Welcome back, college football. While there's still a week-long wait for most schools before the 2023 campaign kicks off, a handful of programs take the field in Week 0, giving fans a taste of what will arrive in full force come the first weekend of September. Two of those Week 0 contests will air back-to-back on CBS Sports Network in a Conference USA double-header.
CBS Sports Network's coverage begins Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET when Jacksonville State hosts UTEP. The matchup marks Jacksonville State's first game competing at the FBS level after joining Conference USA as one of four new additions in July. The Gamecocks, who enter their second season under veteran coach Rich Rodriguez, draw a conference opponent immediately as the Miners roll into town.
The action continues when FIU and Louisiana Tech kick off at 9 p.m. ET. Both teams failed to reach a bowl game in 2022 under first-year coaches -- Sonny Cumbie took over at Louisiana Tech, while Mike MacIntyre led FIU -- but there is reason to believe both programs can take a step forward in 2023 after disappointing campaigns a year ago.
CBS Sports Network's coverage begins Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET when Jacksonville State hosts UTEP. The matchup marks Jacksonville State's first game competing at the FBS level after joining Conference USA as one of four new additions in July. The Gamecocks, who enter their second season under veteran coach Rich Rodriguez, draw a conference opponent immediately as the Miners roll into town.
The action continues when FIU and Louisiana Tech kick off at 9 p.m. ET. Both teams failed to reach a bowl game in 2022 under first-year coaches -- Sonny Cumbie took over at Louisiana Tech, while Mike MacIntyre led FIU -- but there is reason to believe both programs can take a step forward in 2023 after disappointing campaigns a year ago.
UTEP at Jacksonville State
Date: Saturday, Aug. 26 | Time: 5:30 p.m.Location: Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium -- Jacksonville, Alabama
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live stream: CBSSports.com | Mobile: CBS Sports App
Spread: UTEP -1
Storylines: Both teams look to rebound after finishing 2022 with losing records. There's certainly pressure to win for UTEP coach Dana Dimel, who is just 17-40 through five seasons at the helm. Offensively, the Miners boast a fourth-year starting quarterback in Gavin Hardison, and wide receiver Tyrin Smith -- who caught for a team-high 1,039 yards in 2022 -- is also back in action after reversing course on a transfer to Texas A&M. As for Jacksonville State, Rodriguez's 16 years of experience guiding FBS programs should assist the Gamecocks as they make the jump to college football's highest level. Rodriguez previously coached at his alma mater West Virginia (2001-07), Michigan (2008-10) and Arizona (2012-17). Jacksonville State will also showcase a seasoned signal-caller after quarterback Zion Webb was granted a seventh season of eligibility from the NCAA.
FIU at Louisiana Tech
Date: Saturday, Aug. 26 | Time: 9 p.m.Location: Joe Aillet Stadium -- Ruston, Louisiana
TV: CBS Sports Network [Channel finder]
Live stream: CBSSports.com | Mobile: CBS Sports App
Spread: Louisiana Tech -11
Storylines: FIU finished 4-8 in its debut under MacIntyre last season, but that was still a step forward for a Panthers program that went a combined 1-16 during Butch Davis' final two seasons in charge. FIU will look for second-year starting quarterback Grayson James to show improvement after the Panthers' offense flatlined in 2022, finishing last in Conference USA at 18.7 points per game. The unit already took a hit after incumbent starting running back Lexington Joseph went down with an ACL injury that will sideline him for all of 2023. At Louisiana Tech, the addition of Boise State transfer quarterback Hank Bachmeier could be pivotal for the Bulldogs following a 3-9 debut under Cumbie last fall. Bachmeier started 29 games in four years with the Broncos and eclipsed 3,000 yards passing in 2021.
USC vs. San Jose State
The 2023 college football season is here, though the only top-10 team in action during Week 0 is No. 6 USC. The Trojans will host San Jose State in their final season-opener as a Pac-12 program before they depart for the Big Ten next summer. More immediately, USC's quest to become the first Pac-12 school to reach the College Football Playoff since Washington in 2016 starts now.USC is the preseason favorite to win the Pac-12 in what may prove to be the storied conference's final season. Along with the Trojans, UCLA, Oregon and Washington are leaving for the Big Ten in 2024; Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah are departing for the Big 12 the same year.
