NCAA Football Week 1 Best Bets & Big Game Preview - Clemson vs LSU, Louisville vs Ole Miss Picks

0:00door listening to bedding weekly live on the Bet Rivers Network. All right, here we go. Bedding Weekly CFB live. Great to have you back with us for week number one. Mike Carver here with you along with Paul Stone, Jimmy Ott getting ready for our first full slate of the 2026 season. All we did last week was wet the appetite with week zero. Wasn't such a good meal for me. Let's put it that way. There wasn't a best meal for me last week. But we move on and we are ready to rock with a full slate of games Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday, even Monday night. If you can get into SMU and Florida State in Tallah, Hassee Gentlemen, it is great to be back with you here. I'm excited for week number one. We got lots of games to dive into here on the show today. Before we get into them, I'll ask each you this before we get going. First Paul, how was week zero? Did you enjoy yourself? Did you like getting college football back? It was a little bit of fun.

1:00You did all right. You know, it really was, Mike. I always say, you know, any college football is better than no college football. You know, some of the matchups, maybe not that intriguing. Although, you know, for week zero to have T.C. in North Carolina, I kind of turned out to be a dud as far as, you know, they're not going to send it to Canton, Ohio or anything like that for display. But so it didn't turn out great, but on paper was a pretty good matchup. And then certainly, you know, I guess Virginia, North Carolina State, you know, kind of the same thing, you know, too pretty good ACC name brands. And North Carolina State, I think outside of C.J. Bayley is going to have some trouble. But it's great to have college football back. We certainly have some generous spreads this week, but then we have some really good games as well. That'll be highly contested. So looking forward to it, going to be another great season to college football. One man's trash is another man's treasure. Love that 1510 under. And also, he loved the first half-onders, including that N.C. that UNC TCU game that looked like was going to go first half over.

2:00It's kind of a same angle as March Madness for the first half. So first game, big stage and kind of a slow, slow moving, a lot of new moving parts with the offense. And the offense is usually behind. And you also, as never a college coach, that I didn't cover, that didn't say that the biggest improvement, if it's from game one to game two. So I bet the first half-onders blonde, I got one of them, that's an ideal for the show today. And so six and two last week in the first half-onders last week for week zero. Nice, great start to the season. As far as I'm concerned, I have already put Lincoln Riley and Dan Mullen on the list for this year. And I'm just going to let you guys know, when you're on the list, it's not easy to get off. Throughout the season. I mean, come on, Lincoln, you couldn't drop 50 on Saturdays, stayed at home, in front of no fans. Maybe that's why they couldn't score 50 points. There was nobody at the game. But we move on to this week. And we've got a lot happening all the way from Thursday to Monday.

3:02And let's kick this week's slate off for week number one on Thursday night. And there's a bunch of games on Thursday. But there's really only one that I guess you could say has a little bit of sizzle to it. And there always is when Deon Sanders and the Colorado program is around and they're going to Georgia Tech. See, Branky and the yellow jackets on Thursday night. Right now at Bet Rivers, we have got minus six and a half for GT with a 50 and a half Paul Deon and the Buffalo's making the long trip down to Georgia. Yeah, this is going to be one of my recommendations this week, Mike. And obviously Colorado and Deon Sanders, one of the more polarizing teams in all of college football to put it mildly. I at the past few years have been pretty much a coach prime dissident, if you will. I really hadn't been on board. But I like what the Buffalo's did in the offseason and the portal. This past half season, they really fortified their roster on both offense and defense. And especially at the wide receiver position, just isolating that core.

4:05You start with Danny Schedaro from San Jose State. Amazingly San Jose State. They go four and eight last year. They had eight players move on to power four programs. Schedaro being one of those had almost 1300 yards receiving first team all mountain west conference selection. He's one of their wide receivers. They pick up De André Moore. De André Moore from the University of Texas. He was actually a captain for the Longhorns last year. He was Texas's number two receiver behind Ryan Wingo. He joins the troops there in Boulder. And then thirdly and not last, get got from my Vohile and I'm a cam. Oh, I'm going blank on his name. I apologize there. I should have wrote it down. I'm kind of like the waiter that does everything by memory. And then he forgets the order. But they got a guy from my Vohile. Maybe Cam Perry. I'm going to throw that out there. We're going to hope it sticks. But a third guy from my Vohile, who was in all max election over a thousand yards

5:05receiving there as well. So they really up their play at the White Receiver position. Their second year quarterback Julian Lewis. He was a big time five star recruit started two games last year as a true freshman. So I think he's going to progress this year. You look at Georgia Tech and under Brent Key. They've been a great underdog. 16 and six against the spread as a dog since 2022. But not so good as a favorite in some of this predates key. But their 12, 26 and one against the spread is the betting favorite since 2018. We've got them in the favorite troll. And I'll just ask one question to you guys. And either one of you jumping there and be bold enough to answer if you wish. What is the all things being equal? How much do you lower the power rating for Georgia Tech? Simply by replacing dual threat quarterback Haynes King, a three-year starter, a dog, a physical guy, doesn't want to lose. Made an NFL team as an under-afford free agent. You replace him with untested Alberto Mendoza,

6:06who's played no meaningful college football. How much are you going to drop their power rating just based on that? Of course, that's a lot of production loss. There's no doubt. And that's the thing. Brent Key who came on took over to enter a basis and turned that around. Man, one of three different games has three touchdown under dogs. So I mean, he got the job of the permanent basis, former offensive line coach. He loves a tough guy. And there was nobody tougher than Haynes King over the last few years. And man, a branding and branding between the tackles over and over. But those that does have a little leg, a few legs, even in that blowout when he against Purdue, he ripped off a 58 yard TD run. But no, Haynes King is one of the most missed guys. I'm wondering if he's going to run Mendoza as much between the tackles as he did Haynes King. Yeah, very well-could. I think he's got, they've got to, you know, exercise all the weapons that they have on offense. And certainly that's one of the gift skill sets that the younger Mendoza has.

