For some, that means we’ve reached the time of year where we lose a little bit of our money. But that’s not the plan for us. We plan on winning. And if you so choose to tail our season-long picks and win some money too, then we will all celebrate together, Michigan State-style!

No, that does not mean we are burning any couches. Perhaps a feast at The Peanut Barrel or Crunchy’s will suffice. 

Anyway, here are picks from Sam Sklar, Alex Faber and Eli McKown for Week 1 of the college football season. Tail at your own risk. 

Sam Sklar, Sports Editor (0-0)

New Mexico State (+36.5) at Minnesota

One year ago, in my lone appearance in the gambling guide, I zigged against the zag and took Bowling Green +31 at Minnesota. Not only did Bowling Green cover the spread, they won outright in one of the biggest upsets of the season. It was one of my favorite picks of the year, so, I’m going back to the well here. 

It’s the return of former Golden Gophers head coach Jerry Kill. He said a few years ago he would never set foot on Minnesota’s campus ever again, but now in his first head coaching gig since his time with the Gophers, it only makes sense that he will step foot on that very campus. Kill has bad mouthed the program for years, and the heat has only turned up over the last month, fueling an awesome storyline for a typically not-so-exciting matchup. 

Now, New Mexico State is not a good team. They demonstrated that in a lowly loss to Nevada at home in Week 0. But I think the points are just way too many here. We’ve seen Minnesota in the P.J. Fleck era play down to its opponents, especially in the non-conference matchups. I can see Minnesota winning 41-10, but not covering the spread. I took this line two months ago when it was at +38 and I’d bet this to +35.

Louisiana-Monroe at Texas (under 64.5)

Look, I don’t know much at all about Louisiana-Monroe, outside of the fact that they averaged a pedestrian 20.9 points per game and their last four games went under in 2021. 

But, I do know a little more about Texas. And before you start thinking about Quinn Ewers and Bijan Robinson, let’s start with this: Texas is not back…just yet. 

Lots of people are buying into the Texas hype and rightfully so. It mostly stems from the transfer of Ewers and a loaded 2023 recruiting class that includes Arch Manning, but that 2023 class doesn’t have any effect on this year’s squad. Let’s not forget, this is still a team that went 5-7 last year and lost to Kansas at home. 

Texas was able to score a lot of points last year, and I don’t think that will be an issue this year either. Bottom line, I wouldn’t be surprised if there were some growing pains with Ewers taking over the offense.

West Virginia at Pittsburgh (under 51.5)

The Backyard Brawl is back in what I anticipate being a punting showdown. It’s a low total, but I still see an edge to the under here. 

It mostly ties back to Pittsburgh, who lost Heisman Trophy finalist Kenny Pickett, Biletnikoff winner Jordan Addison and offensive coordinator Mark Whipple. Michigan State fans saw what that offense was like without Pickett.

Kedon Slovis is the Panthers new starting quarterback, a transfer from USC who is more than capable of leading a sound offense. But with a new offensive coordinator, I expect Pittsburgh to lean more on the run game, which chews more clock and always bodes well for the under.  

Alex Faber, Football Reporter (0-0)

Oregon (+17) vs Georgia

Let’s start off my career as a gambling advisor by betting against the reigning national champs. This can’t go wrong, right? 

Last year, Georgia’s defense was historically great, chock-full of NFL talent from the defensive line to the secondary. With a good chunk of those players gone, I think it’ll take a bit for this Bulldog defense to find its identity. 

I understand betting against a SEC team like Georgia in the non-conference is a little risky. But Oregon is no slouch against non-PAC 12 opponents. Just last year, the Ducks pulled off a stunning upset against Ohio State in Columbus. Oregon doesn’t always walk away with a win in the non-conference, but it’s almost always a nail-biter (lost 31-28 against the Spartans in East Lansing back in 2015 and 27-21 against Auburn at Jerry World). 

I’m not bold enough to bet the Ducks moneyline, but I’m confident that Oregon will, at the very least, give Georgia a hell of a game. 

Arizona at San Diego State (-6)

If betting against the reigning national champions is a little too bold for some, maybe betting against what is likely one of the worst teams in the country is a bit more digestible. 

I’m not especially high on San Diego State (although the Aztecs have been one of the better Mountain West teams in recent years). I’m just very, very low on the Wildcats. Coming off of a 1-11 season, Arizona’s football program is in rough shape, and I don’t think a handful of transfers will do much to change the situation. 

Need more convincing? Last year, Arizona played host to the Aztecs. The Wildcats were humiliated, losing 38-14. So this season, San Diego State plays host and they’re only favored by six? Easy money. I’m not sure if SDSU will win by as much as they did in 2021, but they’ll win by more than six. 

Central Michigan (+21.5) at Oklahoma State

For my last bet of the week, I have to go back to my Mount Pleasant roots and send my support to the underdog Central Michigan Chippewas. 

It may seem a bit silly to put any money on a road dog from the MAC in a game against a solid Big 12 opponent, but these two teams have some history. Back in 2016, the Chippewas pulled off an upset in an instant classic, shocking the home crowd at Stillwater with a Hail Mary lateral with zeros on the clock. 

The Chippewas are going to be the best team in the MAC this season and I think they start off the year by giving the Cowboys a bit of a scare. I don’t think we’re due for a repeat of 2016 this Thursday, but Central Michigan has proven that, on occasion, they can hang with the big boys.

Eli McKown, State News Contributor (0-0)

I thought my days of having a byline in The State News was over, but when Sam Sklar comes knocking, asking for some hot tips, I can’t refuse.

I had a below .500 record last go around, but I’m fully ready to rock this season with three guarantees.

Louisville -3.5 at Syracuse

Here’s a common thread you’ll see from me a lot this season.

I love Louisville.

So much so, I have them winning eight games this season. Malik Cunningham is my pick to rise up draft boards this season and sneak into the first round at quarterback, and he’s paired with the best defense in the Scott Satterfield era at Louisville.

Syracuse will be the bottom dweller of this division. Outside of their running back Sean Tucker, there’s nothing to like about this team.

Go Cards.

Illinois ML (+130) at Indiana

Bret Bielema has this Illinois team on a good trajectory. Returning a solid run game, adding veteran quarterback Tommy DeVito and returning a majority of a top half Big Ten defense will do it for you.

But also, Indiana is not good at football. 2020 was a fluke and the changes the team made this offseason don’t inspire me whatsoever. 

Run and get this one before it’s too late.

Penn State at Purdue ML (+140)

Purdue is my Big Ten West Champion this season. If you can find those odds somewhere, go get them now. If my prediction comes true, this will be a big one in making it happen. 

Aidan O’ Connell is the best Big Ten quarterback not named CJ Stroud and is surrounded by a much-improved Purdue roster as Jeff Brohm has continued to recruit better on defense and continue his prowess on offense.

Penn State and quarterback Sean Clifford are an interesting duo. Not interesting good, but interesting bad. True freshman Drew Allar will take that job before the season ends, too.

With an offensive line that seemingly never makes the jump from bad to good and a stagnant run game for years, I have little faith this team suddenly gets better this season. 8-4 or worse incoming for the Nittany Lions while Purdue chugs along to 9-3 or better.