Never have there been so many big match-ups in week 1, and as a college football fan I am psyched. I follow the SEC closely, and while I'm not a famous and accomplished handicapper (like my hero TRAIN) I would like to share my early thoughts with the board. Hopefully some of the top 'cappers will feel inclined to comment. So here goes ...
S CAR @ VANDY -4.5
Vanderbilt is not accustomed to being a favorite vs a SEC foe, and when that happens they usually shit the bed. I'll take SC plus 4.5.
Appy St @ TENN -20.5
The Vols are talented and VOL Nation is pumped up and expecting big things. This is not a time to be toying with an over matched Appy team, and 100,000 Jethro Bodine clones will go home happy. TENN -20.5
Mizzou @ WEST VA -10
The Mountaineers are MUCH better offensively, but Mizzou is MUCH better defensively. I'll take the 10 pts please.
South Alabama @ MS STATE - 28.5
The Bulldogs may be hurting without Dak Prescott but I don't expect that to matter against USA. Dan Mullen has a habit of pounding these non-conference cupcakes and I expect that trend to continue. MSU - 28.5
Southern Miss @ KENTUCKY -6.5
The Golden Eagles will be licking their chops to get a shot at a beatable SEC team, and the Wildcats are just that. USM + 6.5
La Tech @ ARKANSAS - 26
The Pigs have a history of slow starts under Bielema, and Skip Holtz has a good record in games against SEC teams, at least ATS. I'll take La Tech + 26.
UMass @ FLORIDA - 36.5
The Minutemen may need several hours to cross the goal line against the Gators. This will be a beat down when Florida is on defense, and the "O" should have enough muscle to score 45 or so. FLORIDA - 36.5
Clemson - 7.5 @ AUBURN
The Tigers will definitely win, but let me be more specific. Clemson is as good as advertised and Auburn is hurting more than most folks realize. The home field won't matter as DeShaun Watson and the Clemson Tigers roll. Clemson - 7.5
UCLA @ TEXAS A&M - 3
Two of the nation's most puzzling and unpredictable teams square off here and I wouldn't touch this one with a ten foot pole.
LSU -10 @ WISCONSIN
Everyone talks about LSU's amazing talent and they are right. However, the Bayou Bengals have suffered some key injuries on defense this summer, and they still have yet to prove they have a passing game. Sure Leonard Fournette will get his 150 yards, but I like a motivated Badger team in front of a loud home crowd. I'll go with Wisky + 10.
N Carolina @ GEORGIA -2.5
Larry Fedora is doing a fine job at NC but he will be facing a talented UGA group here, and heading into Sanford Stadium with a new QB seems a little shaky. Kirby Smart knows how to coach "D" and so points will be hard to come by for the Tarheels. GEORGIA - 2.5
USC @ ALABAMA -11.5
It's hard for me to pick against Bama because they have the best players and the best HC in the nation. But 11.5 points? Nick Saban has a history of NOT covering these spreads at home, and the Tide lost a lot of talent to the NFL. If the line was 9.5 I would take Bama but at 11.5 I'm giving a shaky nod to USC.
FSU - 4.5 vs OLE MISS (Orlando)
Well it's a Monday night game in Orlando so the 'Noles should have at least 70% of the fans in attendance. Plus they have superior talent top-to-bottom and one of the best RBs in the country in Dalvin Cook. Ole Miss counters with Chad Kelly, one of the nation's top QBs, but behind an inexperienced OL. It's tempting to take FSU but Hugh Freeze has a knack of pulling upsets in these spots and FSU just doesn't cover as often as they should. I'll pass on this one, enjoy a cold brewski and watch it on the tube.
Good luck to all in their wagers.
Super Chicken