7:08But I would say, you know, I lowered them. I think at least eight points. And I know we used to not beat this aggressive in the old days. But there's just so much production lost there. We've got inexperience. But in any event, I've got Colorado plus six and a half over Georgia Tech tomorrow, not on Thursday, there in Atlanta in Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mike, I could count on one finger. How many times Paul Stone has picked the Colorado Buffaloes in the years we've been doing this since Coach Prime has been there. And that's this time. This is the first time. And that's actually what I was going to say to Paul here. By the way, you were right about Cam Perry. Cam with the K. Perry is the wide receiver that you were mentioned, Paul. And it feels like this year for Colorado, heading into this season, you know, those first couple years, the prime was there. So much attention. So much hype. Everyone betting their wind, hold on. Everybody looking at their schedule. I do feel like Paul going into the season. There seems to be a little bit less. Not going to say pressure, but attention around

8:09Deon and this Colorado program. Yeah, I mean, you really don't hear anything. Hardly, I mean, they're just to me. There is another one of the 138 teams at the FBS levels. Seems like just another program. And I think that's a good thing. I think all the the showmanship and all that. I think it detracts from your ultimate mission and winning football games. And, you know, they definitely took a different approach to the transfer portal this year. And they were more aggressive. And again, that receiving core, I think Colorado, I think they're going to make a bowl this year. And I wouldn't be surprised at all if they get the outright victory tomorrow night. It's a good interesting cover last year. If you remember, they got the ball with about a minute to go in a tie game. 20 a piece and laying four. And Ains King busted it and they get it into the end zone and said to cover the four points. So tight cover last year's game. It certainly was. Let's go next to Friday night. That's right. Okay, I mentioned we got games all weekend long here. And it's the USC Trojans back at home after the win over San Jose State on Saturday didn't cover.

9:12It's never good when the team has to put out a statement about the crowd, but the team had to do that after lots. I mean, honestly, what is the team put out of statement about what the about how big of a crowd that they had? But now this week they will get Fresno State in the building on Friday night. And right now at Bear Rivers, this is moving a little bit here now. Now, down to 21 and a half is where USC sitting 52 is the total for us in this one. You see week zero. That was last week with the Spartans. They've got week one with Fresno State Jimmy. And you know, I kind of made the little joke at the beginning of the show. I link in rise on the list for a few weeks. I thought he put a really big number up on the Spartans last week and he didn't didn't cover either. Does that change with a little bit of a less of a number with Fresno State coming in? And he said, certainly he could have put up any score. He wanted to, but he chose not to. Keep in mind they had the number one recruiting class this past spring. And we saw some of that, but he wanted to get a lot of those guys into game as well that are one on the two deeps.

10:15It's 35 to three with three and a half minutes to go into third quarter on Saturday against San Jose State. And that's when they pulled their starters. San Jose State and that, you know, in that last three and a half minutes and the final 15 minutes, 178 total yards and 23 of their 26 points. So I mean, this was all a backdoor cover against the reserves. And this is what you're supposed to do is you coach. Now keep in mind with the boosters you being, your coaches are more and more fundraisers. So guys like James Franklin in the past scored that extra touchdown. Even when he could take a knee, he scored a touchdown one year against West Virginia just to cover the number. But I also favor teams that have one game under their belt. They are a little bit further along and USC look sharp. Jordan Maiva was a very sharp guy that is throwing a little bit of the coverage at times. It was very, very clean with his San Jose State is Fresno State is going to be a little bit of a step up in class.

11:17But I like what I saw in the USC and I like what I saw with these four and five stars sprinkled in there. You can see the tight end, the defensive line and this guy the wide receiver. These guys are good looking athletes out there to sort of supplement what they have over there. So I like USC this time, not maybe they won't take their foot off the gas. And even if they do, they should be able to cover there's 21 and a half. So now to 21 and a half for 23, Michael, we're going to take the Trojans minus 21 and a half in their second game, a little bit further along than the Fresno State Bulldogs in their first game of the year. Okay. Paul Zad matter a little bit that they're playing their second game probably helpful to with Fresno State not playing either. Yeah, I think I think so much of it's about the timing with my ob and his receivers. I mean, they got a big time game first of all out of true freshman Trent Mosley who happens to be the younger brother of Texas Longhorn wide receiver in at Mosley the fifth. He had a hundred yard receiving game I believe and maybe even by the first half he really came out smoking.

12:20But I think the timing, the route running and just getting to know each other is idiotos secret seas between the quarterback and receivers as you get into the season, I think it gets better. And certainly as Jimmy's talked about often, a big jump from game one to game two. So I think that's a big plus. A lot of people certainly bullish on Fresno State to a degree in that new look, Pac-12 conference, but they lose a lot of people. They're a new roster. And I wouldn't be surprised. I mean, Lincoln, Raleigh has shown the propensity or the ability to keep the foot on the gas laid in some situations. So as Jimmy said, it matters now. Betting is sports betting is known to coaches. They know the point spread. They probably don't want to know about it, but they know as many of their boosters bet on the game. So it's imperative that they try to get the money in their boosters pockets. So they'll keep their foot on the gas and score late when they can. So yeah, I can see USC winning big hero, Fresno. They know all about this stuff, Paul.

