College football is finally back! Week 0 might not bring a full slate, but it delivers just enough action to shake off the offseason rust. From Dublin’s international stage to Honolulu’s island vibes, we’ve got five early‑kickoff showdowns to unpack.
Let ChatGPT, your friendly AI bookmaker, dish out the best NCAAF picks along with expert analysis for every matchup this Saturday.
NCAAF Week 0 moneyline picks
| Matchup | Pick |
|---|---|
 Iowa State vs  Kansas State |
-160 |
 Idaho State vs  UNLV |
-3000 |
 Fresno State vs  Kansas |
-525 |
 Sam Houston State vs  Western Kentucky |
-380 |
 Stanford vs  Hawai'i |
-135 |
Odds courtesy of bet365 as of 8-21.
Game 1: Iowa State vs Kansas State
Moneyline prediction: Kansas State (-160)
Odds: Kansas State opened as a 3‑point favorite; O/U is 49.5.
This “Farmageddon” Big 12 clash kicks off the entire season overseas in Dublin and sets the tone for both programs. Kansas State’s biggest advantage is at quarterback: Avery Johnson, who threw for 2,257 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024 while adding 817 yards and 13 scores on the ground, gives Chris Klieman a true dual-threat centerpiece. His legs can punish Iowa State if their defensive front loses gap discipline. On the other side, Iowa State returns Rocco Becht, who quietly threw for over 3,000 yards last season, but his protection has been inconsistent, and K-State’s front seven thrives on collapsing the pocket.
Defensively, Kansas State finished Top-50 nationally in scoring defense last year, and while they lost key pieces to the draft, their linebacker unit is still one of the most versatile in the league. Iowa State counters with a staunch red-zone defense, which could force Johnson into long drives rather than explosive plays. The Wildcats’ offensive line continuity—four starters return—tips the matchup, especially in a neutral-site setting where the run game travels better than timing-based passing attacks.
Oddsmakers pegging Kansas State as a modest favorite reflects that slim margin. Straight-up, the Wildcats’ balance and quarterback upside make them the safer pick.
Game 2: Idaho State vs UNLV
Moneyline prediction: UNLV (-3000)
Odds: UNLV opened as a 24.5-point favorite; O/U is 64.5.
This is a classic FBS vs. FCS mismatch. While Idaho State may bring effort, UNLV has the recruiting advantage, size, and depth to cruise. Unless you’re chasing a gimmick, UNLV is the safe and simple moneyline call. Expect a comfortable win for the Rebels.
Game 3: Fresno State vs Kansas
Moneyline prediction: Kansas (-525)
Odds: Kansas opened as a 13-point favorite; O/U is 50.5.
Fresno State is no slouch under head coach Matt Entz, but Kansas’ improved program momentum and home‑field dynamics make them the right call here. Expect the Jayhawks to cover—and maybe even dominate. Kansas is poised to win this convincingly, especially with home fans behind them.
Game 4: Sam Houston State vs Western Kentucky
Moneyline prediction: Western Kentucky (-380)
Odds: WKU opened as a 10-point favorite; O/U is 61.0.
WKU enters Year 7 under Tyson Helton, whose program stability and home-field tilt this matchup, but the Hilltoppers’ 2024 profile was middling: 24.9 points per game on offense (No. 93) and 24.6 allowed (No. 65).
Sam Houston quietly fielded a Top-25 scoring defense last season (20.5 ppg allowed, No. 23). Senior QB Hunter Watson (1,811 pass yards in 2024; team threw just nine INTs) gives the Bearkats a mistake-averse floor. Expect resistance and a lower-variance script—but WKU’s continuity at home remains the straight-up lean.
Game 5: Stanford vs Hawaii
Moneyline prediction: Hawaii (-135)
Odds: Hawaii opened as a 2.5-point favorite; O/U is 51.5.
Hawaii’s redshirt freshman QB Micah Alejado brings serious buzz, backed by a rejuvenated run‑and‑shoot and lift under coach Timmy Chang. Stanford has more questions than answers, especially with administrative churn and uncertainty on offense. Expect the home team’s energy and quarterback spark to push them past the visiting Cardinal.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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