I got off to a solid start with last week’s top college football picks with a 2-1 record and after reviewing this week’s matchups in light of 5Dimes’ posted betting odds I have zeroed-in on my top three picks that you can take to the bank in Week 2.
Houston at Louisville (-11)
The Cougars upended Tennessee Tech 52-24 in their season opener, but they could not cover as heavy 37-point home favorites. Behind Greg Ward Jr. at quarterback there is little doubt that Houston will put some points on the board, but I am very leery of a Cougars’ defense that was torched for 312 yards through the air in Saturday’s win.
The Cardinals did not come out on top in a tough matchup against Auburn in their season opener, but they played well enough to cover against the spread as 10-point underdogs. They have always done well against Houston in the recent past with a 6-1 SU record in the last seven meetings including a 4-1 SU mark at home. I am going that way again this Saturday with Louisville bouncing back to cover.
Georgia (-19.5) at Vanderbilt
Georgia had little problem with UL Monroe last week in a 51-14 victory as a 34.5-point home favorite. The Bulldogs moved the ball at will on the ground behind the running of Nick Chubb and their defense held the Warhawks to just 251 yards of total offense. They now go on the road with a 4-1 record both SU and ATS in their last five road games.
The Commodores failed to convert a late two-point conversion in a 14-12 loss to Western Kentucky as two-point home underdogs in their season opener. They are now 1-5 SU in their last six games and 3-5-1 ATS in their last nine home games. Vanderbilt has dropped nine of its last 10 home games against Georgia and there is no real reason to believe it will be able to keep this game close enough to cover.
Iowa at Iowa State (+4.5)
The Hawkeyes opened-up a 17-point lead at the half against Illinois State and went onto to win their season opener 31-14 as 10-point home favorites. The concern in this matchup is a 4-13 record ATS in their last 17 games against their in-state rivals including a stunning 20-17 loss last season to Iowa State as 13-point home favorites.
The Cyclones also tip the scales in their favor this Saturday following a solid 31-7 victory over Northern Iowa last Saturday as 13-point home favorites. They got a solid effort from quarterback Sam Richardson with 233 yards passing and two touchdown throws. Iowa will be looking for revenge in this matchup, but I have Iowa State winning this one SU as well as underdogs at home.
Leave a Reply