College Football Picks for Thursday, September 1st 2022

The 2022 college football season officially started last weekend as Week 0 offered up a handful of betting opportunities. That was a nice warmup to the main event as things really start to heat up this weekend.

College Football Betting Sites

There are a number of games on the schedule for Thursday, September 1, and that means some great betting options. Here are the college football best bets to make on Thursday in Week 1.

Central Michigan Chippewas at Oklahoma State Cowboys

Central Michigan vs. Oklahoma State Picks

Best Bet: Over 60 Points

The Oklahoma State Cowboys open up the season as big favorites over the Central Michigan Chippewas. Oklahoma State is favored to win by three touchdowns, but it’s always hard to bet against a team from the MAC.

Central Michigan has a strong football tradition, and they are also a program that is known for playing great opponents. The Chippewas are also known for scoring points, as is Oklahoma State.

This game should be a high-scoring affair, and taking the over 60.0 points is the way to go.

College Football Odds

West Virginia Mountaineers at Pittsburgh Panthers

West Virginia vs. Pittsburgh Picks

Best Bet: West Virginia +7.5

Former Big East Conference rivals meet up as the West Virginia Mountaineers travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers. Both teams have some questions entering 2022, but it is Pittsburgh that is expected to be a much better overall team.

The Panthers do have to replace Kenny Pickett at the quarterback position, and that’s not going to be easy. West Virginia has the chance to be a great defensive team, and that should come into play in this one.

This game should be tight, and you simply can’t pass up on taking the 7.5 points from the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Penn State Nittany Lions at Purdue Boilermakers

Penn State vs. Purdue Picks

Best Bet: Penn State -3.5

The Big Ten Conference is starting out with conference games right away, and that will present a massive showdown in Week 1. The Purdue Boilermakers host the Penn State Nittany Lions in a very important game for each team.

Purdue is a popular pick to win the Big Ten West this season, but the East Division is where the best teams are. Penn State has a number of key offensive players returning, and that’s going to be the difference in this game.

We are not in for a blowout, but the Nittany Lions win and cover the small spread.

College Football Predictions

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Missouri Tigers

Louisiana Tech vs. Missouri Picks

Best Bet: Missouri -19.5

It’s not very often that you are going to see the Missouri Tigers as a 19.5-point betting favorite in college football. This program has struggled, but they are projected to win big in Week 1 when hosting Louisiana Tech.

It was a pretty rough end to the year for both teams in 2021, and neither team is expected to have a good year in 2022. There can always be some surprises, but the overall talent level of Missouri is going to take over this game at some point.

Bet Missouri -19.5 as they cruise to a win.

New Mexico State Aggies at Minnesota Golden Gophers

New Mexico State vs. Minnesota Picks

Best Bet: New Mexico +36.5

You are going to see some big spreads in the non-conference portion of the season, but that’s also a good betting option. Minnesota is more than a five-touchdown favorite against New Mexico State, and this spread just doesn’t feel right.

The Golden Gophers should be able to compete in the Big Ten West, but they also have some flaws. New Mexico State already has a game under its belt this season, losing to Nevada, 23-12.

The Aggies will use that experience to improve in this one, and they are able to cover the spread.