College football picks against the spread, Week 0: The Florida State Revenge Tour begins in Dublin
It’s been more than 200 days since we last got to bet on a college football game, and frankly, that is far too long — especially for my colleagues below, who’ve had to hear about how I was the only one on staff who nailed our 2024 title game picks.
So let’s not delay my inevitable downfall and get right to it. This is Week 0. We’ve got four FBS matchups to ease us back into the season before a whirlwind Week 1 begins on Thursday.
Best of luck out there.
| Name | 2023-24 Record |
| Blake Schuster | 90-92-5 |
| Mitchell Northam | 87-91-5 |
| Christian D’Andrea | 86-96-5 |
| Tyler Nettuno | 84-89-4 |
| Michelle Martinelli | 77-85-5 |
No. 10 Florida State vs. Georgia Tech, Saturday, Noon ET on ESPN
Opening Line: Florida State (-13.5)
Schuster: Florida State -10.5
It’s only right the first game of the season kicks off the Florida State Revenge Tour. After getting left out of the College Football Playoff last year, it’s hard to imagine a fanbase more amped to get back on the field and prove the doubters wrong. Poor Georgia Tech (picked to finish ninth in the ACC) won’t be able to keep it close.
Northam: Georgia Tech +10.5
I’m not totally sold on Florida State as a contender yet and it feels like the Yellow Jackets always thrive in weird conditions. I’ll ride with the Ramblin’ Wreck in Ireland.
D’Andrea: Florida State -10.5
Florida State is about to drop right into ass kicking mode after last year’s CFP snub.
Martinelli: Georgia Tech +10.5
Florida State will win, but it won’t be pretty football, and the Yellow Jackets will keep it entertaining. They’ll cover, but they won’t lose by more than a touchdown.
Nettuno: Georgia Tech +10.5
I’m not bold enough to pick the Yellow Jackets straight up, but I do think some regression is in order for an FSU team that lost so much this offseason. A GT squad with a legitimate playmaker at quarterback in Haynes King is a tough draw to start things out.
New Mexico vs. Montana State, Saturday, 4 p.m ET on FS1
Opening Line: Montana State (-10.5)
Schuster: New Mexico +11.5
Sure, I’ll take a home underdog in the season opener. Especially since it seems like Montana State is dealing with some injuries on offense with tailback Julius Davis out.
Northam: New Mexico +11.5
I know Montana State is good, but to be a home double-digit dog against an FCS team?
D’Andrea: New Mexico +11.5
That’s so many points for an FCS team to lay on the road, even if Montana State is very, very good.
Martinelli: New Mexico +11.5
Even if Montana State wins, New Mexico will keep it close and cover — if the Lobos don’t win outright.
Nettuno: New Mexico +11.5
The Bobcats are favored in this one for a reason: Despite being an FCS opponent, they’re the better team and should give the Lobos all they can handle in Week 0. This is a prime FCS-over-FBS “upset” pick, but this spread is just too big to confidently take Montana State with the points.
Nevada vs. SMU, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET on CBSSN
Opening Line: SMU -24.5
Schuster: SMU -24.5
The Mustangs have a solid case to be ranked in the Top 25 and they probably find their way with a big win against a Nevada team picked to finish last in the Mountain West. That said, I’m already absolutely terrified of Nevada stealing a backdoor cover. Maybe wait a bit to see if this line comes down at all.
Northam: SMU -24.5
*Chants* A-C-C! A-C-C! A-C-C!
D’Andrea: Nevada +24.5
Again, too many points on the road to start the season.
Martinelli: Nevada +24.5
I’ve got my eye on SMU as an early potential playoff team, and even on the road in Reno, the Mustangs should have no trouble winning but this is a huge spread.
Nettuno: SMU -24.5
After a stellar run to close its time in the American, the Mustangs join the ACC poised to hit the ground running and make a splash in the P4. They open against a Nevada program in dire straits that is coming off back-to-back 2-10 campaigns and is now led by its third head coach in four seasons in Jeff Choate.
Hawaii vs. Delaware State, Saturday, 11:59 p.m. ET
Opening Line: Hawaii -38.5
Schuster: Hawaii -39.5
I’d really like to believe Delaware State can cover but after the team picked to finish last in the MEAC went ahead and missed its scheduled 10.5-hour flight from New York earlier this week, I’ve got nothing but thoughts and prayers for the Hornets.
Northam: Hawaii -39.5
With apologies to the good people of Dover, Delaware — with their scrapple, countless Wawas, and the Monster Mile — this is going to be a colossal spanking.
D’Andrea: Hawaii -39.5
Delaware State wasn’t even coordinated enough to catch their original flight to the island. It does not bode well.
Martinelli: Hawaii -39.5
Assuming Delaware State manages to get to Hawaii in time and don’t end up forfeiting, the Rainbow Warriors still have all the advantages on the field — no stress from travel included.
Nettuno: Hawaii -39.5
Perhaps no program finds itself in a tougher spot than Hawaii football in the modern era, due to a number of factors. But former star quarterback Timmy Chang led the team to a quietly competent five-win season in 2023, and they get one of the worst teams in the FCS to open the season. Delaware State couldn’t even execute its travel to Honolulu effectively, missing its flight out of JFK due to a “bus snafu.”