Matchups, predictions, and odds for CFB Week 1
In this week's newsletter...
Notre Dame @ Ohio State 👁
Oregon @ Georgia 🐶
Cincinnati @ Arkansas 🐗
Matchups and picks 🏈
Notre Dame @ Ohio State 👁
Number 5 takes on Number 2 in one of Week 1's biggest games! The Buckeyes come in strong with three players featured in the Heisman odds including running back TreVeyon Henderson, receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and of course QB CJ Stroud.
As for their defense, they brought on a new coach from Oklahoma State, Jim Knowles. He led the Cowboys for four seasons and during that time and in 2021 they ranked #1 in the FBS in sacks, #2 for tackles for loss, and #5 in rushing defense, to name a few.
Although #5, Notre Dame seems to have started a brand new chapter this year, replacing the old head coach with Marcus Freeman, a former Ohio State linebacker. Tyler Buchner, an SN Preseason All-American makes his first start at quarterback this game.
It will be interesting, to say the least how this matchup will play out.
Ohio State leads the all-time series 4-2 against the Irish, and they have won the last four meetings. Their offense is going to be tough to stop, especially with Stroud's arm and the set of deep receivers - we're anticipating a 10+ lead at the half.
BetMGM's odds
Spread: +17 (-110) / -17 (-110)
Total: o/u 59.5 (-110)
Moneyline: +525 / -750
Bet Now for a Vault-exclsusive $600 risk-free bet!
Oregon @ Georgia 🐶
Initially, there doesn't seem to be much connection between these two teams coming into Saturday's game. Especially the fact that the last time they played each other was back in 1977.
The connection lies between the two head coaches, Dan Lanning from Oregon, and Kirby Smart from UGA both were a part of Alabama's coaching staff back in 2015. Lanning worked right under Smart as an analyst!
One of the most interesting matchups in this game is how the Ducks handle Georgia's defensive Line. Oregon returns five of its six starters to the offensive line - Lanning states that they have formed the best offensive line in the Pac-12.
On top of that, the Dawgs lost all three of their D-line starters to the NFL draft, including their bulldozer, Travon Walker.
BetMGM's odds
Spread: +17.5 (-110) / -17.5 (-110)
Total: o/u 52.5 (-110)
Moneyline: +550 / -900
Bet Now for a Vault-exclsusive $600 risk-free bet!
Cincinnati @ Arkansas 🐗
We all know Cincinnati should be ranked higher than they are at #23. Although they have some player losses from last year, the offense is still loaded with some solid veterans and players that will undoubtedly make this one of the better offenses in the nation.
Arkansas led the SEC in rushing last year, and with a newer Cincinnati defense, you can expect the hogs to pound through the line.
This is going to be a slog of a game, but quarterback KJ Jefferson should take them to a victory, even if it's by just a touchdown.
BetMGM's odds
Spread: +6.5 (-110) / -6.5 (-110)
Total: o/u 52.5 (-110)
Moneyline: +200 / -250
Bet Now for a Vault-exclsusive $600 risk-free bet!
