Tag: NCAA football betting odds lines picks best bets against the spread over under

Texas at Texas Tech odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Texas Longhorns at Texas Tech Red Raiders sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Texas Longhorns (1-0) and Texas Tech Red Raiders (1-0) open Big 12 play with a 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday kickoff at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Below, we analyze the Texas-Texas Tech college football betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

The Longhorns are ranked ninth in the Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Texas at Texas Tech: Betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Texas -715 | Texas Tech +500
  • Against the spread/ATS: Texas -17.5 (-110) | Texas Tech +17.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 70.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Texas at Texas Tech: Three things to know

1. The Longhorns are coming off bye week after routing UTEP 59-3 on Sept. 12. In their win over UTEP, QB Sam Ehlinger threw for 426 yards and five touchdowns. Texas amassed seven aerial TDs in all, and seven players caught TD passes.

2. Texas Tech also was off last week following a narrow 35-33 win over FCS Houston Baptist, which was routed 57-31 by North Texas on Sept. 5. So, the Red Raiders come in as a major question mark. What especially doesn’t bode well for facing the Longhorns is how the TTU defense was undone through the air. Houston Baptist piled up 567 passing yards.

3. In their win over UTEP, the ‘Horns had five TD drives of eight plays or more. On defense, the system initiated by new defensive coordinator Chris Ash was sharp against both the run and pass as well as on situational downs.

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Texas at Texas Tech: Odds, betting lines and picks

Prediction

Texas 42, Texas Tech 21

Money line (ML)

PASS. The line is just way too big.

Against the spread (ATS)

The weather report for this game indicates a temperature in the low-90s. For a while this week, it looked the O/U total was heading into a similar neighborhood. But 70.5 points is plenty; after all, the last 11 times the Red Raiders have been underdogs, the Over has gone 9-1-1.

This is where that trend comes to a halt. Figure on enough defense to get Texas to the finish line with something like a 42-21 final score. Take the LONGHORNS -17.5.

Over/Under (O/U)

The host Raiders have enough injury question marks on offense and Ash (and HC Tom Herman for that matter) has something to prove in getting UT back to respectability on the defensive side of the ball. Take the UNDER 70.5.

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Iowa State at TCU odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Iowa State Cyclones at TCU Horned Frogs sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Iowa State Cyclones (0-1) visit the TCU Horned Frogs (0-0) Saturday at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, for a 1:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we analyze the Iowa State-TCU college football betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Iowa State at TCU: Betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:25 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Iowa State -134 | TCU +110
  • Against the spread/ATS: Iowa State -2.5 (-110) | TCU +2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 44.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Iowa State at TCU: Three things to know

1. TCU is one of many college programs dealing with a stutter start to the 2020 season. The Horned Frogs were scheduled to open the season Sept. 11 against SMU, but positive COVID-19 tests among players and staff members forced a postponement. While being tested for COVID-19 last month, QB Max Duggan was diagnosed with a long-term heart defect. He’s since been cleared to play, but transfer QB Matthew Downing has had a good fall and was announced Tuesday by HC Gary Patterson as Saturday’s starter. Downing had a cup of coffee with Georgia in 2018 but is otherwise untested.

2. Iowa State drilled TCU 49-24 last October. Returning QB Brock Purdy — now a senior and a third-year starter — went 19-of-24 for 247 passing yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 102 yards and two more scores. For TCU, the game was the beginning of a slide that saw the Frogs lose six of their last eight games in 2019.

3. Purdy and the Cyclones struggled in a disappointing 31-14 season-opening loss to Louisiana on Sept. 12. ISU was undone by big plays and a minus-2 in turnovers.

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Iowa State at TCU: Odds, betting lines and picks

Prediction

TCU 27, Iowa State 17

Money line (ML)

Patterson-coached teams have a nice history of successful bouncebacks after bad losses from one year to the next. Backing the HORNED FROGS (+110) makes sense here.

Against the spread (ATS)

Dating to last season, Iowa State is 0-6 ATS over its last half-dozen games. TCU is 7-22 ATS in its last 29 at home. Something’s got to give, and the consistent recruiting edge for TCU — and depth in a year where that is crucial — plays out as the ultimate difference maker. HORNED FROGS PLUS TWO-AND-A-HOOK WILL DO.

Over/Under (O/U)

A low-score game flow is the probable outcome here, but that’s baked into this total. Take the Under if the total climbs to 45. Otherwise, PASS.

