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West Virginia at Maryland odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s West Virginia Mountaineers at Maryland Terrapins odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The West Virginia Mountaineers and Maryland Terrapins will meet Saturday in the season opener at Maryland Stadium in College Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the West Virginia at Maryland odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Mountaineers meet the Terrapins for the 53rd time, and first time since a 45-6 win over Maryland in Morgantown, W.Va., Sept. 26, 2015. The Mountaineers have a slight edge in the series, 28-22-2, but they have won nine of the past 10 meetings.

The Terrapins have some question marks in the run game, but a familiar name is back to lead the pass game. QB Taulia Tagovailoa (the brother of Tua Tagovailoa) could help the Terps put up big totals, and he is helped by a solid receiving corps, too. The Achilles’ heel of UMD might be its inability to stop the run as they allowed 230.0 yards per game in 2020. The run D needs to be much, much better, or else.

West Virginia at Maryland odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Money line: West Virginia -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Maryland +122 (bet $100 to win $122)
Against the spread (ATS): West Virginia -2.5 (-120) | Maryland +2.5 (+100)
Over/Under (O/U): 56.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

West Virginia at Maryland odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

West Virginia 34, Maryland 30

Money line

WEST VIRGINIA (-150) is a decent play in this road outing as it looks to maintain its mystery against rival Maryland (+122). The Mountaineers have some question marks under center as they need more consistency from QB Jarret Doege.

However, West Va. is the play because of the presence of RB Leddie Brown. He galloped for 1,010 yards last season, while the Terps were trampled in the run game. That’s going to be the difference.

Against the spread

WEST VIRGINIA -2.5 (-120) is worth a look, although play it lightly. This game won’t get out of hand and should be a one-score game. While these teams haven’t played in a while, West Virginia is 7-2 ATS across the past nine meetings, including 4-1 ATS in the past five trips to College Park.

Over/Under

OVER 56.5 (-110) might be the most certain thing on the board. The Mountaineers like to run the ball, and the Terps struggle to stop the run. That’s good for Over bettors. In addition, the ability to get to the QB is a concern West Virginia, but that’s good news for Tagovailoa and the Maryland pass attack. This one has the potential to be a barnburner.

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Georgia vs. Clemson odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Georgia at Clemson odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

In the marquee matchup of Week One, the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs and No. 2 Clemson Tigers meet Saturday in the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Georgia vs. Clemson odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

It’s a new chapter for Clemson on offense. QB D.J. Uiagalelei filled in admirably for Trevor Lawrence in two starts last season, throwing for 914 yards with 5 TD and 0 INT. He’ll be protected by an excellent offensive line, elite talent at the skill positions and a loaded defense led by arguably the best defensive line in the country.

Georgia is just as talented, particularly on defense. They return most of a front-seven core that led the nation in rushing defense last year allowing just 2.4 yards per attempt, and they poached star CB Derion Kendrick from Clemson via the transfer portal this offseason. The offense hit its stride once QB J.T. Daniels took over the starting job in Week 12, averaging 37 points per game over Daniels’ four starts.

Georgia vs. Clemson odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 12:41 p.m. ET.

Money line: Georgia +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Clemson -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Georgia +2.5 (+105) | Clemson -2.5 (-130)
Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Georgia vs. Clemson odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Georgia 27, Clemson 24

Money line

This should be an absolute battle between two elite defenses on legitimate College Football Playoff contenders. We’re splitting hairs, but Georgia’s offense looked much better with Daniels late in the season and they return more production than Clemson on that side of the ball, which matters this early in the year.

Take GEORGIA (+130) in a thriller.

Against the spread

PASS on the spread and take the Bulldogs straight up with a better payout.

Over/Under

Clemson returns almost everybody on a defense that ranked 15th in the nation with 327 yards allowed per game last year. Georgia’s was even better (321 yards per game; 12th). Expect this to be a defensive slugfest as both offenses shake off some Week One rust.

