It’s time for year two of Cameron’s best bets and possibly the worst column in The Daily Texan history.
This year, I’m adding a couple new weekly features to the column. The first new feature is that I’ll pick the Texas game each week while keeping my lock of the week pick that I introduced halfway through last year. I’m also adding a future bet and a “degenerate gambler” bet that I suggest you only bet on if, as the title suggests, you’re a degenerate gambler. And as a reminder, I’m not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. I’m just a college student who watches too much college football and places bets he can’t afford — like most of y’all. This weekly column is where I will give you my best bets for the week in college football. I am not responsible for any money lost, so don’t Venmo request me after Week One.
Louisiana Tech at Texas (-20.5)
In case you didn’t know, Tom Herman is 0–2 in season openers at Texas. He also has yet to face a team that isn’t Maryland in Week One. With all the bulletin board material Louisiana Tech and Terry Bradshaw have given the Longhorns, I think we’re in for a beatdown — but I also thought that last year and the year before that. I think it will be a close first half, but Texas’ athleticism and talent will wear out the Bulldogs in the second half. Look for an angry junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger and wide receiver unit after Louisiana Tech safety L’Jarius Sneed said the Texas receivers “can’t handle press (coverage).” Between Bradshaw and Sneed, Ehlinger will have little need for anymore motivation — oh wait, Baker Mayfield opened his mouth too.
Pick: Texas (-20.5)
Lock of the week
Fresno State at USC (-13.5)
Ah yes, the annual tradition of hyping up USC despite having one of the most incompetent athletic departments in the country. Fresno State finished 12-2 last season and wiped the floor with Arizona State in the Las Vegas Bowl, and — by the way — USC lost to Arizona State last year. As long as Clay Helton is the head coach of the Trojans, it’s probably best to bet against him rather than for him.
Pick: Fresno State (+13.5)
Degenerate gambler bet
Houston at Oklahoma (-23)
I’m not following the Jalen Hurts and Oklahoma hype train that has many picking the Sooners for the College Football Playoff. Are we sure the senior quarterback is good? He’s not Baker Mayfield nor is he Kyler Murray, and even I could be plugged into Lincoln Riley’s system and throw for 200 yards per game. Hurts had an Alabama defense to bail him out for the past two years, while I’m not sure Oklahoma even has a defense after last year. Houston senior quarterback D’Eriq King is a sleeper Heisman candidate, and if defensive coordinator Alex Grinch’s defense isn’t ready they’ll get shredded by King.
Pick: Houston (+23)
Future bet
Texas — regular season wins
O/U 9.5
I think 2020 is the year that the Longhorns make their appearance in the College Football Playoff, but having said that, this will be the best year for the Texas football program since 2009. Texas reached 10 wins last year and you’re telling me this year’s squad is worse than last year’s? Just like last year, Texas will most likely end up playing 14 games including the Big 12 Championship and its bowl game. Pencil them in for 11 or 12 wins this year to set them up for a playoff run in 2020.
Pick: Over