13:21They know, well, they always know the number. When they're especially in these games, and there's so many of them this week with these 26, 37, 42. I mean, Jesus Missouri Thursday, 54 and a half points spread. These massive spreads, you know they know what the number is against these cupcake games and that all their people are sitting in those stands trying to cover that number before they get going. Let's jump game number three for us here on the show to Sunday night. And this is something you guys do not know about me. I didn't reveal this to you last week because you know what it is with. I am a card carrying Notre Dame Homer. I'm gonna let you guys know now. I'm an Irish guy. You know, I'm one of these growing up in the New York area. There's obviously no good college football team around here. And I got the Irish Catholic background. The grandfather say we're rooting for Notre Dame or watching them on Saturday. So I've got all that going for me but I'm also realistic gentlemen. I'll tell you that too. I am, and I think Notre Dame's coming out here Sunday night

14:23in historic Lambo field, getting ready for a Wisconsin team that I'm still trying to figure out why they brought Luke fickle back, but they did. Minus 20, CJ Carr back ready to go. Somehow the favorite for the Highsman at Bet Rivers as well. Paul, the Badgers and the Irish Sunday night in Green Bay. Yeah, first of all, you know, I wanna say that I am bullish on Notre Dame. I picked in the win the national championship. I mean, if I look at, you know, maybe four teams, the top four I think that could win in. It would be Notre Dame, Oregon Ohio State and Texas would be the teams that I would select. So I like this Notre Dame team. As you mentioned, CJ Carr in year two, I think he's gonna be even better than he was in year one. Obviously, and you mentioned he being the Highsman Trophy favorite. They're defense, they return like 13 of their top 14 tacklers, 10 starters. They start the season on paper as the best defense in all of college football. So I do like this Notre Dame game,

15:24but here, Mike, it's all about the number. I had this number, you know, I try to frame him as I make my own numbers. And I had this in that window, you know, above 17, so 17 and a half, but below 20, 19 and a half. So I had it in that window, 17 and a half to 19 and a half. And he got up to 21, now only at 20 there at Bet Rivers. But I just think what's constant, a team that was offensively challenged last year, one of the lowest score, maybe the lowest scoring power 14 scoring offense in all of college football, certainly close to it, only 12.8 points per game. But they brought in Cotan Joseph at quarterback from Old Dominion. And the reason I bring up Cotan Joseph is last year, Old Dominion in their opener, they traveled to Bloomington to play the team that would be the eventual national champion, those Indiana Hoosiers. I think there were more than a four touchdown underdog, probably maybe 30 or so, can't recall exactly. But Indiana wins that game 27-14, much closer than everybody anticipated.

16:27Old Dominion's two touchdowns, Cotan Joseph in the first quarter, 75 yard touchdown run. Cotan Joseph in the fourth quarter, 78 yard touchdown run. Cotan Joseph rush for 179 yards against Indiana, most of it coming on those two touchdown runs. He gives them some offense. When you got a quarterback, they can split the rush, I'm passing plays and take it straight up the field, or can run the ball as well and design, run plays a 6'1, 215 pound guy like Joseph. You've got an opportunity. I can see this game being 31 to 7, seven minutes to go in the game. And Joseph maybe breaking off a 40-50 yard run, either to score or get them in scoring position. And they sneak, do the badger, sneak in the back door, hypothetically. So I like Wisconsin plus 20. Again, it's all about the number in this case. Just think the 20 is too attractive and just a few too many points. I was at one of these Glambo field neutral side games.

17:28They split, it's cool, it's a great setting. They split it exactly. They have 50-50 and you'll see there's no confusion who's pulling for who in that spot. Nobody was excited on selection Sunday when Notre Dame got the stub against Miami. But the thing that it is for there's a championship hangover. This is the reversal. And this is like the snub kind of little extra motivation to put a little bit more weight on that bar in the weight room to run a few more sprints. I mean, to get after it and also to come out and be focused and be, have a sense of urgency from the jump. And they know they can't afford with this schedule to slip up a couple of times like they did last year. It was also their first game of the year that they slipped up away from home. So I think I like the intangibles heading into this season for Notre Dame. So two things, they already turned one thing that they were unhappy about in South Bend. And that's what Brian Kelly left them. Well, that forced Notre Dame to get off the rear end and modernize their approach as far as facilities and maybe some administrations.

18:30I'm sorry, admissions and they are a much better product than they got a star at the home now. Yeah, I do think, Paul, what you're saying, 2021 is a lot. And I agree with Jimmy on this aspect. I'm looking at it as Notre Dame. This is the first time they're taking the field. I mean, they didn't play in a bowl game. This is the first time they're taking the field since not getting in that college football playoff. And you have CJ Carback and that defense I think these guys get to be ready to go. I think Paul, if you're a Notre Dame guy like me, I think first half minus 10 and a half is where we take Notre Dame in this game. Cause that 2021 is scary to me for the whole game. But I think they come out strong and 10 and a half in the first half is kind of more where I'm looking to play the Irish. Yeah, I mean, they certainly have the talent when you know, positive for the Irish from an offensive perspective is Jaden Greathouse from Austin, Texas didn't play very little last year before injury put him out for the season. So he'll fortify that receiving room. They do, obviously, you have to replace

19:32to first round draft. It's running back in love and price. And that's a, that's a difficult assignment there. But yeah, this is a great Notre Dame team. No question about it. And I can't certainly can't offer any opposition to the fact that Notre Dame, you know, might kind of be on a revenge tour after being snubbed last year by the playoff committee. Now you said they didn't play BYU in a bowl game, Mike. I think they were all joking. I'm joking with you. Yeah, I'm getting you some business. I know. I know. They get him this year, right? They get him this year in Provo. They're going to go and see them. No, Notre Dame should be playing USC last week or this week. That's what really should be playing each other. They should be starting the season together. But that's like you say, that's a discussion for another time for big year for the Irish ball. Now you got me pumped off. Let's go for the Irish season. Let's do some of the Saturday games. Huge slate. And I love track meets, guys. I love a good over. And I think we might get one with Boise State and Oregon,

