College Football Betting Previews, Odds, Picks and Predictions

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Alabama Crimson Tide

• Time: Saturday, September 10, 2016 3:30 PM ET
• Place: Bryant-Denny Stadium
• Betting Line: Crimson Tide -28.5
• Total: 58.5

Bet on the Hilltoppers

The Hilltoppers face a mountain of a challenge in this game. Not only will they face a national title favorite, they’re also playing on their home turf. And, judging from the 28-point spread it might turn into a crimson dyed bloodbath for them. Even while Kentucky did beat the Rice Owls in their season opener last Thursday 46-14, Alabama is quite another story where quarterback Mike White might not be prepared for. White looked pretty confident against Rice, passing for 517 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, but the Owls’ defense didn’t put up much of a fight. Regardless, the Hilltoppers’ offense might hang in there in this game.

Bet on the Crimson Tide

Alabama started their season in characteristic fashion even with freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Crimson Tide took apart No. 20 USC by a score of 52-6. However, the win shouldn’t lull them into a sense of overconfidence because anything can happen in college football. Hurts was truly fantastic for a rookie, passing for 118 yards and two touchdowns with one interception but it’s still not a given that he’ll start in this game as Nick Saban might go with Blake Barnett. Alabama’s defense tore apart USC’s offense, limiting the Trojans to only 194 total yards so there’s no question that they have the power to cut through the Hilltoppers.

Betting Trends

• Western Kentucky is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
• Western Kentucky is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
• The total has gone OVER in 7 of Western Kentucky's last 10 games
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Alabama's last 6 games
• Alabama is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
• Alabama is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

Game Predictions: Alabama will win but it won’t be a landslide victory, 45-30.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs LSU Tigers

Time: Saturday, September 10, 7:30 PM ET
Place: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge

Bet on the Gamecocks

Though a clear underdog, the Gamecocks could nevertheless surprise the Tigers. Last season they nearly defeated Auburn on the home turf only losing in overtime by one touchdown. The Gamecocks started their season off with a convincing win over North Alabama by a score of 31-12. Eli Jenkins was stellar, managing to acquire 331 total yards of which 102 were on the ground. Running back Roc Thomas also ran for 71 yards and three touchdowns which added to Tyus Flakes’ 72 rushing yards. Jacksonville has plenty to look forward to if they can keep their running game hot.

Bet on the Tigers

The Tigers got their teeth kicked in in losing their season-opener Wisconsin last Saturday 16-14. Les Miles’ job is in jeopardy being that nothing seems to have changed from last season and the Tigers are still too reliant on what Leonard Fournette can do on the ground. And, though Fournette rushed for 138 yards on 23 carries he wasn’t able to convert a touchdown. Brandon Harris had a lackluster performance and only passed for 131 yards and a touchdown being picked off twice. Undoubtedly Fournette will be once again running in this game and the Gamecocks will have a hard time slowing him down. But, looking forward the Tigers need to come up with a different game plan if they’re to go far into this season.

Betting Trends

• Jacksonville State is 2-14 SU in its last 16 games
• Jacksonville State is 2-14 SU in its last 16 games on the road
• Louisiana State is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
• Louisiana State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Louisiana State's last 7 games at home

 Game Prediction: LSU wins 40-13