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College Football Betting 3-Pack: Week 1 picks

Geoff Burke / Reuters

Each week during the college football season theScore will offer up a three-pack of picks, with a focus on marquee matchups.

Virginia (+19.5) at 13 UCLA

The Cavaliers will have some roster turnover to endure, but Mike London isn't in a position where he can be patient, so he'll have his boys ready for this one. UCLA needed every one of its three defensive touchdowns to get by Virginia in last year's opener. The setting changes, but the Bruins' offensive struggles will remain. UCLA 23, Virginia 17

3 Alabama vs. 20 Wisconsin (+12)

Despite compiling a 12-2 record in 2014, Alabama went just 5-9 against the number. Nick Saban's squad begins the season with a lot to prove, and Wisconsin isn't the team to make a statement against. Everyone remembers the 59-0 loss to Ohio State, but the Badgers played a pair of elite SEC West teams tight on neutral sites a year ago, losing to LSU by four, and beating Auburn in overtime. The Tide will have a difficult time building a margin. Alabama 23, Wisconsin 20

Michigan (+4.5) at Utah

Jim Harbaugh's career record as a head coach at all levels is 102-46 (.689). The man just knows how to win. While Brady Hoke was never able to bring everything together in his time at Michigan, he does leave some talent behind, including eight starters on a defense that figures to repeat as a top 10 unit in the country. Michigan 24, Utah 20

Other games of note

2 TCU at Minnesota (+16.5)

TCU will end up in the playoff, but building a margin at Minnesota won't be easy – even with that high-powered offense. TCU 30, Minnesota 20

Washington (+12) at 23 Boise State

No one knows the blue turf at Albertsons Stadium like Chris Petersen. He'll arrive in Idaho with some tricks up his sleeve, but not enough talent to pull off the upset. Boise State 34, Washington 28

6 Auburn vs. Louisville (+10.5)

Bobby Petrino doesn't get the credit he deserves for the fine work he did at Louisville a year ago. Auburn has a chance to be special, but it will take some time for Will Muschamp's defense to come together. The Cardinals hang around in Week 1. Auburn 31, Louisville 28

Texas A&M (-3.5) vs. 15 Arizona State

Kevin Sumlin's offense went through a transition period a year ago, but now that unit returns eight starters. Texas A&M 38, Arizona State 28

Texas (+9.5) at 11 Notre Dame

The Texas offense will be among the most improved units in the nation, and Charlie Strong will keep the defense playing at a high level. Notre Dame 24, Texas 21

1 Ohio State (-14) at Virginia Tech

Ohio State is going to be one of the most overvalued teams from a betting perspective in college football this season, but the overreaction to the team's opening week suspensions leaves a favorable number on the board here. Ohio State 33, Virginia Tech 14

Picks Summary
Gold Pick Virginia +19.5
Silver Pick Wisconsin +12
Bronze Pick Michigan +4.5
Minnesota +16.5
Washington +12
Louisville +10.5
Texas A&M -3.5
Texas +9.5
Ohio State -14

(Lines courtesy: bet365)

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