SportsTalkATL’s Week 7 College Football Gambling Locks

Chase Irle’s Locks

The Dawgs let me down, and Boston College finally got trounced, but I still went 3-2 and am just one game under for the season after a brutal 0-6 start.

Ohio State (-26) vs. Nebraska

To me, the Buckeyes are the most talented team in the country, and they should come out hungry and prepared against an overmatched Nebraska. We saw that team absolutely obliterate opponents all of last season. They come out and make a statement in their first game of the season.

South Carolina (+7.5) at LSU

LSU favored by more than a touchdown in a football game? This is my alma mater, and I can’t even explain this spread. They might have the worst defense in the SEC, and South Carolina is a pretty good football team. At the very least, this should be a one-possession game. Give me the Cocks and the points.

Alabama (-21) at Tennessee

This has all the makings of a letdown game. Alabama coming off a monumental victory over Georgia against a Tennessee squad that just got embarrassed by Kentucky. Add in the fact that this is a rivalry game, and it’s a perfect place for Alabama to slip up. However, the Crimson Tide seem like a team on a mission behind Mac Jones, and I don’t think they will be taking Tennessee lightly. If that’s the case, I’m not sure how the Volunteers keep the game within three touchdowns. They just don’t have the offense to keep up.

Season Record (11-12)

 

Jake Gordon’s Locks

After a smooth 3-0 last week, I’m up to 13-7 on the season. This is pretty shocking, I know.

Alabama (-21) at Tennessee

If Alabama did that to Georgia’s defense, I don’t wanna see what they do to the Vols with a QB controversy on the other side of the ball. Alabama may very well double this. Saban stays undefeated against former assistants.

Ohio State (-26) v Nebraska

I’m addicted to betting Ohio State on opening weekend. They blow by Nebraska and enter the CFB playoff conversation in Week 1.

Liberty (-11) v Southern Miss

If you aren’t on the Liberty train now — hop on. They’re undefeated under Hugh Freeze in 2020 and led by Auburn Transfer QB Malik Willis. Gee, Auburn could sure use that guy right about now…

BYU – Texas State (60.5)

BYU may get this by themselves. I’m riding with them again; they simply kill everyone they play.

Minnesota (+3) v Michigan

Primetime home underdog on the opening weekend of B10 football? Give me PJ Fleck to “upset” Harbaugh in Week 1.

Season Record (13-7)

Turner Skehan’s Locks (Reigning Champ)

Due to my late entry, I will pick more games per week. I would note that picking more games per week is inherently more difficult. Thus, at the conclusion of the season, when my record is best, I deserve an even greater amount of your respect. I will also keep my scintillating commentaries shorter. Apologies.

Arkansas State (+14) vs. App State

If there is one, and only one thing, Arkansas State can do, it’s score. Their lowest point total this year is 24, and that came against Memphis (only point total below 30). I expect them to lose but cover.

NC State vs. UNC (u64.5)

64.5 is a lot of points. UNC’s offense is (was before FSU) efficient but not crazy explosive. With the exception of the Virginia Tech game (where VT stormed back from behind, changing the composition of the game) the totals have been modest.

Auburn vs. Ole Miss (u70.5)

Betting a Lane Kiffin under? Screw it. I’ll do it. The Lane Train may be rolling in Oxford but I doubt this game reaches 71. Auburn’s offense is impotent (an insult to impotence) and their 34th ranked defense should be able to weather the storm.

OSU vs. Nebraska (u68)

Started at 64.5 and has been bet up. OSU’s offense looks primed for a huge year. Their defense has some uncertainty surrounding it. Still, it’s opening week, and I expect them to roll the Huskers. Due to the concerns about COVID, I expect smart teams to play their back-ups early and often. Think the Huskers will provide an opportunity to season the back-ups in the 2nd half with the game in-hand.

Oklahoma (-6.5) vs. TCU

God Bless the Sooners. Have to think they’ll right the ship and finish out the season strong-ish? Lincoln Riley has proven he can score points, and I think they do so this weekend. A clean game from Rattler will put this game away early.

ND (-10) vs Pittsburgh

Last week was an abysmal performance for Notre Dame. Truly. With a top 10 defense nationally, they will keep Pitt out of the paint and score enough to cover the 10.

Penn State (-5.5) vs. Indiana

I expect PSU to contend in the B10 (well, with everyone but OSU). Wouldn’t be a B10 contender if you didn’t trash the little guys or lose to them. Too early for a Nittany Lion mistake, so give me PSU -5.5.

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In keeping with the infamous advice of George Soros to a young Stanley Druckenmiller concerning his bet against the British Pound (which would go on to break the Bank of England), “when you believe in your trade with conviction, you calculate your net worth and then bet it three times over” (paraphrase).

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Photo: Steve Nurenberg/Icon Sportswire