Dan Karpuc: UNLV ML at Houston (+130, BetMGM)
After attracting interest from over 50 schools (including SEC schools, per sources), Holy Cross transfer QB Matthew Sluka chose UNLV and will instantly provide their offense with a dual threat under center. The former Crusader racked up 1,723 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes compared to five interceptions last season but also added 1,247 rushing yards on 6.7 yards per carry for nine additional scores. During his three years as Holy Cross’ starter, he rushed for 3,345 yards with 34 touchdowns in addition to 57 touchdown passes compared to 14 interceptions. As the D-1 record holder for QB rushing yards in a single game (330 last season), he will be a force for a UNLV team that went 9-5 in Barry Odom’s first year as head coach in 2023. OC Brennan Marion’s “Go-Go” offense generated 34.4 points per game last year and other weapons on the offensive end include running back Jai’Den Thomas (who led all freshmen with 12 touchdowns last season), All-American candidate Ricky White III at WR (coming off a school-record 1,483 receiving yards), WR Jacob De Jesus and WR Casey Cain, who transferred from Texas. Four offensive linemen will return for the Rebels and seven starters will return on the defensive side of the football.
Coming off a 4-8 campaign, Houston is now under new head coach Willie Fritz. Quarterback Donovan Smith should be a dual threat as well, but his 13 interceptions last season were concerning and his top two receivers from last season (Samuel Brown and Matthew Golden) transferred out. On the offensive line, just one of five starters will be back from last year’s squad. Defensively, Fritz essentially rebuilt his entire roster, bringing in 13 transfers, after the team allowed 31.5 points per game last year. It could take some time for this team to start gelling.
Overall, it seems a lot like these teams are heading in opposite directions and I’m fired up about UNLV’s potential this year. Therefore, even on the road, I’m going to go with the Rebels to not only cover, but win outright.
Lucy Burdge: #7 Notre Dame +2.5 at #20 Texas A&M (-110, BetMGM)
Notre Dame kicks off their season up against Texas A&M and it is arguably their toughest game of the season. So a win over the Aggies would set Notre Dame up nicely as they continue their year. College GameDay will be at this game, that’s how massive it is, and Marcus Freeman said the team is preparing accordingly for the weather during this game when it is supposed to be 96 degrees. They are also preparing for the extreme environment at Kyle Field. And I think they’ll be ready, so I’m taking Notre Dame to cover here.
Kate Constable: #19 Miami -2.5 at Florida (-110, BetMGM)
Remember Week 1 between Florida and Utah last season? On the Utes' first drive, quarterback Bryson Barnes hit Money Parks for a 70-yard touchdown pass. That ignited the crowd and took the wind out of the sails for the Gators. Utah went on to win 24-11. I know this year’s Week 1 matchup between Florida and Miami is being played in the Swamp, but the concept is the same for Miami. Start fast with a big, explosive play and take the crowd out of the game. Florida doesn’t have the same level of talent that the Canes do, especially at quarterback. Washington State transfer Cam Ward has taken over for under center for Miami and Oregon State transfer Damien Martinez is going to be tough for Florida to slow down in the backfield. If Ward and Martinez can ignite this Miami offense early, I’m afraid this game is going to be out of Florida’s reach late in the game.
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