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The college football season is underway! Although Week 0 gave us a little taste of college football action, this week, we’ll have way more games and a bunch of massive storylines. Check out our top picks you’ll want to consider for Week 1 in college football, with the best NCAAF odds available at top sportsbooks.
Picks Summary
- Miami -2.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Northwestern -3 (-105) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Texas A&M -3 (-105) at Bet365
Miami Hurricanes vs. Florida Gators
Saturday, August 31, 2024 – 03:30 PM ET at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Stay High On Cam Ward
The Miami Hurricanes finally got a quarterback they believe can push them to the next level.
That quarterback is Cam Ward. He left Washington State to play for the Miami Hurricanes after the Pac-12 was dismantled.
Ward threw for 3,735 yards and 25 touchdowns last year with the Cougars. He also threw just seven interceptions and had a respectable QBR of 65.2.
He’ll line up with transfer running back Damien Martinez, who came from Oregon State. While Martinez will wear similar colors, he’ll likely play better with Miami. He rushed for 1,185 yards on 194 carries, scoring nine rushing touchdowns while averaging 6.1 yards per rush.
Florida’s Difficult Schedule
By now, you’ve heard about Florida’s schedule. Not only does Florida have Miami in the opening game, but the SEC schedule is lethal.
The Gators will start Graham Mertz, who showed some good signs last season. However, while the team added five starting transfers, much of the team looks the same.
Florida went 5-7 and lost five consecutive games to close the season. That’s not the momentum we’re looking for.
The Pick
Consider Miami at -2.5 (-110) in this epic matchup.
NCAAF Pick: Miami -2.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Northwestern Wildcats
Saturday, August 31, 2024 – 03:30 PM ET at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
Another Season For Brett Gabbert
The RedHawks will start Brett Gabbert for his sixth season in college football. Gabbert has been a fun watch in the MAC throughout his career. But he also hasn’t had a season where he’s thrown for more than 2,500 yards.
He’s got the intangibles, but staying healthy is another topic.
Miami finished 11-3 overall last season and went 6-1 on the road. But playing a Big Ten opponent, especially on the road, will be challenging.
Trust Northwestern
Last year, nobody knew what to expect out of head coach David Braun and the Wildcats. The season began shaky, but he rallied his team and helped them clinch the Las Vegas Bowl against Utah.
Northwestern not only reached a bowl game but Also won that game over Utah, 14-7.
The defense came up big down the stretch, and the offense started to make plays. This landed Braun an extension and injected life into the Northwestern fanbase.
They’ll start Mike Wright at quarterback, who transferred from Mississippi State and played at Vanderbilt. He’s a veteran quarterback with experience who has many of the intangibles you’ll look for in a quarterback.
The Pick
Northwestern is too small of a favorite at home against a non-power five opponent. They’ve got all the momentum after the Las Vegas Bowl. Back Northwestern at -3.
NCAAF Pick: Northwestern -3 (-105) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Saturday, August 31, 2024 – 07:30 PM ET at Kyle Field
Riley Leonard’s Time
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are starting a new season with Duke transfer Riley Leonard under center. Leonard is a senior who has added 4,450 yards passing and 1,224 yards rushing during his time at Duke.
Leonard is a significant runner but couldn’t stay healthy last season. Eventually, Duke’s head coach, Mike Elko, took the job with the Texas A&M Aggies, so Leonard switched.
Funny enough, he’ll compete against his former head coach to start his Notre Dame journey.
The A&M Defense Should Be Ready
For one, the Texas A&M Aggies will be the home team with a thunderous crowd. Secondly, the Aggies’ head coach knows all about Leonard and his tendencies. No better coach can help a defense study a quarterback than the one he literally recruited.
A&M will roll with Conner Weigman at quarterback again. However, the Aggies added a few transfers for the offensive line and will likely start redshirt senior and transfer Ar’maj Reed-Adams at tight end.
The Pick
I’ll go with the home team under its new coach, who knows the quarterback of the opponent inside and out.
NCAAF Pick: Texas A&M -3 (-105) at Bet365
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.