#10 Notre Dame 9 Wins (Over -130, Under +110)

Why to Back: The Fighting Irish have playoff expectations yet again. Ian Book and Julian Okwara gained valuable experience and should come back hungry after the beatdown by Clemson. Additionally, Notre Dame ranks 14th overall in returning production. Looking at the schedule, they are favored in nine games by 70 percent or more. Arguably, a more manageable schedule than last year’s undefeated regular season. Barring an upset, Irish backers are looking at a push at worse.

Why to Fade: Dexter Williams and Miles Boykin are starters who depart from the offense. The leading rusher and receiver respectively, almost complied 2,000 yards collectively. However, the attrition on the defense will have more of an impact. Key starters from last year all went drafted in or before the fourth round – Julain Love, Jerry Tillery and Drue Tranquill. Furthermore, Notre Dame can slip up at home this season. Three significant match-ups will be at home – Georgia, USC and Stanford. The marquee game of the season will be in Ann Arbor. The Irish will be underdogs to Michigan where a loss is expected. Also, a spot in the schedule which will prove tough is at Duke. It comes sandwiched between home games against Virginia Tech and Navy.

BYU 7 Wins (Over +150, Under -180)

Why to Back: Zach Wilson showed off his ability in the Idaho Potato Bowl. He can lead this team to 10 wins. The offensive line returns three starters, so they will give Wilson time to create. On the defensive side, the secondary looks to build upon a season where they limited opposing teams to 194 passing yards per game. Even with the difficult games on the schedule, the Cougars can win seven. Some books are offering 6.5 wins at a reasonable price if you look hard enough, which is extra tempting.

Why to Fade: Being a contrarian to a perfect bowl performance by Wilson. He did have offseason shoulder surgery, but that is expected to be insignificant. The schedule can be difficult to navigate if they cannot weather a rough start. They begin the season hosting Utah and then travel to Tennessee. BYU will be underdogs in each of these games by more than a touchdown, and it gets worse. The Cougars will host USC followed by Washington. An 0-4 start is not out of the question. By the same token, BYU will be favorites in only five games.

Army 9.5 Wins (Over -180, Under +150)*

*- Army plays a thirteen game schedule instead of the usual twelve.

Why to Back: Because you love the troops and the cupcake schedule. Army has greater than a 70 percent winning percentage in eight games next season. Other than Michigan, Army can dominate each of them. Kelvin Hopkins Jr. is under center this season after leading the Black Knights to 11 wins. His dual threat ability puts him in the driver’s seat of this offense.

Why to Fade: Regression. Army ranks 70th overall in returning production. There can be holes found throughout the defense that will allow explosive plays. If the opposition can limit them on offense, a win is quite manageable. I would stay away from fading Army this season on the win total.

Favorite Bet: BYU over seven wins (+150). The schedule is daunting, but Zach Wilson and company can pull out eight wins.

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