Yesterday, Keith outlined 22 of the most intriguing Super Bowl XLVI prop bets. Continuing with that theme today, here are some more interesting and off the wall bets one could wager on the game Sunday, with a few suggestions and predictions on my part:

Prop Bet: Super Bowl MVP

This is one of the basic Vegas prop bets, odds on winning the game MVP. The obvious choices won’t yield much of a return, with Eli Manning at 9-4 and Tom Brady at 7-5.

I would go with Giants’ Victor Cruz at 8-1 or even RB Brandon Jacobs at a longshot of 40-1.

Cruz was perhaps the breakout star of 2011

For the Patriots, the 12-1 shot Wes Welker could be a good call or RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis at 25-1. I wouldn’t recommend Ochocinco at 50-1, however. Sorry Ocho.

Prop Bet: Gatorade Bath Color

One of my favorite prop bets is this one: What color will the Gatorade (or liquid) be that is dumped on the head coach of the winning super bowl team?

The favorites are orange and yellow at 5-2, but I would think red at 13-2 may be a solid value choice. There is no action if nothing is dumped, although why wouldn’t that have odds too?

Prop Bet: Kelly Clarkson’s National Anthem Attire

To get your girlfriend or wife involved in the Super Bowl action, here’s one for them: What will Kelly Clarkson wear to sing the National Anthem?

The choices range from an official Super Bowl XLVI or NFL shirt at 9-4, to a Patriots or Giants jersey/shirt at 15-1. I’d take a flyer on the 7-1 choice: a Colts jersey or shirt.

Prop Bet: Super Bowl MVP Gratitude

This bet is for immediately after the game: Who will the Super Bowl MVP of the game thank first?

Teammates are the favorite at 5-4, but God at 4-1 and coach at 12-1 would be my value bet here.

Prop Bet: First Super Bowl TD

The always popular bet among the betting public is this one: Player to score the first TD in the game. I’ll take either long shot TE Travis Beckum at 35-1 on a first and goal for the Giants or 35-1 choice Julian Edelman returning a punt for a Patriots TD.

Value picks in this category would be Brandon Jacobs at 12-1 or Aaron Hernandez at 7-1. For the sheer crazy bet of the year that you could boast to your friends for years to come, go with the 150-1 shot: No TD scored in the game.

Prob Bet: First Super Bowl INT

An interesting option for you is this wager: Player to get the 1st interception in the game.

You know there will be at least one INT during the game and probably one on both sides of the ball. There are many choices here, but I would go to the window with either Giants cornerback Aaron Ross at 10-1 or Patriots safety James Ihedigbo at 10-1.

Prop Bet: Cross-Sport Bets

Finally, the always talked about and intriguing “cross sport” prop bets. Two caught my eye that would be fun to entertain:

1) What will be higher: Wes Welker receptions or LeBron James assists, with both at -115?

The Heat is playing at home Sunday vs. Toronto, so perhaps a blowout by the Heat will limit LeBron’s assists. I would take Welker, who I forecast at around 9-10 receptions.

2) What will be higher: Eli Manning completions or LeBron James points?

James is the favorite at -1 1/2 vs. Manning. In the 2008 Super Bowl vs. New England, Eli completed 19 passes. In the NFC championship game played 2 weeks ago vs. San Francisco, Manning had 32 completions. James scored 23 and 38 points in last year’s 2 home games vs. the Raptors but has increased his scoring this year and is 2nd in NBA scoring with a 29.7 average points per game. This should be close but I would lean towards Lebron scoring about 35 points to Manning’s 30-32 completions.

Non-Prop Bet: The Actual Point Spread and Over-Under

Point Spread

For the straight up, standard spreads for the game, New England is favored by 3 points over New York, and I would have to take the Giants.

Over-Under

The over-under is at 54 points, and with both defenses improving late in the season and the playoffs I would go with the under.

Hopefully these prop bets will keep you busy and fired up for the Super Bowl and all the betting action that goes along with it. If you cannot get enough of these bets, the halftime show with Madonna could produce another wager or two. But I’ll let you figure out what type of bet that would be.

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Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

There are a few ways: Play a Super Bowl drinking game. Enjoy the commercials. Make disparaging comments about Madonna’s arms.

And, of course, bet on stuff.

If you’re in a place where betting is legal, there is no better way to enhance the fun of watching the Super Bowl than to bet on random occurrences, individual performances, and whimsical happenings that may not even involve the play on the field.

Culling odds from BetUS and thespread.com, here are some of the most intriguing and entertaining prop bets out there for Super Bowl XLVI.

National Anthem Prop Bets

Before, during, or after you take a look at these National Anthem prob bets, make sure you check out Jerod’s piece yesterday previewing Kelly Clarkson’s National Anthem. He includes videos of her past performances and a projection of her time based on these past renditions.

And then for fun, check out Josh’s post highlighting five great National Anthems worth remembering.

Now here are several National Anthem prob bets, followed my take on them all as a whole.

Prop Bet #1: Length of National Anthem

Odds:

• Over 1:34: -135
• Under 1:34: -105

Prob Bet #2: How long will Kelly Clarkson hold the note “brave”?

Odds:

• Over 5 seconds: -110
• 5 seconds: -130

Prob Bet #3: Will Kelly Clarkson forget or omit at least one word from the National Anthem?

Odds:

• Yes: +225
• No: (not available)

My take: I think Kelly Clarkson will do the Star Spangled Banner justice, and I think she will leave some of the unnecessary theatrics at home.

I’m going for the under on both the length of the song and the note “brave,” and I’m saying she won’t forget any words a la Christina Aguilera.

Fun, Random, Non-Game Prop Bets

Prop Bet #4: What color of Gatorade will be dumped on the winning coach’s head?

Odds:

• Lime Green: +750
• Yellow: +160
• Orange: +350
• Red: +700
• Blue: +1200
• Clear/Water: +160

My pick: I like clear/water in this one.

Both the Giants and Patriots have been reported as using water in their coolers this year, so it seems a fairly good bet. Plus, the Gatorade prop offers better odds than the money line on the game itself, so this is an interesting opportunity.

Prop Bet #5: Will any player be penalized for excessive celebration?

Odds:

• Yes: +225

My pick: I like this bet.

There is no bigger stage to have an iconic, career-defining moment. I expect someone to score a big touchdown and decide to turn the eyes of the world upon themselves. I don’t expect the game to be a blowout either way, but if it somehow turns out to be one, this bet is even more likely as players won’t be as concerned about the 15 yard penalty.

Prop Bet #6: What will be the first TD celebration?

Odds:

• Spike Ball: +175
• Lambeau Leap: +250
• Military Salute: +700
• Show Biceps: +450
• Dunk Ball Over Goalpost: +350

My pick: I like the show biceps pick here.

Obviously the spike is the most universal and therefore has the best odds, but wide receivers and running backs love to flex their muscles. At +450 I like the odds, too. In all, there are over 25 options for this bet; these are just a few that I found most appealing.

Prop Bet #7: What will be the longest field goal of the game?

Odds:

• Over/Under 44.5 yards: -115

My pick: I’m looking the under here.

Neither team relies all that heavily on its kicking game and Belichick loves to go for it on 4th down in short yardage situations, even more so when the kick would be a long one.

Prop Bet #8: Will NBC show Larry Bird/David Letterman/Bobby Knight on live TV during the game?

