Week 1 college football betting guide: What bets to place this weekend
The No. 9 South Carolina Gamecocks are a perfect 18-0 SU and 12-6 ATS over their last 18 games at home.
The Gamecocks open the season as a 10.5-point favorite Thursday night at home against the No. 21 Texas A&M Aggies.
Texas A&M is 0-4 ATS in its last four away games, and the Aggies faces the daunting task of breaking in a new quarterback in a hostile road environment with Kyle Allen replacing Johnny Manziel. South Carolina's smothering defense and home-field advantage make them look like a solid pick in Thursday night's marquee game.
More college football betting: Complete Week 1 odds | Pac-12 betting preview
Washington State is 4-1 SU and ATS in its last five games as a betting favorite. The Cougars are 8-point favorites Thursday night as they host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The OVER is 10-1-1 in Washington State's last 12 games as the favorite.
The Arizona Wildcats could make a strong play this Friday as a 23.5-point favorite hosting the UNLV Rebels. Arizona is 3-2-1 ATS in its last six games as a double-digit favorite while UNLV is just 4-14-1 ATS in its last 19 games as a double-digit underdog.
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Virginia could be in trouble Saturday as a 21-point home underdog hosting the No. 7 UCLA Bruins. The Cavaliers ended 2013 in an 0-9 SU slump and have been outscored 128-31 in their last three games against Pac-12 opponents. UCLA is 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS in its last seven games as a road favorite and 7-2 ATS in its last nine games as a double-digit favorite.
Look for plenty of offense Saturday when the Troy Trojans visit the UAB Blazers. The total has gone OVER in 11 of UAB's last 13 games and OVER in 11 of Troy's last 12 games. Saturday's total is set at 66.5 points.
Trends point to No. 6 Auburn starting the season off strong as a 19.5-point favorite hosting the Arkansas Razorbacks. Auburn is 7-0 SU and ATS in its last seven SEC games while Arkansas is 0-12 SU and 3-9 ATS in its last 12 conference matchups.
