Week 1 Big College Football Betting Predictions

The College Football Playoff changed the entire landscape of the sport, and gave NCAA fans exactly what they have been asking for. One of the biggest changes made to the sport can be seen in the opening week of the 2016 season. The opening couple of weeks were usually reserved for the big guns playing what was essentially warm-up games against punching bag teams. With the playoff in place, every team with a shot at one of those 4 spots has to impress the committee from Week 1 on, and that means playing larger programs in order to make an immediate impact. It’s a huge gamble for these teams, but it can also pay off in a big way if they can make a big splash right out of the gate. It’s a little too early to have the odds in place for some of the huge games we have in Week 1, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a look at who is likely to be the favorite, so let me give you guys my best college football betting predictions for those big games.

Taking a Sneak Peak at the Week 1 Big College Football Betting Predictions

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Kansas State at Stanford

While this one may not be seen by many people as a huge match-up, it does have the benefit of being a Friday night (Sept. 2) game that is going to be nationally televised. The reason I like this one is because it will feature Heisman Trophy favorite Christian McCaffrey. If he can put together a year as good as what he delivered in 2015, Stanford could well make a playoff bid. They should get their season off to a good start with a pretty comfortable win.

Oklahoma Vs Houston

NRG Field is sure to be packed to capacity on Saturday, Sept 3 for what is arguably the best game on the opening week schedule. There are a lot of people out there who believe that the Sooners are a championship favorite, but they will be facing a Houston team that could well prove to be a dark horse this season. Oklahoma are heading into hostile territory in this one, and I think they will find a way to grind out a win.

Alabama Vs USC

You have to hand it to the defending champion Crimson Tide, as they have scheduled a tough opening game this season. This one will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which is where Alabama got their season off to a winning start against Wisconsin last year. Alabama have actually started their last 4 seasons with Games against Power 5 opponents, winning each one by an average of 18 points. Given that trend, you have to like the Crimson Tide here.

North Carolina Vs Georgia

The Mark Richt era in Georgia is over, and there is a new sense of excitement in Bulldog country with Kirby Smart now steering the ship. Georgia have a tough start with North Carolina coming into town to face the Dawgs at the Georgia Dome. This may be our first chance to get a look at 5-star QB Jacob Eason with the Bulldogs, and if he can show the sort of composure that he displayed in the Spring Game, fans will have every reason to be excited. I think Georgia wins this one, and flashes a solid new defensive structure.