College Football Best Bets - 8/30/2024

August 30, 2024

In partnership with

Good Morning!

We cashed our first and only college football bet last night taking the under on the Colorado/North Dakota State game. This bet was given out on our new podcast “116 Sports Betting Show”.

Today’s bets are brought to you by Mood Gummies! Thank our sponsor by visiting their website and seeing if their product is for you!

This cannabis startup pioneered “rapid onset” gummies

Most people prefer to smoke cannabis but that isn’t an option if you’re at work or in public.

That’s why we were so excited when we found out about Mood’s new Rapid Onset THC Gummies. They can take effect in as little as 5 minutes without the need for a lighter, lingering smells or any coughing.

Nobody will ever know you’re enjoying some THC.

We recommend you try them out because they offer a 100% money-back guarantee. And for a limited time, you can receive 20% off with code FIRST20.

Now lets get to some games!..

Matchup Preview: Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Date/Time: Friday, 6:40 p.m. EDT
Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia

Team Records:

  • Atlanta Braves: 73-61, 2nd in NL East

  • Philadelphia Phillies: 79-55, 1st in NL East

Pitching Probables:

  • Braves: Reynaldo Lopez (7-4, 2.02 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 119 strikeouts)

  • Phillies: Ranger Suarez (11-5, 2.82 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 122 strikeouts)

Betting Lines:

  • Moneyline: Phillies -135, Braves +115

  • Run Line: Phillies -1.5 (+160), Braves +1.5 (-190)

  • Total: Over 7.5 (-130), Under 7.5 (+110)

Phillies Overview:

The Philadelphia Phillies are leading the NL East with a strong 79-55 record and have been dominant at home with a 45-24 record. The Phillies excel when they out-hit their opponents, boasting a 64-6 record in such games. They took a 1-0 lead in the series against the Braves and look to extend that advantage.

Key Performers:

  • Bryce Harper: Batting .278 with 31 doubles, 26 home runs, and 76 RBI.

  • J.T. Realmuto: 13-for-36 with four doubles and two home runs in the last 10 games.

Braves Overview:

The Atlanta Braves, currently second in the NL East, have been solid on the road with a 37-33 record. They’ve performed well when hitting multiple home runs, holding a 31-17 record in such games. Although they lead the season series 6-4, they face a tough matchup in Philadelphia.

Key Performers:

  • Marcell Ozuna: Leading the Braves with a .308 batting average, 26 doubles, and 37 home runs.

  • Ramon Laureano: 14-for-40 with a home run and four RBI over the last 10 games.

Recent Form:

  • Phillies: 6-4 in the last 10 games, hitting .261 with a 3.48 ERA, and outscoring opponents by nine runs.

  • Braves: 7-3 in the last 10 games, hitting .249 with a 2.87 ERA, and outscoring opponents by 10 runs.

Best Bet: Phillies -135

Rationale: The Phillies have been strong at home and have the momentum with a series lead. Ranger Suarez has been consistent on the mound, making the Phillies a solid pick at -135. The Braves' powerful lineup makes the over 7.5 also appealing, especially considering both teams' recent offensive performances.

_____________________

Matchup Preview: Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers

Date/Time: Friday, 6:40 p.m. EDT
Location: Comerica Park, Detroit

Team Records:

  • Boston Red Sox: 69-65, 3rd in AL East

  • Detroit Tigers: 68-67, 4th in AL Central

Pitching Probables:

  • Red Sox: Tanner Houck (8-9, 3.23 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 137 strikeouts)

  • Tigers: Tarik Skubal (15-4, 2.58 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 193 strikeouts)

Betting Lines:

  • Moneyline: Red Sox -135, Tigers +115

  • Run Line: Red Sox -1.5 (+120), Tigers +1.5 (-145)

  • Total: Over 8.5 (-110), Under 8.5 (-110)

Tigers Overview:

The Detroit Tigers are playing solid baseball, currently just above .500 with a 68-67 record. They’ve been strong at home with a .500 record (33-33) and have been particularly effective in games where they don't allow home runs, going 33-16 in such contests. The Tigers are looking to carry their recent success, as they are 7-3 in their last 10 games.