20:34330 East Kick Saturday afternoon. Now they played a couple years ago. And obviously these teams are much different. But you had both teams getting the 30s up and down. Dante Moore coming back to school. I think wants to start his potential Heisman campaign in a really big way. I think Lannin's going to be looking to lay some lumber here as well. I don't love this Boise State team. I don't think their defense is that great. Maybe they're going to get to score a little bit against Oregon in the second half before Oregon states got to pull back a little bit. I think this is a rocket ship over. It's going down. It's moving against me. It's down to 51 now. It's 51 1 1 1 1 1 1 1. Yesterday at Bat Rivers. But Jimmy, I think this is like a tee at high. Let it fly for me. I think plenty of points for the ducks in the Bronco Saturday. So much turnover and personnel in these rosters year to year and Oregon is at or near the top as far as what they have returning. And you talk about Moore who could have come out and probably have been the second pick overall behind Mendoza. He came back hit a rough game. Throws the pick six right out the shoot

21:35in the playoff game of loss against Indiana. So there's a lot of where the offensive cohesion could be a little rusty early on in these first games. Not I think it's minimize with the Oregon ducks with that. And Dan Lannin and one thing that it's one thing for all these coaches talk a big game when they take over the podium. They want to win the press conference. And he said, we got to be more of a line of scrimmage team. They've done it at Oregon. The coming over from a Georgia offensive line coach, he has done it. And they are a line of scrimmage program. And they're really compete. I love them last year. Not quite sure what happened. You got off to that bad start. His first pass is pick six. And I love the little cornerback ponds for Indiana. But this is coming back for something, to play for something. And so he has a lot of there's he's not the only one on this roster that came back. So just like maybe Notre Dame will height and focus early, little heightened continuity, a cohesion,

22:35and level of execution on the offensive in for Oregon coming in. They should score a lot. Yeah, boys, he talking about their defense. They gave up 30 points or more last year to five opponents. And four of those opponents. We're a group of six schools for those being South Florida, Air Force, UNLV, and Fresno. And then Washington and the Bull Game being the only power for school that contributed to that 30 or more points allowed to five opponents last year. So boys and those teams, those five, Washington's got a good offense. But the other four schools certainly not to be confused with the Oregon Ducks attack. Again, with Dottay Moore at quarterback, you got De Corri and Moore at Wild Receiver. Evan Stewart now back at Wild Receiver missed all of the last year due to injury. Those guys can stretch the field vertically. You know, when you have a side that can almost maybe get you to the over, that's attractive from an over perspective. So yeah, Oregon's going to be able to kind of name their score. And you know, score as many as they would like, perhaps.

23:36Yeah, and look, and I agree. When you feel that way, you probably should think more team total than thinking for the game total. If you think Oregon's going to score that much. But I also think you never know. You could get a game like two years ago where it's 3631. There, you know, again, get that kind of game where boys he does show up and play a little bit. So I think going the game aspect here that if Oregon can get themselves into high 30s, low 40s, I think boys is going to be able to cover the rest of the way to be able to get over that 51 for us on Saturday. Of course, when you go on your bet rivers app to check all of these games out. And I know that you're going to make sure you also check out the bet rivers. There's banter. If you're looking for a betting angle, check out the top picks news feed in your bet rivers app. The bet rivers banter news feed is filled with picks from bet rivers network personalities and more handicapers to give you expert insights. Tap the top picks icon in your bet rivers app. See it right there to get the latest tips. As I tell you guys on the PM show every day, me and Doug are on there every day. The guys from this show will be on there. The AM crew with the soccer, the tennis has been nonstop.

24:39Make sure you go and check out the bet rivers banter, especially in the first week in the college football. I mean, of course, first big week in college football, you're going to want to get involved. All right, staying with Saturday. Let's go next to Alabama. Interesting year, Jimmy coming up for Kaelin DeBore and the crew. And they get things started off with what looks like to be a nice little way to go. East Carolina, the pirates coming in 28, four tuddies for Alabama here. 52 and a half is the total total force. This is a new East kick, Jimmy. Yes. And I'm looking more at the first half total. And all we're hearing about out of Alabama and look, one thing is for sure. And I think Kaelin DeBore did a great job at Washington. I mean, you follow in the legend in Nick Sabin. I mean, it's going to be difficult for anybody in any situation. But the style of coach is, I think, the stylistically, the transition has been a little rough. DeBore, when they were lost in the championship game to Michigan, they were just overmatched

25:41up front. But he did a hell of a job managing the game in a semi-final in New Orleans against Texas. He did a hell of a job in those two games, the back 12 championship in the regular season game where they beat Org and both of those times. And it's good of a game manager as there is. And then they get to, they get to Tuscaloosa. And I'm sorry, they lost a lot of physicality in that transition. He is more of a finesse coach. Now, all we hear about Alabama after their worst Russian attack probably says 1957. I'm not quite that old, but the next year, a guy named Bear Bryant took over in Tuscaloosa. So they rebuilt the offensive line for the five offensive linemen or new. They brought in a new offensive line coach. And all they're talking about commitment to run, commitment to run. That's good to talk about it. But to do it, I want to see it. Now part of it is because you get a freshman in Kaelin Russell who won the predictably won the quarterback battle in the in the camp over a Mac. He threw for four touchdowns in the spring game.

