College football is in full effect, and after two weeks of action, we know what teams can play. More information leads to better bets, so I am feeling good about our picks ATS.
Here are the top five ATS bets on the Saturday slate (Learn how to bet on point spreads).
#8 Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Indiana Hoosiers
Best Bet: Cincinnati -3
This could be considered a trap game for the Bearcats walking into Indiana. I think this game will be close, but Cincinnati should pull out the victory. Indiana poses numerous challenges even though they are unranked.
The Bearcats do not play in a Power Five conference, so these games are critical. The Bearcats should start slow on the road and heat up in the second half. The Hoosiers improved against Idaho in week two, but they have not performed ATS.
Under coach Tom Allen, the team is 3-7-1 ATS as a home underdog. Additionally, the Bearcats are the better team in the matchup.
#15 Virginia Tech Hokies vs. West Virginia Mountaineers
Virginia Tech vs. West Virginia Picks
Best Bet: Virginia Tech +2.5
The Hokies beat up Middle Tennessee State in week two despite a slow start. This was to be expected following their massive home win over North Carolina. This game will be one of the toughest challenges for the team this season.
Morgantown is not an easy place to play. Yet, the Hokies as underdogs is too good to pass up in this game. Even though they are 15th, people still believe in the Mountaineers. Things seem different with Justin Fuente’s program in 2021.
#16 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs. Buffalo Bulls
Coastal Carolina vs. Buffalo Picks
Best Bet: Coastal Carolina -12.5
Picking teams to cover two score spreads is not ideal. However, when it’s Coastal Carolina against an average MAC school, it’s hard to ignore. Coastal Carolina is 2-0 ATS in 2021, and even though Buffalo has weapons, the Chanticleers should cover.
Buffalo was defeated by a 28-3 margin against Nebraska last week. Coastal Carolina has a better team than the Huskers, so I expect Buffalo to be blown out once again.
Michigan State Spartans vs. Miami Hurricanes
Michigan State vs. Miami Picks
Best Bet: Michigan State +6
Is the University of Miami good at football? The answer seems to be no at this point in the season. The team started very high in the rankings before being dominated by Alabama. Last week, they barely beat Appalachian State in a 25-23 victory.
Michigan State is a better team than Appalachian State, and they are hitting The U at the right time. If Miami wins this game, they will not cover, so go with the Spartans. Michigan State has a great chance of upsetting the Spartans on the road.
#1 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. #11 Florida Gators
Best Bet: Alabama -15
This could be considered a trap game for Alabama, but the Crimson Tide does not lose. Alabama is unfair compared to every program in American because they just win games. There are very few teams that you should pick to cover two scores on the road.
Alabama is a team that you do not bet against, even ATS. The Tide are 2-0 ATS, and Bryce Young looks elite at quarterback. I expect this game to be close in the first half, but the Tide will wear down the Gators.
Second-half domination will give Alabama the advantage and move them to 3-0 ATS.
