2008 College Picks Record: 8-2 +12.60 units - For more College Picks check out our College Football Betting Section OR the Football Forum

Navy at Ball State
Friday, 7:00 pm Eastern – ESPN

SBG Global Opening Line: Ball State -  8  ,  Total  59

Ball State and Navy will both try and remain unbeaten as they play on Friday night in a nationally televised contest on ESPN.  Ball State routed Northeastern 48-13, in their season opener while Navy blew away Towson State 41-13 last week. SBG Global reports that early NCAA Football betting has the public taking Navy on the Road.

All-American candidate Nate Davis completed 21 of his 24 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns last week in Ball State’s win against Northeastern.  Tailback MiQuale Lewis rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown while wide receiver Dante Love added nine catches for 171 yards and a TD. Davis, who has thrown a school-record 51 TD passes, is ranked second in Ball State history with 5,932-career passing yards. Davis, Love and tight end Darius Hill are all considered NFL draft picks.

Navy started the Ken Niumatalolo era by producing a 41-13 victory over Towson last week.  Slot back Shun White rushed for a school-record 348 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries.  That was the 17th-best ground rushing total in NCAA history. White had touchdown runs of 33, 87 and 73 yards.  Quarterback Jarod Bryant made just his third career start, playing a great game in relief of returning starter Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada who missed the game with a strained hamstring.

SBG Global Current Line: Ball State -  7  ,  Total  60

Here is a look at the NCAA Football betting stats for Friday’s game. Ball State leads the all-time series 2-0.  The two teams met last season at Annapolis and Ball State won 34-31 in overtime.  Ball State also won in 1991 by a score of 33-10.

The Midshipmen are 16-12 all-time against current members of the Mid-American Conference. The Midshipmen are 49-19 ATS in their last 68 road games. The Midshipmen are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games.

The Midshipmen are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. the MAC. The Midshipmen are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Friday games.

The Cardinals are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games in September. The Cardinals are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games. The Cardinals are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games overall.

The Over is 5-0 in Navy’s last 5 road games. The Over is 4-1 in Navy’s last 5 non-conference games. The Over is 4-1 in Navy’s last 5 games in September. The Over is 8-3 in Navy’s last 11 games overall. The Over is 10-1 in the Cardinals last 11 games in September. The Under is 5-1 in the Cardinals last 6 games overall. The Over is 5-2 in the Cardinals last 7 non-conference games.

Pick: Ball State 1 unit, Over 59 1 unit

2008 College Picks Record: 7-2 +10.60 units - For more College Picks check out our College Football Betting Section OR the Football Forum

SBG Global Opening Line: South Carolina  -  9.5  ,  Total  41

South Carolina and Vanderbilt open up the SEC part of their schedules on Thursday as the Commodores host the Gamecocks on ESPN.  Vanderbilt has had very little success in SEC openers in the past as they are just 4-21 in their last 25 conference openers. SBG Global reports that early NCAA Football betting has the public taking South Carolina on the Road

Vanderbilt has also struggled at home in SEC openers. The Commodores have lost their last 10 conference openers played at home.  They could have trouble scoring against a South Carolina defense that shutout North Carolina State last week by a score of 34-0.  It was the first shutout for South Carolina since 2006 when they won at Mississippi State.  The offense was led by running back Mike Davis who had over 100 yards on the ground and quarterback Chris Smelley who threw two touchdown passes in relief of quarterback Tommy Beecher who suffered a concussion.  It could be Smelley that gets the start on Thursday for South Carolina.

SBG Global Current Line: South Carolina  -  9.5  ,  Total  41

Vanderbilt dispatched Miami of Ohio last week 34-13 and looked good doing it.  They have a solid defense that could cause South Carolina some problems on Thursday. “Defensively Vandy’s a very good team. We’ve got to execute, protect the quarterback run and everything.” South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier said, “We’re looking forward to see if we can improve.”

Here is a look at the NCAA Football betting stats for Thursday’s game.  The two teams are meeting for the 18^th time in history.  South Carolina is 14-3 straight up in those meetings.  They met last season at South Carolina and Vanderbilt upset the Gamecocks by a score of 17-6.  The last time they played at Vandy the Gamecocks won 31-13 in 2006.  South Carolina is 8-1 in Nashville against the Commodores and has won the last four meetings.  Before last season the Commodores had lost seven straight to South Carolina.  The Gamecocks are 11-4 against the spread in the last 15 games against Vanderbilt.  Three of the last five games have gone Under the total.