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UCF at East Carolina odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UCF Knights at East Carolina Pirates sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The UCF Knights (1-0) pay a visit to the East Carolina Pirates (0-0) in a Saturday noon ET contest at Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, N.C. We analyze the UCF-East Carolina college football betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

UCF at East Carolina: Betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:45 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: UCF -2000 | East Carolina +950
  • Against the spread/ATS: UCF -27.5 (-110) | East Carolina +27 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 76,5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

UCF at East Carolina: Three things to know

1. Central Florida is ranked No. 15 in the Amway Coaches Poll Powered by USA Today Sports. UCF is coming off a 10-3 season a year ago; the Knights averaged a robust 43.4 points per game (5th FBS). Their three losses in 2019 were by a combined margin of seven points. UCF opened its 2020 campaign with a 49-21 win over Georgia Tech.

2. East Carolina had its first game of the season (vs. Marshall) postponed due COVID-19 concerns. ECU went 4-8 a year ago. Among those eight losses was a 41-28 loss to UCF, but the Pirates covered the +34.5 spread.

3. Knights QB Dillon Gabriel threw for 417 yards and four touchdowns vs. Georgia Tech. Gabriel completed 59.3 percent of his passes (236 of 398) in 2019; he logged 29 TD passes against seven interceptions. The then-freshman scuffled a bit away from home, completing 54 percent of his passes. All seven of his picks came in away games.

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UCF at East Carolina: Odds, betting lines and picks

Prediction

UCF 52, East Carolina 21

Money line (ML)

STEER CLEAR: A lot of juice brackets the real win probabilities in between.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Knights led last year’s game 35-6 at one point. The eventual mini-comeback for the Pirates included two short-field scores. Style points have always mattered in college football, but never have they loomed as large as they figure to in a shortened and uneven 2020 campaign. Look for ranked Central Florida to bolt to a lead, extend it and get it into four-score territory well before the final gun.

UCF sometimes gets overvalued in these American Athletic Conference games (2-6 against the spread last 8 games), and this tag is perhaps worth waiting on for a price drop, but the KNIGHTS (-27.5) are the play.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over has hit in eight of the last 11 meetings between the Knights and Pirates. UCF has far-and-away the best offense in this game, but the uncertainty surrounding what figures as a lopsided score puts this total into NO-GO territory.

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Vanderbilt at Texas A&M odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Vanderbilt Commodores at Texas A&M Aggies sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Vanderbilt Commodores and the Texas A&M Aggies meet for the season opener at Kyle Field in College State, Tex. for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff Saturday. We analyze the Vanderbilt-Texas A&M college football betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Vanderbilt at Texas A&M: Betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 1:15 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Texas A&M -10000 (bet $10000 to win $100) | Vanderbilt +1700 (bet $100 to win $1700)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Texas A&M -30.5, -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Vanderbilt +30.5, -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 46, Over -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Under -110 (bet $110 to win $100)

Vanderbilt at Texas A&M: Three things to know

  1. The Commodores saw PK Oren Milstein opt out for the 2020 season due to COVID-19, so it will be interesting to see if they have any early kicking woes. The Aggies lost DB Elijah Blades to the opt out list, too.
  2. Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond totaled 2,897 passing yards with 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2019, and he also rushed for 501 yards and eight scores.
  3. These teams haven’t met since Nov. 21, 2015, a 25-0 road victory in Nashville as 4.5-point favorites.

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Vanderbilt at Texas A&M: Odds, betting lines and picks

Prediction

Texas A&M 45, Vanderbilt 10

Money line (ML)

Texas A&M (-10000) should comfortably win this game, but why would anyone ever risk $100 to risk $1? AVOID.

Against the spread (ATS)

TEXAS A&M -30.5 (-110) is a heavy favorite at home, and while they won’t have the entire 12th man in attendance, they will have fans. A&M announced their COVID capacity plan is 25 percent of 102,733, which equates to 25,683. Those fans will be treated to an exciting win and cover.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 55.5 (-110) is the way to go. A&M is known for quick starts, posting 317 total points in the past seven season openers, or an average of 45.3 PPG. And those games weren’t against a bunch of patsies, as the span includes a home-and-home against UCLA and a conference game with South Carolina. They’ll get off to another quick start with Mond and company, and they could take care of the total themselves.

