After eight years as head coach David Shaw is Stanford’s biggest winner ever. Following last year’s win over Cal, Shaw eclipsed Pop Warner’s school record 71 career wins. Certainly, he has surpassed expectations with the college football betting odds. Commencing with his Shaw’s first season the shadow of Jim Harbaugh loomed over the program. Harbaugh quickly resuscitated the Cardinal from death into an Orange Bowl champion. Conversely Shaw was the unknown replacement when Harbaugh left for the NFL. In like manner most believed the program would fall back. Instead it has thrived. Stanford opens 2018 against San Diego State.
San Diego State Aztecs vs. Stanford Cardinals
Date and Time: Friday, August 31, 2018, 9 p.m. ET
Location: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California
College Football Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego State | +14½ (-110) | 51½ (-110) |  |
| Stanford | -14½ (-110) | 51½ (-110) | |
| |||
San Diego State vs. Stanford TV Coverage: FS1
Stanford Cardinals
Stanford enters the 2018 season with the potential of an explosive offense. As a matter of fact, they could be one of the top scoring teams in the land. However, the Cardinal defense may by a liability with the college football betting odds. Quarterback KJ Costello and the top five running backs return. While Costello is not spectacular he is a reliable game manager. Equally important is the return of Heisman Trophy candidate Bryce Love. In view of Love’s 2118 rushing yards last season the offense is loaded. Four starters return on a strong offensive line.
Weak Defense
To differentiate is a weak defensive line for the Cardinal. Despite that fact the linebackers look solid. Encompassing worries is a secondary that looks quite thin. Extending optimism is a very good kicking game.
San Diego State Aztecs
Overall San Diego State has been one of the better Group of Five teams. Indeed, head coach Rocky Long utilizes Stanford like tactics. In other words, SDSU relies on stout defense and a strong ground attack. Indeed, the Aztecs ranked 10th nationally for rushing yards last year.
San Diego Stats to Consider
San Diego State has been a strong online betting road play in recent seasons. In this situation they have paid in 12 of their last 17 road tilts. Four of their last six away games went under the total. Supplementing that is a 12-8 mark vs. the odds as road dogs. Eight of their last ten in that role went under the total.
Stanford Stats
Alternatively, Stanford has not been a reliable home play as of late. For example, the Cardinal has covered just four of their last ten home games. Seven of their last 12 games at Stanford Stadium went under the total. What’s more Stanford has dropped four in a row vs. the line as double-digit home chalks.
Team vs. Team
Decidedly factoring into this matchup is last year’s result. Specifically, San Diego State scored a 20-17 upset win as 8.5-point home dogs. Following that the Aztecs certainly will be confident. In the same way Stanford will be seeking revenge.
Matchup to Watch
In spite of their Group of Five status San Diego State is quite capable. More emphatically they are a solid dog with the college football betting odds. Moreover, Stanford is an unreliable chalk with a questionable defense. Most of all the Aztecs should be able to maul the weak Cardinal defensive front.
College Football Betting Odds Picks
To conclude San Diego State is a solid pick at Stanford.
College Football Betting Online Pick: San Diego State Aztecs
College Football Betting Online Score Prediction: Aztecs 24, Cardinal 17
Check out highlights of last year’s San Diego State win over Stanford!