Pick: Vanderbilt +9.5 2units

Tennessee at UCLA
Monday, 8:00 pm Eastern - ESPN

SBG Global Opening Line: Tennessee   -  7  ,  Total  49

The excitement is back at UCLA as new head coach Rick Neuheisel takes over this season. The Bruins under Neuheisel should be improved, but maybe not right away.  New offensive coordinator Norm Chow is another reason why optimism is high at UCLA.  The problem for UCLA is that both of their projected starting quarterbacks are out. Patrick Cowan is out with a knee injury and will miss the entire season while Ben Olson is out for at least two months with a foot injury.  Third-stringer Kevin Craft, who started five games at San Diego State in 2006, and redshirt freshman Chris Forcier will be running the UCLA offense. “I do think Kevin and Chris Forcier are on the verge of blossoming into very good players. Hopefully it could be as soon as Monday night,” Neuheisel said. SBG Global reports that early NCAA Football betting has the public taking Tennessee on the Road.

The Bruins don’t start the Neuheisel era with cupcakes as they have to face #18 Tennessee on Monday and #16 Brigham Young on Sept. 13^th.  “I just believe that we’ve got to be relentlessly optimistic about what can be and keep giving ourselves chances to win football games,” Neuheisel said.

“So we’re going to work hard to be in every game and give ourselves a chance for good things to happen at the end. I think we’re going to find a way to surprise some folks.”

Tennessee went 9-4 last season and is thought of as a contender in the SEC this season.  Last year the Vols were 2-4 on the road and that lack of success on the road cost them a BCS bowl game. “Going on the road, and I’ve talked about it with the team, there is a mental and physical toughness you have to have to go and play and win in those settings,” coach Phillip Fulmer said.

Tennesse will have a new quarterback in Jonathan Crompton and a new offensive coordinator in Dave Clawson.   The good news is that Arian Foster is back.  He had 1,193 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

SBG Global Current Line: Tennessee   -  7  ,  Total  46

Here is a look at the NCAA Football betting stats for Monday’s game.  The Vols are 7-4-2 all-time against the Bruins although the teams have not met since 1997. The Volunteers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games. The Volunteers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall. The Volunteers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in September.

The Bruins are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on grass. The Bruins are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall. The Bruins are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. the SEC. The Bruins are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 home games. The Bruins are 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 games in September.

The Over is 4-0 in the Volunteers last 4 games in September. The Under is 6-1 in the Volunteers last 7 games overall. The Under is 5-1 in the Volunteers last 6 games on grass. The Over is 5-1 in the Volunteers last 6 road games. The Under is 4-0 in the Bruins last 4 home games. The Under is 4-0 in the Bruins last 4 games overall. The Over is 4-1 in the Bruins last 5 games in September. The Under is 6-2 in the Bruins last 8 non-conference games.

Pick: Tenn -7 2units

Fresno State at Rutgers
Monday, 4:00 pm Eastern – ESPN

SBG Global Opening Line: Rutgers   -  5.5  ,  Total  62

Fresno State always wants to play a tough schedule and this year is no exception as they start the 2008 season on Monday at Rutgers against the Scarlet Knights.  Last year Fresno had a difficult non-conference schedule as they lost to Oregon in a blowout and in three overtimes to Texas A&M.  The Bulldogs still finished 9-4 and won their bowl game. SBG Global reports that early NCAA Football betting has the public taking Fresno State on the Road.

Fresno is led by quarterback Tom Brandstater who threw 15 touchdown passes a year ago and completed almost 63% of this passes.  Tight end Bear Pascoe returns in addition to running backs Ryan Matthews and Lonyae Miller.  The defense loses some talent upfront but the secondary looks strong.

SBG Global Current Line: Rutgers   -   4  ,  Total  58

Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano had done an excellent job with the Scarlet Knights and they are a contender again in the Big East this season.  Rutgers did slip to 8-5 last season after going 11-2 the previous year. The offense was great last season for the Scarlet Knights as they scored over 300 points during the season.  A big part of that success was running back Ray Rice and he is now in the NFL. Redshirt sophomore Kordell Young will be asked to pick up the slack and quarterback Mike Teel will have to do more.

He has receivers Tiquan Underwood and Kenny Britt returning.  The defense for Rutgers last year was excellent, ranking 17^th in the country.  Those numbers are likely to slip as Rutgers lost a lot of defensive talent in the off-season, although defensive back Courtney Greene does return.

Here is a look at the NCAA Football betting stats for Monday’s game. This is the first-ever meeting between the teams and just the third time the Scarlet Knights have faced a team from the WAC.  They were 1-1 against Hawaii in the past. The Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games. The Bulldogs are 8-19 ATS in their last 27 games overall. The Bulldogs are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games on grass. The Bulldogs are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games in September.

