Despite the suspensions, Florida can easily win this game. Coach Jim McElwain has been instrumental in promoting rudimentary and team-oriented tactics that focus less on individual star players. The Gators employ a fundamental approach toward defense, so very simply the next man will step up and do his job. Michigan has to find itself yet again despite having an opportunity to ascend to the next level in the previous two seasons on Jim Harbaugh. Now, the Maize and Blue are liking taking a step back in 2017 and this early season contest could serve as a testament to that attrition. Nevertheless, much of the public has been all over the Wolverines as 72% of the general public like Michigan against the spread according to sportsbook consensus. On the contrary, 71% are siding with the Gators in public forums. Additionally, in some markets we have seen Michigan require additional lumber while some spreads have been diminished from action on the Gators. All in all, the ebbs and flows of the preliminary moments of this contest have offered what appears to be tremendous value on Michigan as a favorite in some markets at this current juncture. We will go ahead and take the points while we have been afforded the additional cushion on the Gators.

I like NC State as a five-point favorite in this matchup playing in its home state. The Wolfpack appear to have a few more weapons on offense and I would give them an even bigger edge on the other side of the ball given the way that South Carolina’s defense completely collapsed down the stretch last season. Both teams should be able to put up some points in this one, but my ‘best bet’ pick is that NC State widens the gap at the end by more than five points.

In this contest, the Over/Under offers more appeal than any point spread simply by virtue of the fact Iowa is a team that lives and dies by its defense and offensive game plan. Very simply, Iowa likes to run the ball and Wyoming’s defense is quite accommodating in that regard. Thus, Wyoming may not get as many chances to score and when they do they will be met by hard-nosed opposition. Despite all of this, we have seen this market rise by half of a point indicating early action on the Over. Much of this reaction can be chalked up to the consensus being enamored with Allen’s offensive credentials. However, as mentioned previously, Iowa plays at another level in Kinnick Stadium and thus they are favored by nearly two touchdowns for a reason. With this being said, the best option in this market is taking the Under which is very feasible considering the prospect of environment and strategy influencing the outcome of this contest.

In the early going we have seen a huge amount of money come in on the Eagles as 99% of the consensus are keen to swallow the points with the Eagles. As a result, we have seen this line move by 2.5 points from its open, affording two touchdowns to anyone interested in taking the 49ers. While there may seem to be little appeal in taking the 49ers, an overreaction is very much likely taking shape. Despite the tumult, the 49ers have made considerable strides since joining the FBS in 2015. In their inaugural season at this level they failed to win one conference game and acquired just two victories overall. In 2016, the 49ers went nearly .500 in the C-USA. As a result of Eastern Michigan being one of the big headlines in terms of renaissance seasons in 2016, it is likely some of that pandemonium has followed them into this contest. As a result, we have an opportunity to take advantage of a likely overlay. Take the points.

I would definitely lean towards Central Florida winning this game SU playing at home, but my confidence level in the Knights’ ability to cover the current 17-point spread in a season opener is not all that high. I think both of these offenses might need to get a few games under their belts to start clicking, which opens up a good opportunity to cash in on the UNDER 56.5 points on the total line in this Thursday’s contest.

This is an obvious mismatch between one of the best teams in the AAC and a bottom feeder in the MWC. There is always a good deal of risk laying over three touchdowns on the road in a college football opener, but the Bulls are on a mission to prove that they are one of the top teams in the nation this season. Look for Flowers to light things up on Saturday night on a very bright prime time stage to help the Bulls cover the huge spread while catching the early eye of Heisman voters.

Home field advantage will play a huge role in this contest in that Hawaii may be jet-lagged and delirious from traveling across five time-zones and over 5,000 miles to participate in this contest. Given the fact Hawaii was bowl eligible in 2016 while UMass won just two games in total (one of which came against a FCS opponent), the market has a similar assessment of the Warriors coming into this contest. Massachusetts does not have much of a floor to fall through at this point and any hopes of fostering improvement in 2017 begin with a win over a reputable opponent on opening weekend. UMass will take advantage of the location of venue in this contest and are certainly worth a look on the MoneyLine as well.

The betting lines for this rematch are exactly the same as last year and unfortunately for Clemson fans, I also think the final result will be the same as well. The Tigers have a great chance to one again cover with the 6.5 points, but I do not believe they can come away with the SU win.

This should be a great matchup between the country’s top two college football teams. While last year’s game turned into a shootout, I actually like the UNDER 50.5 points this time around as my “best bet” pick in a game that will be dominated by defensive play.

Oklahoma is usually a team that bears a cup of wrath for any taker be that they are usually overvalued by their namesake alone. However, this narrative works to our advantage when you consider the early steam on the Tigers. Oklahoma has been playing football at a different level since they started off 1-2 with early losses against Ohio State and Houston. The Sooners’ offense is finally in sync and their defense has paved the way for them to win the Big 12 outright. Auburn has lost their last two SEC games which has dismissed their viability. Auburn has more or less beaten up on teams that have been weak all over the span of the regular season and any of consequence has been a problem to the Tigers in their campaign. Look for Oklahoma to capitalize here and provide value as a short-priced favorite.