Odds:

• Yes: -120
• No: -120

My pick: These are all separate bets, and I think Larry Bird is a yes, Letterman I’m staying away from, and Knight is a no.

If ESPN had anything to do with the broadcast Knight would be a shoo-in for being on TV, but not on NBC.

Prop Bet #9: How many times will NBC show Peyton Manning on live TV?

Odds:

• Over 5 ½: +115
• Under 5 ½: -155

My pick: I like the odds of the over on this one.

I especially like it if the murky details surrounding Peyton’s medical clearance to play continue to be vague through Sunday. The more uncertainty surrounding the Colts star, the more they will show him on TV.

Prop Bet #10: How many times will NBC mention Jim Irsay during the broadcast?

Odds:

• Over 1: -115
• Under 1: -125

My pick: I don’t see any way they go the entire time without a mention of Irsay, especially given the back and forth in which he and Peyton Manning have engaged over the past few weeks.

Since this Super Bowl wouldn’t be in Indianapolis if not for Irsay and Peyton, take the over here. They will at least bring his name up once or twice.

Super Bowl Prop Bets Related To The Actual Game

Prop Bet #11: Number of Giants to have a rushing attempt

Odds:

• Over 3.5: -300
• Under 3.5: +220

My pick: I know -300 isn’t a great line, but I don’t see any way this one loses.

With Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs and D.J. Ware all in line to receive the ball, all it would take is a carry by Eli or a reverse to a receiver to put you in the money on the over.

Prop Bet #12: Will there be a score in the last 3 ½ minutes of the game?

Odds:

• Yes: -155
• No: +125

My pick: In what figures to be a close game, you have to go with yes on this one. Plus, both teams are better on offense than defense, so I predict some late scoring.

Prop Bet #13: Longest pass completion for Tom Brady

Odds:

• Over/Under 41.5 yards

My pick: Brady will hit at least one big one. Take the over.

Prop Bet #14: Will a Zoltan Mesko punt result in a touchback?

Odds:

• Yes: +190
• No: -250

My pick: This is only mentioned because there is nothing more absurd than betting on a punter named Zoltan Mesko. As a Michigan fan, I will take the -190 and say yes.

Prop Bet #15: Receptions by Wes Welker

Odds:

• Over/Under 6.5

My pick: With Gronk limited, Welker will have to step up. I like the over on this one as well.

Prop Bet #16: Total receiving yards by Julian Edelman

Odds:

• Over/Under 8.5

My pick: Again, with Gronkowski likely limited by his ankle sprain, others will have opportunities. I think Edelman can grab one pass for over 9 yards.

Prop Bet #17: Will Chad Ochocinco have at least one reception?

Odds:

• Yes: +105
• No: -135

My pick: Well, most others will have opportunities. I say Ocho puts up a cero in the receptions column.

Prop Bet #18: Total pass attempts by Eli Manning

Odds:

• Over/Under 38.5

My pick: Unlike a lot of folks, I expect the Giants to play from behind most of the game. With that in mind, I look for Eli to chuck it over 40 times.

Prop Bet #19: Will Hakeem Nicks score a touchdown?

Odds:

• Yes: +100
• No: -130

My pick: The combination of the Patriots’ poor secondary, Nicks’ massive hands, and Eli’s high attempts tell me to take the yes on this one.

I expect Nicks to have a huge game (sleeper MVP pick, even in this, the year of the quarterback), since he will have a huge size advantage against the Pats defensive backs.

Prop Bet #20: Total receiving yards for Victor Cruz

Odds:

• Over/Under 88.5

My pick: Cruz will probably make me look like a stark raving idiot for this, but I’m taking the under.

Even out of the slot, he’s not the secret he once was, and I think Nicks will get the most action. I also think Mario Manningham will see more targets than usual because of the weakness of the Patriots corners after Kyle Arrington and Devin McCourty.

Prop Bet #21: Total solo + assisted tackles for Antrel Rolle

Odds:

• Over/Under 6

My pick: I like the over here because of how many plays I think will end downfield for the Patriots. Rolle will be a busy guy Sunday in pass defense.

Prop Bet #22: Will Brandon Jacobs score a touchdown?

Odds:

• Yes: +180
• No: -240

My pick: This is totally a gut feeling, but I think Jacobs finds the end zone and Ahmad Bradshaw doesn’t (for the record, Bradshaw is +105 to score and -135 not to score). I don’t have any good reason to back it up; this is just a (relatively) bold prediction concerning the Giants running game.

There are my favorites. If any caught your eye, put them in the comments below! And if you disagree with any of my picks, comment on that too.

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Follow me on Twitter @keithmullett

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Image Credits: timesunion.com, getglue.com, zap2it.com, washingtonpost.com, nydailynews.com

All the attention is being focused on the SEC this weekend, but there are still some very intriguing other games that have BCS implications.  A lot of conferences have ranked teams playing on the road and should make for another great set of games this week.

Here are the point spreads and picks for the weekend’s top games.

College Football Picks and Betting Lines for “LSU-Alabama Week”

November 3

Florida State v Boston College

• Florida State-Boston College spread: Florida State -14.5
• Florida State-Boston College over/under 44

Florida State has been a disappointment this season as many people thought they would win the ACC and be playing in a BCS Bowl Game.  After dropping three in a row, the Seminoles have rebounded and won three straight.

Boston College has struggled to say the least on offense and is only averaging 19.9 points per game which ranks 107^th in college football.  Boston College is coming off a momentum building win after last week’s victory over Maryland on the road.

This game might be at home for Boston College, but Florida State has more talent and should be able to control this game from the beginning.  The Seminoles have 12^th ranked defense in the country and Boston College’s lack luster offense will struggle all night.

Florida State is hot right now and that is why I am going to lay the points with them.  Florida State v Boston College spread pick: Florida State -14.5

November 4

USC v Colorado

• USC-Colorado spread: USC -21.5
• USC-Colorado over/under 58

USC is coming off that tough triple overtime loss last week and is prone for a letdown this week.  USC is clearly the better team in this matchup, but you have to question their psyche after suffering such heartbreaking loss.

Colorado is currently on a six-game losing streak and they have not been competitive in their last three games.  Colorado has been absolutely horrendous this season on defense, and in their last three games they have given up 145 points.  They are bad on offense as well, as they are only averaging 18.8 points per game which ranks 117^th in college football.

Colorado will play inspired football on a national stage, but it will not be enough to beat the more talented Trojans.  USC wins this game, but I think Colorado will keep it close at home. That is why I am taking the Buffalos with the points. USC-Colorado spread pick: Colorado +21.5

November 5

#1 LSU v #2 Alabama

• LSU-Alabama spread: Alabama -5
• LSU-Alabama over/under 41.5

This SEC West showdown is the best of game of the weekend and will have everyone in the country watching.  This might be the first of two meetings between these teams because many people think that there is a great possibility that they could play again for the national championship.

Both of these teams have two of the best defenses in the country and expect this game to be full of hard hits.  Alabama has the best scoring defense in the country and teams are only averaging 6.9 points per game against them.  LSU’s defense is not that far behind, as they are only giving up only 11.5 points per game which ranks 3rd overall.

Both of these teams have very effective ground games and whoever can run the ball the best will win.  Trent Richardson is the best running back in the country and I think that he will give the Crimson Tide the advantage in this game.

