College Football is back. That’s the sentence. That’s the tweet. That’s what we want to hear.
Legalized sports betting in the state of Arizona began exactly one year ago. Coincidentally, I moved to the city of Scottsdale in August of 2021.
Everyone pokes fun at the cadence of the 1-800 Gambling Problem Voice Guy. It’s similar to how fast an In-N-Out employee rattles off your Double-Double order in the drive-thru. Some believe it comes off as disingenuous when it’s played at supersonic speed at the end of a wagering advertisement.
On a serious note, it’s not funny if someone you know or love suffers from a gambling addiction. Seek help. 1-800-522-4700.
Now, let’s dive into Week Zero.
According to the DraftKings Sportsbook, there are seven games available to bet on.
Here are four matchups that have my attention.
Here are four matchups that have my attention.
Nebraska (-12) vs Northwestern (+12); o/u 50.5 - Dublin, Ireland.
Yes, Ireland. Aviva Stadium. Bangers and Mash. Pubs. It seems fitting that the Big Ten signed off on this.
As of Friday morning, I’m (tepidly) taking Northwestern (+12). Both teams finished 2021 with (3-9) records. Nebraska was money against the spread (ATS) last season (58% clip). I have trust issues with Scott Frost like Khloe Kardashian has with Tristan Thompson. The Cornhuskers lost a four-year starter in Adrian Martinez. I’m trusting Pat Fitzgerald and transfer QB Ryan Hilinski to be competitive. Cheers mate!
Wyoming (+14) vs Illinois (-14); o/u 44 - Champaign, Illinois.
You can say a lot of nice things about Brett Bielema. Last season aside, he will have his players ready.
The Fighting Illini return a bolstered defense. Is it enough to counter Wyoming’s strong rushing attack? Averaged 211.2 yards on the ground per game in 2021, second best in the Mountain West.
Always remember this. Betting the under is bad for your health... You shouldn’t eat McDonalds. Or put inordinate amounts of creamer in your coffee. Or spend any time on TikTok. Alas, give me under 44 total points scored.
UConn (+26.5) vs Utah State (-26.5); o/u 59 - Logan, Utah.
The last time Jim Mora was coaching;
- The Houston Astros were banging trash cans en route to a World Series title.
- Apple TV+ hadn’t launched yet.
- Patrick Mahomes was a bench player.
Mora inherited a (1-11) Huskies team that is beyond repair. Utah State will look to defend their Mountain West crown. Shall we get provocative and lay 26.5, Chazz Michael Michaels?
Vanderbilt (-9) vs Hawaii (+9); o/u 54.5 - Honolulu, Hawaii.
Remember that one kid on your travel baseball team that never played but had rich parents. Always had the nice equipment, paid all of the fees, and constantly had the best dugout snacks?
That’s Vanderbilt in the SEC. They finished (2-11) last year. Vandy went (0-8) in conference play. Own a scorching losing streak of league losses dating back to 2019.
Hawaii legend Timmy Chang is now the head coach. Expect frenetic pace and fight from the Rainbow Warriors but end up losing to the SEC wannabe. Hawaii (+9).