The Scarlet Knights are 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 non-conference games. The Scarlet Knights are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games on grass.

The Over is 4-0 in the Bulldogs last 4 non-conference games. The Over is 5-2 in the Bulldogs last 7 road games. The Over is 14-6 in the Bulldogs last 20 games in September. The Over is 8-3-1 in the Scarlet Knights last 12 games on grass. The Over is 7-3-1 in the Scarlet Knights last 11 home games. The Over is 11-5-1 in the Scarlet Knights last 17 games overall.

Pick Fresno St +3.5 2units

Colorado vs. Colorado State
Sunday, 7:30 pm Eastern – FSN

SBG Global Opening Line: Colorado   -  12  ,  Total  56.5

Colorado State and Colorado resume their rivalry on Sunday at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado.  The Rams have a new head coach in Steve Fairchild after long-time coach Sonny Lubick decided to retire.  The Rams were not very good in 2007, winning just three games.  The Buffaloes were a little better as they won six games and made a bowl game. SBG Global reports that early NCAA Football betting has the public taking Colorado on the Road

Colorado returns quarterback Cody Hawkins, head coach Dan Hawkins’ son to lead the offense.  The offense is young again this season with the leading receivers being sophomores Scotty McKnight and Josh Smith.  The Colorado defense isn’t very good either and losing Jordon Dizon and Terrence Wheatley to the NFL is not going to help. 

SBG Global Current Line: Colorado   -  12  ,  Total  56.5

Colorado State has to find a replacement for quarterback Caleb Hanie who moved on to the NFL.  The team also has to replace all three of their leading receivers from last season.  The good news for the Rams is that both Kyle Bell and Gattrell Johnson return to lead a powerful running game.  The defense for Colorado State struggled last year, especially against the run, ranking 107^th in the country against the rush.

Here are the NCAA Football betting stats for Sunday’s game.  Colorado has owned the all-time series between the two teams, winning 58 while losing only 19.  This rivalry dates back to 1893.  The Buffaloes have won four of the last five meetings between the two teams including last year’s 31-28 overtime win.  At Denver the teams have split eight meetings. The Buffaloes are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall. The Buffaloes are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 vs. the Mountain West. The Buffaloes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.

The Rams are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. The Rams are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Underdog is 10-2 ATS in their last 12 meetings.

The Over is 4-0 in the Buffaloes last 4 games on grass. The Over is 4-0 in the Buffaloes last 4 games overall. The Under is 9-2 in the Buffaloes last 11 non-conference games. The Over is 9-3 in the Buffaloes last 12 vs. the Mountain West. The Over is 7-2-1 in the Rams last 10 non-conference games. The Over is 10-4 in the Rams last 14 vs. the Big 12. The Over is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings between the two teams.

Pick: Colorado 2 units out of 5

Kentucky at Louisville
Sunday, 3:30 pm Eastern – ESPN

SBG Global Opening Line: Louisville   -  5  ,  Total  56.5

An exciting matchup should be in the offing on Sunday as Louisville hosts Kentucky in the battle for the Governor’s Cup.  Kentucky was 8-5 last season but suffered a number of off-season losses and is looking at a rebuilding season.  Louisville slipped to 6-6 last season and missed out on a bowl game for the first time in more than 10 years. Second year head coach Steve Kragthorpe is looking for better things this season. SBG Global reports that early NCAA Football betting has the public taking Louisville at Home.

Kentucky has to replace a lot of talent from last season including quarterback Andre Woodson.  Mike Hartline takes the reins this season for the Wildcats. Wide receiver Dicky Lyons returns after catching 56 balls last year while senior Tony Dixon returns to the lead the running game.  The Kentucky defense last season was weak, giving up almost 30 points per game but they do return eight starters from last year’s squad.

SBG Global Current Line: Louisville  -  3.5  ,  Total  56.5

Louisville has to replace quarterback Brian Brohm and the task falls to senior quarterback Hunter Cantwell.  He will have a new offensive coordinator in Jeff Brohm, brother of Brian. All of the receivers are also gone so Louisville is going to slip offensively this season.  The defense is not in much better shape as just four starters return.  Ron English is the new defensive coordinator for the Cardinals.

Here is a look at the NCAA Football betting stats for Sunday’s game. Kentucky leads the all-time series, 11-9, although Louisville has won seven of the last nine meetings. Last year Kentucky won 40-34 on a 57-yard bomb in the final moments. The Wildcats are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games. The Wildcats are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games. The Wildcats are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. The Wildcats are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.

The Cardinals are 21-8 ATS in their last 29 non-conference games. The Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. The Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games. The home team is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 meetings between the two teams.