This game is very tough to pick, so the safe bet on this game would be to take the under.  LSU-Alabama over/under pick: under

#14 Kansas State v #3 Oklahoma State

• Kansas State-Oklahoma State spread: Oklahoma State -21
• Kansas State-Oklahoma State over/under 68

Oklahoma State still has a very good chance of playing for the national championship and will need to win if they want a shot at the title.  Kansas State got blown out last week by Oklahoma and will need to win this game if they want to stay in the chase for a Big 12 championship.

Oklahoma State has one the best passing attacks in the country, and the good news for the Cowboys is that they are facing team that struggles to defend against the pass.  Oklahoma State’s offense is averaging nearly 375 passing yards a game and should have no problem moving the ball through the air against Kansas State.

Kansas State struggled last week giving up 690 yards of offense and Oklahoma State is not the team you want to face after your defense got exposed.  Kansas State was one of the best stories in college football, but I think the Cowboy offense will be too much for them to handle.  Kansas State-Oklahoma State spread pick: Oklahoma State -21

#9 South Carolina v #7 Arkansas

• South Carolina-Arkansas spread: Arkansas -5
• South Carolina-Arkansas over/under 52.5

This game features a pair of one loss teams that still are very much in the hunt for winning their respective divisions in the SEC.  This game is a must-win for Arkansas because they still have a slim chance of playing in the national championship game if they win out.

Arkansas has a very explosive offense and has one of the better passing games in the country averaging 321.1 yards per game.  South Carolina just might have the secondary to slow down the Razorbacks passing game as the Gamecocks are only allowing teams to throw for 135.9 yards per game.

Arkansas has the home field advantage in this game and they have been very tough to beat at home.  I think the Arkansas offense will be able to pull away late and that is why I am going to lay the points in this game.  South Carolina-Arkansas spread pick: Arkansas -5

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* – Trent Richardson photo credit: via Montgomery Advertiser 

Both #5 Clemson and #6 Stanford put their undefeated seasons on the line as they both face tough road games.  This week has a lot of ranked teams going on the road and has the potential for even more upsets.

With the possibility of more ranked teams getting beat this week, there are some favorable betting lines for the weekend’s top college football games.

Here are the betting lines and point spread picks for the weekend’s top games.

College Football Picks and Betting Lines for Week 9

OCTOBER 28

TCU v BYU

• TCU-BYU spread: TCU -13
• TCU-BYU over/under 56

BYU plays in another Friday night prime time game this week as they travel to Arlington, Texas to face TCU in Cowboys Stadium.  Both teams come into this game riding a nice hot steak as TCU has won 5 out of their last six and BYU has won five in a row.

BYU quarterback Riley Nelson has provided a spark to the cougar offense since replacing  Jake Heaps in mid season.  In each of his last three games, Nelson has thrown for over 200 yards and  3 touchdown passes.

TCU has also been solid on offense as well and are averaging are averaging 43.6 points per game which ranks 6^th in college football.  They also have been getting good play from their defense which is coming off a shutout from last week.  I like TCU to cover in this one and keep their hopes of a Mountain West championship alive. TCU-BYU spread pick: TCU -13

OCTOBER 29

#5 Clemson v Georgia Tech

• Clemson-Georgia Tech spread: Clemson -3.5
• Clemson-Georgia Tech over/under 63.5

Georgia Tech looks to get back to their winning ways at home in this game as they have dropped two straight road games after starting the season 6-0.  Clemson remains undefeated and will be trying to keep their national championship dreams alive.

The main theme in this one will be offense as both teams are averaging around 40 points per game.  Clemson might have the better offense and has scored over 50 points in their last two wins.  Clemson QB, Tahj Boyd (2,379 YDS, 24 TD, 3 INT and 160.1 RAT) is having the type of season that is starting to get people to consider him for Heisman.

I think that Georgia Tech could pull off the upset in this game but the safe play seems to be the over in this one. Clemson-Georgia Tech over/under pick: over

#6 Stanford v USC

• Stanford-USC spread: Stanford -7.5
• Stanford-USC over/under 60

The Stanford Cardinal is gearing up for their first tough road game of the season as they head south to face a USC team that is undefeated at home.  Stanford is coming in with a lot of momentum on offense after putting up 615 yards of offense last week against Washington.

This game features two NFL first round draft picks at quarterback and is setting up to be a great quarterback battle between the two.  Andrew Luck (1,888 YDS, 20 TD, 3 INT and 180 RAT) is heading into this game as the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy and has lived up to all the Hype.  USC quarterback, Matt Barkley (2006 YDS, 19 TD, 4 INT and 154.7 RAT) has been just as impressive and last week against Notre Dame he threw 3 touchdown passes.

Stanford has not had to play in any difficult games like this one and USC will be motivated to end Stanford’s national championship hopes.  In this game I am taking USC at home in the upset. Stanford-USC spread pick: USC +7.5

#9 Oklahoma v #8 Kansas State

• Oklahoma-Kansas State spread: Oklahoma -13.5
• Oklahoma-Kansas State over/under 58.5

I don’t think anyone predicted that Kansas State would be the undefeated team when these two teams faced each other.  Kansas State is the biggest surprise in the Big 12 this season and Bill Synder is proving once again that he is one of all time great coaches in college football.

The Wildcats have been able to run the ball effectively all season long with quarterback Collin Klien and are averaging 213.9 rushing yards per game. Oklahoma has been good at stopping the run but has struggled to stop the pass.  Kansas State’s weakness on offense has been throwing the ball and they must be productive in the passing game if they want to win this game.

Kansas State has been able to surprise people by winning all season long and I don’t see why this week won’t be any different for the Wildcats. Oklahoma-Kansas State spread pick: Kansas State +13.5

#11 Michigan State v #14 Nebraska

• Michigan State-Nebraska spread: Nebraska -4
• Michigan State-Nebraska over/under 49.5

This Big Ten Legends showdown features two teams that both think they have what it takes to win the division.  Michigan State is coming off an incredible victory where they stunned the college football world by defeating Wisconsin on a Hail Mary.

Michigan State’s biggest strength is on the defensive side of the ball and the Spartans are only giving 13.7 points per game.  They might have given up 31 points last week to Wisconsin, but they did force Russell Wilson to throw 2 interceptions.  This unit has proven they can shut down mobile quarterbacks and they will have to do the same again this week if they want to win.

Nebraska’s offense is one dimensional and if they can’t run the ball than they do not have much of a chance of winning.  I like Michigan State to take away the Husker ground game and win this game. Michigan State-Nebraska spread pick: Michigan State +4

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* – USC Stanford photo credit: via The Orange County Register  

This week’s set of games starts off again on Thursday night with USC taking on Cal.  Then the weekend’s games feature some outstanding matchups in the Big Ten, Big 12, and Pac 12 that have two ranked teams playing each other.

Here are the point spreads and picks for the weekend’s top games:

Check out our friends at Daily Joust (click here) if the concept of fantasy college football intrigues you. You know it does, and no one does it better than Daily Joust, where you can set a new lineup each based on matchups and compete for real money prizes.

College Football Picks and Betting Lines for Week 7

OCTOBER 13

USC v Cal

• USC-Cal spread: USC -3
• USC-Cal over/under 56.5

USC heads into this game with a 4-1 record and their only loss came against Arizona State two weeks ago in an embarrassing 43-22 loss.  Cal played last week on Thursday night and got blown out by Oregon 43-15 in a game that they were leading at halftime.  Both these teams feature two very good quarterbacks who should be able to throw for a lot of yards in this game.

