's a nearly 2-to-1 edge for the road team in the eyes of Joe Q. Public. Maybe bettors are being swayed by the fact UVA was atrocious last season, and they are 0-7-1 ATS in their past eight non-conference games. The Cavaliers are also 0-7-1 ATS in their past eight home games, while BYU is 14-6 ATS in their past 20, and a perfect 7-0 ATS in their past seven games played in the month of August.

Alabama vs. Virginia Tech

The defending national champs open up their title defense in familiar territory, under the roof of the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta. Neutral site games have been a friend to Bama lately, as they are 7-1 ATS in their past eight neutral site tilts. If the trends are any indication, this one could get ugly. Virginia Tech is just 1-3-1 ATS in their past five neutral site battles, and they're 2-7-1 ATS in their past 10 non-conference games. The Crimson Tide will rely upon a two-headed backfield of T.J. Yeldon and true freshman Derrick Henry. For the Hokies, QB Logan Thomas is a star in the making. However, the running game might be hurt if starting RB J.C. Coleman (ankle) is not ready. Alabama has won 11 of the previous 12 meetings in this series.

Georgia at Clemson

The house will be shaking in the upstate, as Georgia invades Death Valley to tangle with Clemson in a battle of Top 10 teams. The Bulldogs have plenty of big-time aspirations, and they'll go as far as QB Aaron Murray will take them. The same holds true on the other side of the field, as Clemson's hopes hinge on the right arm and legs of QB Tajh Boyd. This is the first meeting in 10 years between the relative neighbors, and UGA leads the all-time series 41-17-4. The difference in this one could be in the secondary for Georgia. They have just one starter, CB Damian Swann, returning. Boyd and WR Sammy Watkins will look to exploit that inexperience.

Other Games

Elon at Georgia Tech (12:00 p.m. ET )
Villanova at Boston College (12:00 p.m. ET)
Florida Int'l at Maryland (ESPNU, 12:30 p.m. ET)
North Carolina Central at Duke (4:00 p.m. ET)
Florida State at Pittsburgh (*Monday - ESPN, 8:00 p.m. ET)

[TheGame]

Saturday's NCAAF Top 25 Betting Cheat Sheet
By Covers.com

UMass Minutemen at Wisconsin Badgers (-44.5, 53.5)

If Gary Andersen can repeat at Wisconsin what he accomplished in his last head coaching job, Saturday's season opening non-conference game against visiting Massachusetts will be only the beginning of great things in Madison. Andersen, 49, comes to Wisconsin from Utah State, where he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround that saw the school win 26 games in his four seasons after winning just six in the previous three years. He replaces Bret Bielema, who won 68 games in his seven years before departing to Arkansas.

UMass head coach Charley Molnar expects marked improvement in his team, which was outscored 482-152 in its first season in the FBS. Sophomore Mike Wegzyn, who threw more interceptions than touchdowns last season, will lead an offense that will be without tight end Rob Blanchflower (undisclosed) and running back Jordan Broadnax (knee) for this game due to injury. Ricardo Miller, a senior transfer from Michigan, will start at tight end and Stacey Bedell will start at running back.

Key betting stat: Badgers are 0-6 ATS in their last six non-conference games.

Buffalo Bulls at Ohio State Buckeyes (-34.5, 55.5)

Ohio State brings the nation’s longest winning streak into its season opener Saturday against visiting Buffalo. The No. 2 Buckeyes have won 12 consecutive games since their four-game losing streak to finish off the 2011 season. Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller begins his junior season as a strong candidate to win the Heisman Trophy. Another player to watch is freshman speedster Dontre Wilson, who is expected to return the opening kickoff and fill other key roles for the Buckeyes.

