GamblersWORLD Line Moves: College Football Week 0

GamblersWORLD Line Moves: College Football Week 0

Another college football season commences starting this Saturday. We’re back with the very popular line moves weekly articles, which also have our free picks. Normally, line movement offers a way to look at betting on football, for or against the moves. But, in the first two weeks of the season, nearly all the betting lines were posted for months, so seeking value is harder to find. Nevertheless, we are ready to fire and hope you enjoy.

CFB – (307) Sam Houston State at (308) Western Kentucky -10
Saturday, August 23 – 7:00 p.m. ET / CBSSN

This is the Conference USA lid-lifter. Western Kentucky opened a -7.5 and has been juiced up to -10 against Sam Houston State. Though both teams return single-digit starters, the Bearkats have a new head coach putting in a new system. Current SHS quarterback Hunter Watson is more of a dual-threat, while new HC Phil Longo wants up-tempo, mostly throwing. That doesn’t sound like a good fit. The Hilltoppers have a QB transfer, Maverick McIvor brought his coach (Abilene Christian) to run the offense. Head coach Tyson Helton likes to throw the ball anyway and has his kind of team. The Bearkats will be better later in the season, but a tough spot to start.

Doug’s Pick – Lean Western Kentucky -10

CFB – (309) Fresno State at (310) Kansas -12.5
Saturday, August 23 – 6:30 p.m. ET / FOX

In this nonconference clash, we have a similar circumstance, a program with continuity and one looking to start fresh. Kansas has veteran HC Lance Liepold, who has improved the Jayhawks, but is finding this a tough place to win consistently. Kansas has QB Jalon Daniels back (6^th year), and honestly, he’s not improved since his second year in Lawrence, still making poor mistakes. The Jayhawks opened at -14, fell to -12.5, but about half the books were at -13 by midweek. Fresno State made a good hire in Matt Entz from North Dakota State, an FCS power. Entz should have a better offense; unfortunately, it will take some time. Kansas has too much speed and power and pull away in the second half.

Doug’s Pick – Kansas -12.5

CFB – (311) Stanford at (312) Hawai’i -2
Saturday, August 23 – 7:30 p.m. ET / CBS

As if the Stanford football program isn’t horrible enough, the Cardinal, in their trip to the Islands, were flipped from -2.5 to +2. Former NFL QB/Coach, Frank Reich, was hired by his old Colts quarterback, Andrew Luck (now the GM at Stanford). Stanford is at rock bottom in football and plays in the faraway ACC. The Warriors have not played in a bowl game since before Covid and believe they can end that negative stretch. Local legend Tommy Chang is still the head coach, and after a 5-7 year, he’s after more. QB Micah Alejado played four games last season but decided to save eligibility and return as an experienced redshirt. There is definite sharp action on Hawai’i. Everyone is down on Stanford, and it’s justified. However, the Cardinal is still bigger and stronger and should be able to impose its will, and we’ll fly with the Redbirds in a small upset.

Doug’s Pick – Lean Stanford +2

Get more college football betting advice from Doug Upstone here and purchase Doug’s Premium picks here.