USC’s Matt Barkley has been amazing so far completing over 70% of his passes this season, averaging 300 passing yards-per-game and throwing 14 touchdown passes.  Cal’s Zach Maynard has put up some very impressive numbers as well, throwing 11 touchdown passes and only three interceptions.

Both of these teams have pretty weak defenses and have the type of offenses that should be able to score a lot in this game.  USC-Cal over-under pick: over

OCTOBER 15

#6 Oklahoma State v #22 Texas

• Oklahoma State-Texas spread: Oklahoma State -7.5
• Oklahoma State-Texas over/under 64.5

Oklahoma State is coming off a win against Kansas where they put 70 points on the board and could have realistically scored 100 if they would not have pulled their starters in the first half.  Texas got beat by their rival Oklahoma last week in a blowout and their offense looked overmatched all game long.

Oklahoma State might have the best passing game in the country and they are going up against a Longhorn defense that gave up 367 passing yards in their last game.  The Cowboys are averaging 432 yards-per-game through the air which ranks second in the nation.

Oklahoma State’s offense is just too much for this young Longhorn defense and that is why I am going to the lay the points in this game. Oklahoma State-Texas Spread Pick: Oklahoma State -7.5

#18 Arizona State v #9 Oregon

• Arizona State-Oregon spread: Oregon -16
• Arizona State-Oregon over/under 66

This game features a pair of teams that have one loss and look to stay unbeaten in conference play.  These two teams are coming off very impressive wins and this game is more than likely going to be a preview of the conference championship game.

Oregon’s offense might be missing one of their key components as LaMichael James will probably not see any action after suffering an elbow injury against Cal.  Oregon has two very talented running backs in De’Anthony Thomas and Kenjon Barner that should be able to fill the void of not having LaMichael James.

Arizona State might have the best passing quarterback in the entire conference in Brock Osweiler who threw for 325 yards and 3 touchdowns in their win last week against Utah.  If Arizona State can avoid the turnovers and sustain long drives in this game than I think the Sun Devils have a shot at winning this game.  Arizona State-Oregon spread pick: Arizona State +16

#11 Michigan v #23 Michigan State

• Michigan-Michigan State spread: Michigan State -2
• Michigan-Michigan State over/under 48.5

Michigan has been a bit of surprise so far this season and if they can beat their in-state rival will more than likely be ranked in the top 10 next week.  This game is at home for Michigan State and they have won three straight against the Wolverines.

The key for Michigan to end their losing streak against the Spartans will be continuing to get great play from Denard Robinson. Robinson is emerging as the nation’s best dual-threat quarterback throwing for 1,130 yards passing, 770 yards rushing and has 18 touchdowns.

If any team has the defense to stop Denard Robinson than it is the Spartans who have the nation’s number one overall defense.  I like the Spartans to play well in this game at home and their winning streak to continue over Michigan. Michigan-Michigan State spread pick: Michigan State -2

#20 Baylor v #21 Texas A&M

• Baylor-Texas A&M spread: Texas A&M -9.5
• Baylor-Texas A&M over/under 75

Just by looking at the over/under in this game you can see that both teams have very good offenses that can score a lot of points.  Both teams are coming off wins where they scored over 40 points against their opponents.

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin is one of the most accurate passers in college football and last week completed 22 of 30 passes, for 212 yards and no interceptions.  Baylor is fourth in the nation in scoring offense averaging an unbelievable 47.6 points-per-game.  Texas A&M can score a lot of points as well and they are averaging 39 points-per-game which ranks them inside the top twenty in college football in scoring offense.

In this game I am going to take the over since both teams have high powered offenses that can score in bunches. Baylor-Texas A&M over-under pick: Over

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* – Michigan v. Michigan State photo credit: Spartans Will

Thursday night starts the week off with a showdown between a pair of 3-1 Pac 12 teams as Cal heads to Autzen stadium to face the Oregon Ducks.  In addition, one of the best annual rivalries in college football is renewed this weekend when Texas and Oklahoma meet for the 106^th time.

Now that most teams have played several tough games, it becomes more clear what each team’s strengths and weaknesses are for betting purposes. With those in mind, here are my picks for this weekend’s top games, plus a fun, free suggestion for anyone who has ever wished they could play fantasy football with college players.

College Football Picks and Betting Lines for Week 6

Thursday, October 6th

Cal v #9 Oregon

• Cal-Oregon spread: Oregon -24
•  Cal-Oregon over/under: 63

The last time Oregon played in a nationally televised game, they found themselves on the losing end.  Oregon’s offense has found its way since that week one loss to LSU and is averaging 52 points-per-game. Oregon quarterback Darron Thomas he has thrown 12 touchdown passes with only one interception and is completing over 60 percent of his passes.   LaMichael James rushed for 288 yards last week against Arizona which marks the second consecutive week that he has rushed for over 200 yards.

Cal is 3-1 this season but has had a fairly easy schedule so far and last week lost to Washington 31-23.  Last season Cal stopped Oregon’s high-flying offense and held them to only 15 points in a two point loss.  The Golden Bears have a solid offense this season that is led by Zach Maynard who has thrown for over 1,000 yards and has 10 touchdowns.

I like Oregon to cover the 24 points in this game in what will be a high scoring game.  Cal-Oregon spread Pick: Oregon -24

Friday, October 7th

#5 Boise State v Fresno State

• Boise State-Fresno spread: Boise State -20.5
• Boise State-Fresno over/under 58

Boise State looks to stay undefeated this season and continue to keep their dreams of a national championship alive.  Kellen Moore gets another shot on the national stage to prove that he is worthy of being a Heisman Trophy candidate.  This Bronco defense often times gets overlooked  but has been very solid this season.  Their defense has only given up 67 points in 4 games, giving them the nation’s 20^th best defense.

Fresno State is coming off a 38-28 loss at home against Ole Miss and their defense couldn’t get a stop all game.  David Carr’s little brother Derek is developing into a solid quarterback for the Bulldogs.  In his first year as a starter, Carr has thrown for 1,291 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Fresno State is not good on defense giving up 32.4 points-per-game and Boise State is not the team you want to face with a struggling defense.  I like Boise State to win big in this game and easily cover the spread.  Boise State-Fresno spread pick: Boise State -20.5

Saturday, October 8th

#3 Oklahoma v #11 Texas

• Oklahoma-Texas spread: Oklahoma -9.5
• Oklahome-Texas over/under 57.5

Oklahoma has one of the best offenses in all of college football and is averaging over 555 total yards offense this season.  Sooner QB Landry Jones is heralded as a top pick in next year’s NFL Draft and has completed 71% of his passes for 1,447 yards.

If Texas wants to win this game their defense is going to have to continue to play well.  Texas’s defense has been very good this season and is holding opponents to 289 yards of offense and only 14.7 points-per-game.

Oklahoma is the better team in this game but I like Texas to hang around and make this a close game. I am going to take Texas with the points.  Oklahoma-Texas spread pick: Texas +9.5

#17 Florida v #1 LSU

• Florida-LSU spread: LSU-14
• Florida-LSU over/under 41.5

Florida heads to Death Valley to face LSU and have to do it with a freshman quarterback making his first start.  Florida lost their starting quarterback John Brantley against Alabama and now must to turn to Jeff Driskel to prevent them from getting their second loss of the season.  Against Alabama, Driskel went 2-6 for 14 yards and must get better in a hurry for them to have a chance in this game.

