Each week this season we will forecast what we believe is the best bet of the week. Take our advice at your own peril.
LAST WEEK: Zach (1-0) SMU -33 over Baylor, Scott (0-1) Rice +21 to cover vs. Notre Dame, Doug (0-1) Appalachian State +34.5 over Michigan
Zach: Alabama -40 vs. Florida Atlantic
Florida Atlantic began its season by allowing Nebraska to rush 57 times for 498 yards and five touchdowns, like Tommie Frazier and Lawrence Phillips and Correll Buckhalter were all 20 years old again. Meanwhile, T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry await. I'm thinking these two combine for somewhere between 28 and 32 carries for around 8.5 yards per carry. Additionally, Nick Saban and Kirby Smart are the masters of shutting a completely overmatched offense down. The Tide have pitched eight shutouts in the past three seasons, two per season plus an astounding four shutouts (two back-to-back blankings in 2012) - versus North Texas, LSU, Western Kentucky, Arkansas, Western Carolina, Auburn, Ole Miss and Chattanooga. They've followed a particular patternOne comes when Alabama reaches peak efficiency and dunks an opposing SEC offense's head in the toilet, and another when it just sits on an overmatched Conference USA or FCS foe.
Scott: Colorado State +10.5 vs. Boise State
I like Colorado State straight up and love them plus 10.5. Boise isn't an easy place for anyone to win and Bryan Harsin definitely doesn't want to start off 0-2 following in Coach Pete's footsteps. But this is the way I see it right now - Colorado State has the more physical football team. I expect Mac to pound the rock on the ground all game long creating a long day for Boise defensive front. Colorado State has some athletes that will impress you. I like the direction Mac has that program headed and think they come out of this one 2-0.
Doug: Michigan State +12 vs. Oregon
Go ahead and call me a homer. The premier non-conference game of the year is getting my pick, especially with this line. In their last eight games Michigan State is 7-0-1 against the spread when they've been tabbed as underdogs, plus they're 11-1-1 against the spread on the road since 2011, per the good folks over at Bleacher Report. As long as Pat Narduzzi's defense can limit the big plays, they'll keep this one close. Personally, I think Dantonio and his crew have enough to pull this one out in a thriller that goes down to the wire.