You may be familiar with our weekly moneyline underdog article. Well, we decided a couple of years ago that we needed to show love for the other side by also sharing our two favorite college football favorites that we share weekly on the "Big Bets on Campus" podcast.
We affectionately refer to them as "overdogs," thanks to one of our beloved callers. To kick off the chalk talk this year, we're rolling with two power conference teams facing Group of 6 foes.
Let's dive into our Week 1 college football predictions and NCAAF picks for Coastal Carolina vs. West Virginia and Boise State vs. Oregon on Saturday, Sept. 5.
Week 1 College Football Predictions
- West Virginia -21 vs. Coastal Carolina
- Oregon -24 vs. Boise State
Coastal Carolina vs West Virginia Prediction
| Coastal Carolina Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+21 -110 | 55.5 -110o / -110u | +850 |
| West Virginia Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-21 -110 | 55.5 -110o / -110u | -1450 |
By Stuckey
I'll start with West Virginia.
Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. and running back Cam Cook — who led the nation in rushing a season ago — should be perfect fits in head coach Rich Rodriguez's system. The pace, the tempo and the scheme all suit these guys.
Now, this significantly improved West Virginia gets to face the Ryan Beard Ponzi scheme in Week 1.
Beard’s Missouri State team finished 7-6 last season, but that record was mostly smoke and mirrors.
The Bears picked up a one-point win over Marshall, a two-point squeaker over Middle Tennessee, a seven-point win over New Mexico State, a seven-point win over FIU and a four-point win over a broken Liberty squad. That’s five wins by one possession.
Beard also added 56 new players and will try to cobble together a competitive roster quickly, but turning that many new pieces into something cohesive after a season like last year is no small task.
I think Coastal is horrendous this year and West Virginia gets up early. Go 'Neers.
Pick: West Virginia -21
Boise State vs Oregon Prediction
| Boise State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+24.5 -110 | 51.5 -108o / -112u | +1200 |
| Oregon Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-24.5 -110 | 51.5 -108o / -112u | -2400 |
If you’re shopping the line, grab that 24 on Oregon. I think this one’s going to steam, and if it doesn't, it should.
Boise State is going to try to run straight into an Oregon defensive line that’s loaded. This unit isn't just loaded with starters; it's loaded on the two-deep of the depth chart.
There are players fighting for snaps, and that rotation should make life miserable for any inside running attack. How that front performs will go a long way toward deciding whether or not Oregon is a national-title contender.
On the other side, Ducks quarterback Dante Moore has a treasure chest of weapons to throw at a Boise State defense that’s been shaky tackling under coordinator Erik Chinander.
The Broncos ranked 134th in tackling last year and finished dead last in giving up rush explosives. That combination raises real questions about how they’ll handle Oregon’s playmakers in space.
Maybe Oregon kicker Atticus Sappington gets a look or two out there, but between the Ducks' offensive line and the weaponry Moore has at his disposal, I don’t see how six points aren’t coming off a lot of these drives.
It's also worth noting that Boise State scared the life out of Oregon two years ago, and Dan Lanning hasn’t forgotten about that. With that said, I’m taking Oregon as my overdog here.
Pick: Oregon -24