Key Performers:

  • Colt Keith: 14 doubles, three triples, and 12 home runs.

  • Spencer Torkelson: 12-for-39 with two doubles and three home runs over the past 10 games.

Red Sox Overview:

The Boston Red Sox, currently third in the AL East, have performed well on the road with a 38-27 record. Like the Tigers, the Red Sox also thrive in games where they prevent home runs, posting a 28-15 record in those situations. However, Boston has struggled recently, going 4-6 in their last 10 games, and their bats have cooled down, hitting just .208 over that span.

Key Performers:

  • Rafael Devers: Batting .290 with 33 doubles, five triples, 28 home runs, and 80 RBI.

  • Jarren Duran: 13-for-35 with five doubles and four home runs over the last 10 games.

Recent Form:

  • Tigers: 7-3 in the last 10 games, batting .271 with a 3.27 ERA, outscoring opponents by 18 runs.

  • Red Sox: 4-6 in the last 10 games, batting .208 with a 4.00 ERA, outscored by 14 runs.

Best Bet: Tigers +115

Rationale: The Tigers have been in better form recently, with a strong pitching performance expected from Tarik Skubal. Their ability to limit home runs has been a key to their success, and against a struggling Red Sox lineup, they could pull off the upset. The value on the Tigers at +115 makes them a solid underdog pick in this matchup.

___________________

Matchup Preview: St. Louis Cardinals vs. New York Yankees

Date/Time: Friday, 7:05 p.m. EDT
Location: Yankee Stadium, New York

Team Records:

  • St. Louis Cardinals: 67-67, 3rd in NL Central

  • New York Yankees: 78-56, 1st in AL East

Pitching Probables:

  • Cardinals: Erick Fedde (8-7, 3.31 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 129 strikeouts)

  • Yankees: Marcus Stroman (9-6, 3.88 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 97 strikeouts)

Betting Lines:

  • Moneyline: Yankees -173, Cardinals +145

  • Run Line: Yankees -1.5 (+115), Cardinals +1.5 (-135)

  • Total: Over 8.5 (-130), Under 8.5 (+110)

Yankees Overview:

The New York Yankees are enjoying a strong season, leading the AL East with a 78-56 record. They have been particularly good at home, holding a 36-29 record at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees' offense is powered by their league-leading 207 home runs, making them a formidable team, especially at home. However, they have been somewhat inconsistent recently, going 5-5 in their last 10 games, with a .233 batting average and a strong 3.16 ERA.

Key Performers:

  • Aaron Judge: Leading the team with 51 home runs, 31 doubles, and 123 RBI, Judge is the heart of the Yankees' powerful lineup.

  • Giancarlo Stanton: Despite a recent slump, Stanton remains a threat with three home runs and five RBI over the last 10 games.

Cardinals Overview:

The St. Louis Cardinals are sitting at .500 with a 67-67 record, trying to stay in the playoff race. They have struggled on the road, with a 31-35 record away from Busch Stadium. The Cardinals have a respectable 4.14 team ERA, ranking ninth in the NL, and have been playing well recently, going 6-4 in their last 10 games.

Key Performers:

  • Alec Burleson: Batting .279 with 21 home runs and 72 RBI, Burleson is one of the key offensive contributors for St. Louis.

  • Masyn Winn: Winn has been hot recently, hitting 18-for-43 with two doubles and a home run over the last 10 games.

Recent Form:

  • Yankees: 5-5 in their last 10 games, with a .233 batting average and a solid 3.16 ERA, outscoring opponents by nine runs.

  • Cardinals: 6-4 in their last 10 games, hitting .267 with a 3.60 ERA, outscoring opponents by five runs.

