College football underdogs: Best bets for Colorado, more

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College football’s first big weekend is here. Starting with Utah playing Thursday night, every Top 25 team is in action this weekend. Here's a look at our favorite college football underdog bets for Week 1.

College football Week 1 underdog bets: Colorado +20.5 (-110 or better)

Colorado is one of college football’s biggest stories because of new coach Deion Sanders. “Prime” has reworked the Buffs roster, probably a good thing since they only won one game last season. Colorado has more than 70 new players this season.

Last time we saw TCU, Georgia was laying 65 points on the Horned Frogs in the College Football Playoff championship game. Colorado isn’t Georgia, so we’re expecting a better game.

Colorado +20.5 is a good play if you’re interested in betting an underdog. There is unpredictability given this is Sanders’ first Power 5 coaching job, but he has been a successful coach.

A good prop play looks like Colorado scoring Over 21.5 (-110). The Buffs’ offense is led by Sanders’ son Shedeur, who was explosive playing for his dad last season at Jackson State.

College football long shots: Boise State +14.5 (-110 or better)

Since 1997, Boise State is 3-5 in season openers against ranked teams. The Broncos defeated No. 16 Oregon in 2009, No. 7 Virginia Tech in 2010 and No. 19 Georgia in 2011.

Taking Boise State in a season opener looks like a smart play, but the Broncos will have to contain Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., one of the top players in the country.

CFB underdog bets: Florida State +2.5 (-110 or better)

This is the weekend’s best matchup — No. 5 LSU vs. No. 8 FSU at neutral-site Orlando.

LSU returns star quarterback Jayden Daniels, plus an experienced line and excellent receivers. On defense, Tigers linebacker Harold Jenkins could be a game-changer.

FSU defeated LSU last season, 24-23, in New Orleans, as the Tigers had a game-tying extra point blocked. If you believe in the Seminoles, this game could kick-start their entire season. Take the 2.5 points and FSU.

Buffalo +27.5 - The Bulls have a veteran quarterback in Cole Snyder. Buffalo was 7-6 in the MAC last season. Luke Fickell takes over the No. 19 Wisconsin program, known for imposing linemen and a strong running game. The spread looks favorable for Buffalo.

South Carolina +2.5 - The border battle between North and South Carolina is in neutral-site Charlotte. South Carolina is 7-2 straight up in the last nine meetings. South Carolina and QB Spencer Rattler might have too much for the favored Tar Heels.

San Jose State +16.5 - San Jose lost to USC, 56-28, but should hang with Oregon State at home. SJS quarterback Chevan Cordeiro played well against USC and is a reason to think SJS will cover.

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Chuck Bausman is a contributing writer at Catena Media. His previous experience includes being an executive sports editor for the Philadelphia Daily News.