The college football season is almost here. Technically Week 0.5 was already here last weekend and a few games were played, but that was just an appetizer for this weekend when all the juicy tilts are being contested, most on neutral fields. Bodog has you covered with all of the Week 1 odds as well as analysis for the most intriguing matchups of the week.
Florida State Seminoles vs Alabama Crimson Tide (-7.5)
Undoubtedly the most anticipated game of the early 2017 college football season, Florida State is taking on Alabama at the Falcons’ brand-new arena in downtown Atlanta. Alabama, the most dominating dynasty in college football, opens the season as a 7.5-point favourite over the No. 3 Noles. Some were surprised by the large point spread for this game, as Florida State might be fielding the best player in all of college football in safety Derwin James, but Nick Saban always seems to get the best out of his Crimson Tide squad in Week 1. Forget losing a season opener – Alabama has not started the season with a win by less than 10 points since Saban’s arrival in Tuscaloosa.
The Tide need their star quarterback Jalen Hurts to be much more productive with throwing the ball this game than he was last year. Whether or not that happens, it remains to be seen. But one thing’s for certain – you better get the popcorn ready for this top four matchup.
Michigan Wolverines (-5.5) vs Florida Gators
Michigan vs Florida, being played at Jerry World in Arlington, Texas, is definitely the most confusing game of the early season where neither fans nor experts are quite sure what to expect. The Wolverines’ flamboyant and unorthodox head coach Jim Harbaugh refuses to name his starting quarterback prior to the game, though it’s hard to imagine it being anyone other than last year’s starter Wilton Speight. On the other hand, the Gators, who are getting 5.5 points in the contest, have already suspended 10 players for their season opener, most for a student ID card scam, which you don’t hear every day. No one knows what will happen in this one, but let’s hope Florida has enough players to field a team by the time kickoff rolls around.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs Virginia Tech Hokies (-4)
College football on a Sunday? Yes please. The Hokies are a 4-point favourite over West Virginia, but they are starting a redshirt freshman quarterback that could get overwhelmed in his first game in Josh Jackson. Conversely, Will Grier of the Mountaineers is an experienced 22-year-old pass thrower, ancient by college football standards. After going meat-heavy on Saturday, it might be a good idea to enjoy Sunday’s dessert by placing a bet on one of these teams.
*Odds as of September 1, 2017