Next week marks the official start of the 2023 college football season for most of the 133 FBS programs. However, for 10.5% of these top division teams, the season kicks off early on Saturday in Week 0. These games span from Dublin, Ireland to Los Angeles, showcasing the diversity of college football. With games scattered across six time zones, fans can enjoy a full day of football from morning until night.
The highlight of Week 0 is the game between No. 13 Notre Dame and Navy in Ireland. This matchup not only offers a spectacle but also stands out because there are no games between Power Five opponents in Week 0. Notre Dame is aiming to excel with transfer quarterback Sam Hartman leading the team, while Navy is looking to bounce back from a disappointing previous season with Brian Newberry as their new coach.
One of the biggest primetime games features reigning Heisman trophy winner Caleb Williams leading No. 6 USC against San Jose State. This promises to be an exciting matchup between two high-powered West Coast offenses. In addition to these headline games, there are other matchups worth watching, such as the debut of new FBS teams Jacksonville State and Sam Houston, who will face off against Conference USA opponent UTEP.
While the ultimate goal for teams is to win, it’s also interesting to consider the odds for these games. CBS Sports will provide comprehensive coverage of college football throughout the day, so fans can stay informed. Now, let’s take a closer look at our expert picks for the best games in Week 0.
8 p.m. | Pac-12 Network, fubo (Try for free) — USC’s offense is expected to be one of the best in college football this season. However, their defense poses some question marks, and San Jose State will provide a tough opening test. The Spartans’ quarterback Chevan Cordeiro is a strong contender for Mountain West Player of the Year and could pose challenges for USC’s defense. In last season’s opener, USC scored 66 points against Rice and 45 points against Fresno State, both Mountain West opponents. This suggests that this game could be a high-scoring affair, making it a must-watch for fans who enjoy explosive offenses. Our pick is over 66.5 for total points scored.
Don’t miss these games!
UTEP at Jacksonville State
Date: Saturday, Aug. 26 | Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium — Jacksonville, Alabama
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live stream: CBSSports.com | Mobile: CBS Sports App
Spread: UTEP -1 | Will the Miners cover? Check out SportsLine’s Week 0 projections here
FIU at Louisiana Tech
Date: Saturday, Aug. 26 | Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Joe Aillet Stadium — Ruston, Louisiana
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live stream: CBSSports.com | Mobile: CBS Sports App
Spread: Louisiana Tech -11 | Will the Bulldogs cover? Check out SportsLine’s Week 0 projections here
If you’re interested in making confident picks for these Week 0 games, visit SportsLine. Their proven computer model has a track record of success, generating nearly $2,500 in profit over the past seven seasons. It can provide insights into which teams are likely to win and cover the spread.
7 p.m. | ESPN, fubo (Try for free) — The point spread for the game between New Mexico State and UMass is surprisingly small. Initially, the Aggies were favored by 9.5 points, but it has since been bet down to 6.5 points. This suggests that many people share the belief that New Mexico State will come out on top. While New Mexico State may not be a dominant team, they had a respectable 7-6 record last season and appeared in their first bowl game since 2017. Jerry Kill’s teams may not be flashy, but they are well-coached and tend to avoid self-inflicted mistakes. On the other hand, UMass has struggled, winning only three out of their last 40 games
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