Best Bet: Yankees -1.5 (+115)

Rationale: The Yankees have the advantage at home with a powerful lineup, and with Marcus Stroman on the mound, they are positioned to win by more than a run. Given their strong home record and the Cardinals' road struggles, backing the Yankees on the run line at +115 offers good value.

____________________

Matchup Preview: Kansas City Royals vs. Houston Astros

Date/Time: Friday, 8:10 p.m. EDT
Location: Minute Maid Park, Houston

Team Records:

  • Kansas City Royals: 75-60, 2nd in AL Central

  • Houston Astros: 72-62, 1st in AL West

Pitching Probables:

  • Royals: Seth Lugo (14-8, 3.19 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 146 strikeouts)

  • Astros: Framber Valdez (13-6, 3.27 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 139 strikeouts)

Betting Lines:

  • Moneyline: Astros -160, Royals +134

  • Run Line: Astros -1.5 (+135), Royals +1.5 (-160)

  • Total: Over 7.5 (-130), Under 7.5 (+110)

Astros Overview:

The Houston Astros hold a slight edge in this matchup, leading the series 1-0 and boasting a strong home record at 36-29. With a 72-62 overall record, the Astros are atop the AL West, largely due to their ability to keep opponents from hitting home runs, going 35-13 in such games. The Astros' pitching has been solid, and Framber Valdez, who will start on Friday, has been a key contributor with a 3.27 ERA and 139 strikeouts this season.

Key Performers:

  • Yordan Alvarez: Batting .313, Alvarez is a consistent offensive force with 29 doubles, 28 home runs, and 71 RBI.

  • Yainer Diaz: Diaz has been productive recently, hitting three home runs in his last 10 games.

Royals Overview:

The Kansas City Royals, currently second in the AL Central, have a decent road record at 34-32. Their overall record of 75-60 reflects a solid season, backed by a respectable team ERA of 3.91, which ranks seventh in the AL. Seth Lugo will be on the mound for the Royals, bringing his strong 14-8 record and 3.19 ERA to the game.

Key Performers:

  • Bobby Witt Jr.: Witt has been a standout with 78 extra base hits, including 39 doubles, 11 triples, and 28 home runs.

  • Salvador Perez: Perez has been clutch recently, hitting three home runs and driving in nine runs over the past 10 games.

Recent Form:

  • Astros: 4-6 in their last 10 games, with a .260 batting average and a strong 3.00 ERA, outscoring opponents by nine runs.

  • Royals: 5-5 in their last 10 games, hitting .265 but with a higher 5.22 ERA, getting outscored by nine runs.

Best Bet: Astros Moneyline (-160)

Rationale: The Astros have the home-field advantage and a reliable starter in Framber Valdez. With the Royals’ recent pitching struggles, backing the Astros to win outright is a solid bet. The Royals have a slight edge in the season series, but the Astros’ overall stronger performance at home makes them the safer pick for this matchup

_____________________

Matchup Preview: Baltimore Orioles vs. Colorado Rockies

Date/Time: Friday, 8:40 p.m. EDT
Location: Coors Field, Denver

Team Records:

  • Baltimore Orioles: 77-58, 2nd in AL East

  • Colorado Rockies: 50-85, 5th in NL West

Pitching Probables:

  • Orioles: Albert Suarez (6-4, 3.18 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 81 strikeouts)

  • Rockies: Austin Gomber (4-9, 4.70 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 98 strikeouts)

Betting Lines:

  • Moneyline: Orioles -166, Rockies +140

  • Run Line: Orioles -1.5 (-105), Rockies +1.5 (-115)

  • Total: Over 11.5 (+105), Under 11.5 (-125)

Rockies Overview:

The Colorado Rockies have struggled this season, with a 50-85 overall record, though they have been somewhat better at home, posting a 31-35 record at Coors Field. The Rockies have shown that when they out-hit their opponents, they usually win, with a 32-11 record in such games. Austin Gomber will take the mound for Colorado, bringing a 4.70 ERA and 98 strikeouts.

