Brad Powers is back with his three best bets for Week 1 of the college football season, including a total involving his pick to win the National Championship, Oregon.
Each week throughout the season, Powers will share his three best bets across sides, totals, and derivatives, while also breaking down his biggest power-rating adjustments and the best situational spots on the board.
Check out our latest college football picks for more expert betting analysis.
Brad Powers' top college football picks for Week 1
Season record: 2-1.
Boise State /
Oregon Over 51.5Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.
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Boise State vs. Oregon: Over 51.5
Since Dan Lanning took over in 2022, Oregon's regular-season non-conference games have averaged 65 total points per game.
That includes 71 total points when these two teams met in 2024, with Oregon winning 37-34.
Oregon's offense has been upgraded from last season. Dante Moore returns at quarterback, while the Ducks also get wide receiver Evan Stewart back from injury. Outstanding running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill were only true freshmen last season and should be even better this year.
Even if the Ducks build a big lead, they have arguably the best backup quarterback in the country in Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola, who can keep the offense moving and the points coming.
On the other side, Boise State has one of the most experienced quarterbacks in college football in Maddux Madsen, plus a pair of running backs in Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines who combined for 1,936 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns last season. The Broncos' offense should be better this year.
However, their defense could take a step back after losing four of their top five tacklers from last season.
I would play this up to 52.
East Carolina vs. Alabama: 
Alabama -27.5
Under Kalen DeBoer, Alabama has outscored non-Power conference opponents by an average score of 57-5.
Alabama suffered a shocking upset loss to Florida State in last year's opener. I think we'll see a focused and angry Crimson Tide team to start the season this year.
It starts with quarterback Keelon Russell, who was my favorite long shot to win the Heisman Trophy this summer. He'll be playing behind an improved Alabama offensive line and throwing to wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, who I expect to have a big bounce-back season.
On the other side, East Carolina suffered massive losses from last year's team, which had its highest finish in my power ratings in 15 years. The Pirates return only three starters and also lost both coordinators.
East Carolina's offensive line returns zero starters and now has to deal with a huge and talented Alabama defensive front.
I would play this to up to -28.
Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame: 
Wisconsin +20.5
My power ratings make Notre Dame only a 19-point favorite here.
Notre Dame is No. 2 in my power ratings, so it's not like I'm down on the Fighting Irish this season. CJ Carr is deservedly the Heisman favorite, and Notre Dame's defense could be the best in the country.
However, Wisconsin is one of the most improved teams in the country. I've upgraded the Badgers by 6.9 points from last season, the seventh-largest improvement in my ratings.
Most of that upgrade comes on the offensive side, where the Badgers bring in Old Dominion transfer quarterback Colton Joseph. Joseph ran for 1,007 yards last season, including 179 yards against eventual national champion Indiana.
On defense, Wisconsin allowed only 21.6 points per game last season. It's tough to cover three touchdowns when that's roughly all the opposing defense allows.
Finally, I question Notre Dame's ability to create margin here because of the potential for limited possessions. Wisconsin played at the slowest tempo in college football last season in plays per minute, while Notre Dame ranked only 93rd.
I would play this down to +20.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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