By now everyone knows about the LSU defense which has the potential to carry them to a national championship.  The Tigers secondary is not going to get beat in this game with the pass and the defensive line must step up in this game.  Florida has two very talented running backs and if LSU can stop them than this game won’t even close.

I like LSU to win this game but I think Florida will play better than they did last week and that is why I am going to take Florida with the points. Florida-LSU spread pick: Florida +14

Iowa v Penn State

• Iowa-Penn State spread: Penn State -4
• Iowa-Penn State over/under 44.5

The Hawkeye’s have owned Penn State and have won eight out of the last nine meetings.  The Hawkeyes have one of the best offenses in the Big Ten this season and are led by quarterback James Vandenberg. Vandenberg has been a pleasant surprise for the Hawkeyes this season and has thrown 10 touchdown passes and only one interception.  The Hawkeyes have the best set of receivers in the Big Ten and have been tough for opposing teams to stop.

Penn State has one of the best defenses in the country and is holding teams to only 12 points-per-game.  The problem this season for the Nittany Lions is their offense as they have been absolutely awful at times.  Rob McGloin has thrown for over 200 yards in each of the last two games and has played very well.  As well as McGloin has played, the Nittany Lions still use a two quarterback system and Rob Bolden has thrown an interception four games in a row.

Iowa is going to put a lot of points on the board and Penn State is going to have a hard time keeping up in this one.  I like Iowa to win this game straight up. Iowa-Penn State spread pick: Iowa +4

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And now for the fun, free suggestion.

The guys at Daily Joust, who run one of the best weekly fantasy sports platforms on the web, have partnered with MSF to host a free college football fantasy challenge for this week. The best part is that while it’s free to enter, there are $250 real dollars on the line.

This week’s challenge is Big 10-specific. Read the details and get started by clicking here.  If you’re not a Big 10 fan and would rather play in one of the other conference-specific challenges or just a general college football fantasy challenge for this week, then click here.

I’ll be playing in the Big 10 challenge, as will Tyler, Keith, and Jerod from MSF. Hope to see you there!

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* – Texas Oklahoma photo credit: via News Ok

The spotlight this week is on Nebraska, as they make their Big Ten debut and travel to Wisconsin for a showdown that many people think will be a preview of the conference championship game.

And it’s not just the Big Ten; all major conferences around college football feature high profile games.  This week provides some betting lines that are very tough because many teams are facing their first tough opponent of the season.

As conference play begins to heat up this week, here are my picks for the weekend’s top games.

College Football Picks and Betting Lines for Week 5

SEPTEMBER 29

#16 South Florida v Pitt

• South Florida-Pitt spread: South Florida -2.5
• South Florida-Pitt over/under 52

The Panthers are currently on a two-game losing steak and look to bounce back in this game in front of a national audience on Thursday night.  Both of these teams feature two very good offensive players that should have a major impact in this game.

South Florida is led by duel threat quarterback B.J. Daniels who leads the Big East with 158.4 QB rating and has thrown for 1,071 yards.  Ray Graham has been one of best running backs in the country for Pitt this season and leads the Big East in rushing with 508 yards.

South Florida is the better team  and that is why I like them to cover the spread in this one. South Florida-Pitt Spread Pick: USF -2.5

October 1

#18 Arkansas v #14 Texas A&M

• Arkansas-Texas A&M:  spread: Texas A&M -3
• Arkansas-Texas A&M over/under 62.5

This game will be played on a neutral site in the Cotton Bowl as these two teams look to get back to their winning ways.  Both these teams are coming off disappointing conference losses, as Texas A&M lost to Oklahoma State (30-29) and Arkansas lost to Alabama (38-14).

These teams have very good offenses and are averaging over 35 points-per-game this season.  I like the over in this game, as both teams quarterbacks are completing nearly 67 percent of their passes and each team is going motivated not to bet their second loss of the season. Arkansas-Texas A&M Over-Under pick: Over

Michigan State v Ohio State

• Michigan State-Ohio State spread: Ohio State -3.5
• Michigan State-Ohio State: over/under 44

This game might not be getting a lot attention from the national media but still is a very important conference game for each team.  Both of these teams are coming off blowout wins from last week and will be trying to carry that momentum into this week.

Michigan State’s Le’Veon Bell and Edwin Baker are two very good running backs and will be need to have a big game if the Spartans want to get a win in Columbus.  Ohio State has been suspect this season in stopping the run and against Miami gave up an average of 5.7 yards-per-rush.

I think this game will come down to quarterback play and clearly Michigan State has the advantage with Kirk Cousins.  I like Cousin’s senior leadership to guide the Spartans to victory and that is why I am going to take Michigan State with the points. Michigan State-Ohio State spread pick: Michigan State +3.5

#3 Alabama v #12 Florida

• Alabama-Florida spread: Alabama -3.5
• Alabama-Florida over/under 44.5

Florida has shown they are the best team in the SEC East and will try defeat national title contender Alabama in The Swamp.  Florida has one of the best offenses in the SEC so far this season, but they are going to struggle all night long against Alabama and the nation’s best defense.

This was the easiest line to pick this week and I am going to lay the points with Alabama. Alabama-Florida spread pick: Alabama -3.5

#8 Nebraska v #7 Wisconsin spread:

• Nebraska -Wisconsin spread: Wisconsin -9.5
• Nebraska-Wisconsin over/under 56

This game features the heavyweights in each division in the Big Ten and will be their first true test of the season after cup-caking the non-conference schedule.

These two teams might be the best rushing teams in the Big Ten and are averaging well over 200 yards-per-game.  What separates these teams on offense is the passing game and the Badgers have a clear advantage over the Huskers.  Russell Wilson leads the Big Ten in passing yards and touchdown passes, while Taylor Martinez has struggled completing fewer than 50 percent of his passes in two games this season.

The only thing Nebraska can do is run the football on offense and thier lack of ability to throw the ball is going to cause them to struggle in this game.  Wisconsin will be too much for Nebraska to handle and that is why I like the Badgers to cover the spread in this game. Nebraska-Wisconsin spread pick: Wisconsin -9.5

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* – Wisconsin Badgers photo credit: Bleacher Report

This week marks the start of the nine game conference schedules in the Big 12 and creates some of the weekend’s best games.  The highlight of this weekend’s games features #7 Oklahoma State heading to College Station to square off with #8 Texas A&M.  This week in college football has a lot of ranked teams playing in tough games and creates some great betting lines to be profitable this weekend.

Here are my picks for the fourth week of the college football season.

College Football Picks and Betting Lines for Week 4

SEPTEMBER 22

North Carolina State v. Cincinnati

• North Carolina State-Cincinnati spread: Cincinnati -7.5
•  North Carolina State-Cincinnati over/under: 60.5

This game features two teams that both have 2-1 records and will be looking to get their third win of the season.  The Bearcats problem this season has been on the defensive side of the ball as they are giving up nearly 400 yards a game.  North Carolina features a very good quarterback in Mike Glennon who has already thrown for 745 yards and 8 touchdowns.  I think Glennon continues to stay hot at QB and that is why I am taking the Wolfpack with the points in this game.

