College Football 2011: 27 Underdogs To Bet On In 2011 Games

Every single week in the college football season there are point spreads.

In these point spreads you have the favorites and the under dogs. Every week gamblers like you and me take a look at these point spreads, and we see spreads such as: Oklahoma +31.5 vs. Kent State. And every week gamblers go, "Yep, I can see Oklahoma defeating Kent State by more than 31 points."

Sometimes those teams who are favored "cover" that point spread in that they win the game by whatever they're favored by or more. Then sometimes us gamblers see that point spread and think it's a guaranteed win for them and bet everything they have.

Sometimes, though, the favorites do not cover and the underdog pulls a shocker. Those are the games that force gamblers across the world into fits of anger and frustration. Many walls have been remodeled because a team didn't cover a seven-and-a-half point spread, and thus a foot went through some dry wall.

On today's list, we take a look at 27 games this year where the potential underdog heading into the game has a great chance at covering. We will predict the underdog in each slide and what their line is going to be heading into that game.

NOTE: This list isn't an upset list. So if your team is on here, not covering it isn't because the writer thinks your team is going to lose. I repeat, covering does not mean losing people!

So with that out of the way, let's get your compulsive gambling, adult beverage drinking juices flowing. 

Week 1: Buffalo at Pittsburgh

Potential opening line for the game: Pittsburgh -10.5 vs. Buffalo.

Why the University of Buffalo will cover

Because of that man pictured in this slide, Tino Sunseri, Pittsburgh quarterback. He lost his top wide receiver and running back to the draft in Jonathan Baldwin and Dion Lewis. He is prone to throwing interceptions, hence why a cretin columnist here has named him the "Interception."

Yeah it's a Jersey Shore reference in a college football piece. Bare with me people—you have 26 more games to go.

Week 1: Southern Methodist at Texas A&M

Potential opening line for the game: Texas A&M -15.5 vs. SMU.

Why SMU may cover

This program has been brought back to life under the leadership of current head coach June Jones. They made a bowl game for the first time since the 80's, when they paid their players (unlike now, where no one receives payment for exceptional play......allegedly).

Texas A&M should—and more than likely will—win this game. But in the Aggies second year under a first year starter at the quarterback position, plus the loss of their defensive leader Von Miller to the NFL draft, this game could be closer than what the gambling line has.

Week 2: Virginia Tech at East Carolina

Potential opening line for the game: Virginia Tech -21.5 vs. East Carolina.

Why East Carolina may cover

Because this Virginia Tech team has played two non-BCS schools to open their season and has lost to both non-BCS schools. Why, just last year they pulled this and started the season 0-2.

This year the Hoakies lose their starting quarterback to the NFL in Tyrod Taylor and they open their 2011 year with Division I-AA nightmare Appalachian State. This is Va. Tech's first road game, and they could be coming into this game off of an upset to open the season at home.

Week 2: Alabama at Penn State

Potential opening line for the game: Alabama -6.5 vs. Penn State.

Why Penn State may cover

Two words: Happy Valley. When they come out with the toughest places to play, no matter who is writing the list, Penn State's Beaver Stadium is always in the top five.

This game will be no different, as 110,000 screaming Penn State co-ed's, alumni, and fans will come out in full force to welcome Nick Saban and the Tide.

Week 3: Syracuse at USC

Potential opening line for this game: USC -9.5 vs. Syracuse.

Why Syracuse may cover in this game

Because this Syracuse Orange team had a great comeback season last year. In the last five years they were the team that every Big East school would try to plan their Homecoming game.

Not last year. No, the 'Cuse not only finished with a winning record of 8-5, but made the inaugural Pinstripe Classic.

This year, Syracuse brings a lot of their offense back from last year's team. They may surprise the Trojans of USC out in So Cal.

Week 3: Navy at South Carolina

Potential opening line for the game: South Carolina -13.5 vs. Navy.

Why Navy could cover

Come on people, are you going to bet against your Navy? What are you, a bunch of communists?

But seriously, this game and, quite frankly, all of South Carolina's national title hopes, rely on where the hell Stephan Garcia's head is at. Is he ready to play at the high level of football in the SEC? Or is he checked out, ready to move on?

Either way, Navy could catch a South Carolina team without a proven quarterback with an offense relying heavily on sophomore running back, Marcus Lattimore.

Speaking of running games, that is all Navy does on offense. Keep an eye on where South Carolina ranks against the run before this game.

Week 4: LSU at West Virginia

Potential opening line for the game: LSU -6.5 vs. West Virginia.

Why West Virginia could cover

Because at Morgantown the fan base is allowed to purchase alcohol inside of their stadium. Now this may not be a big deal, but out of the other 119 NCAA Division-I college football stadiums, none of them are permitted to serve drinks inside the general seating.

So, Morgantown is already a place where the fan base pelts unsuspecting players with any form of debris. Now, players will have to deal with a fan base that doesn't get a break in tail-gating drinking.

Oh, and the WVU team is coming off of a shared Big East Championship.

