College Football finally returns after an offseason that seems to get longer and longer each year. Here are my picks and predictions for the first slate of 2025 action.
Iowa State vs Kansas State (-3)
This is a great week 0 matchup of two teams that should be in the mix for a big 12 championship in December. Also a great showcase for the Big 12 nationally as well as internationally, as the game will be played in Dublin, Ireland. I think this will be a low scoring slugfest as the teams deal with an unfamiliar environment while getting settled into a new season. With that in mind, give me Iowa state +3 and ML to get the season started.
Idaho State vs UNLV (-26.5)
Here we have a good ole Big Sky vs Mountain West matchup that is literally only exciting because it is our first taste of football in months. Although former Michigan QB Alex Orji is on UNLV’s roster, it looks like Virginia transfer Anthony Colandrea will win the job and be leading the rebels for the foreseeable future (there is also very little recent reporting I can find on this so forgive me if I am incorrect here). Anyway you don’t need a big breakdown here, give me UNLV to light it up and cover the 26.5.
Fresno State vs Kansas (-13)
Looking into this game I was pretty shocked to see that Fresno state has had some really good seasons in the last 15 years, I kind of assumed they weren’t really relevant. My bad Bulldogs! Kansas on the other hand has not had much success in Football, although they did give most of America joy when they took down Texas a few years ago. But none of that matters in this game – Kansas is looking to build off an up and down year and I think they can put it together against the Bulldogs. Give me the Jayhawks to cover the spread.
Sam Houston vs Western Kentucky (-10)
Man I love any game that features a MAC team and that is exactly what this one brings. Usually they consist of a lot of turnovers, plenty of “what is he doing???’s, and a whole lot of entertainment. I think the Hilltoppers and their hilarious mascot will be too much for the Bearkats to handle – WKU by 14.
Stanford vs Hawaii (-2.5)
Nothing feels more week 0 than the inaugural late night Hawaii game. I have no clue why this game is at 7pm eastern, I swear every year it is usually on around 10 or 11. The spread has moved back and forth quite a bit on this game after Stanford was initially favored by 2.5, which means the rainbow warriors must be getting plenty of money on their side. I typically like to roll with Hawaii, but they have burned me in recent years and with the weird line movement I will take Stanford to win this one.
Written by Blake Mire @Blakemire on X (this is not financial advice, tail or fade at your own risk)