BYU opens its 2013 college football campaign on the road as it faces Virginia at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville tomorrow afternoon. Start time in Saturday's showdown between the Cougars and Cavaliers is set for 3:30pm ET; the game will be broadcast live on ESPNU. College Football Point Spreads Week 1 are giving the slight edge to BYU in this match up with the Cougars presently listed as a -1 against the spread road favorite. Tomorrow's game total is set at 50 points.

BYU football does not get as much publicity as its fellow religious independent Notre Dame, but it is not far behind the Irish in terms of product on the field. The Cougars proved that last season when, playing as a 13 point underdog, they lost 14-17 to Notre Dame in South Bend.

BYU finished up the year with an 8-5 record, but was three narrow mistake riddled losses from another double digit win season.

The Cougars made their bones last year on defense as they limited opponents to an average of 14 points and 266 yards per game. This year's BYU team should feature a better offense with eight starters back on that side of the ball, but the defense still might be its strength.

Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall only has four starters back on defense, but the unit has plenty of experience and is led by one the nation's top players, regardless of position, in linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53 tackles, 13 sacks, nine tackles for loss, two interceptions).

Virginia posted its second 4-8 record of Mike London's three year tenure last season, but the former Richmond front man could have his most talented squad yet in 2013.

The Cavaliers bring back 16 starters and should realize dramatic improvement on both sides of the ball. However, Virginia is breaking in a new quarterback in sophomore David Watford and that may be a problem tomorrow afternoon when it contends with the Cougars stingy defense.

College Football Point Spreads Betting Trend: Virginia is 1-5 both straight up and against the spread in its last six games as a 0 to 3.5 point home dog.

BYU vs Virginia College Football Point Spreads Week 1:

BYU Cougars -1 (-110), Over 50 (-110), -118 (Moneyline)

Virginia Cavaliers +1 (-110), Under 50 (-110), -102 (Moneyline)

College Football Free Picks: BYU at Virginia Betting
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