Football Betting News: A look at Week 1 NCAAF Odds (Part 3)

The kickoff of the 2010 college football season is less than four weeks away. Here's a look at some of the matchups involving squads that are ranked in the top 25 and another key game to begin the year: 9/4: San Jose State at #1 Alabama (-39) After dropping a 56-3 contest at USC to open last season, the Spartans (2-10 in 2009) could face an even longer day to begin the 2010 campaign. The defending national champions will use the opener as a tuneup for a battle on September 11th against Penn State. With running back Mark Ingram, quarterback Greg McElroy and wide receiver Julio Jones returning for Alabama, the offense should be good enough for the Crimson Tide to make another title run in 2010. 9/4: #18 North Carolina vs. #16 LSU (-1.5) (@ Atlanta, GA) The Tar Heels could have the most talented defense in the nation heading into this season. LSU fans have been disappointed with the Tigers since a BCS title in 2007. Junior quarterback Jordan Jefferson could be the key to LSU's season in 2010. The Tigers hold a 5-1 lead in the all-time series against North Carolina. The last meeting between the two programs was in 1986. 9/4: UL-Lafayette at #21 Georgia (-28) The Rajin' Cajuns have gone 6-6 in each of the last two seasons. In visits to LSU and Nebraska last season, UL-Lafayette was outscored by a combined total of 86-3. After an average season in 2009, the Bulldogs will turn to freshman quarterback Aaron Murray to run the offense in 2010. Georgia wideout A.J. Green is one of the top receivers in the SEC. 9/4: Arkansas State at #23 Auburn (-30.5) While the Red Wolves (4-8 in 2009) had a solid defense a year ago, the offense failed to produce much of an output. In contrast, the Tigers had a much improved offensive attack in 2009. Former Florida quarterback Cameron Newton is on board to direct Auburn's offense in 2010. In the only prior meeting between the two squads, Arkansas State was blanked at Auburn by a final of 27-0 in 2006. 9/4: Connecticut at Michigan (-3) The Huskies have gone to three straight bowl games under head coach Randy Edsall. All five of Connecticut's defeats last year were by four points or less. Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez could face a make or break year in his third season at the school. He is just 8-16 in his initial two years with the Wolverines.