CFB Week 1 Preview - Part 1 / Thurs-Friday Games

Griffin Warner and Lonte Smith get you ready for CFB Week 1 betting.

The Week 1 college football betting podcast kicked off with fiery motivation: play fast on offense, swarm and tackle on defense, and leave no doubt on the field (0:07–0:32). Host Griffin Warner welcomed listeners to the first full slate after Week 0’s appetizer, joined by analyst Lonte Smith, promising best bets, betting previews, and Pregame.com promos (0:33–1:25).

Lonte recapped Week 0: Kansas State’s sloppy turnovers, Western Kentucky’s win vs. Sam Houston, Kansas covering easily, and Hawaii splitting. The team split best bets but gained valuable data points, setting the stage for a bigger Week 1 (1:26–2:26). Griffin noted their 1–1 start before discussing Farmageddon: Iowa State upset Kansas State despite being outgained, thanks to field conditions and missed chances. Lonte highlighted K-State’s run defense concerns and Iowa State QB Rocco Becht’s poise (2:26–5:12).

Focus turned to Thursday and Friday action. Boise State opened -8.5 but dropped to -5.5 against South Florida. Lonte leaned over 62.5, citing Boise’s dominant offensive line and USF’s explosive scheme with QB Byrum Brown, while both defenses struggle with consistency. Griffin noted USF’s true home edge at Raymond James Stadium and the attractiveness of betting a home underdog (5:12–10:58).

Next came East Carolina vs. NC State, a heated in-state rivalry. ECU returns QB Caden Howes but lost top backs and receivers along with most of its defense. NC State counters with QB C.J. Bailey and a strong WR trio. With both defenses questionable, Lonte recommended over 61.5, predicting Dave Doeren will keep scoring to make a statement (10:59–15:04).

Friday’s Auburn vs. Baylor clash featured Auburn as -2.5 favorites with total 58. Lonte praised Auburn QB Jackson Arnold behind one of the best offensive lines in college football and a deep WR group, attacking Baylor’s secondary that ranked near the bottom nationally. Baylor QB Sawyer Roberson is underrated but struggles under pressure. Lonte leaned Auburn and over, expecting both offenses to produce (15:35–19:39).

Georgia Tech vs. Colorado followed, with Tech -5. Lonte is high on Tech’s physicality and returning production while fading Colorado after losing Shadur Sanders and top weapons. With QB uncertainty between Salter and Juju Lewis and no running game, Colorado faces major issues. Georgia Tech’s balanced offense and experience make them a strong play, with a possible team total over. Public hype favors Deion Sanders, but sharps bet Colorado unders. Lonte called Georgia Tech an ACC dark horse (20:37–26:58).

The show closed with Pregame.com promos: code “college50” saves $50 on season packages, plus Greg Shaker’s contest with $1,000 cash prizes (26:59–28:08). For best bets, Lonte picked Charlotte +6.5 vs. Appalachian State, noting coaching upgrades and a defense-first identity (28:08–29:51). Griffin chose over 61.5 in NC State vs. ECU, echoing offensive advantages and defensive weaknesses (29:51–31:10).

The podcast ended optimistic, teasing Saturday’s monster slate including Texas vs. Ohio State (31:10–31:44).

This streamlined Week 1 college football betting preview blends expert picks, point spread analysis, totals recommendations, and sharp betting angles. Key games include Boise State vs. South Florida, ECU vs. NC State, Auburn vs. Baylor, and Georgia Tech vs. Colorado, with actionable best bets on Charlotte +6.5 and NC State vs. ECU over 61.5. Bettors get insights into line movement, public vs. sharp action, and matchup breakdowns, making this must-read coverage for anyone chasing value in Week 1 college football odds.

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