“Between Bets” is an article series revealing our staff’s best wagers across the NFL, College Football, NASCAR and PGA Tour. This edition’s bets feature our favorite 2024 College Football Week 1 ATS & total picks.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
2024 College Football Week 1 ATS & Total Picks
TCU @ Stanford | Friday, 10:30 p.m. ET
After an electrifying first season under Sonny Dykes, the TCU Horned Frogs came back down to earth in 2023, finishing 5-7 overall and 5-7 ATS. Theyโve since lost two of their key offensive playmakers, TE Jared Wiley and RB Emani Bailey, both of whom now find themselves with the Kansas City Chiefs. TCU is favored by nine points in this matchup, with a 60.5-point total on the board.
Despite a disappointing 3-9 record last season, Stanford is moving to the ACC and brings back all five starters on the offensive line. QB Ashton Daniels returns with a true X receiver in Elic AyoManor. This solid foundation could allow the Cardinal to exploit a vulnerable TCU secondary. On paper, Stanford has the edge to cover the spread.
Pick: Stanford +9 (-110)
Western Kentucky @ #5 Alabama | Saturday, 7:00 p.m. ET
The Kalen DeBoer era kicks off in Tuscaloosa as No. 5 Alabama hosts the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, who were among the top-20 passing offenses last season. However, Alabama enters the season with only 44% of its production returning, ranking 115th in the nation in this regard. Despite this, the Crimson Tide played 77% of their games to the over last season.
Given these factors, the over looks appealing early in the week. Last season, WKU played a game that ended with 73 points against Ohio State, showcasing the potential for a high-scoring affair, even against top opponents.
Pick: Over 59.5 (-110)
#14 Clemson vs. #1 Georgia | Atlanta, Saturday, 12:00 p.m. ET
This ranked showdown between Clemson and Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta pits two powerhouse programs against each other. However, Clemson is not the dominant force it once was. Last season, they finished 9-4 overall but a mediocre 4-4 in the ACC. With QB Cade Klubnik back under center, Clemson fans hope for improvement, but his first full season as a starter was shaky, with 11 big-time throws and 19 turnover-worthy plays.
On the other side, Carson Beck leads a Georgia team that has been a model of consistency, winning every regular-season game since 2020. Despite losing key players like Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey, Georgia has reloaded through the transfer portal, adding talent such as RB Trevor Etienne from Florida. With the game being played in Georgiaโs backyard, the Bulldogs are deservedly 13.5-point favorites.
Pick: Georgia -13.5 (-108)
Thanks for reading our 2024 College Football Week 1 ATS & total picks! Check out more of our College Football betting articles and other written content here at In-Between Media, or head over to our YouTube channel to get your fix via video.
*Photo Credit: John David Mercer โ USA TODAY Sports*
