It’s finally here. The first full weekend of college football action is upon us. That means there is betting value to be found.
Here, we take a look at the best moneyline underdog picks in Week 1.
Army Black Knights vs. Georgia State Panthers
Army vs. Georgia State Picks
If you have ever watched an Army football game, you know exactly what’s going to happen. The Knights use their triple option offense to control possession of the football. Last season, Army was third in the nation in time of possession averaging nearly 35 minutes per game.
That keeps Army in games. Coupled with a defense that finished second in the nation last year allowing just 14.8 points, you can see why Army is in every game that it plays. The Army offense will give Georgia State fits. The Panthers did go 6-4 last season and return all of their offensive starters. They will have to have the ball to score though.
Look for head coach Jeff Monken’s Knights to do what they do best. With their starting quarterback and leading rusher Tyhier Tyler back along with eight defensive starters, Army pulls the upset on the road.
Best Moneyline Pick: ARMY +118
Nevada Wolf Pack vs. California Golden Bears
Nevada went 7-2 last year and returns nine starters on both sides of the ball. The Wolf Pack will contend with Boise State for the Mountain West crown this season. QB Carson Strong is one of the nation’s best and leads a Nevada passing game that was 12th in the nation last year (319.1 ypg).
Cal brings back nine offensive starters including their quarterback Chase Garbers. The Bears are 14-5 when Garbers starts and plays more than one half. The problem is that Garbers and the Bears only averaged 20.5 points a game last year. That ranked 110th in the nation.
Cal will have a hard time keeping up with the super-efficient Wolf Pack. In their last 13 home games, the Under has hit eight times which is an indication of the struggles of the Bears offense. Nevada could be one of the best Group of 5 teams in the country and a win over a Power 5 team will give the Wolf Pack instant credibility.
Best Moneyline Pick: NEVADA +145
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Clemson Tigers
In one of the premier games of the first full weekend in college football, the No. 3-ranked Clemson Tigers take on No. 5 Georgia in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both teams are potential College Football Playoff teams.
Clemson is favored after having played in the last six straight CFP playoffs. The Tigers will have to replace all of their skill positions from last season. That includes No. 1 NFL draft pick QB Trevor Lawrence and first-round RB Travis Etienne.
The Tigers will go with DJ Uiagalelei at quarterback. The 6-5 sophomore started two games last season in place of Lawrence. Clemson has four- and five-star prospects like RB Will Shipley and WR Joe Ngata to step in on offense.
Where Georgia may have an edge is in experience. The Bulldogs defense led the nation against the run last year and the offense returns seven starters. One of them is QB JT Daniels who has plenty of experience in big games.
Georgia is 7-1 straight up in the last eight games against Clemson. With all eyes on the Tigers, the Bulldogs experience takes over and pulls the upset.
Best Moneyline Pick: GEORGIA +135
