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The best bets from this Saturday's college football slate

On Thursday night college football took the spotlight as the Indiana Hoosiers gave an early scare to the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. While the Buckeyes would take over in the second half and settle into a comfortable lead, the game served as a nice appetizer to the full slate of college games to come this weekend.

With over 100 FBS programs kicking off their season this weekend, it would be impossible (and fiscally irresponsible) to bet every game on the slate, so we're narrowing it down to just seven games you may want to consider throwing a few coins at.

Below are your best seven bets of the first Saturday of the college football season. All lines come courtesy of the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook.

Michigan (-3.5) over Florida

This line has been seen as high as seven but I would still take Michigan mostly out of faith that Harbaugh comes prepared. Harbaugh LOVES preparing, and Michigan is coming off an impressive year where they did everything except climb the mountain that is beating Urban Meyer and Ohio State. They are in a position again this year to compete for the Big Ten title, despite losing some senior talent. Conversely, Florida is dealing with a slew of suspensions, meaning a bit of uncertainty and a lack of depth. The Gators will be a force as the season goes on, but this game is Michigan's to lose.

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Appalachian State (+14.5) over Georgia

Ten years ago Appalachian State took over the first weekend of college football with their shocking upset of fifth-ranked Michigan in Ann Arbor. Now in their fourth year playing an FBS schedule, the Mountaineers have continued to impress, finishing last year 10-3 and first in the Sun Belt. Georgia will be good enough to make a run at the SEC title by winning their weaker division, but expect App State's defense to be stout enough to keep this game within two scores. Who doesn't like to root for an underdog?

Penn State (-30.5) over Akron

Regular bettors should be wary of lines this long, but there's usually one or two worth wagering on early in the season, and this looks like it could be one. Penn State will be looking to make a statement in their opener and have not one, but two potential Heisman candidates on the offensive side of the ball in quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley. With that talent, look for the Nittany Lions to jump out to a huge lead early and never look back. Might be a good game to check the first half line on as well.

Temple (+18.5) over Notre Dame

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The loss of head coach Matt Rhule was a big blow to the Temple Owls, who have surged onto the national scene in recent years, but his successor Geoff Collins has the experience and knowledge to continue the new tradition of aggressive, physical defense in Philadelphia. The Irish are coming off of a 4-8 season and are always overvalued in Vegas early in the season by nostalgic bettors hoping the ghost of Knute Rockne will bring blessings on the new year. When these teams met in Philadelphia in 2015 the Owls led late before falling short in the fourth quarter, and it's a game still on the minds of Temple's upperclassmen.

Alabama (-7) over Florida State

Nick Saban is one of the most reliable men in football. If you bet on him you might lose (as many did in last year's championship), but no one will ever criticize you for backing the most successful coach in the past decade of college football. Early in the season though, Saban feels like a good bet — he's 10-0 in season openers with Bama and 10-0 against his former assistant coaches. He also has experience starting the season with a challenge, having taken on five ranked opponents to open the season with the Crimson Tide. He's won every game by double-digits.

South Carolina (+5.5) over NC State

With a difficult stretch awaiting them in October, Will Muschamp and the South Carolina Gamecocks will be looking to rack up wins early in the schedule before things get too rocky in the SEC. This game will be taking place in Charlotte, giving the Gamecocks the emotional edge. When in doubt, bet the home underdog.

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California (+11.5) over North Carolina

North Carolina lost half of its starters including quarterback Mitch Trubisky who went to the Chicago Bears as the second overall pick in the NFL Draft. In the early weeks of the season the Tar Heels will still be figuring out who they are, and 11 points is a lot to cover when you're still working on identity. While it'd be better if Cal didn't have to fly across the country to play this one, the Golden Bears should be able to score enough to keep things close and cover the points.

Now check out some potential dark horses to win the Heisman this year

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