Jack Sawyer of Ohio State. Michael Reaves/Getty Images

B/R College Football 2024 Betting Locks: Games of the Year

Adam Kramer

No matter what the calendar says, an entire catalog of college football games can now be wagered on.

Yes, things are good.

It wasn't always like this, you know. Not terribly long ago, one couldn't place a bet on a game that will take place in November before the season began.

But now? If you have a hunch, lean or gut-feeling about a specific team, you can turn those thoughts into cash before the lines move. And move they shall.

Locks of the Week will cover each and every week of the college football season once those lines settle in. For now, we're targeting some of the biggest and most interesting games of the season in search of value before the results pour in.

Without further delay, here are some of our favorite picks in some of the season's biggest games.

For the latest spreads on futures and games, head to DraftKings.

Texas A&M (-1) vs. Notre Dame: August 31

Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman. Logan Riely/Getty Images

We won't have to wait long for this one.

Week 1, which we will dissect in full soon enough, will provide plenty of information on both teams with enormous expectations.

To put it simply, I have concerns about Notre Dame. Those concerns were amplified when we learned Charles Jagusah, the presumed starter at left tackle, will miss the entire season after suffering an injury in camp.

That news, coupled with massive changes and losses across the line, could put new quarterback Riley Leonard, who is coming off a major ankle injury, in a tough spot.

Texas A&M, of course, is not without issues. New head coach Mike Elko lost his fair share of quality players to the transfer portal, although the return of QB Conner Weigman, who has battled his own injury issues, is intriguing. When healthy, the 21-year-old has the makeup to be an elite collegiate QB.

The offensive line and defensive line are ripe with players, and the skill group has plenty of players as well. Throw in a massive home-field advantage to start off the season, and the Aggies are in a position to start Elko's tenure with a bang.

Nebraska (-6.5) vs. Colorado: September 7

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule. Steven Branscombe/Getty Images

Now, I know what you're thinking: But, Adam, I thought you said you were focusing on the biggest games of the college football season.

That point is not without validity, although every game Colorado is a part of until further notice will feel important. And at this juncture of the season, with both teams attached to sizable expectations, it will feel massive in the moment.

Last year, Colorado conquered the Cornhuskers. The Nebraska defense, which was solid all year, wasn't solid in that game. It should be better this time around, especially at home. But the excitement surrounding this program begins with the new starting QB.

Dylan Raiola is that dude. He's a true freshman, and there's some risk in betting a young player early on in his career. Despite that risk, he is poised to be a future star, has a solid supporting cast and should have the full force of his fanbase behind him.

There hasn't been sunshine and rainbows in Lincoln in some time. This result could start to change that, though.

Ohio State (pick) at Oregon: October 12

Head coach Ryan Day and his Ohio State team. Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

On paper, this looks like the most interesting game of the CFB season. It's also somewhat strange to accept this matchup between two loaded rosters as a conference game, but that is precisely what it is.

Oh, and the game will enter the season at pick'em. That seems absolutely fitting.

When the moment arrives, we'll see if the hype for both teams is realized. Regardless, the stakes in Eugene for this particular game will likely feel enormous.

For as difficult as this environment can be, Ohio State has the talent to overcome it. The Buckeyes' roster is loaded, particularly along the defensive line and at running back. There are other positions, including wide receiver, which should become an immediate strength as well.

Oregon has plenty of things going for it, starting at QB. Dillon Gabriel has plenty of pieces around him, and the Ducks should by no means take a step back this season.

More than anything, this says more about Ohio State than it does Oregon. This team is loaded, seasoned to go on the road and poised to make a statement in an amazing environment.

What a football game.

Ole Miss (-6) vs. Oklahoma: October 26

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

On the topic of suddenly fascinating conference games, enter Ole Miss and Oklahoma.

For the Sooners, this will mark the end of an exhausting stretch. Before playing in Oxford, they will play Tennessee, at Auburn, Texas and South Carolina, all in consecutive weeks.

A trip to Ole Miss on the back end, arguably the hardest or second-hardest game on the docket, is not an ideal way to close the month.

On the other side, Ole Miss will enjoy a bye before this one. That's not the only reason why I like this team, though. The Rebels have the firepower to compete with just about anyone, and it starts with QB Jaxson Dart.

Perhaps more impressive, though, is the way Lane Kiffin has been able to build a superb defensive front, thanks in large part to the transfer portal. This team was constructed to win big this year.

For Oklahoma, a tough environment on the tail end of a tough stretch could spell trouble.

USC (-6.5) at UCLA: November 23

USC quarterback Miller Moss. Brandon Sloter/Getty Images

No matter where things stand come late November, USC and UCLA will matter. Now members of the Big Ten, the two rivals will still get to face each other on a yearly basis—a rare case of realignment leaving important matters intact.

Lost in a deflating end to USC's season was an overwhelming performance from quarterback Miller Moss. He threw six touchdowns against Louisville, filling in nicely for Caleb Williams. While it would be unfair to expect him to do this on a regular basis, it would appear that the Trojans have found something.

They have also made a change at defensive coordinator and at least made moderate attempts to improve that side of the ball. Time will tell just how impactful these changes will be.

Regardless, UCLA likely won't be the proper barometer.

New head coach DeShaun Foster inherits a team that lacks general stars on both sides of the ball. And while the Bruins have played their rival tough in recent years, this feels like a very different year.

Other Games I Like

Rashod Owens, left, and Ollie Gordon II of Oklahoma State. Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Oklahoma State (+5.5) at Kansas State: September 28

The more I look at Oklahoma State, the more I like. While this is a difficult place to play, the Pokes have the pieces on offense to keep this tight.

Auburn (+23.5) at Georgia: October 5

This one isn't all that complicated. It just feels like too many points. Hugh Freeze has proved over the years to be a worthy opponent in a hostile environment. While Georgia is a superior team, Auburn will keep this close enough.

Clemson (-8) vs. Louisville: November 2

Dabo Swinney's reluctance to pursue any player through the transfer portal is concerning, although it shouldn't matter here. The Tigers, despite a quiet offseason, are in a position to dominate this game.

   

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