I’m off to a slow start with my 2023 Group of Five weekly best bets, as I went 2-3 last week. I’m 6-7 on the year, and it’s about time for me to stop believing in UTSA.
Fortunately, I’m one good week away from a nice record. Let’s dive through the college football betting odds to find a few wagers that can turn into winning bets.
As a reminder, I’m not a professional handicapper. I wager on college football for entertainment, and I’m hoping these five bets will add to my weekend enjoyment of the sport. Feel free to tag along for the ride.
New Customer Offers at BetMGM
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l Terms
Utah State +9.5 vs. Air Force
Air Force’s defense has allowed just 10 points all season, tied for the second-best mark nationally with Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State. That’s not too shabby!
Utah State enters this Friday night game off a 78-point performance against Idaho State in Week 2. I’m not expecting a repeat of that offensive performance, but the Aggies also hung tough in a season-opening loss to Iowa and only lost by 10 points.
I’m expecting a grinder of a game, but I believe Utah State can score a couple of touchdowns. I think nearly 10 points is too large a spread given Utah State’s relative health and talent. The Aggies can keep this close against a dark-horse Mountain West title contender.
San Jose State vs. Toledo -8
Toledo opened the season with a near victory over Illinois, and the Rockets followed that close loss up with a 71-3 win over Texas Southern. Through two weeks, Toledo looks like it’s the team to beat in the MAC.
I like San Jose State, but the Rockets look the part of a top-tier Group of Five team. I think San Jose State will struggle to stop Toledo’s offense led by dual-threat quarterback Dequan Finn. Give me Toledo to cover.
Wyoming +28.5 vs. Texas
Texas is coming off an emotional high after beating Alabama, and the Cowboys are one of the tougher Group of Five teams. Wyoming is 2-0 and opened the season by beating Texas Tech.
Local media reports suggest Northern Illinois transfer Harrison Waylee is ready to play for Wyoming this week. The running back gives Wyoming a dangerous offensive threat.
I’m not anticipating a Wyoming upset, but I do think the Cowboys can hang within four touchdowns of the Longhorns. Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl is one of the more underrated coaches in the country, as the Cowboys often go overlooked despite fielding solid teams.
Related Articles
Colorado-Colorado State over 59.5
Colorado State yielded 466 passing yards in a 50-24 loss to Washington State to open its season. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders leads the country in passing yards per game with an average of 451.5 per game.
Colorado dropped 45 on TCU and 36 against Nebraska. A 50-point showing isn’t out of the question for the Buffaloes. I’m expecting Colorado to score in bunches Saturday, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Rams score a few touchdowns of their own coming off a bye week.
South Alabama +7 vs. Oklahoma State
South Alabama let me down in its season-opening loss to Tulane, but Oklahoma State has looked shaky through two weeks. The Cowboys are an average Big 12 team, and South Alabama has a dynamic offense.
I’m worried about the Jaguars’ defensive ability, but I think they can hold up against an Oklahoma State team without an elite quarterback. South Alabama has a decent shot of pulling the upset this weekend if it leans on quarterback Carter Bradley and the rest of its high-powered offensive unit.
Bennett Conlin is a college football contributor for HERO Sports, and he works full-time covering sports betting industry news and legislation for Sports Handle and US Bets.
