The upcoming Week 1 schedule in college football features many exciting matchups that could heavily influence the College Football Playoff landscape. Games are set to commence from Thursday through Monday, with three ranked encounters between top teams including Texas versus Ohio State (-1.5), LSU against Clemson (-3.5), and Notre Dame clashing with Miami (+2.5).
In addition to these close contests, certain teams are facing considerably easier opponents. For instance, the No. 2 Penn State Nittany Lions are overwhelming 44.5-point favorites against Nevada, while the fifth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs boast a 39.5-point edge over Marshall.
As one delves into college football predictions for these season openers, it’s essential to consider the significant player movements and the lack of in-season data. Be sure to check the latest Week 1 predictions from SportsLine’s trusted model before settling on any picks.
The model simulates every FBS game 10,000 times and has historically generated substantial betting profits. With the new college football odds and Week 1 betting lines, users can discover which teams are favored to win and cover the spread. Don’t miss out on tracking all the matchups thoroughly.
Noted College Football Predictions for Week 1
One standout pick from the model is No. 8 Alabama (-13.5) predicted to achieve a significant victory over Florida State on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Tide are currently on a 23-game winning streak in season openers, marking the second-longest active streak in the nation, and they show incredible performance stats in regular-season non-conference games.
Florida State, on the other hand, is coming off a disappointing 2-10 record last year, which is their worst performance in five decades and could face challenges against Alabama’s formidable defense. The model foresees Alabama winning by more than two touchdowns with a nearly 60% coverage rate.
Another projected matchup has UCLA (+6.5) expected to hold the spread against Utah at home this Saturday. Following a commendable finish last season, including a key quarterback transfer, UCLA seems well-positioned against a Utah team that struggled last year. The model suggests high coverage rates for UCLA, hinting at a significant possibility of a favorable outcome for them this matchday.
