2024 College Football Week 1 Odds and Predictions

Now, it’s really go time. After an abbreviated Week 0, the 2024-25 college football season kicks off with a full slate of games this weekend. It begins on Thursday night with three ranked teams – No. 11 Missouri, No. 22 Kansas, and No. 24 NC State – in action. The 2024 College Football Week 1 schedule continues over the Labor Day weekend and ends with a Monday night ACC clash between Boston College and No. 10 Florida State.

Speaking of Florida State, the Seminoles provided us with the first upset of the new season. In Week 0 action, FSU lost to Georgia Tech on a last-second field goal. The Aer Lingus Football Classic was played in Dublin, Ireland, and the victory gives the Yellow Jackets a statement win under head coach Brent Key who enters his third season with the program.

Scores & Stats enters the new season with its college football experts ready to attack 2024 College Football Week 1. With the best analysis, insight, and picks in the industry, Scores & Stats will make your pockets jingle from now until the CFB national championship. Let’s start off the season with a big week!

College Football Week 1 Odds

Keep an eye on the latest College Football Odds and monitor how the lines change throughout the week.

College Football Week 1 is an interesting mix of games. There are still plenty of the “money” games that we talked about last week. There are also a handful of very competitive non-conference games. No. 1 Georgia will play No. 14 Clemson at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday. No. 7 Notre Dame plays at No. 20 Texas A&M on Satuday night.

For other top teams like Ohio State, College Football Week 1 should be a cake walk. The Buckeyes check in as a huge favorite over Akron. Ohio State is favored by 50! Auburn plays Alabama A&M and is a -48 favorite. No. 11 Missouri hosts FCS Murray State as a 46.5-point favorite. That game is scheduled for Thursday night.

With all the scoring in college football these days, it’s interesting that there are multiple game totals in the 40s this week. The lowest total on the board is no surprise. No. 25 Iowa hosts Illinois State. The Hawkeyes have had one of the worst offenses in CFB over the past few years. They also have had one of the best defenses. Saturday’s total is set at 41.

College Football Week 1 Schedule

College Football Week 1 Predictions

Let’s take a look at the featured College Football Week 1 games and make our spread, total, and moneyline NCAAF picks for each game.

Clemson Tigers vs. Georgia Bulldog Odds

It’s the game of the week. The Bulldogs are picked No. 1 in the country by most experts and are favored to win the SEC and this year’s College Football Playoff. Georgia returns nine starters to an offense that finished fifth in the nation in both points scored (40.1 ppg) and total offense (496.5 ypg). The defense has six starters back and it was a top-10 unit in most every defensive statistical category. Head coach Kirby Smart has a roster that can win the Bulldogs third national title in four years. 

With Florida State’s upset loss to Georgia Tech last week, Clemson is now the ACC favorite. The Tigers return seven offensive starters, including QB Cade Klubnik. The defense has to fill some holes, but Clemson’s pass defense ranked eighth in the nation last year. It will need to be sharp against Georgia QB Carson Beck, one of the favorites to win this year’s Heisman Trophy. 

These two programs have only played each other three times since 2013. Georgia has won the last two meetings. The most recent was in 2021. The Bulldogs held Clemson to two rushing yards (178 total) and won 10-3. Georgia covered as a 3-point favorite and total went way Under 51.5. The winner has covered in all three meetings.

Clemson Tigers vs. Georgia Bulldogs Predictions

This should be a heated one right from the start. It’s in Atlanta, which is only a 2.5-hour drive from the Clemson campus. You can bet there will be just as many purple and orange clad fans as there will be in red and black. 

These two teams have played six times. Georgia is 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS. More recently, Georgia has won 19 of its last 20 games. Clemson is 13-5 SU in its last 18 against SEC opponents and 15-4 in season openers. 

This is the first time in this series that the spread is double digits. Georgia is just 4-4 ATS in its last eight games as a double-digit favorite. With so much hype on Georgia, many will overlook a Clemson defense that was fourth in the nation in defensive success rate last season. Head coach Dabo Swinney consistently fields a front seven that is NFL ready.

There’s no value on this moneyline, but a tough Clemson defense and an offense that should be better than last year’s are why the Tigers make a solid play ATS. For the Tigers to cover, it means they’ll score some points which will help push this total Over.

Bet: ML pass, Clemson +13.5 (-108), Over 49 (-110)

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Texas A&M Aggies Odds

Notre Dame travels to College Station to take on the Aggies of Texas A&M on Saturday night. What’s interesting is that these two big-name programs have only ever played each other twice. Saturday night marks the third meeting. The teams split games back in 2000 and 2001.

Texas A&M, of course, comes into this game with a new head coach in Mike Elko. Jimbo Fisher was let go during the season last year, one that ended with a 7-6 record. Elko had success at Duke where he went 16-9 in two seasons. 

The Aggies return 11 starters – seven on offense and four on defense. Connor Weigman is back at quarterback along with two wide receivers and three offensive lineman. Junior Amari Daniels is back at running back. Elko will have some work to do on the defensive side of the ball, his specialty.

