The 2015 college football is all but upon us. 

So while this paves a gap for recreational bettors to pick and choose their slots in hopes of earning profit, we dialed in on the SEC for the initial week.

 

Pick of the Week: Louisville vs. Auburn (10.5, 59)

Auburn has gained substantial notoriety for 2015, and for obvious reasons. Gus Malzahn’s more than proved his capability of stockpiling wins, not to mention the offensive side of the ball remains chocked full of play making threats up and down the roster. Jeremy Johnson will act as the primary engineer for War Eagle under center, and he’s intertwined with one of the SEC’s most lethal studs in wide receiver Duke Williams; however, people have yet to pin a badge on the defense, which brings back a hoard of returnees this upcoming season.

A lack of tenacity and pass rush in 2014 could potentially invert to a solid unit now that Auburn’s defense snags former Florida DC Will Muschamp as its mentor. Linebacker Cassanova McKinzy heads a dominant front seven, collecting 28 starts as a Tiger. Up front to assist the pass rush will be Carl Lawson, a guy projected to fit into that hybrid, defensive end/linebacker slot. Freshman DT Byron Cowart is receiving all types of buzz, and for a defense recently plagued by constant big plays, I expect Muschamp and his corps to send a message to Louisville right off the bat.

The Cardinals return just four offensive players, and will dearly miss wide receive DeVante Parker on the outside. James Quick will perhaps replace Parker as the primary pass catcher, and while the talent is imminent, the lack of experience raises some red flags for me. 

I noted that within Gus Malzahn’s tenure, he’s absolutely stifled non-conference opposition, surrendering just 12.1 points per game in eight contests; opponent’s team total is 7-1 to the under.

While it initially frightens me that War Eagle is susceptible to quick scores and lending over a batch of possessions to foes, I think both will take a bit of time to get the offensive groove going. I believe Muschamp has these guys prepared and is more than ready to restore a defense. No better way to do that with months of practice for a middle-of-the-pack.

Pick: Louisville Team Total Under 24

 

Western Kentucky at Vanderbilt (-2, 73)

My biased roots would be all over the Hilltoppers here, but I can’t deny the beatdowns endured in the recent past. The SEC is 13-1 versus the C-USA since 2013, and they’re putting up hefty digits: nearly 43 points per game.

I fully expect Vanderbilt to have its way with a subpar defense in WKU, a unit that wallowed in the bottom of the nation in terms of yards and points per contest in 2014. Vandy is no offensive juggernaut, yet I believe they possess the capability to score on this defense with nine returning starters, including Johnny McCrary at quarterback. The Commodores have a deep laundry list of things to prove to the nation, and getting back to SEC roots remains high atop it. Heart screams Hilltoppers, but I like the ‘Dores.

Pick: Vanderbilt -2

 

UTEP at Arkansas (-33, 49)

Losing stud RB Jonathan Williams for the season surely sent chills down the spines of Arkansas die hards, but luckily for them, Alex Collins can be inserted without hesitation. Of course not having one piece of two 1,000-yard rushers from 2014 hinders the game plan and success, but this offense is physical and gets off the ball quick, which should be more than enough to take care of the UTEP Miners. Recently covering the Conference USA reps, they’re in for another terrific season under Sean Kugler. They play fundamental football and will do everything they can to chew up as much clock as possible.

That’s easier said than done versus SEC competition, and I expect Brett Bielema to score at will versus a lower-tier club.

Pick: Arkansas Team Total Over 41.5

 

Bowling Green at Tennessee (-21, 60)

The MAC-SEC showdown of Bowling Green and Tennessee has me in consistent befuddlement. Does Bowling Green move the ball like they can versus an SEC defense? Will Tennessee struggle out of the gate? When it comes down to it, I truly believe laying the points here is the safest bet. I’d normally search for value, but like Vanderbilt, Tennessee looks to restore a bit of what they had in previous seasons. The Falcons don’t supply a sturdy defensive group and head coach Dino Babers appears outmatched in this one.

Pick: Tennessee -21

 

Louisiana-Lafayette at Kentucky (-15.5, 60)

Fist glance here would be a ton of flash on both offensive sides, but I don’t think the look on paper matches up to reality, especially with ULL. With QB Terrence Broadway departing along with much of the wide receiving corps, I believe the Ragin’ Cajun will have a tougher time moving the ball against a Wildcats defense returning eight defensive starters. Unless they manage three scores on UK, I don’t see this one sailing over the total.

Pick: ULL/UK Under 60

 

Southern Mississippi at Mississippi State (23.5, 55.5)

Many have careened over to the Bulldogs bandwagon, but I’m not budging in 2015. Sure Dak Prescott is a fierce competitor and highly-skilled, but I’m not ready to buy this SEC club. Mississippi State should be talented on defense once more, yet only return three starters, and seven total, ranking dead last in the conference. Recently covering the Golden Eagles, they bring back some superb athleticism at wide receiver with Michael Thomas and D.J. Thompson, along with Michigan transfer Justice Hayes.

The ‘books may be baiting the public on this one, and I’m not prepared to bite on it.

Pick: Southern Mississippi +23.5

 

While college football comes with pleasantry and recreational betting, it also calls for leisure time. Sit back and watch match ups such as Texas A&M-Arizona State and Wisconsin-Alabama in what should be entertaining pigskin, and as always, best of luck with your action.

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