Lincoln Riley's debut at USC was excellent with an 11-3 record and a Heisman Trophy winner (QB Caleb Williams). However, the Trojans had a major collapse at the end of the season with a loss to Utah in the Pac-12 Championship Game, effectively knocking USC from the playoff field, and a late blown lead in a Cotton Bowl loss to Tulane. Williams is back, though, and he will have a chance to become the second player to win the most prestigious award in college football twice.
San Jose State finished the 2022 campaign 7-5, which included a perfect 6-0 record at home and an abysmal 1-4 record on the road. USC is 5-0 all-time against San Jose State and the last meeting in 2021 was a 30-7 win for the Trojans.
USC vs. San Jose State: Need to know
Heisman follow-up for Williams: USC has the best quarterback in college football, and that alone gives the Trojans the chance to win on any given Saturday. Williams should be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft next spring, but for now he hopes to elevate USC to new heights with a long-awaited Pac-12 title. The disappointing end of USC's 2022 season shouldn't overshadow Williams' greatness: 4,537 yards passing and 42 touchdowns to only five interceptions. With a plethora of weapons this year -- including receivers Dorian Singer, Brenden Rice, Mario Williams and incoming true freshman Zachariah Branch -- Williams is in prime position to at least get back to New York for the Heisman ceremony in December.Is USC's defense better? Defense is the chief question mark heading into the season for USC. Coordinator Alex Grinch's unit ranked near the bottom of the Pac-12 in total defense last season and was a major reason for the team's late collapse. The Trojans allowed 32 points in the second half against Tulane, including 16 points in the final four minutes of the game. Grinch, who Riley brought over from Oklahoma, faced major criticism for the loss. In response, the Trojans attacked the transfer portal hard, adding CB Tre'Quon Fegans (Alabama), DL Bear Alexander (Georgia), DL Anthony Lucas (Texas A&M) and LB Deuce Palmer (SMU). Former five-star Domani Jackson could emerge as a key contributor in the secondary and S Calen Bullock is a preseason All-American. USC will be able to win this game handily because of its high-powered offense, but the defense will need to improve under Grinch for the program to win more marquee games late in the season.
Chevan Cordeiro is a name to know: The San Jose State quarterback will play against his first top-10 opponent in Week 0. The sixth-year senior enjoyed his best season in 2022 with 3,250 yards passing and 23 touchdowns to only six interceptions. Cordeiro was named the preseason Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year and is one of the best Group of Five quarterbacks in the country. SJSU was picked to finish fifth in the Mountain West preseason poll, but a strong showing from him on Saturday could go a long way in building confidence for the remainder of the season.
USC vs. San Jose State prediction, picks
This game features arguably the best offense in the Pac-12 racing against one of the top offenses in the Mountain West. For that reason alone, points are going to be scored in bunches. Add that USC's defensive question marks, and you can see why the over is the enticing pick. USC plays a pair of games against Mountain West opponents to open up the season, and both games could be used as valuable reps for younger players. That makes the spread (USC -30.5) a bit tricky. Even if USC pulls its starters late, the over seems like the safe play. USC scored 66 points alone in its season-opener against Rice last fall, and it wouldn't be surprising if it put up around the same this weekend. Prediction: Over 66.5
Games of the Week
No. 13 Notre Dame vs. Navy (Dublin, Ireland): We begin the season, as we often do, in Ireland, where Notre Dame and Navy kick off the latest chapter in their ongoing rivalry. It is not a game I expect to be close. The biggest story surrounding the Irish heading into the season is the arrival of former Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman. Hartman was prolific with the Demon Deacons and should be an upgrade at the position for the Irish. However, as important as Hartman is, don't let him overshadow the rest of the offense.I expect the Irish to be much more explosive at the receiver position this year, and they will have one of the best offensive lines in the country. It will be very difficult for most teams to stop, and Navy is one of those teams. The Mids have gone 11-23 in the last three seasons, which is why new coach Brian Newberry will be in charge for the first time here. Maybe Navy can shorten the game and get a few turnovers to keep it close, but I expect this one to be decided by the fourth quarter. The Pick: Notre Dame -20.5 (-110)
UMass at New Mexico State: I do not understand why this spread isn't larger. When it was initially posted, the Aggies were 9.5-point favorites, but it got bet down to as small as 6, which is where I jumped on it. Now it's moved to 6.5 points, which suggests plenty of others feel the same way I do.