Oh, and that lady in the picture should have said "a coach that doesn't get kicked out of various bars."

HI YOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!  

Week 5: Utah State at Brigham Young University

Potential opening line for the game: BYU -14.5 vs. Utah State.

Why Utah State may cover

Because last year the Aggies of Utah State actually beat their in-state rival 31-16. So for the Morman community and the State of Utah: place your money on Utah State and not Jimmer U.

Week 5: Nebraska at Wisconsin

Potential opening line for this game: Wisconsin -4.5 vs. Nebraska

Why Nebraska could cover

Because if the man in the picture of this slide, Taylor Martinez, has a decent game throwing and can work on his ability to move out of the pocket. Then Wisconsin will have a fit trying to stop this Nebraska offense.

But, Wisconsin did a pretty good job on a similar quarterback last year in Terrell Pryor when the Badgers upset Ohio State in Wisconsin.

Either way, it's going to be a great first game for the Cornhuskers of Nebraska in the Big Ten.

Week 6: Miami (FL) at Virginia Tech

Potential opening line for this game: Va Tech -9 1/2 vs. Miami (FL).

Why The U could cover

Because this is the year that Miami's quarterback, Jacory Harris, has to show whether or not he is a future NFL quarterback. One year where he plays up to his potential and he has a chance to make an NFL roster.

And no, Va Tech readers, I'm not picking on you by putting your team in here twice.

Week 6: Oklahoma vs Texas

Potential opening line for this game: Oklahoma -6.5 vs. Texas.

Why the Texas Longhorns may cover 

Because it's the Red River Shootout, I mean rivalry. It's the Texas State Fair. It's the game where each team's season is determined by the outcome. And this year, without a Big 12 title game, it's potentially the conference's championship game.

The Longhorns need a redemption year from junior quarterback, Garrett Gilbert. He, along with the rest of the Longhorn program, needs that redemption year to wash away the stink that was last year's 5-7 record.

Week 7: Florida at Auburn

Potential opening line for this game: Auburn -4.5 vs. Florida.

Why Florida may cover this game 

Because this Auburn team will not be as good as the National Championship team of last year. Yes, they'll be a good football team that will contend with LSU and Alabama for the SEC West division title, but they won't be the runaway favorite.

This Florida team under first-year coach Will Muschamp will have a defense that will give whomever is playing quarterback for Auburn a very difficult time moving the ball.

That being said, Florida will cover in this game. And who knows, maybe this will be the first game of a two game set where these teams meet again in the SEC Championship game.

Week 7: Arizona State at Oregon

Potential opening line for this game: Oregon -17.5 vs. Arizona State.

Why Arizona State may cover in this game 

Because last year, this same Oregon team played this Arizona State team with a high spread in their favor. And what did the Ducks do? They only won by nine freaking points! Yes, if you took the over/under you would have made out like a freaking king. But if you were the sorry sap who took the point spread, well, tough break my friend.

Last year's score: Oregon 42, Arizona State 31.

This year's score: Oregon 45, Arizona State 35.

Week 8: Florida International at Arkansas State

Potential opening line for this game: FIU -5.5 vs. Arkansas State.

Why FIU may cover this game

No real reason why they could cover. It's the only game on a Tuesday in the middle of October and you will want something to do, or watch, or bet on. I mean, what are you going to be watching instead? The latest episode of American Idol followed by Glee?

Actually, strike that. Fox owns the World Series, and thus it will be wall-to-wall baseball.

Where were we? Oh yes, FIU Arkansas State. Last year's record for both teams: Ark. St 4-8, FIU 7-6.

If that helps you out any.

Week 8: Air Force at Boise State

Potential opening line for this game: Boise State -18.5 vs. Air Force.

Why Air Force could cover this game

Because this Air Force team loves to run the football. And what happens when you run the football? You control the clock—that's what happens.

The more that this Air Force team can keep the ball out of Kellen Moore and the Boise State offense's hands, the better chance they have of covering in this game.

Week 9: Stanford at USC

Potential opening line for this game: Stanford -10.5 vs. USC.

Why USC may cover this game 

Because this is a USC program that is still very, very, very bitter for the way that Stanford came onto their home field and embarrassed them just a couple of years ago.

This Stanford team coming into this game could be at a perfect 8-0 and thinking that this is going to be another victory on their way to the BCS National Championship game.

USC coach Lane Kiffin will have a chance to show the college world that this USC Program isn't dead after all of the sanctions that the NCAA imposed on them.

They could upset the Cardinals, just like Stanford upset them on this same field.

Week 9: Rice at Houston

Potential opening line for this game: Houston -9 1/2 vs. Rice.

Why Rice may cover in this game 

Actually, stay away from the point spread in this game. Go take the over/under with two teams that can just light up the score board.

But for slideshow sake, Rice is a little school in Houston, TX, that will have a chance to show that they are just as good as big brother Houston University.

Rice last year finished with a 4-8 record and beat Houston 34-31.

Week 10: Northern Illinois at Toledo

Potential opening line for this game: Northern Illinois -4.5 vs. Toledo.

