These picks will be invaluable, at least for you to know how not to bet. There’s a lot of uncertainty the first week, and a lot of lopsided lines, but I did my best.

Oklahoma -25 vs. Tulsa: The Sooners put up a lot of points in Norman. Tulsa lost its head coach, its best player to an embezzlement scandal and had an abominable defense last year. Picked the Sooners to reach the BCS title game. Have to believe they can clean out Tulsa at home.

Indiana -6 at Ball State: Big Ten success would be a novelty for the Hoosiers. Productive offense and beating up on non-conference opponents would not be. Kevin Wilson has brought optimism and an experienced, competent staff. A top-tier MAC team could give Indiana trouble. Ball State is not that.

Michigan -14 vs. Western Michigan: Not sure what to expect from Michigan this season, but am sure Western is not the team to test it. This team has more talent, more experience and infinitely better coaching than when these teams met in 2009. Michigan won that game 31-7.

South Florida +11 at Notre Dame: I like Notre Dame to win, but Skip Holtz is a great coach will be motivated. Notre Dame may take a few quarters to get going. Eleven is a lot of points.

USC -24 vs. Minnesota: This game was far closer than it needed to be last season. Minnesota has a new coach, scheme shifts on both sides of the ball and a number of new starters. USC is playing them at home.

[Photo via Getty]