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Alabama at Missouri odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Alabama Crimson Tide at Missouri Tigers sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Alabama Crimson Tide travel to meet the Missouri Tigers in the season opener for both teams at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Mo. for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff Saturday (on ESPN). We analyze the Alabama-Missouri college football betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Alabama at Missouri: Betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 1 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Alabama -2500 (bet $2500 to win $100) | Missouri +1100 (bet $100 to win $1100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Alabama -27, -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Missouri +27, -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 55.5, Over -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Under -110 (bet $110 to win $100)

Alabama at Missouri: Three things to know

  1. QB Tua Tagovailoa has moved on to the NFL, so QB Mac Jones takes over the reins of the offense full time. He did start four games last season when Tua went down with a hip injury, but now it’s sink or swim. He ended up with 1,503 yards, 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions, so he looks more than capable.
  2. Bama was high flying in the passing game, and they averaged 47.2 points per game to rank second in the nation in 2019. However, if they had one Achilles’ heel, it was in the run game. RB Najee Harris is good, but not great. The Tide averaged just 163.5 yards per game, checking in 57th in the country. If Mizzou can stop the pass, things could get interesting.
  3. These teams last met on Oct. 13, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, a 39-10 win and cover for Alabama. The Tigers hung with the Tide through 15 minutes, trailing just 13-10. But it was too much Tua the rest of the way.

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Alabama at Missouri: Odds, betting lines and picks

Prediction

Alabama 38, Missouri 17

Money line (ML)

Please do not play Alabama (-2500), risking $2500 to win just $100. Any respectable bettor doesn’t even need to be told this. AVOID.

Against the spread (ATS)

MISSOURI +27 (-110) looks to stun the world in the debut of new head coach Eli Drinkwitz, who comes over from Appalachian State. And the Tigers might look like they can hang for a quarter or two. The second half will be all Alabama -27 (-110), but Mizzou should do enough to grab the cover.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total of 55.5 is going to be way too close. I expect that ‘Bama will be a little rusty out of the gate as they try to replace the likes of WRs Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III. This score should be right around the total, so the best choice is to AVOID.

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NC State at Virginia Tech odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s NC State Wolfpack at Virginia Tech Hokies sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The NC State Wolfpack (1-0) travels to Blacksburg, Va., to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies (0-0) in a Saturday night (8 p.m. ET) ACC contest at Lane Stadium.  We analyze the NC State-Virginia Tech college football betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

NC State at Virginia Tech: Betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 11:15 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Virginia Tech -250 | NC State +200
  • Against the Spread/ATS: Virginia Tech -7 (-110) | NC State +7 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 58.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

NC State at Virginia Tech: Three things to know

1. This is take two for this matchup. The Wolfpack and Hokies were slated to tee it up on Sept. 12, but that game was postponed due to positive COVID-19 tests and the quarantining of NC State players. NC State did get in a game last week, but for Virginia Tech this game on Saturday night will mark a season opener twice delayed. The Hokies had their Sept. 19 game (Virginia) nixed as well.

2. NC State is coming off a 45-42 win over Wake Forest. Junior QB Bailey Hockman was a surprise starter for the ‘Pack; he and sophomore Devin Leary figure to share quarterbacking duties this season. But it was NC State’s run game which impressed in game No. 1. RB Ricky Person rushed for 99 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries, and RB Zonovan Knight ran for 97 yards and a TD on 11 attempts.

3. Hokies HC Justin Fuente told ACC media on Monday that he does not expect to go into this game with a full roster.

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NC State at Virginia Tech: Odds, betting lines and picks

Prediction

Virginia Tech 31, NC State 21

Moneyline (ML)

Steer clear of a juice-filled money line that blocks off any value at either end.

Against the Spread (ATS)

Bettors appear to be taking a conservative angle in their approach to the Virginia Tech roster. Punching back with the counter that the Hokies are much the better and deeper roster as recruited maybe adding some slight value.

NCSU is 1-8 against the spread over its last nine games when tabbed as an underdog. Virginia Tech is seeking its fifth straight win against the Wolfpack. Back the HOKIES -7 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Virginia Tech returns many key members of its defense. That includes LB Rayshard Ashby (119 tackles, 17 TFL, five sacks). Look for a game-control approach from Fuentes and the Hokies.

This series has produced an Under four times in the last five games. Take the Under Saturday as well.

