Thank God, college football is finally back! No more yard work, no more chores, now it’s time for you to sit back, relax, and have the college football season wash over you. The season starts with an intriguing matchup between an up-and-coming power conference team, the Oregon State Beavers, and a team that could turn a lot of heads and win the Mountain West, the Colorado State Buffaloes. These two teams have only met twice in their history with each school winning once. The winner will break that all-time deadlock.
This contest in Week 1 will go down Saturday, August 26, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. ET at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. This game will be broadcast on CBS Sports.
Week 1 College Football Opening Odds at BookMaker.eu
Oregon State +3.5
Colorado State -3.5
Odds Analysis
Oregon State didn’t have a great season in terms of wins, but the Beavers definitely improved after a dismal record in 2015. The Beavers went 4-8 SU and finished the year 9-3 ATS after huge wins over Arizona and Oregon, despite being an underdog in both games. Under cashed in seven of Oregon State’s 12 games on the year.
The Rams were fantastic against the number last year. Colorado State went 10-3 ATS and showed it can hang with the powerhouses of the conference. The Rams took Boise State to the wire on the Smurf Turf, losing 28-23 as a 28-point underdog. Later in the year, the Rams actually did pull off the improbably with a dominant 63-31 win over San Diego State on the road. Colorado State played four straight road games to end the 2016 campaign.
Matchup to Watch
Oregon State was much better across the board on offense in 2016. One of the keys for that was a more experienced offensive line, but now that unit only returns two starters from last year’s talented group.
Center is a potential problem spot as the Beavers will have a converted nose tackle playing the position in Summer Houston. Houston moved in the spring to address the need and the fact that he won the job so cleanly raises red flags about the talent that was at the position.
The Beaver offensive line will be facing a good Colorado State defensive line. The Rams had a brand new defensive line in 2016, but they played very well despite their inexperience and should be even better in 2017.
Player to Watch
Nick Stevens didn’t win the starting job until the middle of the season last year, but played very well once he did. Stevens was the starter in the season opener against Colorado, but had a dreadful outing and only saw the field once in the next four games.
He was named the starter prior to the team’s biggest game of the season, a road trip to Boise State, and nearly led the Rams to an upset of the Broncos. His performance there won him the starting job for the rest of the season and he ended up putting up very good numbers.
Stevens should have a much better performance than he did in the season opener last year. The Rams ended up being one of the best teams in the red zone last season because of his decision making and rarely had to settle for three. Colorado State found the end zone on 42 of its 53 red zone trips in 2016 and that efficiency will be key against Oregon State.
Free ATS Pick
The Beavers will take another step forward this season, but the Rams are going to contend for the Mountain West in Mike Bobo’s third year on the job. Playing in Fort Collins is not an easy task and Oregon State has yet to win a road game under Andersen. Lay the points with the Rams in the season opener.
College Football Odds: Rams 31, Beavers 20
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