26:42He was a mid midterm in roley in January. And so he's up. He wins the job and he's a not a tremendously big guy, but he for an athletic guy. He does throw with some accuracy in touch. So the the futures bite for Russell. This is his first start. And they're going to lean on this running game easier said than done. And then also this is the first game where they, you know, I mean, the offenses are behind a little bit. That first half total is 28 and a half went six and two involving first, you know, week zero. Everybody's their first game. I like the angle again this week. And unlike sort of these college basketball totals for March madness, they are, you'll see much lower than half of the, the total for the game. It's just the opposite college football. They think they're going to call off the dogs in the second half. The total is, I mean, the first half total is more than half of the total for the game. So under 28 and a half to try and run the ball.

27:42I'm not so sure they're going to have a ton of success with it early. They'll wear down to use Carolina's front eventually. But this is a whole different stylistic change to what they've done to in the previous two years under the board. Yeah, I mean, you know, he's Carolina last year had an outstanding offense average, almost 33 points a game. But that was mostly against American conference competition. And they only have one starter back on offense. Their quarterback, Halzer goes to Illinois to play for the fighting in line. Alabama still got a pretty solid southeastern conference defense. So I can see that the going tough for East Carolina, the pirates against the tide. And I like Jimmy's perspective here. You know, Jimmy talks often about, you know, quarterback seeing their first action. And then there's a huge learning curve there. And you've got a guy who hadn't really seen, you know, tons of meaningful actions, certainly making his first start. So there's going to be some growing pains. And as Jimmy also indicated, they're going to lean heavily on that running game and kind of let things just kind of come naturally.

28:46I am excited to see Crimson Tide true freshman running back Xavier Croyale. I think he's going to maybe not solve the running issues. I don't think they're necessarily going to average north of five yards of carry as a team. But I think they're going to be better than what they've been, you know, about three and a half yards. Carry whatever it's been the last couple of years. I think that running game will be improved. But I like Jimmy's philosophy on this first half under here. First half to under for Jimmy here, East Carolina and Alabama under 28 and a half new and East kick to get things going on Saturday. Also a new and East kick. And I always love listening. When conference to USA and the Sunbell get together early in the season, there's excitement. There's a potential for some big excitement. We got Liberty and Jimmy Madison, the dukes to start things off. James Madison minus six, 50 and a half is the total for us here. Paul, now this is actually what six and a half. It's down to six now for James Madison.

29:47Yeah, this game used to be a huge game in the Commonwealth. These two schools separated about 100 miles. Back in the day, they were both FCS teams and they played regularly. They did play last year. James Madison actually traveled to Lynchburg, played that Liberty as a nine and a half point favorite. One that game, 31 to 13. James Madison comes into this year. They have a new coach in Billy Napier, formerly at Florida and before that Louisiana. But they lose their former coach, Bob Chesney. He heads west to UCLA and a lot of his former JMU players head west as well. A lot of that team that made it to the playoff last year won the Sunbell conference. They have migrated westward to Los Angeles. They'll join Bob Chesney there with the Bruins of UCLA. They also lost their quarterback, Alonzo Barnett. He didn't go to UCLA. He went south to the University of Central Florida where he'll play for Scott Frost there

30:47in the big 12. They lose all of their players. What happens? I've been a former print media guy and these media polls come out, JMU, is the favorite to win the Sunbell conference. But I think that's by default. I mean, it's so difficult with these group of 16s seeing their roster poached. I mean, year after the year and they start almost, it's almost just hit the reset button. You have so many new players and that's certainly the case for James Madison. They're a six point favorite. But they don't have a lot of familiar faces. They have a new head coach. And then Liberty, although they were four and eight last year, they got a lot of people back. And looking at last year, first of all, they were four and four through eight games. They're last four games. Liberty, the first of those last four games, they lost by four points. They lost their last three games and overtime. Two of those and single overtime. One of those and double overtime. They finished four and eight. They've got a competition still ongoing at quarterback. The hold over Ethan Vasco.

31:48They bring in dual threat to Sean Purdy from Wake Forest. And then the guy that I think will eventually be their starting quarterback, Jaylen Henderson, who started four games back in 2023 for Texas A&M when Connor Wegman and Max Johnson, who's now in his 27th year of college football. I think it's just his seventh year there at Georgia Southern. But when they were injured, Henderson came in and started four games for the Aggies. So I think he's eventually maybe not game one, maybe not the opener at JMU, but he's going to be their starting quarterback. I believe at some point he can run the ball. He fits the coach of Jamie Chaddwell's offensive philosophy well. But I think this is going to be a tight game. I wouldn't be surprised if Liberty didn't go out there to Harrisonburg and get the victory. I like to flange plus six over the dukes in the battle for the Blue Ridge. You know, football is a copycat industry, not just with steel and schemes and things like that, but successful coaching hires. And when signatics doing what he's doing in Bloomington, Indiana, when you know the

32:48next James Madison coach, that takes its toll, you know, years after years, if you do it again, Sun Belt Billy is back in his conference where he feels comfortable. So he get an earn that name when he was a winning games in Lafayette in Louisiana. Three years in games, Bill didn't do much. Oh man, that schedule for Billy was pretty much. But these back in Sun Belt for James Madison, not so sure if this is going to be a similar type of result for them. How many, how many, it's kind of a segue to our next one as well. Just how many coaching changes can a program with, without some sort of effect taken place? That's the thing. And some guys are just built for the belt. Jimmy and maybe Bill is one of those guys. Bill is. Bill for the belt. It's amazing how the cycle now. I bet you if he does well there for two years, somebody will go and grab him on the low to mid level in the power for he'll get himself back in. So it's just the carousel goes round and round. And as you mentioned, it certainly has gone round and round at Tulane also the last couple

33:51years. They have absolutely, they are on their third coach in three years and they're coming off a college football playoff appearance. But it is a much different Tulane team as they go into face Duke here to start this 330 East on Saturday kick. Duke now at that river is minus seven and a half. 51 is the total for us here, Jimmy. You see Paul has got that UH hat on. So, you know, he's he's come to respect my boy Willie Fritz. And Willie Fritz did the heavy lifting up to New Orleans to get this Tulane thing turned around. Some are all was he was successful. He won games at Troy. They brought him in. He sustained it, sustained it enough to get him to get him the Florida job as he replaces a boy son Bill Billy. So, you talk about the revolving door. Here we go. But from Fritz to some are all and now will hall. And sometimes the players kind of make the hire. And you have to ask a locker room who they want. They want a guy. They know they want somebody from the existing staff.