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Louisville at Pittsburgh odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Louisville Cardinals at Pittsburgh Panthers sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Louisville Cardinals (1-1) battle the Pittsburgh Panthers (2-0) at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Penn., for a 12:00 p.m. ET kickoff Saturday. We analyze the Louisville-Pittsburgh college football betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Louisville at Pittsburgh: Betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 1:10 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Pittsburgh -134 (bet $134 to win $100) | Louisville +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Pittsburgh -2.5, -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Louisville +2.5, -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 54.5, Over -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Under -110 (bet $110 to win $100)

Louisville at Pittsburgh: Three things to know

  1. The Cardinals offense has been on fire, ranking 13th in the nation with 501.5 total yards and they’re eighth in the country with 325.0 passing yards per contest, as QB Micale Cunningham has registered 650 passing yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions, and one rushing score, too.
  2. The Panthers rush defense ranks No. 1 in the nation, allowing 26.0 rushing yards per game through two outings while checking in third with just 154.0 total yards per game allowed. Louisville will certainly put a dent in those numbers, as they’re not Austin Peay or Syracuse.
  3. Louisville WR Tutu Atwell has rolled up 192 receiving yards and two touchdowns, and RB Javian Hawkins has run for 235 yards and two scores, as the Cards have had a balanced offense. They just haven’t stopped anyone, coughing up 366.5 total yards and 34.0 points per game.

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Louisville at Pittsburgh: Odds, betting lines and picks

Prediction

Louisville 31, Pittsburgh 26

Money line (ML)

LOUISVILLE (+110) is a solid value on the road as short ‘dogs, as their offense will be able to move the ball like Pittsburgh (-134) hasn’t seen so far this season. It won’t be a slam-dunk victory, as the lack of solid defense from the Cards will keep the Panthers in the game. But they don’t have nearly the high-octane offense to help Pittsburgh across the finish line.

Against the spread (ATS)

LOUISVILLE (+2.5, -110) is catching a deuce and a half, but playing them straight up is a better option and will earn you more money.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 54.5 (-110) is worth playing lightly, as mentioned above, Louisville has really struggled defensively. Pitt’s defense has looked good, but they faced an FCS team and a winless and stumbling Syracuse side. The Cardinals are a whole other animal.

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West Virginia at Oklahoma State odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s West Virginia Mountaineers at Oklahoma State Cowboys sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The West Virginia Mountaineers (1-0) and Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-0) meet at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff Saturday. We analyze the West Virginia-Oklahoma State college football betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

West Virginia at Oklahoma State: Betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 12:40 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Oklahoma State -295 (bet $295 to win $100) | West Virginia +235 (bet $100 to win $235)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Oklahoma State -7.5, -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | West Virginia +7.5, -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 51.5, Over -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Under -110 (bet $110 to win $100)

West Virginia at Oklahoma State: Three things to know

  1. Oklahoma State won its opener last Saturday, but it was an ugly 16-7 defensive slog against a mediocre Tulsa side, and they trailed the Golden Hurricane 7-3 into the fourth quarter before a flurry of late points.
  2. The Cowboys managed just 277 total yards of offense, and RB Chuba Hubbard was held in relative check with 93 yards on the ground. New QB Shane Illingworth struggled, although he did jell nicely with WR Tylan Wallace for 94 yards.
  3. West Virginia had its way with FCS Eastern Kentucky, winning 56-10 while registering 624 yards of total offense, including 329 yards on the ground. RB Alec Sinkfield ran for 123 yards and two scores.

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West Virginia at Oklahoma State: Odds, betting lines and picks

Prediction

Oklahoma State 27, West Virginia 24

Money line (ML)

Oklahoma State (-295) opened with an uninspiring win over in-state rival Tulsa, and not only is it a bad idea to risk nearly three times your potential return on anyone but it’s also especially bad to risk it on a team which looked so poor a week ago. If anything, West Virginia (+235) is worth a look. AVOID.

Against the spread (ATS)

WEST VIRGINIA (+7.5, -110) is way more attractive on this side of the seven. You have to love seven and a hook when backing the ‘dog, as even if the game ends in a touchdown difference, you’re a winner. With Sinkfield, QB Jarret Doege, etc., they look to have a functional offense that could challenge Oklahoma State (-7.5, -110).

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 51.5 (-110) is worth a light, light play, as the total number of points should be right near the number. Oklahoma State looked terrible for over 45 minutes last week, and West Virginia won’t be nearly as prolific against an FBS opponent while also playing its first game on the road.