The Irish, 10-3 last year, went 5-1 SU and ATS in their last six games, but they lost nine starters on offense and six on defense. Notre Dame is also 14-4 SU in its last 18 road games. The Aggies have won eight of their last nine at home, but they are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games. 

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Texas A&M Aggies Predictions

The big question for Notre Dame is at quarterback. Can Riley Leonard make Irish fans forget about Sam Hartman? Well, Elko is very familiar with Leonard since he transferred from Duke. He was injured much of last year, but led the Blue Devils to a 9-4 mark in 2022. He’s a dual-threat quarterback who will fit nicely in an offense that finished seventh in the nation last year in scoring (39.2 ppg).

Elko is also a former defensive coordinator at Notre Dame. The Irish have been one of the nation’s best defensive teams over the past several years. Last season, Notre Dame had the third-best pass defense in FBS and was seventh in points allowed (15.9 ppg). 

The value here lies on the Irish at +130 (43.5% implied odds). Historically, Notre Dame is a strong cover team as well with a 31-19-1 record against the spread since 2020. Two run-oriented offenses and two powerful defenses clash in this one that should see the total go Under as well.

Bet: Notre Dame +130, Notre Dame +3 (-115), Under 46.5

USC Trojans vs. LSU Tigers Odds

It’s another matchup of ranked teams as No. 23 USC and No. 13 LSU meet at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Both teams will have new quarterbacks. Caleb Williams of USC was the No. 1 pick in this year’s NFL draft. LSU’s Jayden Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, went No. 2.

Garrett Nussmeier takes over for the Tigers after his 395-yard, three-TD performance in LSU’s bowl win over Wisconsin last year. Miller Moss will run the show for the Trojans after he had a successful bowl win last year as well. Moss broke the Holiday Bowl record for touchdown passes when threw for 372 yards and six scores. 

Interestingly, the favorite has won each of LSU’s last eight games. USC has lost 10 of its last 11 games against AP Top 25-ranked teams. The Trojans have also failed to cover the spread in 10 of their last 11 games at a neutral site.

LSU led the nation in scoring last season (45.5 ppg). Under head coach Brian Kelly, the Tigers have been prolific on offense. As a result, 16 of their last 17 games have gone Over the total. 

USC Trojans vs. LSU Tigers Predictions

There’s a reason why some doubt Lincoln Riley as a head coach. USC will plug in Moss to the offense and should be fine. The problem for the Trojans is a defense that finished 118th in scoring last season, allowing 34.4 points per game. USC ranked in the bottom third of the country in most defensive statistical categories.

LSU will simply be too physical for USC up front. Plus, the Trojans have had issues covering the spread in neutral site games and they are just 2-8 ATS in their last 10 (1-4 ATS in the last five on the road. This is one of the higher totals on the board this week. Both teams trend to the Over, but both must break in some new starters on offense.

Bet: LSU -192, LSU -4.5 (-114), Under 63.5

Penn State Nittany Lions vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Odds

In the season opener last year, Penn State smacked around the Mountaineers 38-15, but that game was in Happy Valley. This time around, it’s in Morgantown and WVU is looking for some payback. The problem is the Mountaineers mediocre defense must contend with a Penn State offense that ranked 12th in the nation in scoring last year and returns six starters.

Penn State is 15-3 SU in its last 18 games and 15-4-1 ATS in its last 20. The Nittany Lions have also covered five of their last six games on the road. West Virginia has had similar success, going 5-1 SU in their last six games and 5-1 ATS in their last six home games. Penn State covered in last year’s meeting and the total went Over.

Penn State Nittany Lions vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Predictions

West Virginia does return QB Garrett Greene and seven total starters on offense. The problem is the defense. Going up against the likes of Drew Allar, RB Nick Singleton, and WR Harrison Wallace III will be difficult for WVU, even at home. 

Plus, don’t forget the Penn State defense. They were a top-5 unit in every facet of the game. Moving the football against the Nittany Lions will be difficult. Since 2021, Penn State has the second-highest cover percentage among FBS programs. PSU is 25-13-1 ATS (65.8%) over the last three seasons. A big part of that is defense. Expect them to put up some points on that mediocre West Virginia defense.

Bet: ML pass, Penn State -8.5 (-110), Over 51.5 (-110)

Miami Hurricanes vs. Florida Gators Odds

It’s do or die for Florida head coach Billy Napier. The Gators have gone 6-7 and 5-7 in Napier’s two seasons and that just doesn’t cut it in Gainesville. In addition to the 5-7 SU mark last year, the Gators were 4-8 ATS. Florida is 3-13 ATS in its last 16 non-conference games.

Miami welcomes in new QB Cam Ward, who passed for 3,735 yards and 25 touchdowns last year at Washington State. He’ll lead a Hurricanes offense that returns six starters. The defense was solid last year, finishing 11th against the run (105.6 ypg). Miami has won four of its last five against non-conference opponents and they are 3-0 SU in their last three season openers.

