The countdown is on to Week 1 of the 2018 college football season. With 46 games on the schedule for the opening week, there will be plenty of action for sports betting fans to satisfy their needs. With three months to go until the regular season kicks off, we decided to look ahead to Week 1 with a look at some of the most lopsided point spreads on paper. Here is a look at the matchups with the biggest projected point spreads (courtesy of BetDSI) for Week 1 of the 2018 college football season.
Oregon State @ Ohio State
Point Spread: Ohio State -38
Ohio State is projected to contend for a Big Ten title and return to the College Football Playoff. Oregon State will have a tough time finishing better than .500. It’s a lopsided matchup with the 38-point spread currently the biggest on the schedule for Week 1. For as good as the Buckeyes are supposed to be, 38 points will be quite the margin for them to cover in the opening game of the season.
Western Kentucky @ Wisconsin
Point Spread: Wisconsin -33
The Badgers are a favorite to reach the Big Ten Championship for the third season in a row. Wisconsin’s offense is absolutely loaded with running back Jonathan Taylor a Heisman candidate and quarterback Alex Hornibrook poised for a breakout season. The Badgers should have no problem putting together a lopsided win over Western Kentucky in Week 1.
Coastal Carolina @ South Carolina
Point Spread: South Carolina -31.5
The final 30-plus point spread on the board for Week 1 will feature quarterback Jake Bentley and the Gamecocks looking to dominate Coastal Carolina in their first test. South Carolina will need more from its offense if it is going to contend in 2018. They should have no problem racking up the yards and points with a favorable matchup in Week 1.
Bowling Green @ Oregon
Point Spread: Oregon -28.5
All signs are pointing towards a breakout season for quarterback Justin Herbert beginning with Oregon’s home opener versus Bowling Green. The promotion of offensive coordinator Mario Cristobal to head coach should help with continuity on offense and ensure the Ducks get off to a strong start. Oregon might not contend in the Pac-12 in 2018 but they should get off to a strong start with a very favorable matchup for Week 1.
UNLV @ USC
Point Spread: USC -27
The Trojans will turn the page on the Sam Darnold era after he graduated to the NFL. It also doesn’t help that they lost running back Ronald Jones III. However, USC should be well stocked with talent again this year and they have the advantage of an easy early season matchup against UNLV. The Rebels don’t have the talent to keep up with the Trojans, which is why USC is listed at minus-27 right now.
Utah State @ Michigan State
Point Spread: Michigan State -27
Michigan State returns nearly every important piece from last year’s team that won 10 games. Now they are focused on taking that next step and contending for a Big Ten championship. Quarterback Brian Lewerke and the offense will be looking to start the season on a high note beginning with a favorable Week 1 matchup versus Utah State.
Appalachian State @ Penn State
Point Spread: Penn State -27
In order for the Spartans to contend, they will need to take down Penn State for the second year in a row. That will be a difficult test with Trace McSorley returning to the Nittany Lions as one of the top quarterbacks in the country and Miles Sanders ready to step in for the departed Saquon Barkley at running back. The Penn State offense has the potential to put up some big numbers once again in 2018. They should have no problem delivering a lopsided victory in Week 1 versus visiting Appalachian State.
Florida Atlantic @ Oklahoma
Point Spread: Oklahoma -27
The final of four Week 1 games in which the favorite is currently listed at minus-27 rounds out this list as the Sooners are projected to dominate Florida Atlantic at home. Oklahoma lost a handful of key pieces from a year ago but should be well stocked again and ready to contend for a spot in the college football playoff. The Sooners will have a tough road back to the CFP but should have no problem rolling over their competition in Week 1 at home.
