Week One CFB Picks

Week one is here! Amidst my whole mega-previews for each power five conference with way too much writing, here are my picks for this week with *brief* analysis,

Thursday

Central Michigan (+21.5) vs 12 Oklahoma State 30-13 Oklahoma State

I want to pick CMU to pull off the upset again over Oklahoma State, but I just can’t see it. However, Chippewa RB Lew Nichols will help his team cover the spread.

West Virginia (+7.5) vs 17 Pitt 31-27 West Virginia

In a battle of former USC QBs in JT Daniels (West Virginia) and Kedon Slovis (Pitt), I’ll take the Mountaineers in an upset. Life without Kenny Pickett won’t be easy.

Penn State (-3.5) vs Purdue 24-20 Penn State

Ross-Ade Stadium is a tough place to play, but I think the Nittany Lions will grit out a close win.

Saturday

13 NC State (-11.5) vs East Carolina 29-14 NC State

East Carolina will make NC State sweat, but ultimately Wolfpack QB Devin Leary should be able to help his team pull away in the 4th quarter.

11 Oregon vs 3 Georgia (-17) 34-10 Georgia

I’m sure Dan Lanning will be happy to chat with his old co-workers at Georgia, but I doubt he’ll be too happy after his Oregon Ducks get shellacked by the Georgia Bulldogs.

23 Cincinnati vs 19 Arkansas (-6.5) 33-21 Arkansas

Cincinnati can once again be a player to win the American, but they lose a lot of talent and will have trouble stopping Arkansas’s KJ Jefferson. I like the Razorbacks, comfortably.

24 Houston (-4) vs UTSA 28-17 Houston

Houston won 12 games last year and bring back their QB Clayton Tune. UTSA had a fantastic 2021, but the Roadrunners won’t be the same without RB Sincere McCormick.

Arizona vs San Diego State (-6) 24-17 San Diego State

Arizona is improving, but San Diego State is a consistent and hard-nosed football team. In their first game at the new Snapdragon Stadium, I like the Aztecs squeaking out a close victory.

Troy vs 21 Ole Miss (-21.5) 50-16 Ole Miss

I included this game because Troy has given SEC teams trouble in the past (think LSU circa 2017), but I don’t see it happening against Ole Miss. Rebels by a lot.

25 BYU (-12) vs South Florida 27-12 BYU

Gerry Bohannon is a nice addition at QB for USF, but the team isn’t nearly as well-rounded as BYU. I’m fascinated to see what type of season the Cougars have this year, starting off with a win against South Florida.

7 Utah vs Florida (+3) 23-20 Florida

Utah is likely in for a very successful 2022 season, but opening the season at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is nightmarish. In game one of the Billy Napier era at Florida, I think QB Anthony Richardson will make some big plays en route to an upset win for the Gators.

5 Notre Dame vs 2 Ohio State (-17) 38-17 Ohio State

The line is incredibly large for a matchup between two top five teams, but this Buckeyes offense is special. Notre Dame could win this game, but Ohio State could also win by three touchdowns. Expect a statement from the Buckeyes.

Boise State (+2.5) vs Oregon State 17-13 Boise State

Corvallis is a tough place to play, but I suspect that Oregon State may have some growing pains as they acclimate to new personnel. Boise State is a solid team that can go toe-to-toe with just about any team on the west coast, give me the Broncos in the first 2022 installation of Pac-12 after dark.

Sunday

Florida State vs LSU (-3) 30-23 LSU

I think Florida State may surprise some people this year, but I prefer LSU in this matchup, regardless of who is starting at QB for the Tigers.

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