The UCLA Bruins hope to make an about-face with respect to their abysmal 2016 season, but will encounter an NCAA football betting roadblock very early on in the form of the Texas A&M Aggies. Elsewhere, the Vanderbilt Commodores visit the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders while the Ole Miss Rebels and interim head coach Matt Luke (but neither Mark nor John) receive the South Alabama Jaguars. That’s enough SEC action to go around.
Texas A&M Aggies at UCLA Bruins
- Date: Sunday, September 3rd
- Time: 7:35 PM
- Venue: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
Online Sportsbook College Football Game Odds:
Texas A&M +4½ (-110) 55½ (-110) +165
UCLA -4½ (-110) 55½ (-110) -190
This one will be a rematch from the two programs’ 2016 season opener, which the Aggies won 31-24 in overtime. In spite of that and of the Bruins’ 4-8 record last year, UCLA is the favourite to win. TAMU struggled in the second half of last season but managed to salvage a winning record even though they lost five of their last seven games, including the Texas Bowl. That’s not all the Aggies lost, though; they also lost quarterback Trevor Knight to graduation and Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall to the NFL draft. On the other hand, wide receiver Christian ‘Captain’ Kirk and running back Trayveon Williams (who combined for almost 2,000 yards of total offense last year) are both returning.
Vanderbilt Commodores at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders NCAA football betting preview
- Date: Saturday, September 2nd
- Time: 8:05 PM
- Venue: Floyd Stadium, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
College Football Game Odds:
Vanderbilt -3½ (-110) 58 (-110) -175
Middle Tenn St +3½ (-110) 58 (-110) +155
The Commies are currently riding low on a five-game season opener losing streak. Although Vandy’s offense has gotten off to a slow start in those five losses they somehow managed to lead at halftime in three of them. However, no staying power and turnovers have cost Vanderbilt dearly in the end. For example, five different QBs have completed just 35% of their passes in the last three season-opening games, and they threw one touchdown pass and five picks. And now, just for kicks and giggles, here’s head coach Derek Mason autographing a baby.
@VandyFootball Anyone else get a baby signed by @CoachDerekMason ? pic.twitter.com/Eai5BGHIeH
— Chris DeLoach (@TurtleDeLoach27) August 6, 2017
South Alabama Jaguars at Ole Miss Rebels NCAA football betting preview
- Date: Saturday, September 2nd
- Time: 7:35 PM
- Venue: Vaught–Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, Mississippi
College Football Game Odds:
South Alabama +24 (-110) 58½ (-110) +1400
Mississippi -24 (-110) 58½ (-110) -2500
A few days ago South Alabama head coach Joey Jones named junior Cole Garvin the starting quarterback for the season-opening game against the Rebels. “I can’t even describe it,” Garvin said. “It’s a great feeling knowing that the hard work has paid off. I felt like I had a good camp, but you never really know until the announcement is made. I feel like I’m ready to lead this team.” Garvin completed 35 of 64 passes for 463 yards and four touchdowns with just one pick in three starts and two relief appearances in 2016 – including an NCAA football betting upset over San Diego State.