The college football season returns this week with five games on the Week 0 slate to wet our whistle and hopefully set the tone for the season with some winning bets.
I've put in the time, I've done the research, and I'm more than ready to deliver my favorite NCAAF picks and college football moneyline picks for Saturday, August 23.
Week 0 college football moneyline picks
| Matchup | Pick |
|---|---|
 Iowa State vs  Kansas State |
-160 |
 Idaho State vs  UNLV |
-4000 |
 Fresno State vs  Kansas |
-490 |
 Sam Houston State vs  Western Kentucky |
-385 |
 Stanford vs  Hawai'i |
-137 |
Lines courtesy of FanDuel as of 8-19
Expert Week 0 CFB moneyline picks
Iowa State vs. Kansas State: Kansas State (-160)
This year's edition of Farmaggedon takes place in Dublin, Ireland, and while the spread may indicate a close game, I believe Kansas State will run away with this one.
Avery Johsnon will be the best player on the field as a dual-threat QB, and the fact that the Wildcats return four starters on the offensive line is a bonus as they'll be able to keep the pocket clean, and open up holes for their run game.
Idaho State vs. UNLV: UNLV (-4000)
Let's call a spade a spade. There's not much you can do with a -4000 favorite, but UNLV is the far superior team here in terms of size, strength, and overall talent.
They are the third betting choice to win the Mountain West Conference, while Idaho State is unlisted on the FCS Championship odds board. UNLV wins this one with ease and probably shuts out the Bengals.
Fresno State vs. Kansas: Kansas (-490)
The Fresno State Bulldogs are more likely to win the MWC than Kansas is to win the Big 12, but it's the Jayhawks who I'm backing in the opener. They've got the better QB in Jalon Daniels, who is poised for a bounce-back season, and the better overall defense.
At home, with a renewed focus and higher expectations, I'll take the Jayhawks to open up the year 1-0.
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Sam Houston vs. Western Kentucky: Western Kentucky (-385)
Sam Houston had a tremendous season last year by all accounts, finishing 10-3 and winning the New Orleans bowl. The problem is they will have a new head coach in place, and will be replacing their top receiver and running back, and plenty of production on defense.
The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers find themselves in a similar position, but I believe their defense will be much improved and playing at home to open up the year will only benefit them.
Stanford vs. Hawai'i: Hawai'i (-137)
To keep this one short and sweet, there's not much to like about Stanford coming into the year. They have a season win total of just 3.5, and while Hawai'i is just slightly better at 5.5, the Rainbow Warriors' offense should be poised for a big game.
Give me the home side here, in what should be the most entertaining game on the Week 0 slate.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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