College football is back, and a light Week 0 slate will allow us to ease into our college football against the spread picks and get a lay of the land before the first full slate of college football picks next week.
Still, there are a handful of Power Four contests on the board in addition to No. 14-ranked USC taking the field against San Jose State. See who has my faith in Week 0 below.
College football picks against the spread for Week 0
| Matchup |  |
|---|---|
 North Carolina vs  TCU |
-7.5 |
 San Jose State vs  USC |
-38.5 |
 NC State vs  Virginia |
+4.5 |
 Hawaii vs  Stanford |
-3.5 |
 New Mexico State vs  Florida State |
-30.5 |
Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.
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Expert Week 0 CFB ATS picks
North Carolina vs TCU (-7.5): TCU -7.5
A bet on UNC is a bet on major improvement over last year's 48-14 devastating score line, in which TCU outgained the Tar Heels 542-222 in Chapel Hill. It's Harvard transfer Jaden Craig now under center for the Frogs and Billy Edwards Jr. for UNC. I give TCU an edge on offense and an even bigger edge on defense.
San Jose State vs USC (-38.5): USC -38.5
This is turning into a prove-it year for Lincoln Riley, and anything less than an insulting blowout will be fuel for those looking to sound the alarms in SoCal. Jayden Maiava will move the ball up and down the field with ease, and it's worth noting that USC has won four of its last five games against Group of Six opponents by 39+ points.
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NC State vs Virginia (-4.5): NC State +4.5
NC State is a perfect 4-0 against Virginia under head coach Dave Doeren, and with CJ Bailey still under center with some new wideout weapons in Joshisa Trader and Victor Snow, I'll gladly take the points with the Wolfpack.
Hawaii vs Stanford (-3.5): Stanford -3.5
Hawaii's 23-20 win a year ago is being factored into this short spread, but Stanford controlled that game on the ground and went 8-for-17 on third down. The Cardinal are home for the rematch, and I suspect they'll get the job done.
New Mexico State vs Florida State (-30.5): Florida State -30.5
This is a similar handicap to USC. We've got a program that's crushed overmatched opponents in recent years and a head coach (Mike Norvell) on the hot seat and under immense pressure to start fast. Lay the number.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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