Take the UNDER 50.5 (-108).

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Temple at Rutgers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Temple at Rutgers odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Temple Owls will travel to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Saturday night of Week 1 after their Thursday matchup was postponed and relocated. The game is now set to kick off at noon ET and will be held at SHI Stadium. Below, we look at the Temple vs. Rutgers odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Temple is coming off an unimpressive season in the American Athletic Conference. The Owls were 1-6 on the season with all their games coming in conference play. Their one win was at home over South Florida.

Already giving a slight edge as the favorite now at home, Rutgers, despite not being a top-tier program, is fighting against Big Ten opponents.

The Scarlet Knights defeated Purdue and Michigan State while also putting up more than 20 points on Indiana and Ohio State last season. They’re a competent program, bringing in 18 three-star recruits.

Temple at Rutgers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 12:50 p.m. ET.

Money line: Temple +470 (bet $100 to win $470) | Rutgers -700 (bet $700 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Temple +14.5 (-108) | Rutgers -14.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Temple at Rutgers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Rutgers 31, Temple 14

Money line

PASS on the money line as it’s just too pricy.

There’s not much more to it than that. Rutgers was a bottom-tier Big Ten team, and I wouldn’t put the type of money on the line that it would take to return anything of importance.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to RUTGERS -14.5 (-112) to cover the lofty spread and win by 15 or more points. This is more of a bet against Temple as it was playing a top-heavy conference yet still managed to get pummeled.

While Rutgers didn’t have a win by more than 14 points last season, it managed to take down quality opponents. The Scarlet Knights brought in recruits and should be ready to rock. The Big Ten is a different beast.

Temple lost each of its last four games by more than 20 points. Without much help inbound, expect Rutgers to cover Saturday.

Over/Under

BET on the UNDER 52.5 (-115) as the best value in this game.

Both teams are coming off heavily restricted seasons due to COVID-19, so the rust should be there. We’ve seen games already in Week 1 be more defensive-minded as teams look to find their groove offensively.

Five of Rutgers top six recruits were on the defensive side of the ball. With that in mind, QB Noah Vedral is back and had just 9 touchdowns in seven games last season.

Temple scored 42 over their last four games last season. This one should be a low-scoring affair and even a 35-17 final seems like a high number for these two sides.

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Louisiana Tech at Mississippi State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Mississippi State Bulldogs odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and Mississippi State Bulldogs will meet in the season opener at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Louisiana Tech at Mississippi State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

MSU was 4-7 last year, 3-7 in SEC conference play, in their first season under head coach Mike Leach. They made a statement in their first game last year, though, knocking off eventual national champs LSU in their house 44-34. Leach is leaning toward quarterback Will Rogers in the opener. Rogers took over midway through last season and completed 69.1 percent of his passes for 1,976 yards, 11 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.

Louisiana Tech was 5-5 last season with a 4-2 mark inside the Conference USA. They’re returning 18 starters with 10 of them on the defensive side of the ball. Head coach Skip Holtz hopes to get their offense rolling early as they know the steep task ahead on the road.

Louisiana Tech at Mississippi State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:50 p.m. ET.

Money line: Louisiana Tech +1100 (bet $100 to win $1,100) | Mississippi State -3000 (bet $3,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Louisiana Tech +22.5 (-108) | Mississippi State -22.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Louisiana Tech at Mississippi State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Mississippi State 31, Louisiana Tech 20

Money line

Mississippi State (-3000) will cost you 30 times your potential return, and that’s just too much risk for not much reward. Just focus on the spread instead.

AVOID.

Against the spread

LOUISIANA TECH +22.5 (-108) is not a pushover, having made seven consecutive trips to a bowl game. The offense gets a big shot in the arm with incoming transfer RB Marcus Williams from Appalachian State. The big question is whether QB Luke Anthony will be able to return to his pre-injury form after an ugly leg injury in December.

