College Football Week 1 Betting Picks: Top Totals, Leans for August 30th

We made it.

College football is officially back — and none of that Week Zero garbage. We’ve got a full weekend of games.

Before we get to what should be one of the best Week Ones in the history of the sport, we have a fun weekday slate to hold us over. Only one ranked team is in action, but there should still be plenty to watch.

No. 25 Boise State (-6.5) at USF
Total: 63.5

Going into this year, one question will be on the mind of everyone watching Boise State: Can the Broncos replace Ashton Jeanty?

The easy answer is no, but that doesn’t mean this team can’t fight for a playoff spot again.

Maddux Madsen is back under center in 2025, but I’ve never been sold on him as a passer. Jeanty made his life significantly easier last season, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see some regression.

Byrum Brown will lead USF. In 2023, Brown became the first player in school history to throw for more than 3,000 yards in a season. In 2024, injuries derailed him and the Bulls’ season.

Neither defense should be elite, but I trust these unproven offenses even less. I think Boise’s running back tandem of Sire Gaines and Malik Sherrod can grind this game down enough to keep the score lower than expected.

Pick: Under 63.5
Lean: Boise State -6.5

Nebraska (-7) at Cincinnati
Total: 54.5

This is a pivotal year for both head coaches. Nebraska’s Matt Rhule and Cincinnati’s Scott Satterfield are each entering Year Three, and both need to start winning. Only one of them will — and I don’t think it will be the home team.

I’m high on Nebraska. I’ve previously written that quarterback Dylan Raiola could be a sneaky Heisman hopeful. I like the portal additions, a full offseason of Dana Holgorsen coaching Raiola and the offense, and I’m buying into the Year Three Rhule hype.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, trended down as last season progressed. Brendan Sorsby is uninspiring at quarterback, the running back room lacks explosiveness, and while the defense was fine last year, I don’t see much improvement coming.

Even though I believe Nebraska’s offense will take a step forward this season, in a challenging road spot in Week One, I’m not sure we’ll see fireworks right away. And if Cincinnati can move the ball on the Huskers? It could be a long season in Lincoln.

I don’t love how much the public is on Nebraska here, but I’m very low on Cincinnati.

Pick: Under 54.5
Lean: Nebraska -7