Buffalo is led by one of the top linebackers in the nation in senior Khalil Mack, who is projected as a first-round pick at next year's NFL draft. Mack, at 6-3, 248 pounds, has 56 tackles for a loss in his career at Buffalo, leaving him 19 shy of the NCAA record. The Bulls return six other starters on defense and nine on offense, led by quarterback Joe Licata, who started the final four games last season and led Buffalo to a 3-1 record.

Key betting stat: Buckeyes are 5-1 ATS in their last six vs. MAC.

Toledo Rockets at Florida Gators (-23.5, 56)

After a disappointing debut season, head coach Will Muschamp had the Florida Gators back in the top 10 in his second season, and that's where they begin Muschamp's third year in Gainesville. The 10th-ranked Gators begin a challenging non-conference slate by hosting Toledo on Saturday in the Swamp, where they are 129-18 since 1990 - the best home winning percentage in the nation over that span. The Gators look to erase the bitter taste of a loss to Louisville in last season's Sugar Bowl, while the Rockets are after a signature win to start the year.

The Gators are rebuilding a defense that carried them to a top-10 ranking in 2012, as they were fifth in the nation in both scoring defense (14.5 points per game) and total defense (287.5 yards per game). Toledo is coming off its third straight winning season after capturing nine games and going to a bowl game under first-year head coach Matt Campbell. The Rockets are 7-12 all-time against top-25 opponents, including a 1-1 mark last year with a win over then-No. 18 Cincinnati and a loss to then-No. 16 Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

Key betting stat: Gators are 2-6 ATS in their last eight vs. MAC.

Rice Owls at Texas A&M Aggies (-27, 66.5)

Johnny Football will not become Johnny Sidelined after all - at least not for long. Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel's murky eligibility status was resolved Wednesday, when the NCAA and No. 6 Texas A&M agreed to suspend the star quarterback for the first half of Saturday's season opener against visiting Rice. Manziel escaped severe punishment when the NCAA could not prove he accepted cash for signing autographs, the latest saga in his controversy-filled offseason.

With the eligibility issue behind him, Manziel now gets to build on a wondrous 2012 season that saw him become the first freshman to win the Heisman. Rice, a member of the retooled Conference USA, returns 18 starters and hopes to carry the momentum from last season, when it won its final five games and destroyed Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl. The defense, among the nation's worst over the first half last year, made marked strides during the winning streak.

Key betting stat: Owls are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.

Central Michigan Chippewas at Michigan Wolverines (-31.5, 52)

Junior quarterback Devin Gardner has taken the reins of the Michigan offense and will lead the 17th-ranked Wolverines against visiting Central Michigan on Saturday. After the converted wide receiver replaced an injured Denard Robinson midway through last season, he threw for 1,480 yards and 13 touchdowns and was intercepted six times in five games. Now he’s back to try to lead the Wolverines to their first Big Ten title since 2004, when they shared the crown with Iowa.

Central Michigan will lean on senior running back Zurlon Tipton in attempting to defeat its in-state rival for the first time. Tipton rushed for 1,492 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. Junior quarterback Cody Kater, who will make his first start for the Chippewas, has career passing totals of 2-for-4 for 12 yards.

Key betting stat: Wolverines are 11-5-1 ATS in their last 17 non-conference games.

Temple Owls at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-29.5, 53)

Expectations are higher than they have been in decades for No. 11 Notre Dame coming off an appearance in the BCS Championship Game. The Fighting Irish have faced significant roster changes since that loss to Alabama, but they will show off their new look when they host Temple in their season opener on Saturday. Notre Dame will take the field without 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist Manti Te'o, along with starting quarterback Everett Golson.

Golson was suspended by the university for the first semester due to academic problems, but the Irish have an experienced backup ready to take his place in Tommy Rees. The Owls are under the guidance of new coach Matt Rhule, who spent last season in the NFL as an assistant with the New York Giants. Temple is one of 10 members of the new American Athletic Conference, which formed in the wake of the Big East's breakup.

Key betting stat: Under is 20-7 in Fighting Irish's last 27 home games.

