Week 1 best bets: How to bet Notre Dame-Wisconsin, Texas-Texas State, Michigan State-Toledo and more
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Week 1 of the 2026 college football season emphasizes cautious betting, focusing on evaluating team continuity and player impact rather than aggressive wagering.
- Key bets include Toledo vs. Michigan State UNDER 47, anticipating a ground-focused, low-scoring game due to extensive roster changes and new coaching staffs on both sides.
- Miami (Ohio) +17 at Pittsburgh with UNDER 48.5 is favored based on Miami's strong defensive coaching despite player losses, facing a Pittsburgh offense struggling with turnovers and personnel changes.
- Oregon State +21 at Houston with UNDER 50 highlights both teams' roster improvements via transfers, but a strong Houston defense and Oregon State's offensive line uncertainties suggest a controlled, lower-scoring game.
- Additional recommended bets from Mark Zinno include UAB/Illinois UNDER 54.5, Notre Dame -20.5 vs. Wisconsin, Clemson/LSU 1H under 25.5, and Texas 1H -17.5 vs. Texas State, focusing on defensive strengths and offensive limitations early in the season.
