College Football 2023-24 Season Week 1 Picks and Predictions

It is never too early to look at Week 1’s most appetizing games across college football and pick winners. Not only is there the opportunity to see several nationally-ranked September matchups but teams are also laced with elite expectations. Be careful to pull any hard takeaways from results in Week 1. However, the first weekend often provides a window into which teams are best prepared to make noise during the season’s opening month. And given the influx of transfers at numerous programs, oddsmakers may have difficulty accurately power ranking these teams and establishing lines.

Lines are made in hopes of getting equal action from both sides, and we see a couple of games during Week 1 that certainly offer up a lot of intrigues. The college football week 1 betting picks are already taking shape for bettors to place bets on their favorite teams.

Florida vs Utah

Last season’s opener in Gainesville was one of Billy Napier’s best wins in Year 1 as Florida upended the Utes in the fourth quarterback. But unless Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz makes a ton of plays in the passing game and the Gators’ defense keeps Utah quarterback Cam Rising in check on the road, this one could go the other way. Utah won consecutive Pac-12 titles. By comparison, Florida’s projected win total is 5.5. Vegas likes the Utes here. Still, more than a touchdown is too many points. Gators fall but cover.

Boise State vs Washington

Michael Penix Jr. gets the early headlines ahead of this one as a preseason Heisman contender coming off an 11-win season, but Boise State quarterback Taylen Green is one to watch, too. He’s a true dual threat and helped the Broncos get to 10 wins in 2022. This is one of the more underrated Week 1 matchups that won’t get the hype it deserves nationally. Both of these teams have New Year’s Six potential, and if the Broncos can pull the upset, they become the frontrunners to represent the Group of Five. Washington wins, but Boise State keeps it within the number.

Nevada vs USC

How long will Caleb Williams play in USC’s second game of the season (the Trojans open in Week 0 against San Jose State), and how many touchdown passes will he have against a Nevada secondary that won’t be able to match up athletically? This is a big number to cover, but it certainly has the feel of a 49-10 type game in Los Angeles. USC wants to pass the eye test early, given the number of elite teams in the Pac-12 and the fact the Trojans will be starting the season outside of the top 5 with a point to prove. USC covers here.

Middle Tennessee vs Alabama

How much will Alabama show offensively with the showdown against Texas looming in Week 2? Before you take the Crimson Tide to cover a big number like this, that’s something to consider. By the way, Middle Tennessee won a bowl game last season and destroyed Miami on the road. We expect this will also mark the first start at Alabama for Notre Dame transfer quarterback Tyler Buchner. Alabama wins easily but does not cover

Ohio State vs Indiana

The line for this game is around four or five touchdowns, so no new ground is broken here. Ryan Day expects this offense to produce impressive numbers with a new quarterback, given the wealth of talent at wideout and in the backfield. Indiana is also expected to take the field with a new signal caller. Since this is a road game in Week 1, Ohio State may not pour it on like it wants to, but the Buckeyes will roll. Four touchdowns aren’t enough here to take the Hoosiers.

ECU vs Michigan

Remember how well the Wolverines played last September when they opened the schedule with several cupcake opponents in Ann Arbor? This season’s slate has a similar favorable flavor early. No disrespect to the Pirates, who won a bowl game last fall, but ECU lost several starters to the portal, replaces four-year starting quarterback Holton Ahlers and has a void at running back and wideout that must be addressed to compete for another top-tier finish in the AAC. Michigan should win this one by going away and covering.

Nebraska vs Minnesota

What are realistic expectations for Nebraska in Year 1 under Matt Rhule? For starters, the Huskers need to do all they can to, at worst, split the first two games of the season against these Golden Gophers and Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes. An 0-2 start would make getting to bowl eligibility next to impossible, given the rest of the slate. Minnesota threatens to win the Big Ten West in the final year of divisions and will flex one of the conference’s most complete defenses. Nebraska is not at a level yet to trust the Huskers with 7.5 points. Take Minnesota to win.

While these are just the early predictions for the NCAAF 2023-24 season, the latest odds can change since there is a long way to go. Overall, the predictions as based on each team’s performance, and the odds can vary. Follow Bet Now for the latest NCAAF 2023-24 season betting guide updates.