It's not that the Aggies are a juggernaut. They aren't, but they did go 7-6 last season and reach their first bowl game since 2017. Jerry Kill teams aren't exciting but are well-coached and don't beat themselves. UMass is a team that doesn't need to beat itself because its opponents don't usually need the help. The Minutemen are 3-37 since the start of the 2019 season and only 13-27 ATS. That includes a 12-25 ATS mark as an underdog and 6-17 as a road dog, losing by an average of 33.7 points per game. The Pick: New Mexico State -6.5 (-110)
It's not that the Aggies are a juggernaut. They aren't, but they did go 7-6 last season and reach their first bowl game since 2017. Jerry Kill teams aren't exciting but are well-coached and don't beat themselves. UMass is a team that doesn't need to beat itself because its opponents don't usually need the help. The Minutemen are 3-37 since the start of the 2019 season and only 13-27 ATS. That includes a 12-25 ATS mark as an underdog and 6-17 as a road dog, losing by an average of 33.7 points per game. The Pick: New Mexico State -6.5 (-110)
Hawaii vs Vanderbilt.
Hawaii was a disaster in the first year under Timmy Chang a year ago. It finished with a 3-10 record while both the offense (19.8 PPG) and defense (34.7 PPG) struggled, but that was to be expected as Chang had a complete rebuild on his hands after the previous head coach, Todd Graham, left this program and roster in shambles following his melodramatic exit.There‘s hope for improvement in Year 2 as the offense returns an experienced quarterback, Brayden Schager, while transitioning to what will allegedly be a truer version of the Run and Shoot, while the defense returns nine starters. It’s evident that improvement is expected considering the Rainbow Warriors lost 63-10 at home to Vanderbilt last year, but is just +17.5 on the road this time around.
As for Vanderbilt, Clark Lea’s squad went 5-7 a year ago and recently signed the second-highest recruiting class in program history, so one could say there’s reason for optimism in Nashville as well. Oddsmakers don’t see it that way, however, setting their win total at just 3.5 for this season.
The offense returns seven starters including its top three wide receivers and four starters up front. Quarterback AJ Swann, a former 4-star recruit, got some reps last year while splitting time, but will be the main guy this season after Mike Wright transferred to Mississippi State.
The Commodores’ defense returns eight starters but must show improvement after ranking 125th in EPA per play a year ago. The depth in the trenches is fine so they should be solid against the rush again after finishing 25th in EPA per rush. The real questions begin with a secondary that was atrocious last year, ranking 120th in EPA per pass and 125th in passing success rate.
I believe that both teams should find success throwing the ball in this contest. I forecast both to be more pass-happy this season — Hawaii as it transitions to a truer Run and Shoot and Vanderbilt with its top three receivers back, now playing a full-time pocket passer, and losing last year’s 1,000-yard rusher to the transfer portal.
There are a few player props that I believe are mispriced due to my handicap as outlined above. Player props are not always widely available in college football but they can be a good way to stack up ROI when they are offered. My favorite one on the board for this matchup is Vandy wide receiver Will Sheppard to go Over his receiving yardage total of 58.5.
Hawaii just wasn’t good defensively last year, ranking 118th in EPA per play and 112th in success rate. The secondary was poor in coverage (115th in EPA per pass) and the front seven generated almost no pressure, checking in at 126th in HAVOC. Swann is a talented passer and has an experienced receiver room to throw to, so I expect them to cook in this matchup.
Sheppard is the best player on the Vandy roster after posting 60 receptions for 776 yards and nine touchdowns a year ago. Those numbers will go up this season with a pass-first quarterback and as the run game takes a step back with an unproven running back room and an offensive line that is better in pass protection than run blocking. If Hawaii improves this year as forecasted, that will only help this prop as that would mean this game should stay within a reasonable score while the offenses trade chunk yardage.
Ohio vs. San Diego State.
With Ohio QB Kurtis Rourke apparently back at full strength following his ACL tear last fall, San Diego State has seen its spread shrink. But our betting picks are more interested in the game's total as these teams will likely head to the ground.There is possibly no greater rush of joy than the one that comes with the return of college football after a long wait during the offseason.
One highly competitive and intriguing game on tap for Week 0 features two of the better Group of 5 teams around this season — the Ohio Bobcats of the MAC and the San Diego State Aztecs of the Mountain West.
