<!–>
–>
There are less than two months left until kickoff, which means it’s almost time for fans to switch their focus back to college football.
And with that, sportsbooks have released win totals, game lines and so much more for the regular season.
Let’s dive into my favorite picks for how a few teams will perform this upcoming season.
Illinois Under 8.5 wins
There is also an Under 7.5 (+135) available out there, but as I’ve said in the past, I do not mind playing for an extra game buffer.
The Illini are a super-trendy team this season, and while I don’t expect a losing season, the roster does have questions.
Will the losses of Zakhari Franklin and Pat Bryant affect Luke Altmeyer’s production? The defensive line boasts three newcomers and can the running back room of Aiden Laughery and Kaden Feagin stay healthy?
Illinois went 9-3 last year, but thrown in there were OT wins against Nebraska and a dreadful Purdue team, as well as a Kansas turnover-implosion early in the season, and a miracle win at Rutgers. So we’re talking about close to 5-7.
There are five games that immediately appear like possible losses on the schedule — at Duke, at Indiana, USC, Ohio State and at Washington. Heck, maybe the game in Madison late in the year turns into a “let’s beat our old coach” rally.
Put aside the discussion of this being a playoff team, nine wins in itself will be quite a feat.
PICK: Illinois (-150) Under 8.5 wins
Joel Klatt believes Illinois, Ole Miss could make first CFP appearances
ADVERTISEMENT
Houston Over 6.5 wins
The Cougars offense was one of the worst in the country a year ago, as Houston was shut out twice and held to 10 points or fewer in three other instances.
Enter Texas A&M transfer Conner Weigman at quarterback, along with multiple wide receiver and tight end imports via the portal.
Willie Fritz has a knack for quick fixes and in this league, where we saw the team picked last in 2024 win the league, it’s quite possible another major turnaround happens here.
Nobody should be surprised if the Cougars bring a 4-0 mark into the home game with Texas Tech and with four of the teams expected to be the worst in the league — Oklahoma State, Arizona, West Virginia and UCF — on the schedule, there’s a definite path to a big Year 2 turnaround here.
PICK: Houston (+120) Over 6.5 wins
Joel Klatt’s objectives for the College Football Playoff
Miami to make College Football Playoff
A poor defense kept the Canes out of the College Football Playoff last year, but new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman was brought in from Minnesota to fix as many issues as there are.
The good news for Hetherman is he will have a full year of Rueben Bain to work with, as well as a secondary which could be open of the best in the country, which is saying something after the unit struggled mightily last year.
Carson Beck will look to return to 2023 form after an elbow injury, and to help him do that, he will have one of the best offensive lines in the country and the deepest running back groups around.
The Canes’ schedule has two huge non-conference skins on it — a season-opener against Notre Dame and a date with rival Florida — and both are at Hard Rock Stadium. Win one or both of those and Miami will have two premier non-conference wins. This will basically mean it just has to avoid completely throwing up on itself in ACC play to reach the CFP for the first time, as was the case with SMU last year, a team that didn’t have near the same non-conference slate as this and was able to make the Playoff despite a loss in the ACC title game.
The avenues to make the Playoff are many — winning the ACC, beating Notre Dame and/or Florida and losing the ACC title game. Or, even beat both ND and Florida, happen to lose out on a spot in the ACC title game and make the Playoff at 10-2.
PICK: Miami (+200) to make College Football Playoff
Chris “The Bear” Fallica has covered sports for nearly three decades. While college football has been his focus, he also enjoys the NFL, Soccer, Golf, Tennis, MLB, NHL and Horse Racing, with an “occasional” wager on such events. Chris recently won the inaugural Circa Football Invitational and finished in the Top 10 of the Golden Nugget Football Contest. He’s a multiple-time qualifier for the NHC Handicapping Championship. Remember, “The less you bet, the more you lose when you win!” Follow him on Twitter @chrisfallica.
Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
recommended
Get more from the College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Lionel Messi Makes MLS History With 4th Straight Multi-Goal Match For Inter Miami
Lionel Messi became the first player in Major League Soccer history with four consecutive multi-goal games, scoring twice to lead Inter Miami past the New England Revolution 2-1 on Wednesday night.Miami (10-3-5) has won four straight and is unbeaten in its last five.Defender Tanner Beason misplayed a header and Messi capitalized, scoring on a half-volley to open the scoring in the 27th minute.Messi made it 2-0 in the 38th. Sergio Busquets played a ball ahead from just beyond midfield to a charging Messi, who scored on a first-touch shot from the edge of the penalty area that slipped inside the right post. ADVERTISEMENT Messi has at least one goal in five straight games. He has 14 goals — second in MLS to Nashville's Sam Surridge (16) — and seven assists in 15 regular-season matches.Oscar Ustari had five saves for Miami.New […]
How long will Jeanie Buss stay on as Lakers governor? Conflicting reports emerge around potential 5-year reign
Mark Walter will be the new majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. But he won't be the team's governor. That job title still belongs to the old owner. It's complicated.Walter and the Buss family are in the process of closing the most expensive team sale in professional sports history, with the Lakers valued at $10 billion. The deal was hailed as a new start for the Lakers after more than four decades under the Buss family, which saw 11 NBA titles but also criticism toward the end.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, it's been established that while Walter, who has seen great success owning the Los Angeles Dodgers, will be the new owner, Jeanie Buss will remain in her role as team governor for "the foreseeable future."Wednesday saw a pair of outlets try to provide some clarity on how long that future might be. […]
How long will Jeanie Buss stay on as Lakers governor? Conflicting reports emerge around potential 5-year reign
Mark Walter will be the new majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. But he won't be the team's governor. That job title still belongs to the old owner. It's complicated.Walter and the Buss family are in the process of closing the most expensive team sale in professional sports history, with the Lakers valued at $10 billion. The deal was hailed as a new start for the Lakers after more than four decades under the Buss family, which saw 11 NBA titles but also criticism toward the end.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, it's been established that while Walter, who has seen great success owning the Los Angeles Dodgers, will be the new owner, Jeanie Buss will remain in her role as team governor for "the foreseeable future."Wednesday saw a pair of outlets try to provide some clarity on how long that future might be. […]
Santos desembarca na Bahia e Robinho Jr faz parte da delegação: “Foi alvo da torcida”
Robinho Jr herda a camisa 7 do Pai no Santos. (Foto: Raul Baretta/Santos FC)A delegação do Santos desembarcou nesta semana em Vitória, capital do Espírito Santo, para disputar um amistoso contra a Desportiva Ferroviária, marcado para quinta-feira (20h de Brasília), em Cariacica. Entre os presentes, uma figura atraiu as atenções dos torcedores: Robinho Jr., recém-inscrito no Campeonato Brasileiro e agora vestindo a simbólica camisa 7 do clube. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEO jovem atleta, filho de Robinho, ídolo histórico do Peixe, passou a se apresentar oficialmente como “Robinho Jr.” — antes, era conhecido como “Juninho”. A mudança mostra um interesse do jovem em construir seu próprio caminho no clube onde o pai brilhou no início dos anos 2000.Camisa 7 e expectativa sobre a numeraçãoA escolha da camisa 7, eternizada pelo pai, aumenta a pressão e também o simbolismo ao redor do garoto, que […]
Rays Slugger Junior Caminero Will Compete in Home Run Derby
Tampa Bay Rays slugger Junior Caminero announced Wednesday he will take part in the Home Run Derby on Monday in Atlanta, then learned hours later he will start at third base for the AL squad in the All-Star Game the following night.In between, Caminero belted his 22nd homer of the season in the seventh inning of a 7-3 win in Detroit.Caminero, who turned 22 on July 5, leads all American League third basemen in homers during a breakout season. He is hitting .254 with 58 RBIs for the Rays, who moved within four games of first-place Toronto in the AL East on Wednesday night."I’m going to put on a show. I’m going to try to put on a show just to give the fans the opportunity to get to know me, see my power," Caminero said. "Just being there with […]
Twins All-Star Byron Buxton leaves game after hit-by-pitch on hand, putting his ASG, Home Run Derby status in doubt
Minnesota Twins All-Star Byron Buxton left Wednesday's game against the Chicago Cubs after being hit in the hand with a pitch, putting his status for next week's Home Run Derby and All-Star Game in doubt.Buxton appeared to avoid serious injury. Initial X-rays on his hand came back negative, and he was initially diagnosed with a contusion on his left hand, the Twins announced. He's listed as day-to-day. It's unclear if he'll undergo further diagnostic imaging.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe injury takes place five days before Buxton is slated to compete in the Home Run Derby, which is scheduled for Monday in Atlanta (8 p.m. ET, ESPN). Buxton was also selected as a reserve for his second career All-Star Game, which will take place Tuesday (8 p.m. ET, Fox). His injury leaves his status for both events in doubt.The injury took place in the bottom […]
