GamblersWORLD Line Moves: College Football Week 1

GamblersWORLD Line Moves: College Football Week 1

We have five big days of college football to – officially – kick off the season. Line Moves are back and early in the week; we’ll let you know what are the biggest line moves. On Friday, we do updates on the biggest moves, offer our free picks, and share other pertinent information. Lines moves in the first week of the season have been posted for some time, unless a team played in Week 0, and are not a true indication of the marketplace.  

CFB – (179) Temple at (180) Massachusetts +2.5 
Saturday, August 30 – 3:30 p.m. ET / ESPN+

Each team enters a new season with a coaching change. Massachusetts reversed its prior decision to leave the MAC and has returned this season. Both are expected to be at or near the bottom of their respective conferences, yet despite this, Temple on the road was flipped to a 2.5-point favorite from a 1.5-point underdog. Why did this happen? It seems the Owls are receiving the benefit of the doubt, playing in the stronger American Conference.

Bet Percentage: Temple 85%

CFB – (195) Colorado State at (196) Washington -21.5 
Saturday, August 30 –11:00 p.m. ET / BTN

There is pressure on Jedd Fisch in his second year in Seattle because, before his arrival, Washington played for the national champion. Everything came perfectly together for the Huskies, who were in the Pac-12 at the time. The Big Ten is a different animal, and Washington will try to reach the upper echelon of their still new home. The Huskies were raised three points to -21.5 in their opener versus Colorado State. The Rams closed the regular season a year ago 6-1 SU. Unfortunately for CSU, they lost star power on offense, and the defense needs to be rebuilt.

Bet Percentage: Washington 75%

CFB – (197) Hawai’i at (198) Arizona -17.5 
Saturday, August 30 – 10:30 p.m. ET / TNT

We decided to include this matchup because the line move was the biggest of the week despite Hawai’i playing last week. The Warriors were made a favorite against Stanford after opening as an underdog and needed all 60 minutes to cover the spread. Hawai’i was smaller than the Cardinal but had far more speed, which they really couldn’t take advantage of at home. Arizona should be one of the worst clubs in the Big 12, yet the Wildcats were pounded from -10 to -17.5 against the Rainbows.

Bet Percentage: Arizona 87%

CFB – (213) UTSA at (214) Texas A&M -24 
Saturday, August 30 – 7:00 p.m. ET / ESPN

Texas A&M is presumed to be a Top 20 squad this season. The Aggies returned 15 starters and improved at quarterback. Expectations were too high in coach Mike Elko’s first year, but with so many players back on the two-deep roster, these individuals have a better understanding of what is expected. UTSA is on the fringes to contend for the title in the American. Offensively, the Roadrunners will compete. Where the line shifted from +21 to +24 is UTSA has just two defensive starters back. The size and speed of Texas A&M will likely wear down its in-state opponent.

Bet Percentage: Texas A&M 89%

CFB – (233) TCU at (234) North Carolina +3.5 
Monday, Sept. 1 – 8:00 p.m. ET / ESPN

Bill Belichick’s first game as a college head coach is a solo event on Labor Day in prime time. As to what kind of success the future Hall of Fame NFL coach will have is divided. What isn’t divided is sharp money going against the Tar Heels, rammed from -1.5 to +3.5. TCU is thought of as an under-the-radar team in the Big 12, led by QB Josh Hoover, coupled with what is expected to be an improved defense. A fascinating matchup that bears watching if the Horned Frogs hop to a lower favorite.

Bet Percentage: North Carolina 53%

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