Week 1 College Football Bets

Estimated 4 minute read, image by Brian Reading

Each week I’ll be sharing some of my favorite bets on college football games. I’ll be tracking how I’m doing and updating you at the beginning of every column. I’m starting the season conservative as we adjust to this post alignment, post rule change season, with a two minute timeout, helmet communication, and tablets on the sideline. 

We’ll also be checking in with my preseason picks throughout the season.

All odds from ESPN Bet

• North Dakota State moneyline +290 vs Colorado

  North Dakota State may not be the overwhelming force that has dominated the FCS this coming year, but Colorado is breaking in a ton of new players and really was not good last year. I’m betting on the Bison having a better than ¼ shot at Colorado. This is a team that owns a 9-4 program record against FBS teams and won 6 straight from 2010 to 2022. 

• Florida +2.5 (-110) vs Miami

  This game pits the 12th (Florida) and 14th (Miami) ranked teams in the 247 2024 Talent Composite. I am very down on the Gators this season but I’m not convinced Miami is going to perform to its talent either. +2.5 is where I land here.

• Georgia Southern +13 (-110) vs Boise State

  Boise is getting a ton of hype as one of the teams most likely to represent the G5 in the 12 team playoff. The Broncos have an early chance to make a statement against Oregon in Eugene during Week 2. Before then, Boise has to make the trek to Statesboro, Georgia and play a Georgia Southern team in what’s shaping up to be a warm afternoon 2,000 miles away from home. The Broncos could very easily lose this game with a trip to Eugene lurking in a week. 

• UNLV +2.5 (-105) vs Houston

  New Houston coach Willie Fritz takes charge of a Houston squad that went 4-8 in its first year in the Big 12. Fritz made quick work to bring in 27 transfers and already has 19 commits for his 2025 Class. Unfortunately Houston lost 32 players to the transfer portal. UNLV is coming off a 9-5 season with much more continuity. Houston’s outlook is improving, but there could be some early struggles in the Fritz era.

• Virginia Tech -13.5 (-110) vs Vanderbilt

  Virginia Tech returns nearly every contributor from 2023’s 7-6 team (that also finished 0-3 in one score games) to face a Vanderbilt team that lost 10 straight to close last season. I’d be more surprised if Virginia Tech doesn’t make a run at the ACC title game than if they don’t win by at least two touchdowns.