Kesh’s College Fund Week One – Vegas Lines

It’s been a long nine months since my last post but just like crowds are back in the bleachers, I am back to look ahead to bring you a weekly look into the weekend’s college football slate, sprinkling a bit of Vegas in there and giving you my College betting picks game Week One 2021 from teams in the Top 25.

Please note, all the lines are courtesy of SkyBet at the time of writing. Lines are subject to change, gamble responsibly. 

Ohio State (-13.5) @ Minnesota

We kick things off with the Justin Fields-less Ohio State going across to Minnesota on Thursday Night where the two Big Ten teams battle it off to jump start the 2021 college football season. It’s going to be interesting to see what the Buckeyes are like with a new QB leading the way but they should get comfortable as the game goes on and win it easily before time expires. Ohio State by two touchdowns, I’d hope so.

North Carolina (-5.5) @ Virginia Tech

Sam Howell could lead UNC to an undefeated schedule if they play their cards right. That’s why I believe they’ll start their season with a bang with a bit of Friday night football and take home a W from the Hokies. North Carolina -5.5, book it.

Oklahoma (-24.5) @ Tulane

As much as I slated him last year, my pick for the Heisman trophy is Spencer Rattler and for the Sooners to win the Natty. I’m all in on Oklahoma this year so don’t be surprised with any biased predictions this year. With that being said, this team is going to fire on all cylinders and come away with a huge week 1 W which could even send them into first place in the rankings. Sooners come away with a big win.

Penn State @ Wisconsin (-5)

A huge matchup as two ranked teams face off in their respective season openers. Unfortunately as I can’t back either team this is going to be my pass of the week.

Fresno State @ Oregon (-20)

Oregon faces a tough opener against Fresno State but I think the early kick off will be in favour of the home team hence I’m leaning towards an Oregon victory. Not sure if they’ll put up a three touchdown advantage by the final whistle but they should get out of this with little worry. Oregon money line.

Alabama (-18) @ Miami

Another ranked v ranked matchup in Week 1. Reigning champions Alabama take on Miami as Nick Saban looks to add to his already impressive resume. With Mac Jones no longer under centre, Roll Tide will look to their new QB to continue their winning ways. Bama always recruits well so I can’t see anything to knock them from taking the Week 1 win.

Miami Ohio @ Cincinnati (-23)

This is a big Week 1 spread for a somewhat over ranked team in my opinion. If Cincinnati is 8th or better come the end of the season I will be relatively impressed. On that note, I can see them coming away with a victory but not confident enough to put my money on the spread. Bearcat moneyline.

Indiana @ Iowa (-3)

No. 17 v No. 18 and a close spread to go with it. Speculating but -3 could purely be for home advantage so if played on a neutral field this will be an evens, pick ‘em game. The over/under is only 47.5 so even Vegas thinks this will be a low scoring slog. I think this will be slightly disappointing so I’m taking the under and moving on.

Louisiana @ Texas (-7.5)

Are Texas back? We’ll find out if they can get past the Ragin’ Cajuns in their opener. The line is dropping closer to evens so it might be worth a wait to get a better number closer to game day. If you can get Texas -6.5 or better then that is a number I’ll be snapping up. Nonetheless, as things stand I’m going with the Longhorns to take the W straight up.

San Jose State @ USC (-13.5)

USC will always hold a special place in my heart as I had one of the best tailgate experiences outside of the LA Memorial Coliseum, got stuck into all pre-game traditions and then blagged my way into the student section where the atmosphere was incredible. Nostalgia out of the way, this line is rising and USC is becoming more of a favourite as the hours go on. Money is coming in heavy on USC so my advice is to get on sooner rather than later if you want a good number. USC -13.5.

Georgia @ Clemson (-3)

Game of the week alert. Playing on a neutral field, these two giants of College Football will be an amazing game to watch. I’m avoiding picking a team to favour but the over/under is 51.5 which I feel is a little low for what I hope will be a high scoring matchup. Over 51.5.

Florida Atlantic @ Florida (-24)

The gators will be without Kyle Pitts but I still think they are a top top tier team going into the 2021 season. I think it will be a big win against FAU but I don’t think they’ll put up -24 with ease. Just get out with a W and look ahead for the rest of the season. Florida straight up.

Kent State @ Texas A&M (-29)

The Aggies are No. 5 in the opening rankings, a little bit high in my opinion. I also cannot see them putting up a 30 point lead against Kent State but I’ve been wrong many times before. It will be interesting to see how this team progresses throughout the season but being cautious I think Texas A&M outright will be the best move.

LSU (-3.5) @ UCLA

Again, it’s too early and the teams are too unpredictable after a covid year to put some real opinions behind this game. Are LSU good again or are UCLA just bad? I think I’ll go with a bit of both and decide that LSU will take home the W and maybe even put up a bigger number than anticipated. LSU -3.5.

Notre Dame (-7) @ Florida State

Finally, a Sunday night game to finish our week off. Notre Dame was surprisingly low in the opening rankings against a FSU team who were a bit of a joke last year. I think The Irish will win here because I can only judge what the teams were like last year. So that being said, my last pick of the week to open 2021 is Notre Dame -7.

Good luck in your College Betting Picks Game Week One 2021 selections. I’ll be back next week with another slate of picks for week two.

-Kesh