Mississippi State Bulldogs at Oklahoma State Cowboys (-12, 62)

Oklahoma State has emerged as a major player on the college football scene behind a high-powered offense that annually ranks among the nation's best. The 14th-ranked Cowboys will receive a tough early test when they open the season against Mississippi State on Saturday at Houston's Reliant Stadium. Oklahoma State is favored to win the Big 12 Conference and has the pieces in place to be another offensive juggernaut, but the defense must show improvement to compete with the nation's elite.

Mississippi State is also a program on the rise, appearing in a bowl game in each of the last three seasons, but it has the misfortune to play in a conference (Southeastern) that has produced the last seven BCS national champions. The Bulldogs bolted to a 7-0 start a year ago before a string of games against conference heavyweights stalled their momentum en route to an 8-5 finish. Mississippi State has four four straight season openers and the Cowboys have been victorious in their last five.

Key betting stat: Bulldogs are 0-6 ATS in their last six games in August.

Nicholls State Colonels at Oregon Ducks (-59)

High-flying Oregon no longer has Chip Kelly in charge and familiar ringmaster Mark Helfrich makes his head-coaching debut when the No. 3 Ducks host overmatched Nicholls State on Saturday. Helfrich was promoted from offensive coordinator after helping Oregon go 46-7 in his four seasons in that role, including a 12-1 mark last season before Kelly left to become head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Nicholls State’s lone win a season ago was against NAIA school Evangel.

Sophomore quarterback Marcus Mariota is a leading Heisman Trophy candidate after throwing a school-record 32 touchdowns passes and setting another Oregon mark with a 68.5 completion percentage in 2012. The Ducks averaged 44.7 points and 501.1 yards in Helfrich’s four seasons of overseeing the offense, and the new offensive coordinator is former Nebraska quarterback Scott Frost. Nicholls State’s last visit to the state of Oregon didn’t go well – the FCS Colonels lost 77-3 to Oregon State to end their 2012 campaign.

Key betting stat: Over is 25-8-1 in Ducks' last 34 home games.

Alabama Crimson Tide at Virginia Tech Hokies (+20.5, 45.5)

No. 1 Alabama is bidding to win an unprecedented three straight National Championships and four in five years. That quest begins with a tough opener on Saturday, when the Crimson Tide play Virginia Tech in Atlanta. Alabama rolled over Notre Dame in last January’s BCS National Championship Game but waved goodbye to most of its starting offensive line and some key performers on a standout defense.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban has regularly sent defensive players into the first round of the NFL draft but has no problem rebuilding year after year. Alabama again brought in one of the top recruiting classes in the country and returns starting quarterback A.J. McCarron. The Hokies enter the season unranked after a disappointing 2012 campaign.

Key betting stat: Hokies are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games.

Eastern Washington Eagles at Oregon State Beavers (-27)

Oregon State won’t be able to surprise foes this season and the No. 25 Beavers aim to sidestep the upset attempt of visiting Eastern Washington in Saturday’s season opener. Oregon State tripled its 2011 win total of three with a stunning rise last year, and the Beavers are seeking their eighth bowl bid in the last 11 seasons. The Eagles are ranked fourth in the FCS preseason poll and have put scares into Washington and Washington State over the past two seasons.

The Beavers conducted a spirited quarterback competition, and junior Sean Mannion edged senior Cody Vaz for the job. Mannion started eight games last season when he passed for 2,446 yards and 15 touchdowns in a campaign interrupted by October knee surgery, while Vaz started five times and threw for 1,480 yards and 11 scores. Eastern Washington lost 24-20 at Washington State last season and 30-27 at Washington in 2011.

Key betting stat: Over is 7-2 in Beavers last 9 non-conference games.