SEPTEMBER 23

Central Florida v. BYU

• Central Florida- BYU spread: BYU -3.5
• Central Florida-BYU over/under 43

Both teams are coming off disappointing losses last week and will be looking to make a statement in this game in front of a national audience.  The problem with BYU this season is that their offense is one of the worst in all of college football and in three games have only scored 40 points.  Central Florida has a solid pass defense this season and is holding opponents to an average of 93 passing yards a game.  I think BYU will continue to struggle on offense this week and that is why I like Central Florida in this game.

SEPTEMBER 24

#7 Oklahoma State v. #8 Texas A&M

• Oklahoma State-Texas A&M spread: Texas A&M -3.5
• Oklahoma State-Texas A&M over/under 69

It has been four years since Texas A&M beat Oklahoma State and this may be their last chance to get a victory over the Cowboys for a long time. Oklahoma State’s offense is putting up some serious numbers this season and is averaging 52.3 points and 601 yards a game.  Texas A&M is no slouch on offense either and this season they are averaging close to 500 yards of offense a game.  Both teams can score at will and Oklahoma’s State’s defense has given up a lot of points this season.  I know the over/under seems high for this game but with these two dynamic offenses there will be a lot points scored in this game.  I like the over in this game and I think both teams will put up at least 40 points.

#14 Arkansas v. #3 Alabama

• Arkansas-Alabama spread: Alabama -11.5
• Arkansas-Alabama over/under 50.5

This is an early SEC West showdown that could decide who will be representing their division in the SEC Championship Game.  The Razorbacks are very good on both sides of the ball and have one of the best teams in the country.  The Crimson Tide has a very good rushing attack and is starting to get improved quarterback play from QB A.J. McCarron, who has not thrown an interception in his last two games.  I think this is going be a close game that will be hard fought by both teams and that is why I am going to take Arkansas with the points.

Missouri v. #1 Oklahoma

• Missouri-Oklahoma spread: Oklahoma -21.5
• Missouri-Oklahoma over/under 56.5

Oklahoma gets this game at home and will look to avenge last season’s lost to Missouri.  Missouri’s only loss this season came out in the desert when they lost a close game in overtime against Arizona State 37-30.  Oklahoma is coming off a very impressive win last week against Florida State that has many people believing they will be playing in the national championship game.  I see both offenses being able to put a lot of points on the board and will combine to score well over 57 points.  I don’t think Missouri will win this game but I think they will cover the spread.

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* – Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weeden photo credit: via News on 6

This week has many teams playing in their first road games of the season and teams are now starting to get into the tough part of their schedule.  There are some very intriguing matchups this weekend that provide the opportunity to place great bets on.

Here are my top picks for this weekend’s set of college football games.

College Football Picks and Betting Lines for Week 1

SEPTEMBER 15

#3 LSU v. #25 Mississippi State

• LSU-Mississippi State spread: LSU -3.5

• LSU-Mississippi State over/under: 48.5

Mississippi State lost a heartbreaker last weekend and will look to rebound at home this weekend against LSU and their stingy defense.  The Tigers have arguably the best defense in college football while the Bulldogs are averaging nearly 600 yards of total offense.  In this game lay the points as the LSU defense will be too much for the Mississippi State offense to handle.

SEPTEMBER 16

#4 Boise State v. Toledo

• Boise State-Toledo spread: Boise State -20
• Boise State-Toledo over/under: 58.5

Boise State had a very impressive win in week one against Georgia and Toledo almost upset Ohio State last week which makes this a very good matchup.  Many people are taking Toledo with the points on this one because they are at home and the way they performed last week.  Toledo did play well last week but Boise State’s offense is just too strong for Toledo to stop.  The Broncos did beat them by 43-points last season and in this game I am going to lay the points.

Iowa State v. Connecticut

• Iowa State-Connecticut spread: Connecticut -4
• Iowa State-Connecticut over/under: 44.5

Iowa State is coming off an impressive victory over their in-state rival Iowa last weekend and look to continue playing well on offense.  New Starting QB Steele Jantz was the Big 12 offensive player of the week and proved that he has what it takes to be a very productive QB.  I look for Iowa State to win this game and head into Big 12 conference play undefeated.

SEPTEMBER 17

#15 Michigan State v. Notre Dame

• Michigan State-Notre Dame spread: Notre Dame  -4.5
• Michigan State-Notre Dame over/under: 51

Notre Dame has started the season 0-2 and completely melted down in their first two games.  Michigan State has started 2-0 but has not played any tough teams this season.  This is Michigan State’s first game against a decent opponent and Notre Dame will come out motivated to avoid going 0-3 for the season.  I think this will be a high scoring game and Notre Dame will get the Win.  In this game I am going to lay the points with Notre Dame and take the over.

#16 Florida v. Tennessee

• Florida- Tennessee spread: Florida -9.5
• Florida- Tennessee over/under: 50.5

Tennessee has not beaten their SEC rival in 7 years and this might be the season they get it done.  Tennessee had a very impressive victory over Cincinnati last weekend and will be taking that momentum into the swamp.  Even if the Vols don’t win they should be able to keep it close and that is why I am going to take them with the points.

#17 Ohio State v. Miami, FL

• Ohio State-Miami, FL spread: Miami -3
• Ohio State-Miami, FL over/under 48

Miami is coming off a week one loss on the road to Maryland and look to get their first victory at home on Saturday night.  Ohio State barely got past Toledo last week at home and this will be their first road game of the season.  I look for this to be a close game but I think Ohio State’s defense will get the best of Jacory Harris and the Buckeyes will get the win.

#1 Oklahoma v. #5 Florida State

• Oklahoma-Florida State spread: Oklahoma -3
• Oklahoma-Florida State over/under: 55

It might be early in the season but this game has national championship implications and the winner will be able to control their own destiny.   Last season the Sooners dominated the Seminoles in Norman winning by a score of 47-17.  Florida State will be at home for this one and this game should be a closer than last season’s blowout.  In this game Oklahoma’s offense will be too much for Florida State and that is why I am going to lay the points.

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* – Oklahoma vs. Florida State photo credit: Bleacher Report

This marks week two of the college football season and provides some great betting lines on this weekend’s big games.  There is now a better understanding of what to expect from these teams and provides an opportunity to place more knowledgeable bets.

This week sees fewer teams playing weaker opponents in their non-conference schedule as they begin to play tougher games.

Here are my picks for the weekend’s top games.

College Football Picks and Betting Lines for Week 2

SEPTEMBER 8

Arizona v. #9 Oklahoma State

• Arizona-Oklahoma State spread: Oklahoma State -14
• Arizona-Oklahoma State over/under 65

This is a rematch of the Alamo Bowl from last season where the Cowboys beat the wildcats in a blowout 36-10.  Arizona will be motivated for this game to prove that they can beat Oklahoma State and that is why I am going to take the Wildcats with the points.

SEPTEMBER 9

#21 Missouri v. Arizona State

• Missouri-Arizona State spread: Arizona State -7.5
• Missouri-Arizona State over/under 53.5

Missouri struggled on offense last week and did not put up the points that many people thought they would against Miami of Ohio.  I don’t think that it will get any better this weekend for Mizzou when they have to play a late night game in the desert.  Arizona State is the better team in this game and that is why they will cover the spread.

