2024 College Football Week 0 Picks Against the Spread, Odds, Vegas Lines, Trends: Betting Expert Reveals Picks
The 2024 college football season has finally arrived, with the Week 0 college football schedule kicking off on Saturday. The slate is headlined by an ACC matchup between No. 10 Florida State and Georgia Tech in Ireland, which is hosting the college football game for the ninth time. FSU went undefeated last season but missed the College Football Playoff, so its 73 returning players will be motivated to get off to a strong start this season. However, the spread is moving toward Georgia Tech, as the Seminoles have moved from 13-point favorites to 10.5-point favorites in Week 0 college football odds via SportsLine consensus.
Saturday’s schedule also includes Nevada vs. SMU (-27.5), which will take place at 8 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network, as well as a pair of FBS vs. FCS matchups. New Mexico (FBS) is a 13.5-point home underdog against Montana State (FCS), which would be the biggest underdog spot for an FBS team against an FCS team if the line holds. Hawaii is -39.5 in the nightcap against Delaware State at 11:59 p.m. ET. Before locking in any college football picks for Week 0 of the 2024 season, be sure to check out the college football betting guide from veteran Vegas handicapper Bruce Marshall.
For many years, the Vegas-based Marshall was synonymous with the renowned sports betting newsletter, The Gold Sheet. With a background in play-by-play work and sports information while in college, Marshall joined TGS in 1981 when the legendary Mort Olshan hired him and served as executive editor for several years.
A sought-after guest on numerous sports talk radio and TV shows across the country, Bruce’s vast range of editorial work has been featured in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the New York Post and many other outlets. He has won numerous handicapping titles and is also working on several book projects.
Now, using his Take Corner technology that evaluates all trends, Marshall has turned his attention to the latest college football odds for Week 0 and evaluated each matchup. Head here to see every pick.
Top college football predictions for Week 0
Marshall, one of the top college football players, has a recommendation for Week 0: He says the trends point to SMU covering against Nevada in an 8 p.m. ET kickoff at Mackey Stadium.
SMU is taking a step forward as a program this season, moving from the AAC to the ACC after going 11-3 (8-0 AAC) last year. Quarterback Preston Stone has amassed 3,197 passing yards and 28 touchdowns despite missing the final two games due to a broken fibula. They face a Nevada team that is coming off consecutive 2-10 seasons under former head coach Ken Wilson, who was replaced by Texas defensive coordinator Jeff Choate.
Nevada quarterback Brandon Lewis threw for only 1,313 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions in 12 games (10 starts), and he’s under center again this year. The Wolf Pack is 1-10 in their last 11 home games, and they’ve covered the spread only twice in their last 10 Saturday home games. SMU has been the under in 10 of their last 15 games, so Marshall is favoring the Mustangs to cover in a game that’s the under overall. See what other picks to make here.
How to make college football picks for Saturday, August 24
Marshall has evaluated every other matchup and he’s got a significant 12-3 betting trend in the FSU vs. Georgia Tech matchup. Get betting analysis for every matchup at SportsLine.
So what kind of college football picks can you trust, and what surprising trends should you be aware of in the biggest game of the week? Check out the latest college football odds below, then head over to SportsLine to see which teams to back, all from a veteran Vegas expert who’s won multiple handicapping titles, and find out.
College football odds for Saturday, August 24
Check out complete Week 0 college football picks, odds, predictions here
Saturday, August 24
Florida State vs. Georgia Tech (+10.5, 55.5)
Montana State vs. New Mexico (+13.5, 54.5)
at SMU Nevada (+27.5, 55.5)
Delaware State vs. Hawaii (-39.5, 54.5)