Related
Lionel Messi Makes MLS History With 4th Straight Multi-Goal Match For Inter Miami
Lionel Messi became the first player in Major League Soccer history with four consecutive multi-goal games, scoring twice to lead Inter Miami past the New England Revolution 2-1 on Wednesday night.Miami (10-3-5) has won four straight and is unbeaten in its last five.Defender Tanner Beason misplayed a header and Messi capitalized, scoring on a half-volley to open the scoring in the 27th minute.Messi made it 2-0 in the 38th. Sergio Busquets played a ball ahead from just beyond midfield to a charging Messi, who scored on a first-touch shot from the edge of the penalty area that slipped inside the right post. ADVERTISEMENT Messi has at least one goal in five straight games. He has 14 goals — second in MLS to Nashville's Sam Surridge (16) — and seven assists in 15 regular-season matches.Oscar Ustari had five saves for Miami.New […]
How long will Jeanie Buss stay on as Lakers governor? Conflicting reports emerge around potential 5-year reign
Mark Walter will be the new majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. But he won't be the team's governor. That job title still belongs to the old owner. It's complicated.Walter and the Buss family are in the process of closing the most expensive team sale in professional sports history, with the Lakers valued at $10 billion. The deal was hailed as a new start for the Lakers after more than four decades under the Buss family, which saw 11 NBA titles but also criticism toward the end.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, it's been established that while Walter, who has seen great success owning the Los Angeles Dodgers, will be the new owner, Jeanie Buss will remain in her role as team governor for "the foreseeable future."Wednesday saw a pair of outlets try to provide some clarity on how long that future might be. […]
How long will Jeanie Buss stay on as Lakers governor? Conflicting reports emerge around potential 5-year reign
Mark Walter will be the new majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. But he won't be the team's governor. That job title still belongs to the old owner. It's complicated.Walter and the Buss family are in the process of closing the most expensive team sale in professional sports history, with the Lakers valued at $10 billion. The deal was hailed as a new start for the Lakers after more than four decades under the Buss family, which saw 11 NBA titles but also criticism toward the end.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, it's been established that while Walter, who has seen great success owning the Los Angeles Dodgers, will be the new owner, Jeanie Buss will remain in her role as team governor for "the foreseeable future."Wednesday saw a pair of outlets try to provide some clarity on how long that future might be. […]
Santos desembarca na Bahia e Robinho Jr faz parte da delegação: “Foi alvo da torcida”
Robinho Jr herda a camisa 7 do Pai no Santos. (Foto: Raul Baretta/Santos FC)A delegação do Santos desembarcou nesta semana em Vitória, capital do Espírito Santo, para disputar um amistoso contra a Desportiva Ferroviária, marcado para quinta-feira (20h de Brasília), em Cariacica. Entre os presentes, uma figura atraiu as atenções dos torcedores: Robinho Jr., recém-inscrito no Campeonato Brasileiro e agora vestindo a simbólica camisa 7 do clube. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEO jovem atleta, filho de Robinho, ídolo histórico do Peixe, passou a se apresentar oficialmente como “Robinho Jr.” — antes, era conhecido como “Juninho”. A mudança mostra um interesse do jovem em construir seu próprio caminho no clube onde o pai brilhou no início dos anos 2000.Camisa 7 e expectativa sobre a numeraçãoA escolha da camisa 7, eternizada pelo pai, aumenta a pressão e também o simbolismo ao redor do garoto, que […]
Rays Slugger Junior Caminero Will Compete in Home Run Derby
Tampa Bay Rays slugger Junior Caminero announced Wednesday he will take part in the Home Run Derby on Monday in Atlanta, then learned hours later he will start at third base for the AL squad in the All-Star Game the following night.In between, Caminero belted his 22nd homer of the season in the seventh inning of a 7-3 win in Detroit.Caminero, who turned 22 on July 5, leads all American League third basemen in homers during a breakout season. He is hitting .254 with 58 RBIs for the Rays, who moved within four games of first-place Toronto in the AL East on Wednesday night."I’m going to put on a show. I’m going to try to put on a show just to give the fans the opportunity to get to know me, see my power," Caminero said. "Just being there with […]
Twins All-Star Byron Buxton leaves game after hit-by-pitch on hand, putting his ASG, Home Run Derby status in doubt
Minnesota Twins All-Star Byron Buxton left Wednesday's game against the Chicago Cubs after being hit in the hand with a pitch, putting his status for next week's Home Run Derby and All-Star Game in doubt.Buxton appeared to avoid serious injury. Initial X-rays on his hand came back negative, and he was initially diagnosed with a contusion on his left hand, the Twins announced. He's listed as day-to-day. It's unclear if he'll undergo further diagnostic imaging.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe injury takes place five days before Buxton is slated to compete in the Home Run Derby, which is scheduled for Monday in Atlanta (8 p.m. ET, ESPN). Buxton was also selected as a reserve for his second career All-Star Game, which will take place Tuesday (8 p.m. ET, Fox). His injury leaves his status for both events in doubt.The injury took place in the bottom […]
Be the first to leave a comment