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Mississippi State at LSU odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Mississippi State Bulldogs at LSU Tigers sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Mississippi State Bulldogs and LSU Tigers open their 2020 regular season at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La., for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff Saturday. We analyze the Mississippi State-LSU college football betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Mississippi State at LSU: Betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 12:25 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: LSU -715 (bet $715 to win $100) | Mississippi State +490 (bet $100 to win $490)
  • Against the spread/ATS: LSU -16.5, -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Mississippi State +16.5, -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 55.5, Over -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Under -110 (bet $110 to win $100)

Mississippi State at LSU: Three things to know

  1. The Tigers will allow 25 percent capacity at Death Valley in Baton Rouge or roughly 26,000 fans out of the 102,321 available seats, so it will be a sizeable crowd on hand.
  2. The defending national champions begin the post-Joe Burrow era, and they will also have to do without star WR Ja’Marr Chase, who elected to opt-out and prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft. QB Myles Brennan takes over under center.
  3. Head coach Mike Leach takes over at Mississippi State, trying to employ his Air Raid offense in Starkville. It might take some time to get his guys into the program to make it work. Stanford transfer QB K.J. Costello is expected to be tabbed as the starter under center.

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Mississippi State at LSU: Odds, betting lines and picks

Prediction

LSU 38, Mississippi State 20

Money line (ML)

LSU (-715) opens defense of their title as heavy home favorites. You just cannot back a team straight up by risking more than seven times your potential return. It’s silly gambling to operate that way, unless you’re tossing them into a nine- or 10-team parlay. Even then. AVOID.

Against the spread (ATS)

It’s a rather big number, and we don’t know a lot about the new LSU (-16.5, -110) offense just yet. The Tigers will obviously have a very, very new look with no Burrow, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Justin Jefferson and Chase no longer in purple and gold, and the defense seeing K’Lavon Chaisson, Grant Delpit and Patrick Queen also moving on.

But programs like LSU simply reload, and you can trust the stability of the coaching staff over Mississippi State, who will be changing coaching staff while seeing a lack of spring and summer practices due to COVID. Expect Mississippi State (+16.5, -110) to start off really rusty.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 55.5 (-110) is a good play in the opener, although both sides could get off to a bit of a slow start. You know as the first half gets going that the LSU offense will figure things out. And Mississippi State will go to the air early and often, trying to employ their new system. An up-tempo offense and more passing is always a favorite of Over bettors.

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Kentucky at Auburn odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Kentucky Wildcats at Auburn Tigers sports betting odds and lines, with college football betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Kentucky Wildcats and Auburn Tigers open their 2020 regular season at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., for a 12 p.m. ET kickoff Saturday. We analyze the Kentucky-Auburn college football betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.

Kentucky at Auburn: Betting odds and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 12:10 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Auburn -304 (bet $304 to win $100) | Kentucky +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Auburn -7.5, -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Kentucky +7.5, -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 49.5, Over -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Under -110 (bet $110 to win $100)

Kentucky at Auburn: Three things to know

  1. The Tigers announced in mid-August that they will allow 20 percent capacity at Jordan-Hare Stadium, which equates to about 17,500 fans.
  2. The Wildcats will have to replace the dynamic QB/WR Lynn Bowden Jr., who was one of the most exciting players in the SEC in 2019. He is now plying his trade with the Miami Dolphins. QB Terry Wilson returns from a season-ending knee injury, and he will battle Auburn transfer Joey Gatewood and Sawyer Smith for the job. Yes, Kentucky could use all three quarterbacks early on.
  3. The Tigers have no such questions, as sophomore QB Bo Nix is back under center. He was sufficient in 2019, but he’ll need to take a big step forward if Auburn is to compete for a championship.

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Kentucky at Auburn: Odds, betting lines and picks

Prediction

Auburn 27, Kentucky 16

Money line (ML)

Auburn (-304) is a heavy favorite in the opener, but you cannot risk three times your potential return in a game where you haven’t seen either side yet. It’s just too risky. AVOID.

Against the spread (ATS)

I’d feel a lot better backing AUBURN (-7.5, -110) if the line wasn’t seven and a hook, but the uncertainty under center for Big Blue makes me feel a little better. Also let the fact the Tigers are 9-3 ATS in their past 12 home games over the past two seasons, including 8-2 ATS in the past 10 as a home favorite.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 49.5 (-110) is the way to go in this one, as Nix and the Tigers offense was decent, but rather mediocre at times last season. The Wildcats will have some growing pains as they try to figure out who their field general is. It’s a tough place to try and answer questions, as the Tigers will have DE Big Kat Bryant and LB K.J. Britt breathing down their necks.

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