2025 NFL, College Football Odds: Best Bets for Syracuse-Clemson, Cowboys-Bears

It’s time to get hot.

There’s no sugarcoating a 5-9-1 start, and I’m not going to try. 

Looks were strong on Miami and the Oregon Under; they were bad on Minnesota and the Raiders. And, of course, Geno Smith hurled an interception on his first pass.

Woof.

Let’s get some bounces to break our way and turn things around heading toward October. Remember, this isn’t the place for "locks" or five-team parlays. These are the games I’m betting with my own money.

Let’s go to work.

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2025 Record: (5-9-1, -5.0 units)

South Carolina @ No. 23 Mizzou (-9.5, O/U 48.5)

Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers is probable after suffering a concussion last week, and he should play "barring a setback." I love when reporters do this. The market says he’s in, but the market believed Austin Simmons was playing for Ole Miss last week. We’ll see. Even if Sellers goes, South Carolina should struggle to keep up with Mizzou and Beau Pribula. This market was -14 on Monday afternoon and I find myself buying low on the favorite.

PICK: Mizzou (-9.5) to win by more than 9.5 points

Iowa (-2, O/U 45.5) @ Rutgers

Buckle up for Friday night fun in Piscataway. This is mostly a fade of Iowa’s offense and its transfer quarterback Mark Gronowski. However, the Hawkeyes defense will likely keep the game close. I think this line should be a PK, and I’m happy to take the small home puppy under the lights. You might not enjoy watching this one aesthetically, but I think Rutgers is right.

PICK: Rutgers (+2) to lose by fewer than 2 points or win outright

Syracuse @ Clemson (-1