5 college football bets to take to the bank in Week 1

AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 21: Sam Ehlinger #11 of the Texas Longhorns sings The Eyes of Texas with teammates after the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 02: Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) scrambles during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida State Seminoles on September 02, 2017 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. (Photo by Scott Donaldson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Florida State (-7.5) vs. Virginia Tech

To say that this was a rocky offseason for Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Josh Jackson would be an injustice to what he had to go through. There was a period where it seemed like every single day would hold a new report regarding his academic standing at the university and, subsequently, his eligibility to suit up for the 2018 season. But after all of this, he’s ready to lead the Hokies this year, starting with this date against the Florida State Seminoles.

When it comes down to it, I’m a believer in Jackson and what he can do with these Hokies. While the Virginia Tech defense has their issues, specifically regarding the players they lost from last year, this offense should be potent and they should be able to compete with most teams in college football. However, I don’t think Florida State is most teams.

Looking at Willie Taggart’s team, it’s quite clear that everyone has a bad taste in their mouths from last year, and rightfully so. The Seminoles seemed to quit on the season after Deondre Francois was hurt in the season-opener. But with Taggart coming in to replace Jimbo Fisher, there should be a new fire ignited beneath them, in addition to having Cam Akers ready to break out and Francois returning to action.

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Put simply, Florida State is much better than people are giving them credit for to start the 2018 season. So, while I believe in Virginia Tech to a degree this year, I think this is a statement game for the Seminoles, who are a better team in all, at home on the season-opening Monday for 2018.

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