One of the more intriguing factors in college football sports betting has to do with wagering on the opening week. In some cases, teams schedule “easy” opponents that should be simple to dominate, but then the point spreads are so wide that the wagers do not really offer value. In other cases, teams come out in more even matchups, either in conference or across conference lines, and the point spreads are close enough to make the value close either way. In still other cases, though, the point spreads are based more on reputation than performance, leaving room for value.
Let’s take a look at some examples of this third type of matchup as you look to your college football wagers.
NCAA News: Sleeper Picks in Week 1
Thursday, September 2
Ohio State (-13.5) at Minnesota
Minnesota has been picked by many in the college football media to come in fourth in the Big Ten West after Northwestern, Iowa and Wisconsin. However, their offensive line is savvy and has used players out of the transfer portal to fill holes. Wide receiver Dylan Wright transferred in from Texas A&M, and tailback Mohamed Ibrahim returns as the defending Big Ten Running Back of the Year. After a promising 2019, when the Golden Gophers went 11-2 and soared as high as #7 in the nation, the team stumbled to a 3-4 finish a season ago after several games were canceled.
Ohio State comes in having to pick a new quarterback to replace Justin Fields, and that transition alone will cost the Buckeyes points in this opener. While the Buckeyes have several highly talented options, getting the offense up and running in a coordinated manner will take time. Starting at Minnesota, one of the tougher road venues in the Big Ten, represents a challenge all its own, particularly with the game coming in a weeknight. Those sorts of details matter when you’re dealing with college-age players. While the Buckeyes can probably win this game, I don’t see them covering. Golden Gophers to cover.
Saturday, September 4
Indiana (+4.5) at Iowa
Indiana posted a 6-2 record last year and came close to upsetting Ohio State in the Big Ten East. They were ranked as high as #7 in the country at one point, and when they played the Buckeyes, it was the first time in school history that the Hoosiers had played another team while both were in the top ten. Starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr blew out an ACL last season but is back and healthy. He is a pocket passer and has the arm to nail balls down the field and score in a hurry. He no longer has Whop Philyor running routes for him, but Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year Ty Fryfogle returns after catching 37 balls for 721 yards and seven scores. D.J. Matthews transferred in from Florida State and could fill the gap that Philyor leaves.
Iowa will have to be prepared for the offensive onslaught that Indiana will bring. Iowa brings more of a grinding approach to offense and defense, hoping to use their ground game to slow the rhythm of the contest down, and their advantage in the trenches to keep the other team’s offense off the field. If Iowa can get some pressure on Penix, then the Hawkeyes should be able to control the game. However, I see Indiana getting right back to where they were before Penix went down — and the Hoosiers were pushing hard for a Big Ten title of their own. Hoosiers to win and cover.
College Football Betting Odds
Love betting NCAA football games? | Xbet Sportsbook offers up to date college football lines