34:51Well, that's what they did for will hall. They brought him into continuity. Now the continuity in the roster was pretty good because you hear about when signating what from James Madison, Indiana, how many players he took and how many was Kiff and he going to take from Ole Miss to LSU. He only took two. In the two he took to Florida were the two kickers, the punter and the place kicker. So I mean, he swore that he wasn't going to do it. So they do have that. But it also tells me about a little bit of the player ownership. They it compared to their conference of the conference foes. They have a little bit more NIO budget, player budget than most. It is also this was a spot last year where Darious meant to left Tulane to go to Duke. And then he made his return and they played the second game of the season last year at Tulane. And Tulane came out fired up and they jumped on him held on to win by seven. The emotional advantage is now with Duke in a revenge spot. And Mani Diaz has been fitted nicely. And sometimes it's a fit.

35:53As poor of a fit as it was Dan and Miami, the Coral Gables, he's had a nice fit. Nine wins the last two years and one to conference in overtime upsetting Virginia. Tybreaker, the current Tybreaker wouldn't have allowed it this year. But I love the spot. Now they they lost men something very late in the game who's now with Miami. They got a little bit of money back as far as a settlement because he had a multi year deal. But they did get a guy and he get out of San Jose State and a spread and shed and for Ken Nehemiate's a little in. And he get is a nice. You know, nice. It's a drop off, but it's absorbent below. It's pretty good. He'll be able to throw for a good big yardage for Duke this year. But it's mostly the most emotional edge coming from a revenge spot from one coach the next. Will Hall's record his last stop as a head coach was 14 and thirding and had his burger and other miss. So give me Mani Diaz and a blue devil in a revenge spot minus a seven and a half. Yeah, Tulane.

36:53I mean, they won 43 games the last four years. But these aren't your daddy's green wave. I mean, obviously in the age again of the transfer portal in NIL, the roster changes over. And as you mentioned, they bring in Will Hall now is the head coach with John Summeral out the door to the greener pastures of the SEC Tulane. They don't return a whole lot of experience. They're 86th nationally in returning snaps, only return 35% of their snaps overall in their 117th offensively as far as returning snaps. So offensively, they're really challenged there and their top running back. I think it's worth noting. Jamari McClure, a guy who rushed for almost 600 yards last year, 6.4 yards per carry. He's got a foot injury. He's not going to play. So really they're go to guy. They're one skill guy. They've got back. He's not available. So I think it makes it really tough on Tulane going to Durham. So certainly I can see Duke winning this game by double digits and getting revenge as

37:56Jimmy mentioned. Yeah, I'm with you two, Jimmy. I think that this is Duke here for us. And this is a perfect spot for Manny Diaz. I think he's the hell of a football coach. I just think he was in the wrong situation like you said in Miami. That's not a good place to be for a guy with this type of personality. He can relax, doesn't have the same pressure at Duke to win in football. And he's done a great job the last couple years. Now wait a second here with that comment. You throw the chat comment on the board there. I saw it. Hard to be snubbed when you didn't play anyone and lost to the team that snubbed you back to our Notre Dame conversation from earlier. Well, let me tell you, Rich, I will refuse to talk about this anymore. It is now 2026. It's a new Irish team. And yes, they were snubbed. I don't care what you say. It should have been in over Alabama, not Miami. There you go. That's what I'll say to everybody as far as we go to that. I see you sneaking in there, Rich, with the chat trying to get your Notre Dame snub comment in. All right.

38:57One more for us before we get to a couple of big games that we'll talk about a little bit. And for me, I mentioned also, I'm going after another guy that I'm done with Dan Mullin. I mean, honestly, you and LV Saturday night against Memphis at home, Ginkit, the job done against Memphis at home, off to a bad start. And now they got to travel out to the big islands for a Mountain West game against Hawaii, who of course, we thought last week, guys, if that would be a very tough spot for them, maybe in Palo Alto against Stanford. But at home, it's a much different story for Hawaii. Timmy Chang, since he became the head coach, I'm sure you guys have seen the numbers all week, 21, 6 and 1 against the spread at home, 13 and 5 against the spread as a home underdog, which is what Hawaii is this week to you and LV. I think this is a great spot for Hawaii. UNLV's got to make this long trip after losing it home. Good chance what was going to be a promising UNLV season potentially could start Oh and two here, guys. I like Hawaii, not just with the points. I think they can win this game outright, Paul. I think they can win this on Saturday night.

39:58Yeah, I mean, Hawaii is a home underdog. It's just been an auto play since the pandemic. They've really been strong. They're under Timmy Chang. They are, they're top receiver from a year ago. Jackson Harris went to LSU and now Ashlock is going to miss some time for Hawaii. But still, as you mentioned, a difficult trip for UNLV, both these teams trying to avoid that Oh and two start. You'd really be kind of off on the wrong foot if you go to Oh and two. So it's just almost an auto play with the rainbow warriors in this type of a situation. They're quarterback from there in Las Vegas, went to Bishop Gorman High School, Micah, Alahe Doe. He's the real deal. He's a good dealer who throws the ball around and he's healthy right now. It looks like he's struggled with injuries last year, played hurt almost the whole year. But he gives them a little bit of a running mention or a pretty good running dimension. He had a long run in the victory over Stanford last year to open the season and help them get that victory. So I'm like you, man, it's got to be Hawaii or nothing getting three on the islands.