UL Monroe Warhawks at Oklahoma Sooners (-21, 61)

Blake Knight has a difficult act to follow, but he's off to a strong start as he leads the 16th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners into Saturday's season-opening tilt with Louisiana-Monroe. Knight beat out junior Blake Bell to take the Sooners' starting quarterback job vacated when Landry Jones bolted for the NFL. He leads the Sooners in search of their fourth consecutive season-opening victory against a Warhawks team that is no stranger to Week 1 upsets.

Oklahoma comes into the season looking to erase the memories of last year's embarrassing 41-13 Cotton Bowl defeat to the Texas A&M Aggies. "We've got a challenging year ahead of us, and it really starts from the beginning," head coach Bob Stoops said. Louisiana-Monroe finished 8-5 last season - and kicked things off in style, defeating then-No. 8 Arkansas 34-31 in overtime in an opening-week stunner.

Key betting stat: Over is 6-0-1 in Warhawks' last seven non-conference games.

Wyoming Cowboys at Nebraska Cornhuskers (-30, 67)

Despite closing last season on a sour note, No. 18 Nebraska has its sights on extending the nation’s longest winning streak in season openers to 28 games Saturday against the visiting Wyoming Cowboys. Nebraska finished atop the Big Ten Legends division thanks to a six-game winning streak. However, the Huskers’ Rose Bowl hopes were dashed following a 70-31 rout by Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship before they suffered a 45-31 loss to Georgia in the Capital One Bowl.

Nebraska believes it has one of the best secondaries in the conference, but it – along with an unproven front seven – figures to get tested by a non-conference schedule full of spread offenses, starting with the Cowboys. Wyoming quarterback Brett Smith averaged 308 yards in total offense and threw 27 touchdown passes against six interceptions in 2012, besting the Huskers’ Taylor Martinez in every category. The Cowboys overcame a miserable start to win three of their final four games last season, but are 0-6 all-time against Nebraska.

Key betting stat: Cornhuskers are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight home games.

Georgia Bulldogs at Clemson Tigers (+1.5, 71)

College football dives headfirst into the 2013 season Saturday night when No. 5 Georgia and No. 8 Clemson square off in a showdown featuring BCS dreams and elite quarterbacks. Aaron Murray came five yards shy of leading the Bulldogs to the BCS Championship Game as a junior last season before time ran out against eventual national champion Alabama. Tajh Boyd enjoyed a record-setting junior campaign for Clemson and joins Murray as a preseason candidate to take home the Heisman Trophy.

Murray, whose 95 touchdown passes are more than any active FBS player, was named the preseason SEC player of the year despite the presence of Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, the reigning Heisman winner. Boyd, meanwhile, threw for 3,896 yards and 36 touchdowns in 2012 en route to winning ACC player of the year honors. In addition to the top-tier quarterbacks, the Bulldogs and Tigers possess electrifying complementary players such as Georgia running back Todd Gurley and Clemson wideout Sammy Watkins.

Key betting stat: Bulldogs are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 vs. ACC.

New Mexico State Aggies at Texas Longhorns (-42, 57.5)

No. 15 Texas hopes the offseason momentum it's been riding since a comeback win against Oregon State in December's Alamo Bowl will continue into the new season, which starts Saturday against visiting New Mexico State. Coach Mack Brown is eager to see how junior quarterback David Ash and the Longhorns execute the no-huddle offense Texas debuted in the bowl game. The Aggies are also shifting to an up-tempo attack under first-year head coach Doug Martin after New Mexico State lost its last 11 games of 2012 by an average of 25.4 points.

Martin, who returns to New Mexico State after serving as the Aggies' offensive coordinator in 2011 before taking the same position at Boston College last year, has a new quarterback and a thin running back corps in his new offense. Texas, meanwhile, has 19 starters returning, including 10 on offense. "(Ash) finished on such a positive the fourth quarter of the bowl game, that momentum and confidence has carried through the spring and the summer," Brown said during his weekly press conference Monday. "He's more comfortable and excited about the offense."

Key betting stat: Aggies are 0-5 ATS in their last five vs. Big 12.

