ASU Football: Pac-12 against the spread for Week One

The Pac-12 football season began Thursday night, and that means the gambling season has begun for ASU football and others.

Thursday marked the beginning of the Pac-12 football season, with Utah defeating Weber State by a score of 41-10. According to the Westgate Sports Book, the spread for the game was 30.5 points in favor of the Utes, and they were able to cover that by just 0.5 points.

It was a wild (and heartbreaking for some people) start to the Pac-12 gambling season, and as the season continues, it will only get crazier.

Arizona State vs. UTSA

Line: ASU -17.5

The Herm Edwards era kicks off Saturday when the Sun Devils host UTSA. The last time these teams played, it was a close game, but ASU ultimately prevailed in a 32-28 victory.

ASU has started off slow in each of its last few openers, and I don’t expect that to change this year. While ASU will ultimately win, don’t expect the Sun Devils to cover in the first game of the Edwards era.

Stanford vs. San Diego State

Line: Stanford -14.0

Stanford returns one of the most dynamic offenses in the NCAA, which includes the 2017 Heisman runner-up in Bryce Love.

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San Diego State lost stud running back Rashaad Penny to the NFL, and although Juwan Washington is expected to produce in his absence, it’s never easy to replace a 2000-yard rusher. The combination of a new running back and defensive coordinator will allow the Cardinals to cruise to victory and cover the spread.

UPDATE: Stanford defeated San Diego State by a score of 31-10.

Colorado vs. Colorado State

Line: – 7.0

Mike MacIntyre and Colorado have a lot to prove this year after a disappointing 5-7 season a year ago. The Buffs kick the 2018 campaign off against their in-state rival, Colorado State.

Last week, CSU looked very unimpressive, especially on defense, in its 43-34 loss to Hawaii. Colorado is expected to be much better than Hawaii, so expect the Buffs to easily cover.

UPDATE: Colorado defeated Colorado State by a score of 45-13.

Oregon State at Ohio State

Line: Ohio State -38.5

These teams may share the same three-letter abbreviation, but that’s about all they have in common. The Beavers didn’t win a Pac-12 game last year, while Ohio State won the Cotton Bowl.

However, Ohio State is without coach Urban Meyer for the opener, so the team could commit more unforced errors than usual. That being said, the Buckeyes will cruise to victory, but they won’t cover.

Washington at Auburn (neutral site: Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

Line: Auburn -2

This is probably the most anticipated game of week one, and it should be a game for the ages. Both teams have top 10 defenses and quarterbacks that could compete for national awards.

The teams are about even, so I wouldn’t put money on this either way. Most likely, Auburn will cover because Atlanta is much closer to Auburn than Washington, and therefore, more Tiger fans will be at the game.

Washington State at Wyoming

Line: WSU -1.0

WSU won nine games last season, but the preseason polls are predicting them to taper off in 2018 due to the departure of starting quarterback Luke Falk.

On the other hand, Wyoming looked impressive in the Cowboys’ week zero win against New Mexico State, winning by 22 points on the road.

No one really knows what to expect from Washington State this year, but it could be tough to win in Laramie, so I don’t expect the Cougars to cover.

USC vs. UNLV

Line: USC -26.5

It’s a new era of USC football without Sam Darnold behind center, and a freshman — J.T. Daniels — will start the opener. It could take time for him to get acclimated to the college ranks, especially against a UNLV defense that returns seven starters.

UNLV is much improved offensively from a year ago as well with running back Lexington Thomas now a year more experienced. The Trojans will win by double digits, but the opener won’t necessarily be a beatdown and they won’t cover.

California vs. UNC

Line: Cal -7.5

Cal failed to make a bowl game last year, finishing 5-7, but the Golden Bears are expected to improve in head coach Justin Wilcox’s second year at the helm.

Quarterback Ross Bowers is a year more experienced, plus, several Tar Heels are suspended for the opener after allegedly selling team-issued Jordans for profit. The combination of the UNC suspensions and the home-field advantage will allow Cal to win and cover the spread.

Oregon vs. Bowling Green State

Line: -33.0

Oregon had a great turnaround season a year ago, but following the season, head coach Willie Taggart took the job at Florida State. Now Mario Cristobal is in charge, and the Ducks will look to make a statement in his debut.

Oregon returns one of the nation’s premier quarterbacks in Justin Herbert, and he shouldn’t have any trouble leading the Ducks past a BGSU team that went 2-10 last year. Oregon will easily cover the spread Saturday.

Arizona vs. BYU

Line: Arizona -11.5

Similar to Oregon, Arizona also bounced back last year, thanks to a dynamic offensive star like Khalil Tate. BYU, on the other hand, had its worst season in a long time, finishing 4-9.

The Cougars are expected to improve this year, but it will be hard for them to stop an offensive juggernaut like Tate. The main question in this game is Arizona’s offensive line, which lost three starters and is without center Nathan Eldridge for the opener.

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If Tate has any blocking help, Arizona should have no problem cruising and covering the spread.

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