College Football Week 0
College Football’s much anticipated return is finally here. This year the NCAA is keeping the new tradition of “Week 0”. While there are no top 25 teams in action this Saturday, Week 0 provides an extra 11 games on Saturday for fans and bettors. The opening of College Football features a Big 10 matchup in Dublin, Ireland, a C-USA showdown of in-state rivals, and of course no Fall Saturday would be complete without a west coast nightcap.
As we navigate the new terrain of College Football, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of line discrepancies and increase profitability. Let’s jump into the best bets in some of the biggest Week 0 NCAAF matchups.
Nebraska vs Northwestern Betting Pick
The Huskers and Wildcats kickoff the Big 10 season on international soil. The teams will head to Dublin, Ireland to meet for this Week 0 matchup. A game with this many variables and so early in the season could steer bettors away from laying the points. Many bettors would think Northwestern getting 12 points would be the safest pick. However, this line of thinking leads to bad odds and decreased profitability.
By all metrics, Nebraska has a more talented and complete team than Northwestern. While Scott Frost has been a disappointment since returning to his Alma Mater, 2022 seems to be his most talented team yet. The Huskers offseason was highlighted by the addition of Texas transfer QB Casey Thompson. Thompson played in 10 games for the Longhorns in 2021.
Despite his tactical deficiencies, Frost always has his teams prepared and playing hard. I have no doubt the Huskers will be poised and determined to take care of business in Dublin. Right now, the OddsJam Perfect Line has Nebraska -12 at -128. We are getting tremendous value early, before bettors realize the value on the Huskers in Week 0.
The Pick: Nebraska -12 | -108 at BetRivers
UTEP vs North Texas Betting Pick
We’re headed to the Longhorn State to preview this in-state C-USA Match-up. Early weeks in College Football are all about finding where oddsmakers are trying to take advantage of bettors. C-USA games are known for their little defense and wacky endings. However, in both UNT and UTEP’s in-conference games last season, scoring was at a relatively slower pace. Their games went under at a greater than 50% clip, especially early in the season. When both teams stress time of possession and dominating the ball, the scoring opportunities can be at a premium.
Oddsmakers are trying to capitalize on early season excitement and brand power to give bad odds. The play currently beats the CLV, so I’m getting in early.
The Pick: Under 55.5 Total Points | -110 at BetMGM
Vanderbilt vs Hawaii Betting Pick
It’s not officially Fall until I’m watching Hawaii football at 1am EST to cap off a great College Football Saturday. Luckily we won’t have to wait long for that experience, as Hawaii hosts Vandy in Honolulu.
Vandy opens as a rare favorite in this matchup. Their abysmal 2-10 2021 campaign was highlighted by a disjointed defense that did not live up to the SEC pedigree. Not only did their defense struggle in conference, they struggled in their non conference schedule; highlighted by giving up 41 points to Stanford. I don’t expect an ounce of defense in the matchup. With both teams historically struggling on defense, these offenses should be able to move the ball at will.
The Pick: Over 55 Total Points | -110 at PointsBet