Something new this year in college football is the changes in rules where the clock no longer stops after a first down for the majority of the game. That could be a factor in this game with two teams that like to control the ball offensively.
Looking at college football odds, the total is set at 49 while the Aztecs are a -2.5 favorite. Check out if I agree with those prices with my best bet and stay tuned for my full college football picks and predictions for Ohio vs. San Diego State on Saturday, August 26.
The Ohio Bobcats won 10 games in 2022, the first time they’ve reached double-digit victories since 2011. They appear well-positioned again entering 2023 with the MAC Player of the Year, Kurtis Rourke, returning at quarterback along with 1,000-yard rusher Sieh Bangura and three of his top four wide receivers, including Sam Wiglusz who popped off for 877 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago.
One offseason storyline to follow had been Rourke's health after he tore his ACL last November. Reports indicated that he was back to full strength in Fall camp and he’s expected to be 100% in the opener.
The offensive line should be in good shape, too, as it’s made up of all upperclassmen with four seniors and one junior averaging 315 pounds.
Now let’s take a look at the San Diego State Aztecs.
Typically one of the better Group of 5 teams in the country, especially out west, the Aztecs are coming off a disappointing 7-6 season in which they fired their offensive coordinator midway through the year.
After transitioning to safety, Jalen Mayden made his way back to the quarterback position and shined. Under quarterback coach Ryan Lindley, he led the Mountain West with 8.6 yards per attempt — an incredible feat for a player making a position switch to arguably the most difficult position in sports.
They get an interesting matchup against an Ohio defense that was terrible to start the year (561 YPG allowed across their first six games of ‘22) but solid to end it (351 YPG across their final seven). The top two tacklers return to this 4-2-5 defense but the line loses three key players, including an All-MAC defensive end and the team’s tackles-for-loss leader.
These are two quality teams and I expect both to execute their game plans for the most part. Both offenses thrive when they’re able to slow the game down and control the clock, so I do not expect an up-tempo affair considering both teams averaged over 31 minutes in time of possession a year ago.
Ohio’s offense struggled with just 10 points in each of its two most difficult non-conference tests a year ago against Penn State and Iowa State. San Diego State loses its impact players along the defensive front but returns six of its top seven secondary players, so Ohio is more likely to try to get the ground game going, especially with a quarterback coming off an ACL tear. Even with some losses, this Aztecs defense finished sixth in EPA per play and 19th in success rate a year ago and the 3-3-5 look will be difficult for Ohio to exploit too badly.
The aforementioned Lindley, now the Aztecs' OC, said his offense is modeled after Utah and I expect plenty of runs and ground control for a team losing its top two wide receivers. The offensive line was poor last year, ranking 119th in line yards and 125th in stuff rate. Considering Ohio’s defensive improvement late last year, I’d be surprised if the Aztecs came out chucking to light up the scoreboard.
This is a game where the rule changes for clocks not stopping after first downs could come into effect. Both teams run a ball-control offense and will be happy to eat up time off the clock, which sets up well for an Under.
San Jose St. at U.S.C.
Saturday, August 26, 2023 08:00 PM (ET)
Heisman Trophy in hand, USC quarterback Caleb Williams feels like he has unfinished business as the 2023 season kicks off.
Determined to add a national championship to his resume, Williams begins that quest Saturday when the sixth-ranked Trojans take on San Jose State in Los Angeles.
Williams more than measured up to expectations in his first season with the Trojans.
Aside from setting USC single-season records for total offense (4,919 combined yards) and touchdowns (52), Williams was named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, AP Player of the Year and was the seventh Trojan to win the Heisman.
Now among favorites to be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams insists his focus is anywhere but individual accolades.
"We've got a lot to go get this year," Williams said. "Everyone has the same goal and mindset this year. A whatever-it-takes kind of mindset to get all of what we want. It's going to be a good year. Can't wait."
In addition to seeing how Williams will follow up his Heisman season, USC coach Lincoln Riley has other reasons to be excited, as he feels like his team is extremely deep heading into the season opener.
"Little more competition across the board. There was probably less position battles at this point (last year), or you kind of knew who was gonna play," Riley said. "But there's still a lot of youth on this team.
"We've got a lot of work to do, we got a lot of growing. We'll have to grow some during these early games."
