By Dallas Jones

IOWA CITY, IA – It is no secret that sports betting has completely taken over the sporting world in the last few years. We here at Hawk Fanatic have decided to join in on the fun and share some of our favorite weekly plays this college football season.

A few disclaimers, in no means am I claiming to be a professional gambling expert or guru of any kind. The name “Bad Knee Bets,” is exactly that, just a feeling. I will provide some background info and evidence to support all of the picks, you can choose to follow, fade or just enjoy as you please!

There will be a range from three to five picks each week and we will track the previous weeks bets as we continue! All of the lines will be taken from our friends over at BetRivers Sportsbook, you can download the BetRivers app on the Apple Store or Google play store. You can also visit the sportsbook in person at Wild Rose Casino & Resort in Clinton, IA. Now, let’s get to the picks.

Iowa State @ Iowa (-3):

Call this a homer pick, but let me explain. The most obvious advantage the Hawkeyes have is playing inside of Kinnick Stadium. While the Hawkeyes were defeated 10-7 the last time they hosted the Cyclones in 2022, Iowa got their revenge last year in Ames 20-17. That was ISU QB Rocco Brecht’s first matchup agains the Hawkeyes as we went 23/44 for 203 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Now he will step into Kinnick Stadium for the first time as a starter against one of the best defenses in the country. On the other side of the ball for the Hawkeyes, they have momentum coming into this game after a slew of big plays in the second half last week helped them secure a 40 point win. Rivalry weekend, revenge from two years ago and an offense moving in the right direction. Sounds like a recipe for success to me.

Colorado @ Nebraska (Under 59):

Now I know many of us saw how putrid the Colorado defense looked in their season opener against North Dakota State. They allowed 25 first downs, 449 total yards and did not force a turnover in their 31-26 win over the Bison. BUT, the last time a Nebraska football game reached 59 points or more was October 15th of 2022 vs Purdue. The Cornhuskers have a very strong defensive unit to help slowdown the superstar talents of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter.

Offensively for Nebraska, Freshman Dylan Raiola looked great in his debut, but this is still only his second start in his college football career. Raiola attempted 36 passes, completing 25 of them for 284 yards a two touchdowns. They also attempted 47 rushes for 223 yards (4.7 ypc) in their 40-7 opening win against UTEP. Look for Nebraska to dominate the run game and use their boys up front to set the tone for this one.

This could very well be one of the best matchups of this week’s slate, while I am not sure who will win, I feel confident we will not see the 60’s.

Houston @ Oklahoma (Over 49.5)

Betting under is no fun, so I thought I would counter that with a night game over! In all honesty, any Oklahoma game I see with a total starting with a four, it automatically goes onto a slip. The Sooners put up 51 points alone in their first game against Temple in week one. Houston’s defense should be a little better than the Owl’s, but they are coming off of a 27-7 loss versus UNLV to start the year.

The Sooners finished fourth in scoring last season at 41.7 ppg, even with the departure of QB Dillon Gabriel to Oregon, Jackson Arnold and company are picking up right where they left off last year.

Kansas @ Illinois (+5.5)

Last but certainly not least, we have a midwest war taking place in Champaign. Both of these teams dominated their week one opponents by 40+ points and are both middle of the packs teams in their conference looking to stay in the win column.

Last year, the Fighting Illini dropped the game to the JayHawks 34-23 in Lawrence. Another chance at revenge (or a close loss) seems inevitable.

I just hope everyone has fun.