The Over is 5-2 in the Wildcats last 7 games on grass. The Over is 4-1 in the Cardinals last 5 home games. The Under is 5-2 in the Cardinals last 7 vs. the SEC. The Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings between the two teams.

Pick: Louisville 2units out of 5 units

College Picks Record: 2-0 +5units

Saturday, 8:00 pm Eastern – ABC

SBG Global Opening Line: Clemson  -  6  ,  Total  46

A matchup of two Top 25 teams takes place at the Georgia Dome on Saturday as #9 Clemson takes on #24 Alabama. The Tigers are one of the favorites in the ACC this season but head coach Tommy Bowden has continually disappointed Clemson followers in recent seasons.  Saturday’s opener is a major test for Bowden and Clemson after last season’s failure. “There’s always that frustration of not winning the championship. You’ll have to carry that label,” said Bowden.  SBG Global reports that early NCAA Football betting has the public taking Alabama on the Road.

The Tigers return a lot of talent this season, especially on offense. Quarterback Cullen Harper and tailbacks James Davis and C.J. Spiller lead a powerful offense.  The question mark is on the offensive line where four starters must be replaced. “I think everybody’s saying, ‘Oh, they don’t deserve to be in the top 10. They always find a way to lose a game,’” Spiller said. “I think when we hold up that ACC trophy, we’ll be fine.” The Tigers also have an excellent defense but they do have to replace all four linebackers.  Last season the Tigers finished in the Top 10 in scoring defense and total defense.  Freshman Da’Quan Bowers is expected to make an immediate impact. 

SBG Global Current Line: Clemson  -  4.5  ,  Total  46

Alabama finished last season at 7-6 under Nick Saban but they have a very highly touted recruiting class and much is expected from the Crimson Tide this season. Receivers Julio Jones and B.J. Scott are expected to contribute right away. “They’re good. They’re really good,” quarterback John Parker Wilson said. “Julio’s going to make some big plays this year. He can go up and get it. He can run by guys.”  The Tide returns only five starters on defense so that could be a concern. 

Here are the NCAA Football betting stats for Saturday’s game.  The Tide leads the all-time series with Clemson 11-3 although the teams haven’t met since 1975. The Crimson Tide are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games. The Crimson Tide are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games overall.

The Tigers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games. The Tigers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. the SEC.

The Under is 13-6 in Alabama’s last 19 non-conference games. The Under is 6-1 in the Tigers last 7 vs. the SEC. The Under is 12-5 in the Tigers last 17 non-conference games.

Pick: Alabama 2units

2008 College Picks Record: 2-0 +5.00 units

Saturday, 8:30 pm Eastern – ESPN

SBG Global Opening Line: Missouri  -  8  ,  Total  59.5

One of the best games of the opening college football weekend should be in St. Louis as Illinois plays Missouri on Saturday night.  Last season the Tigers defeated Illinois 40-34 in the season opener.  The Tigers were one win away from the BCS title game last season while the Illini played in the Rose Bowl. SBG Global reports that early NCAA Football betting has the public taking Missouri at Home.

Missouri comes into the game ranked higher, simply for the fact that they return virtually everyone including quarterback Chase Daniel while Illinois lost Rashard Mendenhall to the NFL.  This is a key game for both teams since neither has a difficult game for almost a month following this contest.

The Illini have not found a replacement for Mendenhall and it is expected that both Daniel Dufrene and Troy Pollard will get playing time in this game.

The key player in this game will be Illinois quarterback Juice Williams.  He has the potential to keep Illinois in the game and pull off the upset.  Last season he did not play well in the loss to Mizzou.  Eddie McGee came into the game in relief last year to make it close.  This year it is all about Williams and he must play well or the Illini have no chance.  Both teams have exciting receivers.  The Illini have Arrelious Benn while Missouri has Jeremy Maclin.

SBG Global Current Line: Missouri  -  8.5  ,  Total  59.5

Here are the NCAA Football betting stats for Saturday’s game.  Last season the Illini were 0-3 when allowing more than 26 points, while Missouri scored fewer than 31 points in just one game. The Fighting Illini are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.

The Tigers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on turf. The Tigers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games. The Tigers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 neutral site games. The Tigers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. the Big Ten.

The Tigers are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games overall

The Over is 4-0 in Illinois’ last 4 games overall. The Over is 5-1 in the Fighting Illini’s last 6 games on turf. The Over is 9-4 in the Fighting Illini’s last 13 non-conference games.

The Over is 5-0 in the Tigers last 5 games on turf. The Over is 4-1 in the Tigers last 5 non-conference games.