Miami Hurricanes vs. Florida Gators Predictions

Ward makes the ‘Canes offense a chore to defend. Florida was extremely mediocre on defense a year ago and the Gators best player (Princely Umanlieman) transferred to Ole Miss. The Gators do bring back some talent on offense, including returning starting QB Graham Mertz, but Florida had difficulty against strong defenses last season. 

Florida’s defense just isn’t good enough to contain Ward. It should be a close game. If you find the spread at 2.5, lock in Miami to cover. Ward is dynamic and Florida should be able to put up a few points on Miami. Keep in mind, the most common total in college football is 55.

Bet: Miami -150, Miami -2.5 (-110), Over 54

Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Michigan Wolverines Odds

Michigan will play its first game of the 2024 college football season as the reigning national champions. The Wolverines went a perfect 15-0 and captured the CFP national title with a 34-13 win over Washington.

The 2024 College Football Week 1 version of Michigan will look a lot different than the one back in January. Gone is head coach Jim Harbaugh as well as 10 starters on offense. Only three starters return on a defense that ranked No. 1 in the country allowing just 10.4 points per game last season. 

Fresno State enters having won 16 of its last 20 games, but the Bulldogs aren’t great against the number. They are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games and 1-4 ATS in their last five road games. What’s interesting though is that Fresno State has covered in four of its last five road openers when its been the underdog.

Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Michigan Wolverines Predictions

We have no idea what Michigan will look like in Week 1. New head coach Sherrone Moore must fill a ton of spots on both offense and defense. It’s not like the cupboard is bare, but there are some questions mainly at quarterback where Alex Orji is slated to be the starter. There are also questions about the program in general. See the video below.

This is a talented Fresno State offense. Mikey Keene (2,976 yards, 29 TDs) is the best quarterback you’ve never heard of and his top two receivers return as does RB Malik Sherrod and four offensive linemen.

Michigan has failed to cover in four of its last five non-conference games played at Michigan Stadium. The Wolverines are 1-2 ATS in their last three games as a double-digit favorite.

Bet: ML pass, Fresno State +21.5 (-110)

Boston College Eagles vs. Florida State Seminoles Odds

Can you imagine this week’s practices at Florida State? The Seminoles weren’t at their best and got pushed around by a very good Georgia Tech offensive line in last week’s 24-21 upset loss. Boston College isn’t as good up front as GT, but they’ve got a talented quarterback in Thomas Castellanos and they finished 13th in the nation last year in rushing (198.8 ypg). 

Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell will have FSU ready to play. The question will be how much the offense will improve. Typically, teams make their biggest improvements between Week 1 and Week 2. There should also be some adjustments for BC as Bill O’Brien comes in and takes over as head coach. 

With the loss last week, FSU has now lost its last two games and is 2-5 ATS in its last seven. Boston College finished last season 1-4 SU and ATS, though the Eagles did win three of their last four road games. BC has also covered four of its last five September games against ranked opponents. Florida State has won nine of the last ten games against Boston College, but the Eagles are 6-4 ATS.

Boston College Eagles vs. Florida State Seminoles Predictions

Anyone with a strong football mind would think the Seminoles would come back strong with a vengeance after an upset loss in Week 0. That may very well be the case, but Boston College is one of those sneaky teams. They only lost by two to FSU last year and they’ve got a stud quarterback and running back that will operate behind three returning starters on the offensive line.

The Seminoles should win, but there’s no value on the moneyline. The 17.5 points is just too much after what we saw last week in Dublin. We’ll pass on the moneyline and spread, but these two offenses should heat up. Three of the last four meetings have gone Over the total and three have gone Over 50.5.

Bet: ML pass, ATS pass, Over 50.5

Best Bets for College Football Week 1

It’s the first full week of college football in 2024. After taking a long look at the 2024 College Football Week 1 schedule, the following are our Week 1 best bets.

• North Carolina @ Minnesota +1.5 (-112)
• UNLV @ Houston Over 54.5 (-115)

North Carolina travels to Minnesota for a Thursday night contest. For some reason, the money is pouring on the Tar Heels, who are now a 1.5-point favorite. There are some issues with that, namely, UNC no longer has Drake Maye at quarterback. Max Johnson should start with Conner Harrell waiting in the wings. Neither is Maye.

The Tar Heels are also just 2-5 SU in their last seven games and 2-5 ATS in their last seven on the road. The Gophers went 6-7 last year and they are 50-34 under head coach PJ Fleck. Minnesota returns four starters on a mammoth offensive line that absolutely pound North Carolina’s defense all night long. 

At Houston, Willie Fritz takes over as the new head coach. The Cougars will run the ball more, but they will have to keep up with UNLV in this one. The Rebels play extremely fast. They were 28th in pace last year and 21st in number of drives per game. They averaged 34.4 points per game and return six starters on offense this season. The Over is 7-2-1 in UNLV’s last 10 games.

If you were to parlay these two bets, you would get odds of +253. That means a $100 bet would pay out $253 if both legs of the parlay are winners.