LSU Tigers vs. TCU Horned Frogs (+4, 50)

Despite losing a school-record nine players to the NFL draft, No. 13 Louisiana State has national title aspirations as it opens the season with an intriguing non-conference clash against No. 20 Texas Christian on Saturday in Arlington, Texas. The game marks the fifth Cowboys Classic. LSU and TCU have each appeared once and come away victorious.

The Tigers, who lost a ton of defensive talent but return their key offensive pieces, get to measure themselves in preparation for a brutal schedule that features Georgia and Florida from the SEC East. Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson has yet to announce a starting quarterback for the game. It will be either Trevone Boykin or Casey Pachall, who started the first four games last season before leaving the team as a result of a drunk driving arrest.

Key betting stat: Horned Frogs are 0-6 ATS in their last six neutral-site games.

Nevada Wolf Pack at UCLA Bruins (-21, 67.5)

Jim Mora turned UCLA's fate around in his first season at Westwood. The former NFL coach led the Bruins to victories in nine of their first 11 games to claim the Pac-12 South crown. Mora has even grander visions in 2013 as his No. 21 Bruins begin an unlikely quest at a national title when they host Nevada in the season opener for both teams on Saturday night.

Quarterback Brett Hundley, who set single-season records for total offense, yards passing and completions in his freshman season, guided the Bruins to a strong start before the team wilted down the stretch - losing its final three games. Nevada will be no easy task. The Mountain West foe has earned bowl berths in eight straight seasons.

Key betting stat: Bruins are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 vs. MWC.

Boise State Broncos at Washington Huskies (-4, 52)

A $261 million stadium renovation is complete and Washington returns to its lakeside home venue for the first time in 21-plus months when it hosts No. 19 Boise State in Saturday’s season-opening contest. The 93-year-old facility got an extensive facelift to modernize it and the Huskies are hoping to have a glitzy high-powered team to match. Boise State defeated Washington in last season’s Las Vegas Bowl and is vying for its eighth straight 10-win season.

Broncos coach Chris Petersen has an 84-8 record in seven seasons, including four campaigns of 12 or more victories. Boise State is opening away from home against a BCS opponent for the fourth straight season, beating Virginia Tech (2010) and Georgia (2011) before losing to Michigan State (2012). Washington junior tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (69 receptions, 850 yards) will miss the game due to a suspension for an offseason DUI offense but the Huskies still have a formidable pass-catching target in junior receiver Kasen Williams (77 receptions).

Key betting stat: Over is 8-2 in Broncos' last 10 road games.

Northwestern Wildcats at California Golden Bears (+5.5, 60)

The Sonny Dykes era kicks off at California on Saturday night as the Golden Bears host No. 22 Northwestern, a squad that hopes to build on a 10-3 finish in 2012 that included a 34-20 victory over Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl. It's only the second all-time meeting between the two schools. The first one came in the 1949 Rose Bowl, with Northwestern posting a 20-14 victory.

Dykes takes over for Jeff Tedford, who was fired after finishing 3-9 in his 11th season. Dykes will incorporate the same type of pass-happy spread offensive attack that he used with great success at Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs led the nation in both total offense (577.9 yards) and scoring offense (51.5) last year en route to a 9-3 finish.

Key betting stat: Wildcats are 5-0 ATS in their last five non-conference games.

[TheGame]

Big Ten Report - Week 1
By ASAWins.com

Illinois vs. Southern Illinois

Illinois is 3-0 vs. Southern Illinois all-time. They last met in 2010 and the Illini won 35-3. The Fighting Illini have won 15 straight home openers by an average of 26 points per game. They are 9-0 over the last 10 seasons against FCS opponents – winning by an average of 32 points per game.