Why Toledo will cover against Northern Illinois

Because last year Toledo was blown the eff out against NI to the tune of 65-30. Is this game a redemption game for Toledo?

You bet your betting ass it is.

These two teams finished 1-2 in the MAC West Division, and this game should determine once again who the represenitive in the MAC Championship game is.

Plus, the game is on Tuesday, November 1st. What else are you going to watch on television?

Week 10: Indiana at Ohio State

Potential opening line for this game: Ohio State -19.5 vs. Indiana.

Why Indiana has a good chance at covering this game

Because who knows where this Ohio State team will be this late in the season? Will they be a team that is able to survive the crap storm that was their offseason? Or will they be a team that is around 4-4 and just hoping to get this season over as soon as possible? 

Either way, Indiana has a good shot at covering in their trip to Columbus. 

Week 11: Tennessee at Arkansas

Potential opening line for this game: Arkansas -10.5 vs. Tennessee.

Why Tennessee can cover in this game

Because Arkansas lost their No. 1 player to the NFL Draft in quarterback Ryan Mallett. Any time that you lose your best player in any sport, your team is due for a down year. 

Derek Dooley will be better in his second year as Tennessee head coach. Not only because his players are now used to the coach and his tendencies, but also because he has another year of getting rid of the black eye that Lane Kiffin left on the team when he left. 

Dooley and the Vols could make a large leap this year in an SEC East that's wide open. 

Week 11: Oregon at Stanford

Potential opening line for this game: Oregon -8 1/2 vs. Stanford.

Why Stanford can cover this line

Because of what happened last year. Stanford and Oregon faced off in Oregon for not just the Pac-10 title, but also a spot in the BCS Championship game. 

This year the venue is Stanford, and the stakes could be the same: a position in the new Pac-12 Championship game. 

This game will be Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck's game where he proves that he is the best player in college football, like Cam Newton did against Alabama last year. 

Week 12: Nebraska at Michigan

Potential opening line for this game: Nebraska -13 1/2 vs. Michigan.

Why Michigan can cover this line

Because of Denard Robinson. If the Michigan quarterback can play a whole year healthy, this Michigan squad could be a favorite for the Big Ten title. 

This game, however, features two of the best rushing quarterbacks of the new Big Ten in Robinson and Martinez of Nebraska. 

Take Michigan to cover, and it would be a good idea to take the over in this game as well. 

Week 12: Fresno State at Hawaii

Potential opening line for this game: Hawaii -28.5 vs. Fresno State.

Why Fresno State can cover

Well, if the line is true at 28.5, then that's why. A four touchdown cover is extremely hard, unless you're a powerhouse school in a major conference. 

Take that into consideration with the motto that Fresno State's coach is willing to take his team to play any where at any time. 

Yep, any time, as this game is at midnight on Sunday morning. Also, last year Hawaii beat Fresno State 49-27.

Week 13: Notre Dame at Stanford

Potential opening line for this game: Stanford -24.5 vs Notre Dame.

Why Notre Dame can cover in this game

It's Stanford's final home game and final game of the year. They should be working on an undefeated season and should do enough to win, but not risk any major injuries to their key players. 

These are always great games to bet on because the better team sometimes does just enough to win.

Week 13: Texas at Texas A&M

Potential opening line for this game: Texas -3.5 vs. Texas A&M.

Why Texas A&M can cover in this game

Because the separation in talent between these two teams is not as far as it was just two years ago. When these two teams met in the past you had a good A&M team going against a great Texas team. 

This year, A&M has the better offense and a defense that has been getting better over the past couple of years. 

Also, Texas A&M went into Austin last year and beat the Longhorns down. They could do the same this year in College Station in front of their fans, nicknamed the 12th Man.

Week 14: Oklahoma at Oklahoma State

Potential opening line for this game: Oklahoma -6.5 vs. Oklahoma State. 

Why Oklahoma State can cover this game

Because this could be the year that coach Mike Gundy and his Oklahoma State Cowboys finally get the monkey off of their back and beat their in-state rivals in the Oklahoma Sooners. 

Much like the last slide about the Texas A&M Aggies never being able to beat the Texas Longhorns, this rivalry has much of the same makings. 

Oklahoma will be a great team this year with Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles leading the offense. But, with this game being in Stillwater, Oklahoma, this game could be a lot closer than people expect it to be. 

Week 15: Army vs Navy

Potential opening line for this game: Navy -5 1/2 vs Army.

Why Army can cover

 Because every year these two teams meet, and every year it's a wonderful game. Sometimes it doesn't reflect that on the scoreboard, but it's a great game to sit at home and watch. 

Also, it's the only game that day to close out the 2011 college football regular season. 

So put a small wager on the Cadets of Army and watch our brave men play a game of football and celebrate their other students who could not be there with them. 

So that's it for this week you College Football Junkies. I hope you enjoyed my prediction of covers. Want some more of my college football thoughts? Of course you do! Just swing on over to my Twitter page @tjmcaloon and follow me. 

Come back next Wednesday for another piece of College Football greatness.