Week 0 College Football Picks Against the Spread

Nov 18, 2023; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; Hawaii Rainbow Warriors quarterback Brayden Schager (13) throws against the Wyoming Cowboys during the second quarter at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports

• The 2024 College Football season kicks off with four games on Saturday, August 24th
•  Florida State is favored by nearly two touchdowns over Georgia Tech in the marquee matchup in Dublin, Ireland
• Read below for 2024 Week 0 college football picks against the spread

The 2024 College Football season is finally here! The action begins with four exciting games in Week 0 on Saturday, August 24th. We’ve got you covered with our top three college football picks against the spread for Week 0.

The headline matchup features Florida State and Georgia Tech facing off in Dublin, Ireland. Meanwhile, Hawaii hosts a Nevada team under new leadership, and New Mexico welcomes Montana State in what should be a competitive contest.

Let’s dive into our favorite CFB ATS picks for Week 0.

Florida State vs Georgia Tech Odds

All odds as of August 21st at ESPN Sportsbook. Claim the ESPN Bet promo or visit the top sports betting apps to bet CFB teams against the spread.

Pick #1: Georgia Tech +10.5 (vs Florida State)

Kicking off our Week 0 college football picks against the spread is Georgia Tech +11.5 in the marquee matchup with Florida State in Ireland. This line opened at FSU -12.5 but has moved towards the underdog due to heavy sharp action.

The Seminoles are the more recognizable brand name, but the Yellow Jackets have no shortage of talent. Georgia Tech’s rushing attack led the ACC in 2023 and should exploit an FSU rush defense that allowed 135 yards per game on the ground.

The Georgia Tech rushing attack CARRIED them in their bowl win over UCF.

Jamal Haynes, Haynes King & Dontae Smith combined for:

🐝 46 carries
🐝 282 yards
🐝 6.1 YPC
🐝 2 TD

Yellow Jackets finish 7-6 on the season. pic.twitter.com/R2RSgYPUC7

— College Football Alerts  (@CFBAlerts_) December 23, 2023

Additionally, QB Haynes King provides a dual-threat presence for Georgia Tech. Last season, King threw for 2,842 yards and 27 touchdowns while adding 648 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground.

His ability to extend plays and make accurate throws on the run could help the Yellow Jackets keep pace with a high-powered Florida State offense. The Noles have lost several key players from last year’s team, including quarterback Jordan Travis, wide receiver Keon Coleman, and RB Trey Benson.

While Florida State has reloaded through the transfer portal, it may take time for the new pieces to gel. The Yellow Jackets have covered the number in four of the past six meetings, and we like them to keep it close in Dublin.

• Pick: Georgia Tech +10.5 (-110)

Delaware State vs Hawaii Odds

Pick #2: Hawaii -39 (vs Delaware State)

Another addition to our Week 0 CFB ATS picks is Hawaii -39 against Delaware State. The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are the biggest favorites on the slate for good reason, as this is a clear mismatch of talent.

Hawaii head coach Timmy Chang’s run-and-shoot offense ranked 27th nationally in passing last season and should have a field day against an overmatched Delaware State defense. The Hornets allowed 39.1 points per game in 2023.

Brayden Schager ➡️ Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watchlist#BRADDAHHOOD x #GoBows pic.twitter.com/CmVn3qfmKC

— Hawaii Football (@HawaiiFootball) August 15, 2024

Senior QB Brayden Schager led the Mountain West Conference with 3,542 passing yards in 2023. He has an impressive array of weapons at his disposal, including senior WR Steven McBride (1,024 yards, 9 TDs in 2023) and sophomore Pofele Ashlock (832 yards, 9 TDs).

The Hornets averaged just 18.1 points and 288 yards per game offensively last season, and they won’t have the weapons to keep pace. Yes, this is a massive spread, but Hawaii is 12-2 ATS in season openers since 2010. We think the team makes a statement in Week 0.

Montana State vs New Mexico State Odds

Pick #3: New Mexico +11.5 (vs Montana State)

Concluding our Week 0 college football picks against the spread is a play on New Mexico to stay within the 11.5-point number against Montana State. The game marks the start of the Bronco Mendenhall era as head coach for New Mexico.

Mendenhall brings a proven track record of success, having rebuilt programs at BYU and Virginia. His teams are known for their toughness, discipline, and ability to exceed expectations. I’m expecting New Mexico to play inspired football in Mendenhall’s debut.

Bronco Mendenhall is back in the Mountain West Conference as the head coach at New Mexico.

Mendenhall coached at BYU from 2005-2015.#MWFB pic.twitter.com/eiwnwjepzm

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 11, 2024

With a new coaching staff and the element of surprise on their side, the Lobos will be a challenging Week 0 opponent for Montana State to game plan against. The Bobcats won’t have much film to study New Mexico’s new schemes. This could lead to some early confusion and allow the Lobos to keep things competitive.

New Mexico’s quarterback, Devon Dampier, showed promise last year, throwing for 525 yards and six TDs with no interceptions as a freshman. Playing in front of an energized home crowd for the first time under a new regime, expect an extra jolt of enthusiasm from Dampier and company.

While Montana State is a top FCS program, a 10.5-point spread seems a bit high for a road game against an FBS opponent. This spread opened at Montana State -4.5, and the value has clearly transferred to the underdog.

• Pick: New Mexico +11.5 (-110)

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