College football is back! That means our Friday Locks feature is back as well. This is where we get to show you exactly how much we don’t know about picking games against the spread. It’s all for fun, and it serves as a good conversation starter. So, please, go ahead and let us know where you agree or disagree with us by using the comments section below.
The only game that any of us have in common is the Texas Tech/Wyoming game. Both Craig and Zack are on the same side of that one. Beyond that, it’s just a free for all of college football picks.
Craig
Penn State (-20.5) vs. West Virginia | West Virginia is one of the worst teams in the Big 12. Traveling to Penn State for week one surely isn’t going to be easy. I’ve got Penn State winning this one by a lot.
Texas Tech (-14) at Wyoming | I believe Texas Tech is going to surprise a lot of people this year. Despite being on the road, winning this one by more than two touchdowns should not be an issue.
Nevada (+38.5) at USC | Lincoln Riley is 39-38-1 all time against the spread. Now, that’s largely due to how much his teams are typically favored by, not necessarily due to underperforming. That being said, I’m taking Nevada to cover this large spread for that exact reason.
Zack
UTSA (-1.5) at Houston | The Cougars are going to struggle in their first season in the Big 12, and their non-conference schedule isn’t exactly easy. UTSA comes into the season as a Top 25 team, and I think they prove they deserve to be there by winning this one easily.
Texas Tech (-14) at Wyoming | The Red Raiders surprised everyone last season with far more success than was expected, and I think they could be even better this year. A big win on the road against Wyoming would start them off on the right foot.
Colorado (+20.5) at TCU | The Horned Frogs are riding high after a National Championship appearance, but I expect them to dip a bit this year. Meanwhile, Coach Prime is set to make his debut with Colorado. While I don’t anticipate even a winning season for the Buffaloes, I do think they manage to keep this Week 1 game within 20 points.
Matt
South Carolina (+2) vs. North Carolina | Anyone that knows me knows that I love home underdogs. The quarterbacks are highlighting the discussions surrounding this game, but what people really need to be talking about are the defenses. Neither was exceptional last year, but UNC was horrendous, ranking 101st in team defense. Give me USC and those points!
South Alabama (+6.5) at Tulane | These two teams know how to light up the scoreboards. Michael Pratt returns to guide the Green Wave defense one more time but South Alabama is definitely capable to moving the ball as well. I like this one to be a close finish.
Florida State (+1.5) vs LSU | I guess this completes the trifecta of underdog picks for me to open the season. The Seminoles are the home team, they’ve got the better defense and it’s going to be a night game in primetime. That pretty much tells the story right there.
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