Week 1 of the college football season is nearly in the books after providing us an initial taste of what to expect over the coming months. While there are now some results to chew on, there is still plenty to sort out. That’s especially true with teams that are breaking in new coaches, coordinators or quarterbacks. Some of the nation’s projected top teams are not yet in sync, but others looked dominant in their debuts.
The Big Ten was particularly fascinating as top-10 powers Oregon and Michigan were sweating deep into the fourth quarter against Idaho and Fresno State, respectively. But on the other hand, No. 8 Penn State put together an impressive all-around performance in thrashing West Virginia 34-12 on the road.
Trying to parse meanings or draw sweeping conclusions from a single week of action can be perilous. But after a long few months of talking season, there is finally some actual data and on-field action to consider when assessing where things go from here.
Week 2 lines are out, so let’s take a look at what oddsmakers are thinking as we look ahead.
Odds via SportsLine consensus
The big games
No. 4 Texas (-6.5) at No. 9 Michigan: Texas looked much further along than Michigan as both teams played Mountain West squads in their season opener. The Longhorns put away Colorado State in the first half, whereas the Wolverines were in battle against Fresno State deep into the fourth quarter. Michigan’s lackluster offense was particularly concerning and explains why the Wolverines are nearly a touchdown underdog on their home field.
Iowa State at No. 25 Iowa (-3.5): If tightly contested rivalry games are your thing, the Cy-Hawk battle is a must-see. The last six games have been decided by 10 points or less, and both teams are expected to be strong in 2024. Their Week 1 opponents combined to score three points, so this should be a defensive slugfest that is decided in the fourth quarter. Iowa has won seven of the last eight in the series, but the teams have split the past two meetings.
Colorado at Nebraska (-6.5): Colorado whipped Nebraska 36-14 last season. Now comes the return trip as the Cornhuskers seek revenge. These programs don’t like each other, and the game means a lot to both fan bases. The assumption that the Cornhuskers are in for a big Year 2 under coach Matt Rhule will be tested against a Buffs team that torched the Cornhuskers through the air last season while winning the turnover battle 4-1.
No. 15 Tennessee (-6.5) vs. No. 24 NC State: Based on how these teams played against FCS competition in Week 1, Tennessee should cruise. The Wolfpack trailed late in the third quarter against Western Carolina before rallying in the fourth quarter to avoid disaster. Meanwhile, Tennessee had no problem with Chattanooga. NC State will need to make big strides from Week 1 to Week 2.
Boise State at No. 3 Oregon (-20.5): The spread doesn’t necessarily indicate how intriguing this matchup now seems. Oregon had to scrap in order to beat Idaho in Week 1. Now, it takes on a Boise State team that put up 56 points against Georgia Southern. Perhaps the uninspired showing was a wakeup call for the Ducks. But they better not play with their food again, because Boise State could make them pay.
