August’s Final Surge: College Football Returns & MLB Heats Up!

As we enter the final three days of August, our bankroll sits proudly at 166% of our starting total—a testament to the consistent winning strategy we deploy here at BrownBagBets. But we’re not done yet. These final days will be jam-packed with opportunities to further boost our gains, and we’re ready to seize every one of them.

Tonight, we kick off our first big Thursday night of college football, with a slate that promises to keep us on the edge of our seats. Our focus is sharp, with eyes set on key matchups like Coastal Carolina vs. Jacksonville State and UNC vs. Minnesota. But that’s just the beginning. As August inevitably closes out as a winner for us at BrownBagBets, there’s no time to rest. Today marks the first of five straight days of college football action, spanning from Thursday through Monday.

And what’s in store for us over these five days? A whopping ninety-six games. After nearly eight months without college football, we’re diving headfirst into this action-packed weekend, ready to capitalize on every opportunity.

Let’s not forget the double-digit MLB games on tonight’s schedule as well. With plenty of intriguing series that carry playoff implications, there’s no shortage of excitement as we head into the holiday weekend.

August may be drawing to a close, but we’re just getting started. Let’s make these final days count and finish the month stronger than ever!

NCAA Football: Coastal Carolina at Jacksonville State

Jacksonville State’s Strong Defense and Offensive Line: Jacksonville State, ranked 29th nationally, boasts a strong defense and a premier running attack from 2023, with a returning offensive line featuring future NFL talent Clay Webb. They have been effective in stopping the run and should benefit from Coastal Carolina’s significant roster changes, including the loss of their starting QB and top receivers.

Coastal Carolina’s Roster Changes: Coastal Carolina, ranked 114th, is struggling with key losses including their long-time starting QB, leading receivers, and top tacklers. They had a strong performance against JSU last year, but those changes could impact their ability to replicate that success.

Pick: Jacksonville State -2.5 / Wager: 3%

NCAA Football: University of North Carolina at Minnesota

Scoring Concerns: Minnesota’s offense faces uncertainty with Max Brosmer transitioning from the FCS to the Big Ten. Additionally, the Tar Heels’ defense, now under Geoff Collins, aims to tighten up. Historical context supports the under, as last year’s meeting in Chapel Hill only saw 44 total points despite having a dynamic player like Drake Maye for UNC.

Quarterback Issues: Minnesota’s struggles at quarterback, with PJ Fleck bringing in Brosmer to replace last year’s starter, highlight a potential low-scoring game. The significant leap from FCS to Big Ten adds to the potential for a lower total.

Carolina’s Advantage: Last year, UNC defeated Minnesota 31-13, showcasing their ability to dominate. The Tar Heels’ returning talent and the Gophers’ quarterback uncertainties bolster UNC’s position.

Minnesota’s Quarterback Situation: With uncertainty at QB and the potential downgrade in play, UNC is favored to cover the small spread. Max Brosmer’s transition from FCS to Big Ten highlights Minnesota’s offensive challenges.

Pick: Under 50.5 / Wager: 3%

Pick: UNC -1.5 / Wager: 3%

NCAA Football: Western Michigan at Wisconsin

Scoring Limitations: Western Michigan is unlikely to put up more than 13 points against a strong Wisconsin defense in Madison. The WMU defense returns seven starters and added transfers from power conferences, suggesting they’ll be competitive against a run-heavy Wisconsin offense.

Wisconsin’s Offensive Transition: Wisconsin struggled offensively last year under Coach Luke Fickell, and this season they’re integrating a new quarterback, Tyler Van Dyke, who was inconsistent at Miami, and a new No. 1 running back, Braelon Allen, who is now in the NFL.

Pick: Under 57.5 / Wager: 3%

NCAA Football: TCU at Stanford

Team Composition and Offensive Efficiency: Stanford returns a wealth of experience, including 6 of their top 7 tacklers, their starting QB, top three receivers, top two running backs, and all five offensive line starters. This depth and experience make them a strong candidate to cover the spread. On the other hand, TCU, while upgrading their defense and boasting a potent offense under Sonny Dykes, might struggle to cover a large spread.

Pace and Scoring Trends: Both teams had issues with red zone efficiency last season, often settling for field goals rather than touchdowns. Stanford’s preference for a slower pace and their recent history of low-scoring games when playing as a home dog with a total under 60 support the likelihood of an under outcome.

Pick: Stanford +9.5 / Wager: 3%

Pick: Under 60.5 / Wager: 3%

MLB: Los Angeles Angels at Detroit Tigers

Current Form and Trends: The Tigers are riding a strong wave, winning 13 of their last 16 games, while the Angels are on a downward spiral with seven straight losses and a dismal 2-13 record in their past 15 games. The Tigers’ recent form includes a solid track record with rookie Keider Montero, winning four straight starts by him.

Offensive and Pitching Matchups: The Angels’ offense is struggling, averaging only 2 runs per game in their current losing streak. Meanwhile, Detroit’s pitcher Keider Montero is in good form, which bodes well for the Tigers to cover the run line against a faltering Angels team.

Pick: Tigers -1.5 @ +125 / Wager: 4%

MLB: Texas Rangers at Chicago White Sox

Pitching Matchup: Nathan Eovaldi will start for the Rangers, offering a reliable performance to neutralize a struggling White Sox offense. Meanwhile, Ky Bush takes the mound for Chicago with a troubling 5.60 ERA and a high walk rate of 16 in just 17⅔ innings.

Bullpen Concerns: The White Sox bullpen has struggled significantly, with an ERA over 6 in the last two months, further amplifying the potential for a high-margin win by the Rangers.

Pick: Rangers -1.5 / Wager: 3%

MLB: San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals

Pitching Form: Sonny Gray has struggled in the second half with a 5.86 ERA in his last 10 starts, including a troubling .867 OPS against and 13 home runs allowed. Conversely, Michael King has been effective on the road, boasting a 2.79 ERA and contributing to the Padres’ success.

Team Trends: The Padres are in strong form, winning 7 of Michael King’s last 9 outings, with 5 of those wins coming by 2 or more runs. In contrast, the Cardinals are 2-6 in Gray’s last 8 starts, including 4 losses by multiple runs.

Pick: Padres -1.5 @ +150 / Wager: 3%