Mississippi State -22.5 (-112) should be able to win this game, but they have work to do. Leach has found it a slow-go trying to implement his “Air Raid” offense in Starkville, Miss.

Over/Under

UNDER 52.5 (-110) is worth a look for a small-unit play. While the focus on Mississippi State last season was its struggling offense, the defense quietly put together a great campaign. The Bulldogs allowed just 5.48 yards per play, fourth-best in the ultra-competitive SEC.

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Alabama vs. Miami odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Alabama Crimson Tide at Miami Hurricanes odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Alabama Crimson Tide and Miami Hurricanes will meet Saturday in the season opener in a neutral-site game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Alabama vs. Miami odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Crimson Tide are once again among the favorites to win the national championship this season, but they have plenty of big holes to fill. Bama had six players selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, including the new quarterback for the New England Patriots, Mac Jones.

The Hurricanes have their quarterback returning, as D’Eriq King is considered a Heisman hopeful. However, he is making his way back from a torn ACL, so it remains to be seen how effective he’ll be early on. The defense was terrible in 2020, however, allowing 174.5 yards per game on the ground, and “The U” must replace two effective pass rushers, too.

Alabama vs. Miami odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 12:20 p.m. ET.

Money line: Alabama -1000 (bet $1000 to win $100) | Miami +600 (bet $100 to win $600)
Against the spread (ATS): Alabama -19.5 (-112) | Miami +19.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 61.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Alabama vs. Miami odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Alabama 41, Miami 20

Money line

Alabama (-1000) will cost you 10 times your potential return, and that’s risky business with the number of big-time players they must replace. However, they should still win, but there is just too much risk to play them straight up.

AVOID.

Against the spread

ALABAMA -19.5 (-112) might get off to a slow start as QB Bryce Young takes the reins of the offense. The Tide must also replace Heisman Trophy winner WR DeVonta Smith, but usually they just restock the cupboard. There isn’t a lot of concern, and they enter as the No. 1 team in The Associated Press Top 25 rankings.

Miami +19.5 (-108) was a respectable 8-2 SU/6-4 ATS during the regular season, but they were pounded by Clemson and North Carolina – their only two marquee opponents. They lost those two games by 25 and 36. Until “The U” shows signs of being back, keep fading them against elite opponents.

Over/Under

Play UNDER 61.5 (-110), but play it very, very lightly. Alabama might get off to a little bit of a sluggish start as they have plenty of new parts at the skill positions. It won’t take them long to get going, but Miami’s defense could confuse the Tide early on before Bama finds its sea legs.

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Western Michigan at Michigan odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Western Michigan at Michigan odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Western Michigan Broncos and Michigan Wolverines will get their seasons underway Saturday. Kickoff at Michigan Stadium is scheduled for noon ET. Below, we look at the Western Michigan at Michigan odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Western Michigan takes the short jaunt across Interstate 94 from Kalamazoo to Ann Arbor to battle in The Big House. The Broncos will look to carry over the momentum from last season’s 4-2 SU season, although they did drop the final two games on their schedule.

Michigan hosts Western Michigan for the eighth time. They lead the all-time series 7-0, including a 49-3 win Sept. 8, 2018, in the most recent meeting.

Western Michigan at Michigan odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:39 a.m. ET.

Money line: Western Michigan +570 (bet $100 to win $570) | Michigan -900 (bet $900 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Michigan +16.5 (-105) | Michigan -16.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 67.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Western Michigan at Michigan odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Michigan 41, Western Michigan 30

Money line

Michigan (-900) will cost you nine times your potential return, and that’s just too much risk for not much reward, especially against a dangerous foe from Western Michigan (+570).

AVOID.

Against the spread

WESTERN MICHIGAN +16.5 (-105) isn’t likely to pull off the upset a la Appalachian State at the Big House nearly 14 years ago to the day. However, the Broncos are a dangerous opponent like the Mountaineers that day, mainly because of QB Kaleb Eleby who could easily start at some Big Ten schools. The Broncos also boast a solid pass rush and they were second in the MAC last season with 19 sacks in six outings.

