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Picks and Props for the college football season didn’t get off to the greatest start.
Florida State and Georgia Tech didn’t come close to threatening the over, and don’t even get me started on SMU but it’s on to week 1 and a full slate of games.
This article will examine Thursday’s and Friday’s slate of games. Saturday’s games will be the subject of a separate article.
North Dakota St. at Colorado (Thursday)
Line: Colorado -9.5
Total: 59.5
The last few months have been disastrous for Deion Sanders. There was the late-season swoon in year one, followed by a herd of transfers, and the latest controversy involved banning a media member.
Colorado’s defense and offensive line will be the biggest questions on the field. Sanders can’t have another year of weakness along the line.
North Dakota State hopes a new head coach can at least maintain the potent offense his predecessor built.
Tim Polasek inherits an offense that averaged 38 points per game last season.
Pick: Shadeur Sanders will be chasing the Heisman, while Daddy Deion will try to shut up his critics. Yes, North Dakota State is the opponent, but Colorado will be Colorado, and that’s why I love the total in this one. Over 59.5
Florida Atlantic at Michigan St. (Friday)
Line: Michigan St. -13.5
Total: 45.5
After the Mel Tucker scandal, Michigan State needed a coach who could unify the program. The administration and fans hope that Jonathan Smith is that guy. Smith had a combined 18-7 record in his last two seasons at Oregon State.
Last season, the Beavers were 35th in the nation in scoring (31.8 points per game).
Smith will need to get the most out of sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles, but at least there’s some familiarity between them. Last season, Chiles appeared in nine games at Oregon State. Last season, Chiles threw for four touchdowns and no interceptions.
Tom Herman brings the Owls into East Lansing with changes in key positions, including quarterback.
Marshall transfer Cam Fancher has experience at quarterback, but last season, he threw for 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Seven of the 11 interceptions came during a five-game losing streak.
Pick: Smith and his new staff only have one chance to make a first impression, and Florida Atlantic is a good opponent for the Spartans. Herman continues to grow a program in transition, but the excitement in East Lansing and Smith’s offense will be too much. Michigan State -13.5
