It’s time to officially kick off the college football season with the first full weekend of action after a little taste in Week 0. Below, we look at the best bets for three small-school winners in Week 1, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Every week we’ll target three smaller schools that are good bets to cash tickets and win big money. It doesn’t really matter the size of the school, it’s winners that matter.
This week we’ll tap two FCS teams to keep a pair of Power 5 members within their sights, and we’ll look to a late-night winner from the MAC.
Three small-school best bets of Week 1
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:15 a.m. ET.
South Dakota (+13.5, -108) at Kansas (Friday at 8 p.m. ET)
The Coyotes of USD head down to Lawrence looking to score an FCS vs. FBS upset. Can South Dakota add to the misery of Kansas and win outright? That’s doubtful; however, the Jayhawks laying two touchdowns against anyone is a bit of a stretch.
The Jayhawks turn to head coach Lance Leipold to lead the team. While he was seemingly a strong hire, this is a team with just nine total wins since 2015, and this job is a major undertaking.
Leipold won’t be able to turn things around overnight. KU was 0-9 straight up and 1-7-1 against the spread last season and it barely scraped by FCS Indiana State in its 2019 opener, winning by 7 as a double-digit favorite. Expect a similar, sluggish result Friday.
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East Tennessee State (+21.5, -112) at Vanderbilt (Saturday at 8 p.m. ET)
East Tennessee State heads into the season 24th in the FCS Coaches Poll. Vanderbilt, on the flip side, struggled with an 0-9 SU record last season, including an 0-5 SU mark at home.
While Vandy’s last victory was Nov. 23, 2019 against these very same Buccaneers, the Commodores offense is rough. Vandy managed just 14.8 points per game last season to rank 126th in FBS, and the Bucs defense will not allow 38 like the last time these teams met.
Vandy has no business being favored by three touchdowns over anybody, let alone a ranked FCS side.
Kent State (+28.5, -110) at Texas A&M (Saturday at 8 p.m. ET)
The Golden Flashes were limited to just four games last season, and Kent State alumni and fans have to be wondering what could have been. The Flashes ranked No. 1 in the nation with 49.8 PPG and 606.5 total yards per game.
While Kent State was impressive in 2020, it will have its hands full with Texas A&M and the 12th man in College Station. The reason to like Kent State to keep A&M at least within hailing distance is under center.
The Aggies have to replace QB Kellen Mond, and it might take them a while to get their sea legs. New QB Haynes King will be operating behind a new offensive line replacing four starters. Take the underdog.
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