SEC Parlay: Seven Free Betting Picks for Week 1 of College Football
Today we return to the insanity of another college football season. This weekend the average and obsessed gamblers of the world will flock to sporting books to place their wages and watch their bets.
If you do choose to gamble, please practice self-restraint, and never place money on your team. Stick to small parlays of three or four picks and hedge your parlays with second half bets if time permits.
Here are seven free betting selections including SEC squads for Week 1 of the 2010 college football season.
Lines and spreads courtesy of Covers.com at 2:30 Eastern time on September 2, 2010.
Florida-Miami (Ohio): Over 52.5 Points
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September 4, 2010: 12:00 ET
Miami (Ohio) RedHawks at Florida Gators
Over/Under: 52.5
Florida -36.5
Urban Meyer will make a statement during the first game of the post-Tim Tebow era. The Gators are loaded with speed and talent, and quarterback John Brantley will lead the way.
The Florida defense is young and inexperienced, which will result in a few Miami scoring drives on Saturday.
Florida may cover on their own, so take the over of 52.5 combined points.
Georgia Bulldogs: 28.5-Point Favorites
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September 4, 2010: 12:20 ET
Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns at Georgia Bulldogs
Over/Under: 52.5
Georgia -28.5
An average squad a year ago, the Ragin' Cajuns of the Sun Belt are no match for the Bulldogs. The visiting team was 101st nationally in scoring offense and 96th in scoring defense in 2009.
Mark Richt and Georgia are primed for a big year after rebuilding a season ago. The worst that could happen is Georgia wins by four touchdowns and you take a push.
Take Georgia to cover the 28.5-point spread.
Kentucky Wildcats: Three-Point Favorites
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September 4, 2010: 3:30 ET
Kentucky Wildcats at Louisville Cardinals
Over/Under: 49
Kentucky -3
The over/under in this rivalry game was very tempting considering the mediocre offensive play of each team a year ago.
A far cry from the glory days early in the decade, the Cardinals are coming off a 4-8 season. Kentucky is breaking in new coach Joker Phillips on the road, and look for the Wildcats to run down the Louisville defense with ball control and a strong running game.
Take Kentucky to win by at least a field goal on Saturday.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
LSU Tigers: 6.5-Point Favorites
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September 4, 2010: 8:00 ET
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. LSU Tigers (Atlanta)
Over/Under 42.5
LSU -6.5
The lines on this game have moved dramatically over the past two days. North Carolina was favored just a few days ago and now sits as almost a touchdown underdog. If this line goes above seven, I would not play this game.
Even with the absence of numerous returning starters for this game, the Tar Heels are talented, experienced, and strong on defense. This should be one of the most competitive games of the weekend and could be determined in the fourth quarter.
North Carolina is entering the season with high expectations and a public relations black eye regarding the recent "Tutor Scandal."
Look for the talent of LSU, coaching of Les Miles, and Jordan Jefferson to lead the Tigers to a touchdown victory in Atlanta.
Arkansas State-Auburn: Under 58
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September 4, 2010: 7:00 ET
Arkansas State Red Wolves at Auburn Tigers
Over/Under: 58
Auburn -31
The Red Wolves of the Sun Belt went 4-8 a season ago with a dismal offense yet respectful defense that ranked 45th nationally in scoring defense.
The Tigers play a classic SEC offensive system of ball control and running the football down the throats of the defense.
Expect Auburn to win big and Arkansas State to struggle finding the end zone.
Take Arkansas State and Auburn to combine for less than 58 points on Saturday.
Memphis Tigers: 21.5-Point Underdogs
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September 4, 2010: 7:00 ET
Memphis Tigers at Mississippi State Bulldogs
Over/Under: 53
Mississippi State -21.5
The home team is coming off a 5-7 season that featured a strong running game and disappointing air attack. Former Bulldog running back Anthony Dixon is in the NFL, and Dan Mullen continues to bring in his own personnel.
On the other hand, the Tigers were downright depressing last season. If the team can improve in turning yards into points, they will fare far better than the 2-10 record posted last season.
The hook makes this a good bet. Anything below 21 points would change the thought process. Take Memphis to lose by less than 21.5 points.
Northwestern-Vanderbilt: Under 44.5 Points
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September 4, 2010: 730 ET
Northwestern Wildcats at Vanderbilt Commodores
Over/Under: 44.5
Northwestern -4.5
Coming off an 8-5 season, the Wildcats are breaking in a new quarterback, and Pat Fitzgerald continues to preach defense as a strength of the team. The Commodores are looking to bounce back after going 2-10 a season ago and averaging only 16.3 points per game.
This will be a defensive battle that Northwestern should win. Take both teams to combine for less than 44.5 points in Saturday's game.
Stay Away from These Games
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If you are unsure about a line or game, stay away. Here are two games featuring SEC teams during Week 1 that aren't worth it.
September 2, 2010: 7:30 ET
Southern Mississippi at South Carolina
Over/Under: 46
South Carolina -14
September 4, 2010: 7:00 ET
San Jose State at Alabama
Over/Under: 51.5
Alabama: 37.5
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
