College Football 2018: Picks Against the Spread for Week One

After the longest wait, College Football is finally upon us. Here are our spread predictions for some of the top match ups around the country.

Ladies and gentlemen, College Football is here.

After waiting nearly eight months without a game, we had some solid action in “Week Zero” of the 2018 season. Now, we get to the main course.

This week, Clemson will be taking on Furman to open up the season. Tiger fans should be able to enjoy a stress-free weekend with an early end time, meaning that they’ll have the rest of the day to do some tailgating and watch some football.

Here are our spread predictions for some of the top match ups from around the country in College Football for week one.

College Football 2018 Week One Spread Predictions:

Washington vs. Auburn (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta)

Spread: Auburn -1.5

When I look at this game, I see 1,000 scenarios that could play out. The main question, for me, is the health of Jake Browning. Can Browning return to his old self from a couple of years ago? If he can do that, with a backfield featuring Myles Gaskin, Washington has a chance to go and win what basically will be a road game for them.

Auburn, led by Jarrett Stidham, has to replace some guys as well. This spread has gone back and forth in Vegas, so I’m going to put my trust in Browning and give the edge to Huskies to not only beat the spread, but win the game outright.

Spread Prediction: Washington +1.5

Tennessee vs. West Virginia (Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte)

Spread: West Virginia -10

West Virginia is led by Heisman candidate Will Grier at quarterback. That 10-point spread is a lot to cover, though, even for a Mountaineers team that is clearly more talented.

Teams tend to have a little trouble in the first game of the season and I think the final score ends up being right around that spread number. I’m going pick West Virginia to cover, but I don’t feel good about it.

Spread Prediction: West Virginia -10

Michigan at Notre Dame

Spread: Notre Dame -2

You want a game where I have no clue what’s going to happen? This is it.

While there have been many national analysts to praise both Notre Dame and Michigan in some aspect or another, I just can’t see it.

Notre Dame is at home, so I’m going to go with the Fighting Irish to win Game One and cover that two-point spread.

Spread Prediction: Notre Dame -2

Louisville vs. Alabama (Camping World Stadium in Orlando)

Spread: Alabama -24.5

Can Louisville keep this game anywhere close to respectability? The Cardinals are 24.5 underdogs and it may not even be that close.

Alabama is better basically at every single position and the only way this one stays close is if Nick Saban elects to put Jalen Hurts in the game. Even then, this one could get ugly pretty fast.

Can Alabama cover the huge spread? Maybe they can’t, but I’ve learned to never bet against the Crimson Tide until otherwise proven wrong.

Spread Prediction: Alabama -24.5

Miami vs. LSU (Cowboy Stadium in Arlington on Monday)

Spread: Miami -3.5

Talk about a battle of teams that use to be significant in College Football and now are trying to return to prominence.

To me, Miami is very soft on the lines of scrimmage. LSU is very low on skill position players. So, the question is if the Hurricanes are strong enough to get the job done up-front or at least compete with LSU up-front.

I don’t know the answer to that question yet. I’ll give LSU the benefit of the doubt, but overall I’m just not that impressed with either of these teams.

Spread Prediction: LSU +3.5

To recap, here are our picks for this week:

• Washington +1.5
• West Virginia -10
• Notre Dame -2
• Alabama -24.5
• LSU +3.5