We’re just a few days away from the “Week Zero” games in the 2021 college football season — five contests that give programs some exposure that they might not otherwise get on more crowded television weekends. Let’s take a quick look at these matchups from a college football betting perspective and see if we can’t get you off to a profitable start to the college gridiron campaign.
NCAA News: Game Previews for August 28
Nebraska (-7) at Illinois (O/U 55) (1:00 pm ET, FOX)
The 2021 season kicks off with this matchup from the Big Ten. This game was supposed to take place in Ireland, but then COVID-19 ruined those travel plans. Bret Bielema starts a new era with Illinois, while Scott Frost comes in on the hot seat. This line started at Nebraska (-9.5), but the odds have slid toward the Illini. The Illini will not have wideout Marquez Beason or offensive lineman Jordyn Slaughter, while Nebraska will have to play without blue-chip tight end Thomas Fidone and without senior linebacker Will Honas. Illinois did beat Nebraska last season — one of just two victories in 2020. Illinois’ defense permitted 34.9 points per game this year, but I’m not sure that Nebraska can cover this line on the road. Illini to cover.
Connecticut (+27.5) at Fresno State (62.5) (2:00 pm ET, CBS Sports)
Connecticut will play football for the first time since 2019; in 2020, they had left the American Athletic Conference and had an independent schedule — but due to COVID-19, they could not find opponents and ended up missing the whole season. Fresno State went 3-3 in 2020, including a 1-1 record at home. Their home win last year was a 38-17 pasting of Colorado State. With a year away from football, it’s hard to imagine that Connecticut will look particularly together, while Fresno State will contend in the Mountain West Conference this season. I’m not sure I want to tangle with a point spread this large, but given that Connecticut will likely struggle to score, I’m not sure I see Fresno State getting 50+ points here either. Take the under.
Hawaii (+18) at UCLA (68.5) (3:30 pm ET, ESPN)
UCLA has not won a season opener since 2017, when Texas A&M suffered a collapse of historic proportions and the Bruins’ Josh Rosen had a transcendent day passing the ball. In this matchup, Hawaii actually comes in as a defensive minded, grinding team, but I’m not sure that they have the O-line to pull that off against a Pac-12 team. The Bruins were an interception machine on defense down the stretch in 2020, and if they can force some third-and-long situations and then harass the passer, they should be able to do that again this time around. Hawaii’s defense has size up front and speed in the back eight, but they’re not ready for the UCLA offense. Bruins to win and cover.
Texas-El Paso (-10) at New Mexico State (56.5) (9:30 pm ET)
New Mexico State played home games in El Paso last season due to COVID-19 restrictions in their state, and they also played UTEP in El Paso, winning 44-35. New Mexico State has won the last three meetings in this rivalry. This time, though, UTEP comes in with bowl expectations, thanks to the return of starting quarterback Gavin Hardison. His 1,419 passing yards and 54.5% pass completion rate were solid numbers at that level, and the Miners get five of their six top receivers back, including Justin Garrett, Dennis Barnes and Jacob Cowing, who was second-team All-Conference USA. Deion Hankins and Quardraiz Wadley carry the ball, and the O-line in front of them is one the most experienced that UTEP has had in recent years. The UTEP defense is also improved, led by Praise Amaewhule, who had seven sacks and nine passes defensed, thanks to an 82-inch wingspan. UTEP to win and cover.
Southern Utah (+21.5) at San Jose State (56) (10:00 pm ET, CBS Sports
Southern Utah, an FCS school, played football in the spring and went 1-5, with their only win coming over Cal Poly in 34-24 fashion. Four of their five losses were by no more than three points. However, San Jose State went 7-1, scoring at least 30 points five times. They did not permit more than 24 points until their bowl game loss to Ball State, where they fell, 34-13. Spartans to win and cover.
College Football Betting Odds
Love betting NCAA football games? | Xbet Sportsbook offers up to date college football lines
