Touching Howard’s Rock at Clemson, Ralphie’s Run in Colorado, the White Out at Penn State, and the Best Damn Band in the Land at Ohio State.
These are just some of the traditions which make college football so great. But at Covers we have our own college football tradition, specifically, betting Alabama against the spread in Week 1 of the Triple Option.
College football picks and predictions for Week 1
North Carolina -5.5 (-110)
We open things up with a big Friday night matchup in the ACC as the North Carolina Tar Heels travel to Blacksburg to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies.
With the departures at Clemson this season, many are wondering if there will be a changing of the guard in the ACC this season and UNC tops a lot of lists as potential usurpers of the Tigers’ throne. But, that starts with a strong performance in this game.
It’s Year 3 of the Mack Brown era in Chapel Hill and all that potential rests on the arm of Heisman hopeful Sam Howell. The junior signal-caller has thrown 68 TDs to just 14 interceptions over two seasons and will be playing behind what should be one of the best offensive lines in the country.
And while the Tar Heels lost their top two running backs and receivers to the NFL Draft, Brown has done a good job in restocking the shelves at the skill positions.
For Virginia Tech, Braxton Burmeister is a veteran QB behind a solid offensive line with some talented pass catchers. But will he be able to consistently get them the ball? Burmeister struggles with his accuracy at times, and the Tar Heels have a strong defensive front and two excellent corners.
Obviously, going into Blacksburg is always tough and the Hokies should be able to put up a fight for a while, but as the game wears on, the Tar Heels’ edge in talent will come through as they win this game by at least a touchdown.
Alabama -19.5 (-110)
To be completely honest, my confidence level isn’t 100 percent on this bet like most seasons, but that is mostly because I think Miami will field a solid team. But, at the end of the day, I just can’t stay away from this bet.
No coach in college football gets his team more prepared to start a season than Nick Saban. Alabama is a perfect 14-0 SU, and 11-2 ATS in their first game of the season since Saban took over the top job in Tuscaloosa. And, for the most part, these games haven’t been that close.
Alabama has averaged 40.5 points per game in those contests with an average margin of victory of 28.9 points. And, while the Crimson Tide has to deal with a ton of roster turnover this year, it’s not like this is the first time they’ve had to deal with something like this.
Yes, the likes of Mac Jones, Najee Harris, Devonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle are all gone, but the cupboards aren't bare in Alabama. Quarterback Bryce Young is the highest-rated quarterback recruit Saban has ever had and is one of the betting favorites to win the Heisman trophy. While on the other side of the ball, Alabama returns eight starters to what could be Saban’s best defense in years.
Miami should be a contender in the ACC Coastal, but this will be QB D’Eriq King’s first game since tearing his ACL last December and he has to deal with the best linebacking corps in college football. They are good enough to keep King in the pocket as a passer, throwing into the teeth of a terrific secondary.
I don't hate Miami, Alabama is just on another level. Roll Tide.
San Diego State -31 (-110)
There is a lot to like with San Diego State this season. They return 17 starters and should challenge Nevada for the Mountain West West Division crown.
The Aztecs are always known for their stout defense and this year should be no different, returning eight starters, including the best linebacking corps in the MWC. If SDSU can get some balance on offense they could be a very dangerous team.
That offense was rolling last season before running back Greg Bell injured his ankle. Bell is now healthy, and the passing game should be improved as it returns all of its top pass catchers.
But, let’s be honest. This bet is all about fading New Mexico State.
The Aggies played spring ball this year and were lucky to go 1-1 against FCS opponents, and they haven’t beaten an FBS team not named UTEP since October of 2018. Speaking of UTEP, New Mexico State dropped their season opener to the Miners last week, getting crushed 30-3.
UTEP racked up over 200 rushing yards and nearly five yards per carry in that game, while New Mexico State managed just 134 yards of total offense.
Bell and the Aztecs should rumble all over the Aggies in this one while giving up little at the other end. Even at this number, this is a good bet.
Week 1 odds overview
Western Michigan at Michigan (O/U: 67): This is a really big number. The fifth-highest total on the board in Week 1, in fact. WMU has a very good QB in Kaleb Eleby but despite Michigan’s issues, the defense should be solid. Jim Harbaugh still doesn’t instill much confidence on the other side of the ball. Plus, 17 of Michigan’s last 20 games have seen fewer than 67 points.
UTSA at Illinois (-5): Does this line feel like a trap to anyone else? The Illini upset Nebraska last week 30-22 as 7-point dogs but the line for this week’s game didn’t move Illinois’ way. In fact, it’s going the other way. Some are expecting a letdown here, but I’m not so sure. Illinois looked good last week and have a strong run game going against a mediocre-at-best C-USA team. The Illini almost made my best bets for the week but in the end, I chickened out.
Notre Dame at Florida State (+7): The hype is real for Florida State, I guess, but I'm not exactly sure why. It is year two for Mike Norvell but I don't think he's had enough time to turn this program around and the Irish are a Top 10 team for a reason. Keep an eye on this line. It has already moved down a half-point from 7.5 to 7, I would jump on the Irish if it drops below a touchdown.
Odds current at time of publish. Check out our college football odds screen to see live odds and to shop for the best prices.
Week 1 Triple Option betting card
- North Carolina -5.5 (-110)
- Alabama -19.5 (-110)
- San Diego State -31 (-110)
Did you know that if you parlayed this week's Triple Option picks, you could win $59.58 on a $10 bet?
Use our college football parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
Where can I bet on college football odds?
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