Week 1 College Football Betting Preview, Odds, and Picks
If asked two months ago who you were looking forward to watching most during the first week of college football, it likely wouldn’t have been something like Central Arkansas vs. UAB or SMU vs. Texas State, but alas, here we are. The SEC and other Power 5 conferences have delayed and altered their schedules, but we still have a handful of games to watch between Thursday and Monday.
Of course, nearly nine months removed from the National Championship, big names aren’t necessary to get college football bettors to bite this early in this season.
We saw that play out last Saturday as an FCS matchup between the University of Central Arkansas and Austin Peay commenced the 2020 college football season and likely became the most-bet FCS game ever. No, Trevor Lawrence wasn’t paying quarterback, nor was Nick Saban on the sideline, but things ended with fireworks nonetheless.
Some might even say they prefer these matchups between niche teams over those from bigger college football programs. Such games are are often softer — in other words, more exploitable— for the diligent researcher or someone who is more attentive to smaller conferences.
Here are Week 1 college football odds and picks at online sports betting sites.
Week 1 College Football Picks and Odds (Thursday)
As it turns out, you don’t have to wait until next week for Thursday night football. It’s not the Chiefs vs. Texans yet, but two college football games are kicking off this Thursday night, Sept. 3.
Central Arkansas vs. UAB Betting Preview
Central Arkansas +19.5
UAB -19.5
Over/Under 49.5
Time: Thursday, 8 pm ET
TV: ESPN3
Central Arkansas spoiled our first college football betting pick of the season last Saturday, as quarterback Breylin Smith helped lead a last-minute drive to beat Austin Peay 24-17.
Though Smith was clutch, he also reminded us that he’s still a bit careless with the ball. Last season, Smith averaged more 1 INT per game. He started his season by throwing two interceptions.
Part of Smith’s struggles were the result of a porous offensive line. UCA returns a bulk of starters from their 2019 team, but they had one departure and an offseason injury on their offensive line. The injury came to arguably their best offensive lineman, Parker Ray. It looks like his absence will be an issue for Central Arkansas’ offense throughout the season.
UCA’s defense stayed strong with the presence of three players who were voted to the Southland preseason all-conference first team, including an NFL prospect in Rober Rochell.
Central Arkansas will have their hands full Thursday night. UAB ranked 8th nationally in both total defense and passing defense.
On offense, UAB returns of 80% of their production from their 9-win team a season ago, including quarterback Tyler Johnston, who ranked 9th nationally with 9 yards per pass attempt. He also threw 17 interceptions. Johnston will have to be a better decision-maker with Rochel lurking in the secondary Thursday night.
This game opened UAB -14.5, but quickly moved and rightfully so. I won’t have a big position on this game now that the line has moved but I expect UAB to beat Central Arkansas by 20+ points.
South Alabama vs. Southern Mississippi
South Alabama +13.5
Southern Mississippi -13.5
Over/Under 54.5
Time: Thursday, 9 pm ET
TV: CBSSN
Week 1 College Football Betting Odds (Saturday)
Middle Tennessee vs. Army
Middle Tennesse +4
Southern Missisissippi -4
Over/Under 54.5
Time: Saturday, 1:30 pm ET
TV: CBSS
SMU vs. Texas State
SMU -22
Texas State +22
Over/Under 70
Time: Saturday, 4:30 pm ET
TV: ESPN
Arkansas State vs. Memphis
South Alabama +19
Southern Missisissippi -19
Over/Under 74
Time: Saturday, 8 pm ET
TV: ESPN
BYU vs. NAVY
BYU -2.5
NAVY +2.5
Over/Under 50
Time: Saturday, 8 pm ET
TV: ESPN
More College Football Picks
For more general betting tips, check out our college football picks betting guide.
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Image Credit: USA Today Sports Images