LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Week 1 of college football brought the chaos — but not total disaster at the betting window. I went 7-4 against the spread, dodging most of the mayhem.
Among the misses: trusting Kentucky and Indiana to cover, and my biggest swing-and-miss — picking Texas to win outright at Ohio State. Not great.
But there were hits, too. Florida State covered in the week's biggest shocker, and TCU delivered a blowout at North Carolina (bigger than I expected). LSU took care of business at Clemson, a cover I hit.
Louisville | Kentucky | Indiana | Eric Crawford
Now comes the hard part: Week 2's slate is filled with tight lines and trap spots. Let's see what we can do.
FRIDAY'S GAME
James Madison (+13.5) at Louisville (over/under 55.5)
7:30 p.m., ESPN2
The pick: Louisville 34, James Madison 27
Louisville will win, but JMU isn't rolling over. The Dukes are getting Top 25 buzz and bring a tested defense. Jeff Brohm's squad had penalty and turnover issues against EKU, and those will be magnified if they continue this week. The Cards get a boost from a Friday night crowd, but two-touchdown covers don't come easy when the other side plays grown-man defense.
SATURDAY'S GAMES
Iowa (+3.5) at Iowa State (41.5)
Noon, FOX
The pick: Iowa 20, Iowa State 17
This line feels trappy. Five straight road wins in this rivalry — and Iowa owns the Cy-Hawk series. Iowa State has some offensive line issues. Hawkeyes bring the better defense and special teams, and that's usually enough in a game that will set offensive football back 30 years.
Illinois (-3) at Duke (49.5)
Noon, ESPN
The pick: Illinois 28, Duke 24
If I were betting real money, I'd stay away from this one. Two evenly matched teams, but Illinois is more desperate and has the more physical defense. The Illini get just enough out of Luke Altmyer to escape Wallace Wade with a win.
Baylor (+2.5) at SMU (64.5)
Noon, The CW
The pick: Baylor 35, SMU 31
Baylor quietly outgained Auburn last week. The Mustangs were shaky at home and haven't faced a front like this. Dave Aranda needs a win and he gets one.
Kennesaw State (+35.5) at Indiana (52.5)
Noon, FS1
The pick: Indiana 49, Kennesaw State 7
Old Dominion gave the Hoosiers trouble last week, but Curt Cignetti won't allow a second straight clunker. Expect a focused, physical performance — and a cover.
Ole Miss (-10) at Kentucky (50.5)
3:30 p.m., ABC
The pick: Ole Miss 28, Kentucky 21
Lane Kiffin's offense looks dangerous. Kentucky's offense, not so much. But history says this matchup stays close — four straight meetings decided by 10 points total. The streak continues.
Kansas (+6.5) at Missouri (50.5)
3:30 p.m., ESPN2
The pick: Missouri 28, Kansas 24
Kansas turned heads in Week 1 with a dominant showing vs. Fresno State. Missouri gets the home edge, but the Jayhawks cover with a puncher's chance late.
WKU (+7) at Toledo (60.5)
7 p.m., ESPN+ (streaming)
The pick: Toledo 35, WKU 31
One of the toughest picks of the week. WKU's numbers are ridiculous, but Toledo outgained Kentucky and is built for MAC chaos. Rockets hold on — barely.
Michigan (+4.5) at Oklahoma (44.5)
7:30 p.m., ABC
The pick: Michigan 27, Oklahoma 24
There's some buzz around Oklahoma, but Michigan has the more balanced team. Michigan walks into Norman and walks out with a win.
Vanderbilt (+1.5) at Virginia Tech (44.5)
7:30 p.m., ACC Network
The pick: Virginia Tech 24, Vanderbilt 21
I was impressed with Virginia Tech's opening-game performance. Despite mistakes, it gave South Carolina got all it could handle in Week 1. Vandy isn't as good as South Carolina, and the Hokies are at home.
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