College Football Picks & Predictions: Week 1 (Saturday)
Everything feels right in the world.
Yes, summer is nearly finished, but the fall is the best time of the year for sports. Football is back, and we’ve got a ton of intriguing matchups on Saturday’s Week 1 slate.
Below, I’ve added a couple of bets that you’ll want to consider to get off to a blazing start this football season. Let’s get after it!
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Week 1 Best CFB Picks & Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Marshall Thundering Herd at Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs are rolling with Gunner Stockton at quarterback after Carson Beck bailed for Miami. However, while the casual fan might think this is a downgrade, it’s not. Stockton looked much better than Beck when he got his opportunity in the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff. He led Georgia past Texas in overtime after completing 75% of passes.
Then, against Notre Dame, Stockton threw a 62.5% completion percentage and added a touchdown with a 134.2 quarterback rating. Stockton can certainly improve in many areas and isn’t going to be much of a dual-threat, but he’s a better fit for Georgia’s offense. It’s why the Bulldogs decided to give Stockton the job and let Beck walk.
Georgia used to be a powerhouse. They’re not considered that anymore. Marshall acknowledged that they’re not scared of the Bulldogs at all. But after not playing up to standard last season, Georgia will undoubtedly have a chip on its shoulder this year. It starts with the running game behind Nate Frazier; he needs to be a 1,000-yard rusher. In addition, Stockton must stay turnover-free, which is something that Beck was unable to do.
Meanwhile, it’s hard to play good football when there’s no cohesion. Marshall lost nearly its entire team from last season and will basically start the season with a completely different outlook, including its coach. It’ll take time for this Marshall team to gel. Therefore, consider Georgia to earn a massive blowout win against Marshall.
Pick: Georgia -38.5 (-110)
Colorado State Rams at Washington Huskies
The Washington Huskies have a lot of improving to do ahead of this season. The Huskies were average in their opening season with head coach Jedd Fisch. Still, after an appearance in the College Football Championship game just a couple of years ago, the standard is much higher.
Ultimately, the Huskies are facing a Colorado State team that hasn’t won an opener since 2017. Washington will likely win this game at home, but the question is, by how much?
Demond Williams will start at quarterback for his sophomore season. He didn’t secure the starting job early last year, but he finished the season with it. He completed more than 78% of his passes and threw eight touchdowns with just one interception. He also ran 83 times for another 282 yards and two more touchdowns.
Expectations are high for the sophomore, plus he’s expected to face a Colorado State secondary that is entirely new. Beyond Williams, Jonah Coleman is also returning, after he rushed for over 1,000 yards last season with the Huskies. This offensive duo should be able to help Washington get past Colorado State. The Rams rarely play at their best to start the season.
Pick: Washington -21.5 (-110)