2026 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SATURDAY BEST BETS: WEEK 1

OVERS, UNDERS, SPREADS ETC

Texas(ML) @ Ohio State

Alabama(-13.5) @ Florida State

LSU @ Clemson(-4.5)

Utah(-5.5) @ UCLA

CFB Best Bet Season Record: 3-2-0

IT'S LABOR DAY WEEKEND AND THAT MEANS WE WIN SOME COLLEGE BEST BETS. LET'S GO

Texas(ML) @ Ohio State

DK -115

FD -110

At the beginning of the season, there really isn't much to go on when it comes to predictors. For me, I like to look at coach, quarterback, and the trenches. Texas is returning 3 offensive lineman, their starting QB has been at the school for 3 years, the coach has been as steady as it gets, and they return double digit starters, including 6 projected NFL draft picks on defense. Ohio State needs to replace 15 starters, 8 on defense and 7 on offense. Obviously they have awesome receivers but they don't have a proven high level college QB like a Will Howard. I think that Texas' experience across the board and having the ability to unleash a dynamic QB is what will put the longhorns over the top.

Alabama(-13.5) @ Florida State

DK -108

FD -120

This bet is a lot more straightforward. I think it's an indictment on Alabama if they can't beat FSU by 3 touchdowns today. FSU has no actual foundation as they built the entire 2023 ship out of transfers. I think that Alabama and Ryan Williams just torch FSU.

LSU @ Clemson(-4.0)

DK -110

FD -106

Like I mentioned earlier with Texas and Ohio State, early season predictions come from trench play and roster experience. Clemson has returned 16 total starters, including their QB Cade Klubnik and 4 of their 5 offensive lineman. They're also returning 3 of their 4 starting defensive lineman. While I really like Garrett Nussmeier, having 5 new starters at offensive line when having to face an experienced defense that's played together is not good. Give me Clemson tonight.

Utah(-5.5) @ UCLA

DK -105

FD -110

You can kill the man that is Pac-12 After Dark, but not the idea. In this memorial, I think the Utes do what they've always done, bully the skinny legged California school. Even without the eternal Cam Rising I think Utah wins comfortably off of the Kyle Whittingham staples of great defense and a great run game. Give me the Utes over the Bruins.

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