Picks for 8/31/24
College Football
NOON EST
Rotation # 159-160
Clemson/Georgia Over 48.5 (loss)
Georgia comes into the season ranked #1. The Bulldogs are a talented team that brings back most of its offensive line and has many talented receivers. However, the Bulldogs will be without running back Trevor Etienne due to suspension, and their backup Roderick Robinson is out with a toe injury. I expect the Bulldogs to be more one-dimensional in the passing game. Both defenses are talented but need more proven depth. In the first week of the year, conditioning is a factor. Clemson has a limited amount of proven playmaking ability at cornerback, so Georgia QB Carson Beck should be able to find his talented receivers. Clemson is a well-balanced team with a great running back in Phil Mafah and a lot of talent at receiver. The Tigers’ offensive line is a veteran group that will protect QB Cade Klubnik. Both offenses should be in mid-season form today. Today’s game is indoors, with weather not being a factor. Look for a lot of big plays on a fast track. Take the Over.
College Football
7:30 PM EST
Rotation # 210
Texas A&M -2.5 over Notre Dame
I am not a fan of wagering on a new coaching staff, but Texas A&M Head Coach Mike Elko coached Notre Dame starting quarterback Riley Leonard at Duke last year and knows how he thinks. The Irish have one of college football’s lightest and most inexperienced offensive lines, which is never good when on the road. Notre Dame is also adding new coordinators on both sides of the ball. I am interested to see how Riley Leonard does behind an offensive line, starting three sophomores and two first-year students. Both defenses are ahead of the offenses in this game. The defensive line for both teams is as good as it gets. The Aggies are a little deeper with talent, which is always a plus in the first game of the year. Conditioning is a significant factor, as college football has no preseason. Kyle Field will be loud and intimidating. Look for Aggies QB Conner Weigman and the running game to do enough to get the win. Take Texas A&M.