PICK: Missouri 3units

2008 College Picks Record 2-0 + 5.00units

Saturday, 3:30 pm Eastern – ABC

SBG Global Opening Line: USC  -  20.5  ,  Total  43

This year Third-ranked USC begins the 2008 regular season with a bit of a chip on their shoulder after not making the National Championship game last season.  The Trojans have set an NCAA record with six straight 11-win seasons but last year was considered a failure because they did not even make the title game.  they must avoid looking past Virginia to the game against Ohio State in two weeks. “Every game is a championship game for us,” USC head coach Pete Carroll said.  The Trojans must replace 10 players that went to the NFL but at USC they don’t rebuild, they reload. SBG Global reports that early NCAA Football betting has the public taking USC on the Road.

“We’ve had a terrific run with the kids that have been in the program, that have won national championships, but they’ve all left us,” Carroll said. “To see the change in leadership and the emergence of the leadership, we sense a whole new excitement.”  Quarterback Mark Sanchez leads a very talented USC squad this season.  He dislocated his left kneecap earlier this month but is ready for Saturday’s game. “Oh, I think so, absolutely. Especially mentally,” Sanchez said, “I feel good about it. If it were up to me, I’m in.”

Last season the Trojans were ranked #1 before the season but suffered the biggest loss in college football betting history as Stanford beat them in early October.  They lost to Oregon later that month and finished 11-2 overall.  USC returns some excellent talent including linebackers Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing. “I’m sure everybody’s confident on the defensive side that we’re going to be somebody,” Maualuga said.

SBG Global Current Line: USC  -  19.5  ,  Total  43

Virginia made it into the Top 25 last season but returns only 10 starters this season. “We like to have some challenging games on an on-going basis,” Virginia head coach Al Groh said. “It’s good for our team. It brings out the best in your team. Competition is not about always scheduling to win. Competition is about stepping out there and putting yourself out there a little bit and seeing what you can do with it.”

Here are the NCAA Football betting stats for Saturday’s game. The Trojans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. The Trojans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Trojans are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 non-conference games.

The Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in August. The Cavaliers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games.

The Under is 5-0 in the Trojans last 5 games in August. The Under is 9-2 in the Trojans last 11 games overall. The Under is 4-1 in the Trojans last 5 road games. The Under is 15-4 in the Trojans last 19 games on grass. The Over is 10-4 in the Trojans last 14 non-conference games. The Over is 4-1 in the Cavaliers last 5 games on grass. The Under is 4-1 in the Cavaliers last 5 games in August. The Over is 4-1 in the Cavaliers last 5 games overall. The Under is 13-6 in the Cavaliers last 19 home games.

Pick USC 1unit 

2008 College Picks Record 1-0 + 2.00units

SMU at Rice
Friday, 8:00 pm Eastern – ESPN

SBG Global Opening Line: Rice  -  3  ,  Total  70

There is finally some excitement surrounding the SMU football team this season as former Hawaii head coach June Jones is in charge.  SMU needs some serious help as they won just a single game a year ago and have lost their last 10 games overall.  They did not win a single game in Conference USA last season.  The good news is that the Mustangs were not that far from success, as five of their eight losses came by a touchdown or less, including three overtime losses.  They definitely have a chance in this game as Rice was only 3-9 last season.

SBG Global reports that early NCAA Football betting has the public taking Rice at Home.

SMU will try and run the same spread offense that Jones used at Hawaii. Freshmen quarterbacks Bo Levi Mitchell and Braden Smith will be running the offense with wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders the big play threat.  He had 889 yards receiving last year and scored nine times.  Last year SMU finished 116^th in total defense so SMU games could look a lot like Hawaii games with a lot of points being put on the board.

Rice returns quarterback Chase Clement who threw for 3,377 yards and 19 TDs last season.  The top four receivers on the team also return.  Rice was just about as bad defensively last year as SMU as they gave up 42.9 points per game. Rice won only one home game last season.

Here are the NCAA Football betting stats for Friday’s game.  The teams met last November and Rice won 43-42.  SMU leads the all-time series 45-39-1. The Mustangs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games. The Mustangs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on turf. The Mustangs are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games overall. The Mustangs are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 meetings at Rice.

SBG Global Current Line: Rice  -  3  ,  Total  70

The Owls are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 conference games. The Owls are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games on turf. The home team is 10-2 ATS in the last 12 meetings between the two teams.

The Under is 4-1 in the Mustangs last 5 road games. The Over is 23-3 in the Owls last 26 games on turf. The Over is 21-4 in the Owls last 25 conference games. The Over is 21-5 in the Owls last 26 home games. The Over is 40-11 in the Owls last 51 games overall. The Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between the two teams.

Pick Rice 3units