Over/Under

The lean is to the OVER 67.5 (-108), as both of these teams have offenses that could put up some impressive totals. The one concern for the Broncos is whether they can continue to put up big offensive totals after losing No. 1 WR D’Wayne Eskridge, who is now playing on Sundays.

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Oklahoma vs. Tulane odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Oklahoma at Tulane odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Oklahoma Sooners and Tulane Green Wave meet Saturday in the season opener at Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET. Below, we look at the Oklahoma vs. Tulane odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

Tulane is listed as the home team, although the game was moved from New Orleans to Norman due to damage and power loss caused by Hurricane Ida last weekend.

Oklahoma begins the season No. 3 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports, and boasts the Heisman Trophy favorite in QB Spencer Rattler. OU has averaged better than 40 points per game in each of the past six seasons, and that streak is expected to continue yet again in 2021.

RB Eric Gray transfers in from Tennessee to Oklahoma to give the Sooners a boost, and WR Michael Woods II comes in from Arkansas to give OU even more depth in the receiving corps.

Oklahoma vs. Tulane odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:25 a.m. ET.

Money line: Oklahoma -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100) | Tulane +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500)
Against the spread (ATS): Oklahoma -31.5 (-103) | Tulane +31.5 (-117)
Over/Under (O/U): 67.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Oklahoma vs. Tulane odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Oklahoma 55, Tulane 17

Money line

Oklahoma (-10000) will cost you $100 for every $1 won, so obviously you cannot make that bet. Yes, the Sooners should be able to win this one rather handily but if you make this bet 100 times and lose just once, you’re in the red. Why risk it?

AVOID.

Against the spread

OKLAHOMA -31.5 (-103) is worth a look. Rattler and the Sooners offense will fire out of the gate and roll up big points in the first half. The only concern is the defense, which should be improved.

Over/Under

Roll with the OVER 67.5 (-115), as the Sooners should do the heavy lifting with a big number. The biggest concern is whether the Green Wave can score enough.

This one might not be decided until late in the fourth quarter, so tread lightly.

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Rice at Arkansas odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Rice at Arkansas odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Rice Owls and Arkansas Razorbacks meet Saturday in their season openers at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET. The game can be viewed on ESPN+. Below, we look at the Rice at Arkansas odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Owls are on the rise after many seasons in the doldrums. Head coach Mike Bloomgren is leading the resurgence. Rice had a losing record in a COVID-shortened 2020, going 2-3, but all three setbacks were by 10 points or less.

Rice QB Luke McCaffrey, brother of Carolina Panthers standout Christian McCaffrey, is expected to see time under center. He is a dual-threat option battling redshirt junior QB Wiley Green, who has nine starts under his belt.

Arkansas won three games in the SEC last season, as head coach Sam Pittman has the Hogs pointed in the right direction again. The Razorbacks were good for 25.7 points per game in the SEC, more than a touchdown better than the 17.5 PPG they posted in league outings in 2019. They hope that success spills over to this battle against a conference foe from back in the day.

Rice at Arkansas odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:20 a.m. ET.

Money line: Rice +700 (bet $100 to win $700) | Arkansas -1200 (bet $1,200 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Rice +19.5 (-112) | Arkansas -19.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 49.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Rice at Arkansas odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Arkansas 34, Rice 17

Money line

Arkansas (-1200) will cost you 12 times your potential return, or $8.33 won for every $100 risked. That’s a lot of risk for not much reward.

AVOID.

Against the spread

RICE +19.5 (-112) has yet to name a starting quarterback, but that’s OK. Both McCaffrey and Green are talented players capable of keeping the Owls in the game. Rice won’t threaten to post the upset in this battle between old Southwest Conference rivals, but it will be able to keep the deficit under 20.

