Movers and Shakers: Week 0 wrap and Week 1 betting preview
Week 0 offered plenty of drama, including a sloppy clash in Ireland where Iowa State edged Kansas State and the under cashed all night. A late drive looked like it would push the spread over, but a review overturned a touchdown and three kneels sealed the deal in a night of notable bad beats for bettors. The kickoff season also highlighted a few program shifts and fresh faces eyeing big moments as the sport’s landscape continues to shift.
Movers
The opener delivered some surprises and solid performances in a Big 12 that looks deeper than it might appear on paper. Iowa State managed to outlast Kansas State, leaving analysts to question which program will rise from the pack this fall. The early results suggested the conference remains unpredictable, with no clear frontrunner emerging after Week 0.
Shakers
On the Group of Five and underdog front, UNLV nearly shook itself out of playoff contention by taking Idaho State to the wire, reminding everyone that every game carries weight in the early season. Hawaii’s win over Stanford carried more branding than impact in the markets, but it underscored the volatility of early-season line movement and the value bettors can find when teams are undervalued by preseason assumptions.
Best bets for Week 1’s big games
The bar for what counts as a big game shifts as the season begins, with title contenders on the schedule and TV contracts dialing up the stakes. Here are some marquee matchups and the current thinking on the spread and the pick.
No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State (-1.5, 47.5)
Texas opened the season with strong questions about quarterback development and play-calling consistency, while Ohio State aims to demonstrate resilience and depth across the board. Ohio State is transitioning to a new defensive coordinator in Matt Patricia and a new offensive setup under Brian Hartline after Chip Kelly’s move last year, even as the Buckeyes’ roster remains loaded. Texas, meanwhile, is anchored by continuity on its coaching staff with defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski returning and quarterback play improving under Steve Sarkisian. The line has moved, with bettors finding value in Texas’ upside and late-season familiarity against a familiar opponent. Pick: Texas +2
No. 9 LSU at No. 4 Clemson (-4, 57.5)
This matchup features high-profile quarterbacks and a coaching staff that has both teams eager to prove in a high-stakes setting. LSU has often played Clemson tough in big-game environments, while Clemson brings back a substantial portion of its ACC-winning roster and has shown resilience in early-season tests. The line presents a sense of parity, but there’s belief that Clemson’s returning firepower and program stability give them the edge. Pick: Clemson -4
Virginia Tech at No. 13 South Carolina (-8, 50.5)
A neutral-site showdown in Atlanta rekindles an old rivalry with fresh optimism for both programs. South Carolina enters with guarded expectations tied to a recent surge in confidence, while Virginia Tech hopes to prove it’s closer to the program that once challenged the top teams with a steady, disciplined approach. On a neutral field, getting Virginia Tech +8 looks appealing to bettors who expect a tighter defensive game and a Hokies resurgence in a year of positive momentum. Pick: Virginia Tech +8
No. 6 Notre Dame at No. 10 Miami (-2.5, 49.5)
Notre Dame has shown the ability to win ugly when needed, a trait that helped carry it to the College Football Playoff last season. Miami, under new expectations and a revamped roster, has the talent to push a top-10 opponent but needs consistency across the board. The Irish’ edge in game-planning and special-teams value could translate in a testy road environment. Pick: Notre Dame -2.5
Why these picks matter
– Line movement and coaching changes are shaping early-season expectations. Ohio State’s shift at defensive and offensive coordinator points to potential adjustments in how the team attacks strong opening-week opponents, while Texas carries a perception of continuity on the sidelines and a talent pool that could yield a brighter ceiling.
– The Clemson-LSU clash couples two rosters with premium playmakers and high ceilings, making line judgments sensitive to how each program handles pressure and roster depth early in the year.
– Virginia Tech and South Carolina present a fascinating neutral-site dynamic; Tech’s ability to stay in games late and South Carolina’s home-field branding will be tested, making the spread a useful gauge of both teams’ early-season form.
– Notre Dame’s tested resilience against Miami offers a barometer for Freeman’s system and the Irish’s ability to win games on toughness and preparation, especially if Miami’s talent translates into a faster-paced, high-variance game.
Summary
Week 0 delivered early-season volatility and a reminder that line movement matters. The upcoming slate features marquee matchups where coaching changes, roster depth, and play-caller philosophy will influence outcomes more than preseason hype. Bettors should watch for further line shifts as teams reveal their identities in Week 1.
A hopeful note
Despite the unpredictability, the start of the season is a reminder of why fans love college football: the mix of proven programs, rising teams, and new stars delivering memorable moments. The next wave of games promises more compelling storylines, bigger stages, and opportunities to capitalize on early-season trends.
If you’re preparing your own bets, focus on matchup-specific dynamics (pass rush vs. offensive line, edge speed, and quarterback comfort in new systems) and keep a close eye on line movement as teams gain clarity after Week 1.