LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Welcome to the real beginning of college football. No offense to that "Week 0" stuff — and there were some good games — t
This season is a bit different. Generally, my wagering consultant, Richard "The Shark" Bozich, and I would pick games against the spread, starting with an imaginary bankroll.
To quote Bozich, "Anybody can pick straight up. What's the point?"
Louisville | Kentucky | Indiana | Eric Crawford
So I'll continue the tradition of making picks against the spread. But I am going to dispense with the imaginary bankroll, just to alleviate some of the accounting duties.
There's no set number of games every week. Just the area teams — plus any national games of interest. Let's get going.
No. 1 Texas (+0.5) at No. 3 Ohio State (over 46.5)
Noon (FOX)
Ohio State opened as a 3-point favorite, but the line has been shrinking like a wool sweater on high heat. Money keeps pouring in on Texas, including a $550,000 bet at Circa, owner Derek Stevens told ESPN.
The Buckeyes haven't been a home underdog since 2018. The AP preseason No. 1 has never been an underdog in its opener.
It's hard to pick against Ohio State in the Horseshoe, especially with the overall talent the Buckeyes always have. But Texas is the more seasoned team, Arch Manning is the better quarterback, and the Texas defense is next-level. This stage may feel big, but so is the moment for the Longhorns.
The pick: Texas 24, Ohio State 21
No. 24 Tennessee (-13.5) vs. Syracuse (over 51.5)
Noon (ABC)
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
This might as well be a home game for Tennessee. Syracuse is coming off a 10-win season, but they're breaking in a new quarterback — and this is a rough venue to debut in.
Tennessee had its own offseason quarterback drama, but the defense is steady, and the matchup leans their way at every level.
The pick: Tennessee 28, Syracuse 14
Toledo (+10) at Kentucky (over 48.5)
12:45 p.m. (SEC Network)
This is not your typical cupcake opener. Toledo brings back a talented quarterback, a former UK running back and got votes in the AP Top 25. Kentucky didn't.
Still, the talk of a potential upset may have been the perfect motivator for Mark Stoops' crew. Kentucky should be better on both lines, has three solid running backs and should be able to wear down the MAC favorites, regardless of expectations.
The pick: Kentucky 31, Toledo 14
Old Dominion (+23.5) at No. 20 Indiana (over 53.5)
2:30 p.m. (FS1)
Curt Cignetti knows ODU well from his James Madison days, and Indiana looks ready to prove last year wasn't a fluke.
Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza is a future pro at QB, and he's got Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. at wideout. The Hoosiers open with authority.
The pick: Indiana 41, ODU 14
EKU (+38.5) at Louisville (over 56.5)
3 p.m. (ACC Network)
Jeff Brohm doesn't take FCS opponents lightly. His two games vs. FCS teams at Louisville? Combined score: 118-0.
EKU is no pushover, and they'll play with that in-state chip on their shoulder. But with Caullin Lacy returning kicks and the Cards looking to flex some new weapons, this shouldn't get dicey.
The pick: Louisville 52, EKU 14
No. 8 Alabama (-14) at Florida State (over 49.5)
3:30 p.m. (ABC)
Florida State QB Tommy Castellanos threw some offseason shade: "They don't have Nick Saban to save them." He's not wrong. But Bobby Bowden isn't walking through that door either.
The Crimson Tide will come in with a new quarterback and some injury questions, but handle business against a rebuilding FSU — though I'm not going to pick them to cover.
The pick: Alabama 31, FSU 21
North Alabama (+27.5) at WKU (over 60.5)
7 p.m. (ESPN+)
WKU already has a "Week 0" tune-up under its belt after a demolition of Sam Houston State. QB Maverick McIvor threw for 401 yards last week — expect more fireworks in Bowling Green.
The pick: WKU 45, North Alabama 14
No. 9 LSU (+4) at No. 4 Clemson (over 57.5)
7 p.m. (ABC)
This is a pure home-team pick. Same game in Baton Rouge, I probably lean the other way.
LSU has talent — Garrett Nussmeier, Barion Brown (remember him, UK and U of L fans?) and Oklahoma transfer Nic Anderson will test Clemson's secondary. But Clemson's defense is elite, and Cade Klubnik is a year wiser.
LSU has lost six straight season openers. They'll put a scare into the Tigers, but it won't be enough.
The pick: Clemson 31, LSU 28
SUNDAY GAMES
Virginia Tech (+7.5) vs. No. 13 South Carolina (over 51.5)
3 p.m. (ESPN)
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Virginia Tech is a trendy ACC sleeper. But Shane Beamer's Gamecocks are more polished, and QB LaNorris Sellers gives them a dynamic edge.
The pick: South Carolina 31, Virginia Tech 21
No. 6 Notre Dame (-2.5) at No. 10 Miami (over 49.5)
7:30 p.m.
Catholics vs. Convicts: 2025 Edition.
Miami added Georgia QB Carson Beck and revamped its defensive front. But the Irish defense should remain one of the better units in the country, and just enough to keep too much scoring pressure off rookie QB C.J. Carr.
Expect a ball-control game from the Irish, and plenty of pressure on Beck.
The pick: Notre Dame 24, Miami 21
MONDAY'S GAME
TCU (-3.5) at North Carolina (over 56.5)
8 p.m., ABC
If this weren't Bill Belichick's North Carolina debut, would we care? Probably not. He'll eventually get the Tar Heels rolling, but, for now, it's a new staff and new systems against a veteran TCU team, particularly quarterback Josh Hoover.
The pick: TCU 35, North Carolina 24
College Football Coverage:
How to Watch | Louisville vs. Eastern Kentucky football: Time, TV, odds, what to know
How to Watch | Kentucky vs. Toledo football: Time, TV, odds, what to know
Louisville Season Preview | Jeff Brohm reloads again. Can the Cards reach new heights?
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