Over/Under

The lean is to the OVER 49.5 (-112), but go very lightly. It might not happen until late in the fourth quarter. Arkansas had an improved defense last season, and it will make life miserable for Rice. The Owls, though, have a dual-threat option in McCaffrey, and Green is experienced when his number is called. Rice will be able to find the end zone at least twice.

Speaking of scoring, look for Arkansas’ all-everything WR Treylon Burks to do big things Saturday, too.

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Michigan State at Northwestern odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Michigan State at Northwestern odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Michigan State Spartans and Northwestern Wildcats meet Friday in the season opener for both teams at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Michigan State at Northwestern odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Spartans were able to trip up the Wildcats 29-20 last season in East Lansing, one of a few bright spots in an otherwise bleak first campaign for head coach Mel Tucker. Sparty has a pretty decent defense, but the offense will be breaking in a new quarterback and the run game should struggle, too.

The Wildcats turn to former Clemson recruit QB Hunter Johnson under center, and he has one of the top backs in college football to take the pressure off of him. RB Cam Porter has the chance to be one of the top tailbacks in the Big Ten, and OL Peter Skoronski is a star up front.

Michigan State at Northwestern odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:55 a.m. ET.

Money line: Michigan State +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Northwestern -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Michigan State +3.5 (-125) | Northwestern -3.5 (+102)
Over/Under (O/U): 46.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Michigan State at Northwestern odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Northwestern 26, Michigan State 17

Money line

NORTHWESTERN (-170) isn’t terribly expensive if you would like to just bet them straight up and avoid messing with the points.

The Wildcats, the defending West Division champs in the Big Ten, likely have had this game circled on the schedule for a long time. Not because it is the opener, but because they’re looking for revenge after a loss in East Lansing last season.

Against the spread

NORTHWESTERN -3.5 (+102) is worth a look laying the 3 and a hook, especially at plus-money. The Wildcats will have a very good rush attack and should be able to make noise against a Michigan State side which is very average. If the Wildcats grab the early lead, Sparty doesn’t quite have the pieces in place in the pass game to clap back.

Over/Under

The play is UNDER 46.5 (-110), even though a line in the 40s in this era of college football is rather low but Northwestern is old school, chewing up clock in the run game, while playing suffocating defense.

The lack of top-notch skill position players for Michigan State will make the Wildcats D look even better, too.

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UL Monroe at Kentucky odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s UL Monroe at Kentucky odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The UL Monroe Warhawks and Kentucky Wildcats meet Saturday in their season openers at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET. Below, we look at the UL Monroe at Kentucky odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.

The Warhawks were horrific in 2020, losing all 10 games while covering just three times. ULM lost each of its final six outings, and nine of the 10, by at least 18 points. This will be ULM’s first game against an SEC foe since Oct. 6, 2018, a 70-21 loss at Ole Miss.

Each of ULM’s past six games against SEC foes dating back to the start of the 2015 season have been losses by 28 or more points. The last time it faced Kentucky, it lost 48-14 Oct. 11, 2014.

UL Monroe at Kentucky odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:55 a.m. ET.

Money line: UL Monroe +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | Kentucky -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): UL Monroe +30.5 (+100) | Kentucky -30.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 53.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

UL Monroe at Kentucky odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Kentucky 55, UL Monroe 10

Money line

It goes without saying, Kentucky (-10000) is a poor bet. Yes, it should roll ULM, but you cannot risk $100 for every $1 won.

PASS.

Against the spread

KENTUCKY -30.5 (-120) is expected to challenge for a New Year’s Day bowl game. That’s how good this offense has a chance to be. ULM lost every game it played last season, it has dropped six straight vs. SEC by 28 or more points, and it is going to struggle mightily in this road game against a good Wildcats offense.

Over/Under

The best play on the board is the OVER 53.5 (-115) with Kentucky having the opportunity to take care of the Over all on its own. The Warhawks should be a little better under new coach Terry Bowden, but this is a team which was outscored 420-163, and it is going to take a while for the defense to show signs of a turnaround.

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