Ohio State (-34.5) vs. Buffalo

This is the first meeting between the two schools. Ohio State has won 34 straight home openers by an average of 23 points per game. OSU is also 6-0 when playing its season opener the season after not playing in a bowl game (Buckeyes weren’t eligible for the postseason last season). Buffalo is 1-5 all-time vs. Big Ten schools (last win was in 1900). Buffalo has played on the road at BCS schools the last two years and covered against both. They traveled to Pittsburgh (+30, lost by 19) and Georgia (+38, lost by 18).

Purdue (+10) at Cincinnati

Purdue is just 1-6 in its last seven road openers, dropping five straight by 7 PPG. These two have only met once before in 2001. Purdue won 19-14 and that was the last time that Cincinnati has dropped a home opener. Since then the Bearcats’ only BCS home opener was a win over Pittsburgh last season. The Boilers will be issuing in a new head coach against a Cincinnati school that won 10 games last season. The Bearcats are also playing their first game under new head coach Tommy Tuberville.

Wisconsin (-44.5) vs. UMass

The Gary Anderson era begins in Wisconsin as the Badgers take on the Minutemen of Massachusetts for the first time ever. UW has won 17 straight home openers by an average of 19 points per game. The Badgers have also won 28 of 29 regular season non-conference games against FBS teams by an average of 20 points per game (only loss was last year against Oregon State). Last year was the first year in the FBS for UMass. UMass is 0-5 all-time vs. Big Ten teams, losing by an average of 35 PPG. They were outgained by two Big Ten foes last year (Indiana and Michigan) by 334 YPG.

Michigan (-31.5) vs. Central Michigan

Michigan is 20-3 in its last 23 home openers, which includes losses in 2007 and 2008. The Wolverines are 3-0 against Central Michigan with the last meeting coming in 2006 (W 41-17). They are 13-0 the last four years at home vs. non-conference foes. Central Michigan coach Dan Enos coached at Michigan State for four years prior to taking the CMU job. CMU is 4-2 ATS in the last five years against Big Ten schools, including two SU wins at Michigan State (’09) and at Iowa (’12).

Nebraska (-30.5) vs. Wyoming

Nebraska hasn’t lost a home opener since 1985. The 27 game winning streak is the longest such streak in the nation. They’ve won the last five home openers by 34 points per game. Nebraska traveled to Wyoming in 2011 and won 38-14. Wyoming runs a wide-open spread offense that gave Nebraska fits a season ago.

[TheGame]

Pac-12 Report - Week 1
By Joe Williams
VegasInsider.com

The Pac-12 is ready to kick off the season, and it appears to be a tale of two ends. There are good teams, and there are teams which are looking to make a comeback. Southern Cal is one of those teams looking to get back to the upper levels, and they look like they have work to do after sleepwalking through a 30-13 win in Hawaii. It appeared USC's defense is well ahead of the offense at this time. Oregon appears to be the class of the conference, but don't sleep on Stanford - ever. It seems like they're always at the top, regardless of losses in personnel.

Nicholls State at Oregon

The high-flying Ducks look to fire out of the gates against their FCS opponent from Louisiana. It is one thing if the Colonels were a top level team from the lower level, but they won just one of their 11 games last season. This game is going to be ugly with a capital 'U'. Look for QB Marcus Mariota, RB De'Anthony Thomas and friends to roll up video game-like offensive numbers in what will be a laugher by the end of the first quarter.

Nevada at UCLA

The Bruins have to replace all four starters in their secondary, so there will be some trial by fire for Jim Mora's bunch. Offense is not the issue for the blue and gold, as QB Brett Hundley is one of the nation's best. However, his counterpart, QB Cody Fajardo, should be able to roll up some impressive totals in his own right against that inexperienced secondary. The Bruins also need to replace their leading rusher, RB Johnathan Franklin, so this will be a game of experimentation. Covering a three-touchdown spread is a bit ambitious.