SEPTEMBER 10

Iowa v. Iowa State

• Iowa-Iowa State spread: Iowa -7
• Iowa-Iowa State over/under 44

The Hawkeyes have beaten their in-state rival three seasons in a row by a combined score of 87-15.  Iowa State struggled at home last week against a FCS opponent and squeaked out a 20-19 win.  The Hawkeyes will be on the road for this game but they have far more superior talent than the Cyclones.  In this game I like the Hawkeyes to continue their winning streak over the Cyclones and that is why I am going to lay the points in this game.

#2 Alabama v. Penn State

• Alabama-Penn State spread: Alabama -10
• Alabama-Penn State over/under 43.5

The Penn State faithful will be pumped for this high-profile matchup and the crowd may keep this a close game for a while.  These two teams have very good defenses and the Alabama’s might be the best in the country.  With these dominating defenses there won’t be a lot of points scored in this game and that is why I am going to take the under in this game.

#12 South Carolina v. Georgia

• South Carolina- Georgia spread: South Carolina -2.5
• South Carolina- Georgia over/under 51

When the odds for this game came out I was shocked that South Carolina was favored by such a small amount.  South Carolina’s outstanding defensive line will be too much for  Georgia and that is what ultimately could play a major factor in this game.  This one seems like an easy choice to the lay the points and the Gamecocks will easily cover the spread.

#19 Virginia Tech v. East Carolina

• Virginia Tech- East Carolina spread: Virginia Tech -19.5
• Virginia Tech- East Carolina over/under 64

This game does not have much appeal on a national level but it has the potential to be a big payout.  Last week ECU put up 37 points against South Carolina on a neutral site and now find themselves at home against Virginia Tech.  The Pirates are huge underdogs at home for this one and I think they have a very good chance to win this game.  I am going to take East Carolina with the points in this game

Notre Dame v. Michigan

• Notre Dame- Michigan spread: Notre Dame -3.5
• Notre Dame-Michigan over/under 55.5

After last week’s lost, Notre Dame will be motivated not to begin the season with a 0-2 record.  Michigan put up a lot of points in only three-quarters last week before their game was called due to inclement weather.  I look for these teams to put up a lot of points in this game and I am going to take the over on this game.

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* – Oklahoma vs. Arizona Alamo Bowl photo credit: Arizona Daily Star

Note: lines for all games came from Oddsshark.

The opening weekend in college football is very hard to bet on because you have yet to a see teams play.  Projections are based on past seasons’ success and how many starting players are left over from the prior season.

This week also has many teams that are opening their season with opponents in the FCS, and that make it very hard to place bets since there is not much information on those teams.  That is why I try to stay away from games that have a FBS team vs FCS team, because you just don’t have all the resources to make an educated pick.

Here are my top picks that offer the best opportunity to be profitable this weekend.

College Football Picks and Betting Lines for Week 1

SEPTEMBER 1

UNLV v #11 WISCONSIN

• UNLV-Wisconsin spread: Wisconsin -35.5
  
• UNLV-Wisconsin over/under: 56
  

I like the over for this game; Wisconsin is loaded with talent on offense and I look for them to score often and early in this game.

Memphis v #20 Mississippi State

• Memphis-Mississippi State spread: Mississippi State -29
  
• Memphis-Mississippi State over/under: 50 

Mississippi State returns 17 starters from a team that won 9 games in 2010.  The Bulldogs will have no problem handling a Memphis team that only won 1 game last season.  The Bulldogs win big in this game and by more than 29, so go ahead and lay the points.

Wake Forest v Syracuse

• Wake Forest-Syracuse spread: Wake Forest +6
  
• Wake Forest-Syracuse over/under: 49.5

This is my underdog pick for Thursday’s set of games and I like Wake Forest in this one. The Demon Deacons return their starting quarterback and running back from last season, while Syracuse had one of the worst defenses in college football in 2010.  In this game I have Wake Forest with the points.

SEPTEMBER 2

Baylor v #14 TCU

• Baylor-TCU spread: Baylor +6
• Baylor-TCY over/under: 56

TCU loses a lot of players from last season’s team that went undefeated. and that includes QB Andy Dalton. Baylor is at home for this one and returns a lot of players on offense this season.  Quarterback Robert Griffin is the key to Baylor’s success and I look for him to have a big game.  I have Baylor with the points in this game.

SEPTEMBER 3

Utah State v #23 Auburn

• Utah State-Auburn spread: Utah State +22
• Utah State-Auburn over/under: 56

Auburn is very young this season and this will be a so-called rebuilding year for them.  Utah State is not a team to look past and they are capable of playing with big named teams.  Last season Utah State almost pulled off the upset against Oklahoma before losing 31-24.  In this game I am taking Utah State and the points.

Minnesota v #25 USC

• Minnesota-USC spread: Minnesota +23
• Minnesota-USC over/under: 51.5

USC should be able to put a lot of points on the board against a Gopher defense that struggled last season and does not look to be much better this season.  Minnesota has enough talent on offense that will allow them to keep up with USC for a while and both teams will have chances to make big plays in this game.  In this game I like the over with USC winning 35-21.

#4 LSU v #3 Oregon

• LSU-Oregon spread: Oregon -3
• LSU-Oregon over/under: 55

LSU’s offense struggled last season and they will have their starting QB suspended for this game.  Oregon returns some of the best players on offense from a season ago and that is why I am going to lay the points on this game.

#19 Georgia v #5 Boise State

• Georgia-Boise State spread: Boise State -3.5
• Georgia-Boise State over/under: 52.5

This game will feature one of the top returning quarterbacks in the nation and that is Boise State’s Kellen Moore.  Georgia’s Aaron Murray is one of the best returning starters at quarterback in the SEC this season.  Moore and the Broncos will be too much for the Bulldogs and that is I am going to lay the points and take Boise State.

Miami (OH) v Missouri

• Miami (OH)-Missouri spread: Missouri -17.5
• Miami (OH)-Missouri over/under: 47.5
  

Missouri returns all of their receivers from a season ago from a  prolific offense that could move the ball up and down the field.  They will be starting a new quarterback this season but there offense should be just as explosive.  I look for this to be a high scoring game and that is why like the over for this game.

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* – LSU and Oregon photo credit: via LSUsports.net 

Note: lines for all games came from Oddsshark.

People often go to casinos to place bets on games just for the rush and are not taking the necessary steps to win money.  Casinos are banking that you are one of those people who place bets aimlessly so they can take your money.

There are simple things that one can do to ensure that the casinos don’t get the best of you this college football season. Here are five easy steps to follow so that you earn a profit on the bets you place.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

You would think that this would be the first thing that people would do before placing a bet, but oftentimes people just bet off the top of their head.  Before placing a bet you should know everything about the teams that you are going to bet on or against.  Knowing simple things like injury reports is something that every gambler needs to know before placing a bet.

IGNORE PAST SEASON TRENDS

One thing that is common is to see how teams have done over the last ten seasons in almost every type of situation.  These are so pointless, not just in college football but in all sports you are trying to bet on.  Rosters are constantly turning over in college football and the only thing that you should look at is how many returning impact starters there are from the last season.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO TAKE THE SAFE MONEY LINE BET

Early in the college football season there will be a lot of opening lines that are very large and oftentimes teams call off the dogs to not run up the score.  Instead of taking a team who is plus 40, just take the money line bet to ensure that you make some money.  You are trying to make money over the long haul and sometimes a sure bet is better than risky bet.