This game is truly a 50/50 proposition, so it boils down to finding the most value here. Undoubtedly, enhanced points plus reduced juice is the way to go if one is trying to isolate the value. USC is spotting nearly a touchdown and requires more juice to do so and thus it is worth staying clear of. The amount of heavy action on the MoneyLine on Penn State suggests that perhaps they are priced to affably in an outright situation. The market will assuredly be quite sharp in this contest be that The Rose Bowl is one of the most prestigious games in all of college football. Therefore we will operate on the most favorable wrinkle we can isolate which is PSU with the points, no Money Line play would be advised.

Both of these national powers come into this rubber match in top playing form even with Alabama’s slip against Auburn. Both teams are highly motivated in search of their second national title in three years in what should be another great postseason matchup. Given just how close these two teams do matchup against one another, I am going to take the three points and Clemson ATS as by “best bet” pick.

The talk of the town is how will Georgia handle the test of stopping Baker Mayfield? The better question is how will Oklahoma handle the Bulldog defense? The Big 12 Conference is an offense-oriented one that emphasizes air raid attacks. Look no further than the cast of characters in this ensemble: OU, Oklahoma State, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Baylor, and Iowa State. The environment is conducive for explosive offensive operations. However, the Dawgs have the antidote. The Bulldogs stand among the best in the country at running the football and it is a great complement to their brutal and physical defense. You also have the coaching factor. Dawgs Head Coach Kirby Smart has been games of this magnitude before with Alabama as their Defensive Coordinator. Sooners Head Coach Lincoln Riley is navigating his first College Football Playoff in a highly influential role. These narratives will make the difference. Glory, Glory to Ole Georgia.

It is going to be a tall task for UCF to finish its amazing run this season undefeated, but it does have the talent on both sides of the ball to give the Tigers all they can handle in this matchup. I would give the Knights a big edge in motivation and momentum given everything they have accomplished coupled with Auburn’s questionable motivation coming off such a devastating loss in that conference title game.

The 9.5-point spread in this game has held steady since it was first released, but I think it will reach double digits figures by the time kickoff rolls around on New Year’s Day. Either way, I am rolling the dice that UCF finds a way to cash in ATS.

I like the Tigers to get the SU win in this matchup as a far more consistent and predictable team. The Cardinals may have more star power led by Jackson at quarterback, but this team, as a whole, is far too unpredictable when it comes to playing in high-profile games such as this year’s Citrus Bowl.

That being said, my “best bet” pick in this one is the OVER on the current 59.5-point total line. I see both teams having success on offense in what should be a true shootout over all four quarters of play.

Normally I would be leery of betting on a favorite that is heading into its bowl game with a deep sense of disappointment over how its season ended, but Michigan is clearly the better overall team in this matchup and I still believe that it will play like it has something to prove.

This matchup should remain a highly entertaining affair for all four quarters, but in the end my “best bet” pick is the Wolverines both SU and ATS on the current seven-point betting line.

The betting line for this game has basically remained unchanged after McCaffrey’s announcement, but I would not underestimate the impact his loss will have in this matchup. Anytime you lose your best player for any reason it could have a negative effect on the psyche of the entire team, especially at the collegiate level.

The Tar Heels still have a few NFL-caliber players in their lineup for this bowl game and that is why I am taking the three points in a game they should win SU.

The Bulldogs could have easily finished at 10-2 this season, had they not lost three games by virtue of a Hail Mary and two points in total. 2016 was a year of emotional highs and lows for the Bulldog Nation as they defeated a ranked North Carolina the Chick-Fil-A Classic and a #9 Auburn in Athens to bolster their resume. For TCU, the Horned Frogs have more or less looked demoralized and against Kansas State they were simply flat. Given the fact TCU has played in games of more prominence in recent years, you have to wonder how they will enter this contest. TCU’s defense seems virtually non-existence and their offense looks out of sync. While Georgia may have five losses this season, they rank among the best in passing defense and have an absolute beast at running back in Nick Chubb when he is healthy. Look for the Dawgs to finish strong here.

The Razorbacks were one of the few offenses to have some level of success against Alabama this season in a 49-30 loss so I would expect them to be able to put some points on the board in this matchup.

Virginia Tech may not have the greatest track record in recent bowl games, but this is a whole new program under the guidance of Fuente as head coach. Given what we have already seen from this team, the Hokies should also have their fair share of opportunities to light up the scoreboard.

In what should be one of the more entertaining bowl games on this year’s schedule, my “best bet” pick in this one would be the OVER on the current 61.5-point total line.

This bowl is another example of a solid Mid Major team taking on a very average team from a major conference. It is easy to see why the Bulls are double-digit favorites in this matchup and the only reason why the spread is not higher is because they are playing a team from the SEC.

The betting line for this game opened at 11 and it has moved a half point in favor of the Gamecocks. Do not take the bait and go with a South Carolina team that had to scratch and claw its way to six wins. Go big on South Florida to win and cover in his one.

While it has been quite some time since these former rivals have met on the football field, it should not take all that long for the intensity to pick right back up. West Virginia gets the slight edge in overall talent on offense, but Miami comes in with a slight edge on defense. No matter how you add things up this should be a close, hard-fought battle that lasts all four quarters.

I am going to take the Mountaineers and the three points on the current spread as my ‘best bet’ pick in a game that is too close to call straight up.