2011 NCAA Week 1 College Football Picks Against the Spread

Look for some routes in Week 1 CFB action.

Rather than getting into the razzle-dazzle of breaking down the high-profile week 1 college football games. Let’s throw a few picks up on the board and see how these do. Now, I’m merely trusting my gut here with these picks. Before taking any of these games, please do your own due diligence. I generally don’t like high spreads, but if there’s any time to lay big points in anticipation of a route, it’s week 1 of college football. I have all home team powerhouse programs on the board against the jobbers of college football, which I like.

AUBURN (-24) over Utah State — I smell a good ole’ fashion route to the tune of 40+ points to 3-10. You have to get the home fans into the season after winning the National Championship. Look for Auburn to impress.

MISSOURI (-20) over Miami-Ohio — I like it, don’t love it. Miami-Ohio isn’t a shabby team in the Mid-American Conference, but Missouri should win in a beatdown.

NEBRASKA (-36) over Tennessee-Chattanooga — Week 1 is the time to pick up routings. You think Tennessee-Chattanooga is going to score against the Nebraska defense? QB Taylor Martinez is an absolute stud. He’ll be ready to become a household name this season. I’m thinking this one ends 45-0.

MICHIGAN (-14) over Western Michigan — Denard Robinson was insane his freshman year. I want to see some follow up in his sophomore year. Nice start to week 1 with a Michigan matchup at home.

NOTRE DAME (-10) over Southern Florida — ND returning 17 starters. A lot of people are raving about this Notre Dame team this year. The ND defense should be solid. On offense, you have QB Dayne Christ to WR Michel Floyd, get used to it. Don’t underestimate the Bulls though. With their dual-threat QB, they’re capable of covering the spread.

STANFORD (-30) over San Jose State — Let’s stick to the week 1 home powerhouse routes in their setup games. Andrew Luck to throw darts all day.

Fresno State (+10) over CALIFORNIA — I’ll take the points.

WASHINGTON (-16) over Eastern Washington — Several years of rebuilding should help.

ARIZONA (-26) over Northern Arizona — Nick Foles vs. Division I-AA defense.