College Football Returns: Week 0 Preview and Betting Picks
College football fans rejoice, as the long-awaited return of the sport is finally here. This Saturday, seven games will kick off the season, including matchups between FBS teams. Notably, two conference games in Conference-USA and two top 25 teams, Notre Dame and USC, will be in action. Let’s dive into what my model projects for these games and identify any betting edges.
Impressive Record from Last Season
Before we delve into the Week 0 matchups, let’s take a moment to appreciate the success of my model in the previous season. With a regular season record of 65-55-5, it yielded a remarkable +8.75 units and a 6.3% return on investment (ROI) through the conference championship games. Over the course of the 2021-2022 seasons, the model boasted a record of 120-101-9, accumulating +13.3 units and a 5.3% ROI. These numbers demonstrate the reliability and profitability of the model’s projections.
Week 0 Best Bet: FIU +11.5 at Louisiana Tech
One of the standout matchups in Week 0 features FIU taking on Louisiana Tech. FIU showed significant improvement under first-year coach Mike MacIntyre, going from one win in 2021 to four wins in 2022. With MacIntyre’s defensive expertise, the Panthers are expected to continue trending upwards. Although their defense remains a weak point, there is potential for a noticeable improvement in defensive efficiency this season.
On the other hand, Louisiana Tech suffered significant losses from last year’s roster, ranking in the bottom 20 in terms of returning production. This could lead to a rocky start for them in the 2023 season. According to my model, the projected margin of victory for this game is within single digits. Therefore, taking the +11.5 spread with FIU seems like a valuable bet.
Full Week 0 Model Projections
Now, let’s explore the model’s projections for all the Week 0 games. It’s important to note that XMOV represents the model’s projected margin of victory, while XTOTAL represents the projected combined point total.
– FIU vs. Louisiana Tech: XMOV – Single digits; BetMGM spread +11.5
– UTEP vs. New Mexico State: XMOV – Double digits; BetMGM spread -9.5
– Nebraska vs. Illinois: XMOV – Single digits; BetMGM spread -7.5
– Hawaii vs. UCLA: XMOV – Double digits; BetMGM spread -17.5
– UConn vs. Fresno State: XMOV – Double digits; BetMGM spread -27.5
– Southern Utah vs. San Jose State: XMOV – Double digits; BetMGM spread -24.5
– Notre Dame vs. USC: XMOV – Single digits; BetMGM spread -8.5
These projections provide valuable insights for bettors looking to make informed decisions. By comparing the model’s projections with the BetMGM spreads, bettors can identify potential discrepancies and find advantageous betting opportunities.
Get Ready for an Exciting Season
As college football returns, fans and bettors alike can look forward to an exhilarating season filled with thrilling matchups and exciting moments. With my model’s proven track record and insightful projections, bettors can gain an edge in the betting market and maximize their chances of success.
Remember to stay updated with the latest odds and spreads as game day approaches, as these can fluctuate based on various factors such as injuries and lineup changes. Good luck to all the teams and may the best bets prevail in Week 0 and throughout the entire college football season!
(Photo: Austin Jones – Harry How / Getty Images)