Riley, also entering his second season in LA, led the Trojans to an 11-3 record in 2022.
The Spartans have lost all five of their all-time meetings with USC, but San Jose State coach Brent Brennan believes this year's group has what it takes to end the losing streak.
"It's been a great training camp, our players have worked extremely hard," Brennan said. "I feel really good about our coaching staff and the teaching and just the vibe and the culture of this team I think is really healthy. As you look at our schedule, we're gonna need it. We're opening with an incredible opponent with USC."
Chevan Cordeiro, who was named Mountain West Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, returns as the starting quarterback for SJSU.
Cordeiro spent four seasons at Hawaii before joining the Spartans last season. He tallied 3,251 yards passing with 23 TDs and six interceptions.
Brennan is preparing for Cordeiro's counterpart, and knows that slowing down Williams will be a tall task.
"We're playing against the best player in America, right? And so that presents a whole different kind of challenge," Brennan said. "He's very strong, it's hard to get him down, and his ability to make every throw -- whether he's in the pocket or on the move -- makes him incredibly hard to defend.
"So that's gonna be a big challenge for our team."
San Jose State safety Tre Jenkins will look to help disrupt the Trojans' passing attack. A three-time All-Mountain West honorable mention, Jenkins tied a career high with two interceptions last season to go along with a career-best seven pass breakups.
Saturday, August 26, 2023 08:00 PM (ET)
Heisman Trophy in hand, USC quarterback Caleb Williams feels like he has unfinished business as the 2023 season kicks off.
Determined to add a national championship to his resume, Williams begins that quest Saturday when the sixth-ranked Trojans take on San Jose State in Los Angeles.
Williams more than measured up to expectations in his first season with the Trojans.
Aside from setting USC single-season records for total offense (4,919 combined yards) and touchdowns (52), Williams was named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, AP Player of the Year and was the seventh Trojan to win the Heisman.
Now among favorites to be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams insists his focus is anywhere but individual accolades.
"We've got a lot to go get this year," Williams said. "Everyone has the same goal and mindset this year. A whatever-it-takes kind of mindset to get all of what we want. It's going to be a good year. Can't wait."
In addition to seeing how Williams will follow up his Heisman season, USC coach Lincoln Riley has other reasons to be excited, as he feels like his team is extremely deep heading into the season opener.
"Little more competition across the board. There was probably less position battles at this point (last year), or you kind of knew who was gonna play," Riley said. "But there's still a lot of youth on this team.
"We've got a lot of work to do, we got a lot of growing. We'll have to grow some during these early games."
Riley, also entering his second season in LA, led the Trojans to an 11-3 record in 2022.
The Spartans have lost all five of their all-time meetings with USC, but San Jose State coach Brent Brennan believes this year's group has what it takes to end the losing streak.
"It's been a great training camp, our players have worked extremely hard," Brennan said. "I feel really good about our coaching staff and the teaching and just the vibe and the culture of this team I think is really healthy. As you look at our schedule, we're gonna need it. We're opening with an incredible opponent with USC."
Chevan Cordeiro, who was named Mountain West Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, returns as the starting quarterback for SJSU.
Cordeiro spent four seasons at Hawaii before joining the Spartans last season. He tallied 3,251 yards passing with 23 TDs and six interceptions.
Brennan is preparing for Cordeiro's counterpart, and knows that slowing down Williams will be a tall task.
"We're playing against the best player in America, right? And so that presents a whole different kind of challenge," Brennan said. "He's very strong, it's hard to get him down, and his ability to make every throw -- whether he's in the pocket or on the move -- makes him incredibly hard to defend.
"So that's gonna be a big challenge for our team."
San Jose State safety Tre Jenkins will look to help disrupt the Trojans' passing attack. A three-time All-Mountain West honorable mention, Jenkins tied a career high with two interceptions last season to go along with a career-best seven pass breakups.
Nevermind, can't bet on DK from abroad. Tried funding offshore options, but credit cards are denied for gambling purposes. They want me to use crypto currency, which I don't have
Might just have to walk into a local sportsbook, bet with higher vigs and lower limits
Already missing my local
BTW: since I can't bet a UConn on DK in Connecticut, I'm going to need some sort of out by college basketball season. Any suggestions?
Good luck gamblers
Irish 14-0