41:01Let's go, Jim. Give me nothing. I've already got a bet on the UNLV. So I do have the running rebels because I thought over the bigger course of the game, they outgained Memphis that sequence right before half where they were about to take a 10 or 14 point lead and they get zero out of it. That kept Memphis within a striking range and it kind of, this Memphis, you know, was a better team in a second half, but the overall box score, UNLV outgained them, not the case of for Hawaii and Stanford. Now, there was as fortunate as it gets, you know, with a touchdown and a scoop and score to put it over the number, which is just over a minute to go. But for minus that little 10 minute run rush by Miami, Miami, Hawaii, I mean, they were at Stanford pretty much head control of that game. There are major wins in the forecast for this game and why you've seen the total come down a little bit for I think it was 58 and a half down to 56 and a half.

42:04And I don't know about Alohado is not the biggest guy, not the biggest arm guy. And I wonder if those wins are going to affect his throwing a little bit as well. So I'm on an island by myself. It's okay, but I'll take UNLV in a visiting spot here. All right. Taking UNLV here in that spot. And yeah, that was our first, I guess you could say that Stanford scoop and score are welcome back to college football. Our first welcome back to college football was that late score for Stanford to get over the line. All right. Let's do two big games. Neither of us have these on our cards per se for best bets, etc. But they are, you know, two, I would say the two biggest games potentially of the weekend. And of course, Jimmy, we got LSU and Clemson, the Tiger Bowl, Death Valley. Game Kiffin's first game, Davos finished hasn't adapted to the true lifestyle of college football. Now there's so many great storyline. They played last year, of course, very low scoring game. A big 10 spot here for LSU at home with a 50 and a half, Jimmy.

43:08With all of the shenanigans the side show in the distractions, the court, the court, the reports, everything else. There's a lot of, you wonder why they're talking about Coach Prom, because Kiffin is soaking it up all of the attention by himself. But let make no mistake, this is an expensive and it's a very talented roster. This is a very good roster, defense and very good. I talk about their offense and, you know, we talk about slow starting offences in their first game. I got to go back to his first game when he was at Ole Miss. It was COVID season. They had more restrictions practicing during that time than we have right now. And they put up over 600 yards of offense, not in a red windspot. Against Florida, who is a top five team who went to the SEC Championship game against Alabama that year. They went over 600 yards. God is good of a defense he's had. That second to last defense was really good at Ole Miss. He's got a good one here. He can maintain his staff and tech. So everything's in place and it's kind of like two, you know, the new era of roster building

44:13and certainly, Kiffin is benefited for him. He put together a plan in Oxford before everybody was really organized. They had their stuff together with the growth collective. Not the same. I know Davos got a record number. It's a 10 to 12 transfer portal additions this year. That's a record for him, but it's still very short of what most people are dealing with right now. Best coach in the history of Clemson finally got some things adjusted over there. When they changed the rules on them. These are two programs that kind of go in opposite directions. And you know what? Was it hot in Southern California? It's going to be hot in Southern Louisiana on Saturday night, but there aren't going to be as many FG seats in that one. That's a tough road start for your first road start for Vazina who gets to start for Clemson. I'm going to lay the points at LSU. Wow. Yeah, I mean, I was taking a back. Yeah, I love these two coaches. They're so different, but Davos Swini saying no pun intended. We try to stay in our same lane.

45:14I thought that was kind of cute. I don't know that coach Kiffin thought it was cute, but you know, it's interesting here. You've got a situation where LSU, as Demi said, one of the most expensive rosters of the 2026 college season. And you know, lots been made about Sam Levit, you know, coming in at quarterback off the Lizfrock injury. They've gotten better at the wider C position. They bring in Jordan Seaton from Colorado to a man that all the important left tackle position, a former mega recruited that offensive line position. But the defense is really what impresses me. All the portal guys they added there. I think they're going to be much, much better on defense. And Clemson again is Jimmy say starting Christopher, Vazina, a veteran guy who's been around a long time. And when those guys finally get their first start later in their career, sometimes it kind of tells you something. I think we'll see true freshman Tate Reynolds at least a little bit, you know, because I still think they're going to have a little bit of an ongoing quarterback competition there

46:16at Clemson. But what kind of intrigues me the most here is probably the under. I think this is going to be a lower scoring game. I think we've got a total of about 50 to 51. I think points might be at a premium. I think Clemson to be in this game got to do it with their defense because I don't think Vazina is going to, you know, run up 24 points against this LSU defense. So I tend to lean towards the under. I'm with you Paul. The only thing that's calling to me in this game is the under. I was 15 and I know it was a dead under last year at 1710 points, which are tough. These are two different teams. I kind of like, you know, you guys were talking about different quarterbacks. Both teams are starting new quarterbacks. You got a little bit of that slow start aspect to it. We know that Lane Kiffin's offense is usually high octane, but the first game right out of the gate against what could be a decent defense. Maybe we do get another maybe not 1710, but even 27 20 gets the job done as far as under 50 and a half. So I think that's the one thing that's kind of speaking out to me for Clemson and LSU here

47:17on Saturday night. And then we got Sunday night, another good one. Louisville and Ole Miss in Nashville, 730 PM East Sunday night right up against that Notre Dame Wisconsin game. Ole Miss, Trinidad Chambers back in the saddle here. Hey, why not? 10, 12, 15th year of college football. Why not? Let's do it. Is 7 and a 55 fall for us in this one? Anything you like or like, lean, anything? Yeah, really an interesting game here. I mean, it's been well chronicle, Jeff Brahm. It's been very good historically in the underdog role. And of course, getting seven points here against Ole Miss on Sunday night. Louisville will be starting a first time starter at quarterback. They brought in Lincoln Keenholz from Ohio State over the spring. And Keenholz is a guy. You know, it's tough at Ohio State. It's a little bit different not getting to play there because their numbers are so significant in all positions. And he wasn't going to play there. The ball accounts. This guy's a player.