JUMP ON SPREADS EARLY

If you have done your research and you see a spread early in the week that you really like, don’t hesitate to pull the trigger and place your bet early.  If you think it is a sure bet than probably other people do as well.  If enough people start betting a certain way than the casinos will change the betting lines.

WATCH THE PREGAME SHOWS

If there are games that you are uncertain about, don’t be afraid to watch the pregame show for additional insight into a particular game.  Some of these people do know what they are talking about and can put out information that changes the way you bet on a game.  Also if they predict a certain team will win, listen to the reason why and if you like what they say go ahead and bet on their picks.

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* – MGM Sports Book photo credit: via Sammyvegas’s Blog

Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) at Green Bay Packers (1-0)

Bengals vs Packers odds - Packers -9.5

• Bengals-Packers Date: Sunday, September 20
• Bengals-Packers Time: 1:00
• Bengals-Packers TV Network: CBS
• Bengals-Packers Announcers: Ian Eagle and Rich Gannon
• Bengals-Packers Over-Under: 42
• StubHub: Bengals-Packers tickets as low as $80!

The Bengals were stunned 12-7 by Denver when the Broncos’ Brandon Stokley took a tipped pass and ran 87 yards for a touchdown with 11 seconds left on the clock. Carson Palmer, who hasn’t played in a regular-season game since Week 6 of last year, went 21-of-33 for 247 yards, but he was picked off twice by the Broncos. The defense played very well in shutting down the Broncos, but cornerback Leon Hall will see that tipped pass for the rest of the season.

The Packers picked off Chicago’s Jay Cutler four times in his Bears’ debut to pull out a 21-15 win on Sunday night. This was a typically hard-hitting NFC North affair, and the Packers’ offense struggled to get it going against the Bears, although Aaron Rodgers was 17-of-28 for 184 yards and a touchdown to Greg Jennings, who caught six balls for 106 yards. However, the defense proved that they would be the key to Green Bay’s Super Bowl odds, and they look like they’ve been playing their new 3-4 scheme for years under coordinator Dom Capers.

The Packers are a whopping 9-point favorite at Lambeau Field, where the Bengals haven’t played since 1995. However, they’re only 1-3 in four trips to Green Bay, and last year they were an atrocious 1-7 away from home. The Bengals will have to put aside the disappointment of last week’s gut punch from the Broncos, but heading into Green Bay isn’t the best place to get away from your troubles. The Packers’ defense is swarming and opportunistic, while it looks like Palmer needs a little more time to get back into NFL regular-season shape. Rodgers will play much better than he did in the Chicago game, and this offense could possibly hang a lot of points on a disheartened Cincinnati defense. Go with the Packers in your NFL picks.

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And now, on with the preview of this week’s Chargers-Raiders matchup on Monday Night Football. Follow the link to also view MSF’s Patriots-Bills MNF preview and prediction.

Monday Night Football Week 1 Preview

San Diego Chargers (0-0) at Oakland Raiders (0-0)

Let’s take a quick look at all of the particulars for the second game in tomorrow night’s annual Week 1 MNF double-dip:

• Chargers-Raiders Date: Monday, September 14th
• Chargers-Raiders TV & Kickoff Time: 10:15 ET on ESPN
• Chargers-Raiders Location: Oakland Coliseum in Oakland
• Chargers-Raiders Announcers: Mike Greenberg, Mike Golic, and Steve Young
• Chargers-Raiders Point Spread: SD -9
• Chargers-Raiders Over-Under: 43
• StubHub: Chargers-Raiders MNF tickets as low as $47!
• StubHub: all 2009 Oakland Raiders tickets
• StubHub: all 2009 San Diego Chargers tickets
• StubHub: all 2009 NFL tickets

Chargers-Raiders Analysis

Like many of the past seasons, the Raiders don’t look like much to write home about.

In fact, since their Super Bowl loss to Tampa Bay following the 2002 season, they’ve won just 24 games the past six campaigns. (By comparison, the Indianapolis Colts have won 25 games the past two seasons; the Patriots have won 27 in that span.)

Their defense is, as it has been the past few seasons, very reputable. The offense, also like recent years, is rather putrid. This could cause the defense to look worse than it actually is, especially against a good team like San Diego, which is pretty stacked on the offensive side of the ball. Few deny that preseason is mostly meaningless, but many noticed how awful the Raiders looked against the Saints.

While Ladainian Tomlinson may never be as good as he traditionally was in his heyday a few years ago, he should be a lot better than he was in 2008 when he struggled mightily by his own high standards. In another weak season for the AFC West, he’ll surely be good enough to get the Chargers into the playoffs.

For now, scandal-ridden Shawne Merriman is again the key to a defense that is good versus the run, which happens to be the Raiders’ strength. Darren Sproles, who broke my Indianapolis Colts’ hearts last season, should be used in conjunction with Tomlinson (see Leon Washington), not just to “give LT a breather” as Norv Turner has unwisely done in the past, but as a more integrated part of the offense.

The Raiders are relatively weak versus the run, so the aforementioned two runners should see plenty of action.

Chargers-Raiders Prediction

Three years ago, same game, same night, same network, San Diego smacked Oakland 27-0 en route to a stellar season.

Again like that, you ask?

Not necessarily, but the Chargers certainly are not going to get tripped up in Oakland. With Philip Rivers‘ pin-point passing, they should cover, winning by two touchdowns.

After all, the Chargers put 62 points on the board in their two meetings with Oakland in 2008, both wins.

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* – Al Davis photo credit: Water Cooler HOF

NFL LOCKS OF THE WEEK

Jets vs. Texans -3.5

This game will be an absolute blow out. Houston has way to much fire power for the Jets to handle. This game is going to be played in Houston and it is going to be brutally hot and Humid, weather.com has it at 86 degrees and the Jets will not be use to this weather, it has been an unusually cool summer in New York so expect Jet players to be sucking wind early and often. I know Mark Sanchez has looked good in the preseason, but it is the preseason. He is a rookie and will make mistakes. Expect Matt Schaub to have a monster day through the air to Andre Johnson, Andre Davis and Kevin Walters. The Jets get beat by the heat and the Texans.

Redskins +6.5 vs. Giants

I think the Redskins are going to surprise a lot of people this year. Jason Campbell will finally be playing in the same offensive system for consecutive years since high school, so expect a better year from him. For the Giants I’m not convinced they have answered the question at wide receiver, and without that top level wide receiver the Giants offense last year struggled. The Giants will need to run the ball to win but the Skins defense against the run is sick especially with the addition of Albert Haynesworth. I think Washington may win the game outright, but having the 6.5 always helps.

Buccaneers vs. Dallas -5.5

When you go into the season firing your offensive coordinator a few weeks before the season starts that is a warning sign that your offense is going to be putrid. Tampa doesn’t have the playmakers on offense to keep pace with the Cowboys. This game could get ugly and ugly quick. Dish out the 5.5 as Dallas roles.

Bills vs. Patriots -11

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots score in the forty point range this week against Buffalo. Tom Brady is out to prove a point that he will not be stopped and continue off of his monster season two years ago. The addition of Joey Galloway may prove to be one of this off seasons biggest moves. He still runs like a gazelle and when both Galloway and Moss run fly patterns who will the safety cover? Even if they cover both it opens the underneath with Welker. The Bills also fired their offensive coordinator a few weeks before the season starts, but unlike the Bucs they have playmakers, just not enough to be close in this game. Take the Pats, and count your cash.