Boise State at Washington

The game of the week will be in Seattle, where Boise State hits the shores of Puget Sound looking for their first signature win of the season. The Broncos hope QB Joe Southwick can do a little better than last season when he struggled to fill the shoes of QB Kellen Moore. The defense is the key for the Broncos, and they will have their hands full trying to contain RB Bishop Sankey, who burst onto the scene after injuries created a role for him. The Broncos know him well, as they were trampled for 205 rushing yards and 74 receiving yards in their bowl game last season. This game should come down to the final moments.

Northwestern at California

The Wildcats hit the road for Berkeley as a Top 25 team. If they return home without a loss will be up to the offense mostly. RB Venric Mark is a tremendous unheralded talent who rattled off eight consecutive 100-yard rushing games last season. QB Kain Colter is under center again, and he is a threat not only with his arm, but with his feet, too. The Bears turn to Sonny Dykes to get the program on track after Jeff Tedford was let go after last season's 3-9 campaign. The Bears will use freshman QB Jared Goff to start the season, as he becomes the first freshman to ever start a season opener under center for Cal. Lastly, there isn't anything wrong with your TV set. Northwestern will be wearing white helmets for their opening game, shedding their purple lids for the first time since 1980.

Other Games

Eastern Washington at Oregon State (6:00 p.m. ET )
Washington State at Auburn (ESPNU, 7:00 p.m. ET)

[TheGame]

College Football Betting Preview: Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Syracuse Orange
By Erin Rynning
Sportsmemo.com

Penn State vs. Syracuse
Saturday, 12:30 pm PT - ESPN2 (Meadowlands)
CRIS Opener: Penn State -7 O/U 52
CRIS Current: Penn State -9 O/U 51
Rob Veno's Power Rating: Penn State -7
Erin Rynning's Recommendation: Under

On the surface it was just another ho-hum year for the Penn State football program as it churned out an 8-4 record. However, most bettors know that it could hardly be considered mundane – in fact it was truly magical. The Lions were virtually left for dead and written off by the best of pundits and this was before they started last year with a 0-2 record. After losses to Ohio and Virginia and low on depth Penn State hit an extra gear and won 8 of its next 10 games with most coming in the rugged Big Ten. The season culminated with a rousing overtime win against the Wisconsin Badgers in Happy Valley. Now the question will linger how does this program respond in the second year of the Bill O’Brien era?

From a win-loss perspective the Lions will once again be extremely competitive and win their fair share of games. However, from a pointspread perspective we’ll be looking to take a stand against Penn State. They do return 14 starters from last year’s Cinderella squad, but the Lions will be one of the least experienced teams in college football. They’ll feature just six senior starters after losing over half their yards gained and tackles from 2012. The quarterback position will be the major question mark with Matt McGloin now gone. It’s possible the Lions will start a true freshman Christian Hackenberg while JC transfer Tyler Ferguson is also in the mix. Neither quarterback has obviously thrown a pass at this level. The defense figures to take a step back as well, with just six returning starters and the loss of team leader Michael Mauti. They’ll also feature a new defensive coordinator in John Butler, while losing the valuable Ted Roof to Georgia Tech. Butler has spent the last 13 years working with special teams.

Meanwhile, the Syracuse program is very much in a state of flux after Doug Marrone left for Buffalo. Marrone did an admiral job of rebuilding the Orange and led them to bowl wins in two of the last three years. Note that he took the bulk of his offensive staff with him. George McDonald will step as offensive coordinator despite little rehearsal running an offense. In addition, the Syracuse offense was gutted as they return six starters and are embattled in their own quarterback controversy between sophomore Terrel Hunt and senior Drew Allen. First-year head coach Scott Shafer moves over from the defensive coordinator job of the last four years. This game sets up with both teams banking on their proficiency in the run game, and taking the pressure off their green quarterbacks. Penn State will rely on the power running of Zach Zwinak, while the Orange, will do the same with Jerome Smith. We’ll predict a low-scoring contest decided by a field goal either way. Take the UNDER.