48:18He's big. He can run the ball. I think all the returns are very, very positive on Lincoln Keenholz. But it is his first career start. And he is going up a pretty good Ole Miss defense. I mean, Keenholz in three seasons there at Ohio State only appeared in three games. 36 career pass attempts. So he's played very little meaningful defense. So I kind of, you know, just the difference at quarterback. Although Keenholz is going to be a good one. Trinidad Chameless. I'm still watching him against Georgia last year in the play-all. 362 passing yards. Houdini keeping his eyes downfield, making throws. And I know they have different play callers, different, you know, Lane Kippen's not there anymore. This, that, and the other. But, you know, in any event, of course, you wouldn't there then. I guess at that game, but they do have different play callers, different staff and so forth, different head coach. I just think Ole Miss with Trinidad Chameless. I think they're probably going to win this one by seven or more. Well, Carver, you know the name.

49:18Charlie Weiss, his son, Charlie Weiss Jr. He was one of the assistants that was allowed to coach in the Ole Miss play-all for runs. Trinidad Chameless, and listen, he's my, who he did more for any other quarterback for their team. I understand that Indiana wanted the, and then, and then Dosa gets the Hyzmatro feet. That's fine. A few times he had to, he had to get it done. He did at Oregon with the touchdown driver after the pick six, at Iowa, the late touchdown. And again, of course, the late touchdown, we all saw late. They kind of sewed it up at Penn State. But I don't think anybody did more for their team than Trinidad Chameless last, last year. He's now going to be with the new play-caller. How much is that going to affect it? I don't know, but we didn't see that in the playoffs. Kiffin was gone, but Weiss Jr. was still there. By the way, LSU had to come back for a second. Had to sweep the pot for him to get him out of Oxford, you know. So that's how important he was in some of the reports from practice. They talk about that Weiss Jr.

50:18He's running the offense of for Kiffin. So Kiffin had to give his blessing, but I want to see that. And I also want to see Jeff Brahman as an underdog. Traditionally, he's really, really good at covering the points, Brett. He's an underdog. I think he's a sneaky good game on Sunday night. Going right up against, I guess, put the sound on the the Irish for you, Cawber. We'll have the sound going on. I got him both on. I'm both on, Jerry. Don't worry. And that kind of holds Paul. All I've heard about that kid is that he can't throw. He can only run. I'm sure if he got recruited Ohio State, I'm sure he could throw a little bit, Paul. So I'm not too worried. I'm sure he's not just all Tim Tebowl running the football. I'm sure that he's going to be able to throw a little bit. And maybe Brahman's going to let him open it up a bit and show that he does have an arm. So I kind of, I kind of like some points in this game. I really do. I think that maybe with Chambliss and kind of torn on the side because of that Louisville aspect, how good Brahman is as a dog. But I think all Mrs. the better team might be something in game total wise for me as I

51:18am without the sound watching the game with the Notre Dame sound on the other TV at the same time. You know, we talk about Paul also that, that win where Chambliss was so good in a sugar bowl in a quarter final game for Ole Miss Beaton, Georgia. But in that loss, they went down to field. This quarter their first five possessions, TDs in that loss in Athens. So I mean, he was, or at least the first five times a couple of field goals in there. But he was phenomenal, man. And both of those games against a highly respected defensive Georgia. Yeah, he's just a big time guy. I mean, like you, he's my, the one ticket that I have on the husband trophy. I usually don't get too heavily involved in the future markets. But I think Trinidad Chambliss, even though I think Archman, he could win in his well. Maybe somebody else, but Trinidad Chambliss is just, man, he's the guy, you know, and it's just crazy. If Austin Simmons hadn't got hurt last year, you know, we might not even see him. Right. You know, it's crazy the way these things work out. And now he gets to next year and I don't know that it really matter.

52:19You know, he does a lot of things, obviously, back there in that pocket that you can't coach. And it doesn't matter, you know, if Yogi Bear was coaching, he would be doing that same stuff. So, you know, he's a big time player. He's a performer and I like Ole Miss, you know, just because of the difference at the quarterback position in game one. And I am glad Jimmy that LSU was able to find a couple extra dollars under the bed for Charlie White Jr. I know they're running out of money with all the money they've spent. I'm glad they were able to find a couple bucks to sweet the pot for Charlie White Jr. They trust me. The LSU fan base is tired at all the time. They would have played ball too. Okay. I don't blame them. I don't blame them. And they will on Saturday night against Clemson. Guys, great job. As always, again, this week, I'm looking forward to it. We are here every Wednesday, 5.30 p.m. east, bedding weekly, CFP live. And guys, I'm going to let you know now. Next Wednesday, Texas Ohio State. I mean, let's go, gentlemen.

53:20We're really strapping up the seatbelt next week. So I can't wait for that one. The menu improves. There's no doubt. We got a lot of 40 points for Ed's this week. A lot of them. Paul, great job. Jimmy, great job. Mike Arbor, Paul Stone, Jimmy Ad, bedding weekly, CFP live. Enjoy week one. We will see you back here next Wednesday, 5.30 p.m. east for another edition of bedding week. We can see you live. Have a great week. Thanks for listening to bedding weekly live. And on the bed rivers network.