Week 0 picks
There are only 11 games this week at the D1 left, and there are no ranked teams in action, but at least these games matter, and we are only one week from college football back in action on a broader base. I will make a pick for all the games this week, but once the Big 12 teams start playing in Week one, I will only pick games they are involved in and maybe a pick for a couple of the top games of the week. The selections I will make will be against the spread if one is available, and I will use what is posted on espn.com.
Austin Peay @ Western Kentucky (no line listed)
This game should not be a problem for the Hilltoppers. Austin Peay is coming off a 6-5 season, while Western Kentucky had a 9-5 season. WKU replaced their offensive coordinator, who left for Texas Tech, and their record-setting quarterback. It may be ugly early with players getting their first playing time and with a new offensive coordinator learning what works, but WKU gets the win.
PICK: Western Kentucky
Nebraska vs. Northwestern (NEB -12.0) in Dublin, Ireland
This is probably the best game of the week. Scott Frost is on a hot seat, and making a bowl game will be the minimum for him to keep his job, and if Nebraska doesn’t get a win here, it may be a long season. Casey Thompson takes over at quarterback, and he had a disappointing end to the season at Texas, losing to Kansas and not going to a bowl game. Nebraska will want to make a statement with most of the eyes on this game.
PICK: Nebraska -12.0
Idaho State @ UNLV (no line listed)
These teams have been bad the past couple of years, but this may be one of the few times this season that UNLV will have a good chance of winning. They better take the opportunity while they have it.
PICK: UNLV
UCONN @ Utah State (USU -26.5)
Utah State is coming off a Mountain West Conference championship while UCONN hired Jim Mora as their head coach. The line is less than four touchdowns which I think Utah State can build a big enough lead, so this is another easy pick with the Aggies getting a big win.
PICK: Utah State -26.5
Wyoming @ Illinois (Ill -13.0)
Wyoming has been an underrated team since Craig Bohl took over the job, consistently having a winning record while Bret Bielema is in his second year at Illinois. The Fighting Illini may get enough wins for a bowl game this year, but it will be a close call, beginning with the season’s first game. Wyoming not only covers this game but gets the outright win.
PICK: Wyoming +13.0
Duquesne @ Florida State (no line listed)
The Seminoles did lose their FCS game last year, and hopefully, they will have learned their lesson. Mike Norvell can’t lose two FCS games while the head coach at FSU, especially two years in a row. If FSU does lose this game, Norvell may be fired before he leaves the field.
PICK: Florida State
Charlotte @ Florida Atlantic (FAU -7.5)
N’Kosi Perry had a solid season last year at FAU, throwing for over 2700 yards and 20 touchdowns. After transferring from Miami, he will look to build on that season and be more settled into the position. FAU gets the win by at least two touchdowns.
PICK: Florida Atlantic -7.5
Florida A&M @ North Carolina (no line listed)
North Carolina didn’t have the season they wanted last year after being highly rated in the preseason. The Tar Heels will get this win to start the season.
PICK: North Carolina
North Texas @ UTEP (UNT -1.0)
UTEP is a home underdog by a slim margin, even though they have a returning quarterback who threw for more than 3,000 yards and a running back. They lost their top two wide receivers and will be young at the position but have some experience. I am taking the Miners to get the win at home.
PICK: UTEP +1.0
Nevada @ New Mexico State (NEV -8.5)
It is unclear who will be the starter at quarterback for the Wolfpack after Carson Strong goes to the NFL. Whoever does get the start should be a good test on the road to see how they play, and multiple players may get a shot trying to prove that they deserve the starting gig. Take Nevada.
PICK: Nevada -8.5
Vanderbilt @ Hawai’i (VAN -9.0)
Clark Lea will look to have a better season, and what better way to start it off with a win in Hawai’i. Getting to spend some in paradise and still concentrating on football may be difficult, but the Commodores will get the win but will not cover in the first Hawai’i test of the season.
PICK: Hawai’i +9.0