Key Performers:

  • Brenton Doyle: Doyle has been a bright spot for the Rockies, contributing 49 extra base hits, including 23 doubles and 22 home runs.

  • Ezequiel Tovar: Tovar has been hot recently, hitting .286 with seven doubles, two home runs, and seven RBI over the past 10 games.

Orioles Overview:

The Baltimore Orioles have had a strong season, with a 77-58 record and are currently second in the AL East. The Orioles have been effective on the road with a 38-28 record. Albert Suarez will start for Baltimore, holding a solid 3.18 ERA and 81 strikeouts. Baltimore has been successful when they out-hit their opponents, going 60-10 in those games.

Key Performers:

  • Gunnar Henderson: Henderson has been a key contributor with 33 home runs, 24 doubles, and six triples this season.

  • Colton Cowser: Cowser has been productive recently, hitting .270 with two doubles, a triple, and two home runs over his last 10 games.

Recent Form:

  • Rockies: 4-6 in their last 10 games, with a .251 batting average and a 5.44 ERA, being outscored by nine runs.

  • Orioles: 4-6 in their last 10 games, hitting just .182 with a 3.97 ERA, and being outscored by eight runs.

Best Bet: Orioles Moneyline (-166)

Rationale: The Orioles have been the more consistent team this season, with a solid record both at home and on the road. While the Rockies have a home-field advantage, Baltimore's superior pitching and overall performance make them the safer bet to win this game. Additionally, the Rockies' struggles with pitching at Coors Field could be exploited by the Orioles' offense.

__________________

Matchup Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

Date/Time: Friday, 9:40 p.m. EDT
Location: Chase Field, Phoenix

Team Records:

  • Los Angeles Dodgers: 80-54, 1st in NL West

  • Arizona Diamondbacks: 76-58, 2nd in NL West

Pitching Probables:

  • Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw (2-2, 3.72 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 24 strikeouts)

  • Diamondbacks: Zac Gallen (10-6, 3.65 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 111 strikeouts)

Betting Lines:

  • Moneyline: Dodgers -123, Diamondbacks +103

  • Run Line: Dodgers -1.5 (+140), Diamondbacks +1.5 (-165)

  • Total: Over 8.5 (-120), Under 8.5 (+100)

Diamondbacks Overview:

Arizona has had a strong season, holding a 76-58 record, and they have been particularly tough at home with a 38-28 record. The Diamondbacks' offense is potent, boasting a .334 on-base percentage, which is the second-best in the majors. Zac Gallen will take the mound for Arizona, bringing a solid 3.65 ERA and 111 strikeouts this season.

Key Performers:

  • Christian Walker: Walker has been a significant power threat for the Diamondbacks, contributing 30 home runs and 85 RBI on the season.

  • Ketel Marte: Marte has been consistent at the plate, hitting .283 with 19 home runs and 65 RBI.

Dodgers Overview:

The Dodgers continue their strong performance this season with an 80-54 record, leading the NL West. They have been consistent both at home and on the road, with a 35-30 record away from Dodger Stadium. Clayton Kershaw will start for the Dodgers, looking to improve his 3.72 ERA.

Key Performers:

  • Mookie Betts: Betts has been outstanding, leading the team with 39 home runs and 94 RBI, while also playing stellar defense.

  • Freddie Freeman: Freeman continues to be a reliable bat, hitting .333 with 25 home runs and 90 RBI.

Recent Form:

  • Diamondbacks: 7-3 in their last 10 games, hitting .259 with a 4.20 ERA, and outscoring opponents by 18 runs.

  • Dodgers: 8-2 in their last 10 games, hitting .248 with a 2.67 ERA, and outscoring opponents by 20 runs.

Best Bet: Dodgers Moneyline (-123)

Rationale: The Dodgers have been on a hot streak, winning eight of their last 10 games. Despite the Diamondbacks' strong home record, the Dodgers' balanced offense and solid pitching give them the edge. Clayton Kershaw’s experience could prove crucial in this matchup, especially against a divisional rival.