Boston College (-3.5) vs. Northwestern – This line has been pretty steady considering the injury problems to each side. The line opened at 2 ½ but has been pushed up to 3.5 at most sites. BC’s productive ground game took a big hit when preseason ACC player of the year, Montel Harris went down with injury. For Northwestern, the rumor is that Dan Persa will play but isn’t 100%; Persa is coming back from a torn Achilles tendon. With both offenses somewhat limited, the better defense will probably take the game. If that’s the case, the Wildcats could be in trouble.
Houston (-2 ½ ) vs. UCLA – The line has come down from 3 ½ to 2 ½ points at the majority of sites. It sounds like Rick Neuheisel is going to rotate quarterbacks in this one. The qb position has been killing the Bruins in recent years. Houston, on the other hand, has Case Keenum back for his sixth season following last year’s injury and medical redshirt. This is a revenge game for the Cougars, but are they good enough to exact revenge on UCLA?
Notre Dame (-11) vs. South Florida – For week one games, I think this is the diamond in the rough. The Irish opened at 10 ½, then some sharp money has brought it down to 10, and a recent buy back has brought it up to 11. Expectations are high in South Bend (like every year), but the Bulls from South Florida have a solid team, too. They should be in the mix for the Big East title. Skip Holtz visits his father’s old stomping grounds. The play of BJ Daniels may be the decisive factor.
Oklahoma (-25) vs. Tulsa – This line has been steamed from 20 to 25 by sharps and squares. Squares especially like backing the Sooners and have jumped all over this line. Sharps seemed hesitant at first, but after Damaris Johnson’s suspension, more wiseguy money started pouring in. Don’t be surprised if the number rises another point or two. Bob Stoops and company are hoping to avoid another week 1 letdown. Last year they almost lost to Utah State, and the year before they lost to BYU.
Boise State (-3) at Georgia – The Broncos and Bulldogs have been getting an ever-increasing amount of press. The line has been steady, opening at 3 ½ and sitting there or 3 points, depending upon the book. The trendy pick is Georgia pulling off the upset. But if I remember right, the trendy pick last year was Virginia Tech. Boise is 0-4 straight up against the SEC, though, so Georgia’s athleticism could give the Broncos problems. Kellen Moore and Aaron Murray are two of the best quarterbacks in the country.
Oregon (-3 ½ ) vs. LSU – Even in week 1, fans get a great game with national championship implications. The Ducks opened as 2 ½ point favorites, but after the fracas in Baton Rouge that resulted in suspensions, the line moved up to 4 or 4 ½, and has since come down to 3 ½. The Oregon offense will again be explosive and dynamic, but the defense is a bit of a question mark. LSU loses Jordan Jefferson at qb for this one, but Jarrett Lee is probably a better pocket passer.
Maryland (-3) vs. Miami (FL) – Some mention needs to be given to the biggest nightmare to happen to college football since SMU in the early-to-mid ‘80s. There doesn’t appear to be an opening number due to the alleged illegality in Miami and resulting fallout; however, oddsmakers currently have Maryland laying 3 points. Jacory Harris is out, along with a host of Hurricanes, but Miami still has a bunch of talent. This game has the feel of last year’s LSU-UNC game. Al Golden and Randy Edsall begin their tenures in the ACC.
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