We are just two weeks into the 2025 college football season, and there have already been major upsets and blowouts. Bettors are scrambling to figure out which teams are covering and which are falling short.
This week we are breaking down the most intriguing moneyline, spread, and total plays on the board. We are also introducing a new feature, the “Gut Check” bet of the week, where we take a swing at a line that looks outrageous but could deliver value.
Best Moneyline Bet of the Week: South Carolina Gamecocks (-285 vs. Vanderbilt Commodores)
This number is a little surprising. South Carolina is clearly the better team, ranked well ahead of Vanderbilt, and while there are some minor injuries, nothing suggests the Gamecocks will be significantly impacted.
Vanderbilt is not terrible, but South Carolina’s defense has been strong. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers has not exploded statistically yet, but he is a legitimate dual threat who can change a game quickly.
The moneyline seems muted because of the common opponent. Vanderbilt put 44 points on Virginia Tech, while South Carolina managed only 27. That comparison makes sense on paper but is misleading. Expect the Gamecocks’ defense to hold Vanderbilt to a much lower output and secure the win.
Best Spread Bet of the Week: Clemson Tigers (-3.5 at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets)
Concerns about Clemson are justified. The Tigers opened with a loss to LSU and followed it with a somewhat flat 27-point outing in an 11-point win over Troy. Cade Klubnik and the offense have been sluggish, though there was progress in Week 2.
Georgia Tech has been impressive, and they get their star quarterback Haynes King back from injury this week. Still, Clemson has the right defensive personnel to handle the Yellow Jacket attack, with freshman standout Peter Woods expected to be a difference-maker.
Clemson is simply too talented to not cover this small number. If they are even close to the team we thought they would be, they will win this game by at least a touchdown.
Best O/U Bet of the Week: Oregon State Beavers at Texas Tech Red Raiders (Over 60.5)
Taking the over on a line above 60 points can feel reckless, but there are two strong reasons to back it this week: Texas Tech’s offense and Oregon State’s defense.
The Red Raiders have scored more than 60 points in both games this season and Oregon State has allowed 30+ points in both of their first two games. The Beavers also average 421 yards per game offensively so they can move the ball and should be able to score at least 17 points. If that occurs, this over will most certainly hit, so don’t be nervous to throw a bet down, even on one of the larger O/U lines of the week.
Gut Check Bet of the Week: UTEP Miners (+41.5 at Texas Longhorns)
The first “Gut Check” play of the year takes aim at one of the week’s biggest spreads. UTEP is among the weakest teams in the FBS, and Texas will win comfortably, but covering 42 is another matter.
The Longhorns failed to do that against San Jose State, winning by 31 in Week 1. UTEP is no better than San Jose State, but the gap is unlikely to stretch to 42 unless everything goes right for Texas. Arch Manning is settling into the starting role, and this could be the week he breaks out, but if the Miners show even minimal resistance, the spread is in play.
Gut check plays are always risky, but sometimes they are worth the shot. This is one of those times.
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