And we’re off to the races!! However, I have a confession to make.

I typically win 25% of my games on Week One of College Football and the NFL. Coming out the opening College weekend with a 4-5 record, and only down 0.14 units is a huge win in my book. I typically battle back from my Week One thrashing all season, but we’re working with a blank slate so far! Here are 4 picks to start the card and, of course, I will be adding more through my Twitter.

Author’s Note: I am setting my units to $20, but do whatever amount you are comfortable with waging

But first, for the trouble makers, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-522-4700; help is available 24/7 and 100% confidential.

*all odds via Parx Sportsbook as of 9/9/21*

Illinois +10.5 vs. Virginia Cavaliers

11:00 AM EST, ACCN

Brett Bielema went from a high after defeating Nebraska to a low after a 37-30 home loss to the UTSA Roadrunners. This game seems like a risky bet with a Jekyll and Hyde-type team in Nebraska, but that’s why I love gambling.

The Illini could (probably not) get their senior QB Brandon Peters back after injuring himself in the 1st quarter against Nebraska. But sophomore QB Artur Sitkowski has performed admirably. Most importantly, throughout all the chaos, Illinois has zero turnovers in both games.

I think this is an overreaction spread after the Illinois loss to UTSA and the Virginia dismantling William & Mary 43-0. Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong went off for 339 yards and 2 TDs on 21/31 passing.

But that was against an FCS secondary. Illinois brings back three of four secondary starters, which should be a completely different test for Armstrong. I think Bielema gets the team riled up more than ever after that embarrassing loss, and they take it to Virginia.

Rutgers -2.5 at Syracuse Orange

2:00 PM EST, ACCN

Rutgers’ defense dominated Temple last week, turning them over five times with one pick-six and a safety. The dual-threat QB for the Scarlet Knights, senior Noah Verdal, struggled to get the offense moving consistently. However, Schiano has 19 of his 22 starters back, and I think the team needs a week to gel. This is a statement year for Rutgers to prove they’re not the doormat of the Big Ten anymore . I will be riding the Rutgers bandwagon until it derails.

Syracuse pounded the rock to the tune of 283 rushing yards, led by 181 by freshman Sean Tucker. Their opponent, the Ohio Bobcats, could not stop the bleeding, and Cuse took advantage of it all day.

Rutgers allowed 113 rushing yards to Temple on 36 attempts, good for 3.1 yards per rush. Another big difference in this matchup is Rutgers’ experienced wide receiving group of senior Bo Melton and junior Aaron Cruickshank against an all freshman or redshirt freshman secondary in Syracuse.

#9 Iowa St -4.5 vs. #10 Iowa Hawkeyes

4:00 PM EST, ABC

Iowa has dominated this series, winning five straight rivalry games. This situation is what I call a “They’re due for one!” pick.

Both teams put up stinker offensive performances, but their defenses led the way to victories. The Hawkeyes did score 14 of their 34 points off of pick-sixes while the offense struggled. Iowa’s junior QB Spencer Pratas went 13 for 27 (48% completion) for 145 yards against Indiana. Those numbers do not inspire me if the game comes down to a last-minute drive where Pratas needs to air it out to close the game.

As is tradition, Iowa State also struggled in their first game against the Northern Iowa Panthers as it took a late field goal to seal the victory. The Cyclones offense was below average against an FCS opponent, which makes it weird that they are laying points here in a rivalry game. I expect QB Brock Purdy, RB Breece Hall, and TE Charlie Kolar to step up and get that cover.

Washington +7 at Michigan Wolverines

8:00 PM EST, ABC

Washington lost a brutal game to Montana, 13-7, after giving up 10 points in the fourth quarter. Huskies’ QB Dylan Morris, a redshirt freshman, tossed three INTs, two in the 2nd half, and needs to rely on his 6-5, 250-pound junior tight end, Cade Otton, to make his life easier.

On the other side, Michigan lost their star WR Ronnie Bell to a season-ending knee injury. If Harbaugh has Cade McNamara throwing 15+ times without his main weapon, it puts a ton of pressure on the Wolverines’ junior QB. Last stat, Michigan is 2-6 in their previous eight games against Power 5 opposition.

Follow me on Twitter @mattlucci12 to see any games I add to my ticket for College Football Week 2