While we drag through the dog days of August, there is a light off in the distance providing hope that a more enjoyable time is on the horizon. College football is almost here! And with that millions of Americans will be throwing away money in the hopes of getting rich, only to realize that they’ll soon be living in a van down by the river. The Gambler is here to make sure that by “van” you actually mean a Rolls Royce that just happens to be parked by the river while you count your stacks of money. So let’s get into those week 1 picks!

Everyone Loves An Underdog

Watch out for the Wyoming Cowboys this week at Iowa. Wyoming is currently +11 ½ according to Bovada. The Cowboys from out west have a quarterback that you need to make yourself familiar with, Josh Allen. Many experts, such as Mel Kiper and Todd McShay, expect Allen to be one of the top quarterbacks in next year’s NFL Draft, and possibly the #1 pick if he has a big year. Iowa plays a slow, clock management style of ground and pound so if Wyoming can get the offense going early they should be able to at least cover the points. I like Allen and the Cowboys at +11 ½
Friday Night Fever Bonus Pick: Joey Freshwater is heading south. Joey Saltwater anyone? Florida Atlantic hosts the Navy Midshipmen on Friday night. Woman puncher, dual-threat QB and “Last Chance U” star De’Andre Johnson is now at FAU and should give the Lane Train plenty of creative play calling opportunities. Navy’s triple option can be tough to defend but the Owls should be able to cover +11.

Favorites For A Reason

USC and quarterback Sam Darnold were arguably the hottest team in the country at the end of last season. Darnold is back and looking to be in New York for the Heisman as well as be a top pick in the NFL Draft. Western Michigan had an incredible year last year, but PJ Fleck has rowed his boat on to greener pastures. USC is a popular playoff pick and shouldn’t have any trouble taking care of the Broncos in the Coliseum. It’s a lot of points but I like the Trojans at -27 ½. Week 1 Bonus Pick: The U is back. Mark Richt’s first year in South Beach was a huge success by most people’s standards. The Canes return most of their young defense from a year ago, as well as all 5 offensive linemen. The main question is does Miami have a QB? Even an average QB should be able to get the Canes by Bethune Cookman without any problems. Jump on The U at -35.5.

Show Me The Money!

Looking to win the big money by betting on the moneyline? Look no further than the Florida State Seminoles. Free Shoes U is currently +7 and returns one of the most exciting players in college football in Deondre Francois. Derwin James also leads a super talented group of defensive backs that hope to stop the Tide from rolling. Jalen Hurts is an incredible athlete but was exposed in the playoffs last year as more of a runner than a passer. Many people think the Tide will roll all the way to another championship, but I think they have trouble right out of the gate. Be like The Gambler and take the moneyline for the Noles.

College football is back and The Gambler couldn’t be happier. As Jennifer Aniston said, “It’s not really gambling when you never lose”. Well said Jennifer, well said.