By: Jeff Melinyshyn (@jmel1125)
Welcome everyone to Week 1 of Season 22. This will be my 19th season in the league, but for many, this will be their first. So I figured I would help the new folks win some free packs with advice on pick ’em, the sportsbook, and Survivor (which was my child by the way, not to toot my own horn).
If any of the new people have not made an account yet, head on over to px1sports.com and sign up (It’s Free). From there you can enter the pool for Pick ‘Ems and once they are created each day the sportsbook crew will ping (usually anywhere from 2 pm-4 pm CST) when the lines are up. Without further ado, I hope everyone enjoys this!
Note: All sportsbook lines in this article are projected. They could be drastically different when the sportsbook comes out.
Texas A&M v. USC
USC will be favored in this Championship rematch from Season 21, probably by 7.5-10.5. USC lost some key pieces from their back-to-back championship team while A&M is looking to start the season off on the right foot with a new QB. I believe over/under should be around 70 points. Week 1’s are tough because no one knows or has film on what the other team has done. I will probably dabble on A&M in the sportsbook, being week 1 and probably over as well.
Pick ‘Em: A&M
Florida v. Penn State
The Smith brothers will be at it again. For the second season in a row to kick off their respective seasons. Last season Penn State got the edge. Some personalities are riding the Penn State backfield and I need to see it against a formidable defense. This will be close, but I think ThatGuy will get it done here. Penn State will be a heavy favorite (Projection: 10.5) with another 70 over/under. If Florida is for real like SEC coaches think, this would be a big-time win to show that true.
Pick ‘Em: Florida
Auburn v. FSU
Remember this game from two seasons ago? I do, Florida State might not. That was a Pick ‘Em in the sportsbook. FSU gets a new freshman QB and we know it can be a process being a freshman QB. Assistant Coach Josh Claydon left in the offseason to become AD at LSU. Auburn lost some key pieces but gained a lot, could it be better than last season’s team? Based on my analysis Auburn will be favored (Projection: 9.5) with the over/under being 68.5. I feel the defenses will shine, so hammer the under.
Pick ‘Em: Auburn
North Carolina v. Texas
This could be a fun matchup. The big question for Texas is did they fix the QB instability from last season? North Carolina has championship aspirations. If they want to be a true contender, starting out of the gates hot can help that considerably. Texas is my bet (Projection: 5.5) for being the favorite. The Over/Under is 72.5. I love some offensive fireworks, but who doesn’t right?
Pick ‘Em: Texas
Michigan State v. Georgia
The last time we saw Michigan State they looked like more of a reality TV series than a football team. Drake didn’t want to get voted into the playoffs. But new year new me right? It is 2025 after all. Michigan State could be like Ohio State last season and go on a tear. It might seem this could be the best opportunity. Georgia is rebuilding after a tough season. Michigan State will be favored (Projection: 13.5) as they should. Over/under should be around 74.5. If it’s close to these numbers, ride Michigan State into Week 2 and pound the under. Thank me later.
Pick ‘Em: Michigan State
Alabama v. Michigan
If you know me, you know how much I dislike these teams in real life. But when it comes to the CFSL and fake money is on the line Bama is usually a good bet, unless it’s the Iron Bowl. Bama will be favored (Projection: 15.5) in this one. That line might seem big, but Bama is capable of covering that, especially in this one. Over/under I could see around 73.5. The sportsbook loves the low 70’s. I am riding the Bama Express.
Pick ‘Em: Alabama
Ohio State v. Colorado
This game, if it does not get out of hand, has the makings of Game of the Week. Ohio State lost some talent on defense but Tyree is still QB coming off Offensive Player of the Year last season. But it is hard to repeat that. Colorado showed up last season and this game was a shootout (59-42 Bucks). Ohio State will be heavily favored (Projection: 15.5) with an over/under around 74.5. Being week 1, I will take the underdogs and the over in hoping for another fireworks show.
Pick ‘Em: Colorado
West Virginia v. Oregon
I got a lot of hate on Cole’s podcast when I decided to go out on a limb and select Oregon. Both teams had less-than-ideal seasons in Season 21. But sometimes you gotta risk it for the biscuit. I like Murph and I have played for him, but the staff in Eugene is cooking up something. Whether they cook it right is another story. Who doesn’t like Stew Virginia or bringing Duck to a tailgate? West Virginia will be favored (Projection 5.5) with an over/under around 65.5. I would probably stay away from this game and teams until Week 2 when we have a better idea of their identity.
Pick ‘Em: Oregon
Oklahoma v. Virginia Tech
What did Tech do to deserve this matchup in Week 1? Oklahoma is riding high. The Sooners are ready to run against this Hokie team. Tech will be better than last season bar none. But Oklahoma has dreams of winning the Big XII and beyond. Oklahoma will be favored (Projection: 10.5) and over/under set at 72.5. Take OU.
Pick ‘Em: Oklahoma
Kentucky v. Miami
Kentucky is with a new AD after news of 14rdavis stepping down. Big shoes to fill once again. Plus losing Cobb to Oklahoma in the transfer portal hurts. Miami is looking to stay atop the ACC and with Pink in her final season this could be a nice win in Week 1. Miami will be favored (Projection: 6.5) with the over/under being 65.5. I think this is a defensive battle.
Pick ‘Em: Kentucky
Clemson v. LSU
Wetzell and Claydon just met last week and Wetzell got the dub in the senior bowl. Could that lead to success this season? Possibly. Claydon wanted a challenge and will get one this season. Could Clemson potentially steal a game in a battle of Death Valley’s and Tigers? I took LSU on Cole’s podcast but I do like a true underdog story. LSU will be favored because of the “Wookie factor” (Projection: 6.5) and I see keeping it to under a full touchdown on the spread. Over/under potentially at 62.5. I would tell some of the vets to stay away from this one. It could be risky; don’t bet your entire roll from the previous days.
Pick ‘Em: Clemson
Tennessee v. Notre Dame
If you wanted to draw up a game where anything could happen it’s probably this one. Stay away! That is all I keep hearing in my mind about what this potentially could be. Only the true degenerates will follow me into the depths of having to place a wager on this. Tennessee is the right play and will be favored (Projection: 9.5 anyone?) with an over/under of 65.5. I cannot see this going high and 65 seems fair. If it is in the 70’s for whatever reason, slam the under.
Pick ‘Em: Tennessee
My survivor play this week is Tennessee as well. I may regret this decision as I did not make it past week 4 last season. But using the strategy of having to select a team only once during the season, this is the best opportunity to select Tennessee. I could of went an easier direction, but you have to risk it for the biscuit. HAPPY KICKOFF SEASON 22!!!!
