Congratulations to all college football fans! We've made it through another long, tough offseason without the sport we know and love. Football will look different this year, but the games are still guaranteed to be exciting.
This season's theme will be new faces and new locations as Jim Harbaugh and key players from his national title-winning Michigan team will be playing in the NFL, and the Big Ten will also welcome four West Coast programs, creating an East Coast to West Coast league of epic proportions.
The B1G features 18 teams and a schedule unlike anything we've seen before. Week 1 of the conference will run from Thursday through Sunday night, with some notable matchups and 18 games to kick off the season.
We'll be checking out the spreads every week throughout the season and giving our predictions for each game, and while there's sure to be some mayhem along the way, we'll also be keeping our eyes peeled to see if any B1G teams are in danger of pulling an upset in the season opener.
All lines are provided via ESPN Bet.
Minnesota vs. North Carolina (-2)
These are two very different programs with very different outcomes in 2023, but both will have new starting quarterbacks entering the season. I see the Tar Heels as probably the better team, but I also like Minnesota's defense and this game at home. It will be a close game down the stretch.
Illinois (-28) vs. Eastern Illinois
Illinois will have starting quarterback Luke Altmyer back and coming off a nice run game against Eastern Illinois in the season opener, and while Bret Bielema may have taken his starters off with a big lead, he needs to come together as early as possible to keep his starters in the game in the fourth quarter, even if they lose by a large margin.
Michigan State (-14) vs. FAU
I don't think Jonathan Smith will lose his Michigan State debut, but he'll be facing a veteran coach in Tom Herman on the opposite sideline, and I expect Aidan Childs to settle in quickly, but I think it will be a while before the final outcome is known.
Wisconsin (-23.5) vs. Western Michigan
Western Michigan continues to go down a bad path since P.J. Fleck's tenure and some bright spots under Tim Lester. The Badgers' offense probably isn't what you'd expect against a better opponent, but it should be a fun debut for Tyler Van Dyke.
Penn State (-8.5) vs West Virginia
West Virginia will be a tough opponent for Penn State, but the Nittany Lions have all the pieces to be a team that can compete for the B1G title and a new playoff spot, and while Andy Kotelnicki has shown some weaknesses at times, their defense should keep the Mountaineers in check down the stretch.
Iowa (-22.5) vs. Illinois State
Iowa's defense should be fine in the season opener, so it's all down to whether their offense can score 24 or more points. Let's hope they can. If they can't, it doesn't bode well for the rest of the season.
Maryland (-20.5) vs. UConn
The Terrapins have a new QB in development under Mike Locksley, but UConn is one of the worst teams in recent FBS history. Maryland should get a big win to start the year. (And for the best offers all season long, be sure to check out Tradition's best MD sportsbook.)
Ohio State (-49.5) vs. Akron
Those numbers are huge, but Akron is 4-20 in Joe Moorhead's two seasons at the helm. The Buckeyes will be using their second and third strings, but the picks are a testament to the true depth Columbus has this year.
Indiana (-22) vs. Florida International
Curt Cignetti is heading into his first game at Indiana. He knows how to win and Indiana knows how to lose. The Hoosiers won handily in Week 1.
Nebraska (-27.5) vs. UTEP
Like Iowa's pick, the line will see Nebraska's offense facing off against UTEP's first-year coach. Nebraska is adamant that freshman Dylan Raiola will get a good chance to play from the get-go, and the Huskers could use even a big win as an opportunity to give their starting offensive line more practice time.
Northwestern (-2.5) vs. Miami (Ohio)
Northwestern is a candidate for regression, it's hard to know when to trust the Wildcats, and Miami (Ohio) won the MAC last season.
Michigan (-21) vs. Fresno State
Fresno State's coaching staff was replaced at the last minute, and the defending champions once again displayed elite defense, a textbook setup for a dominating Week 1 win in Sherone Moore's official debut.
UCLA (-14) vs. Hawaii
UCLA begins its intense road season in Week 1, but the trip to Hawaii is less intimidating than some of the other trips awaiting the Bruins.
Washington (-27.5) vs. Weber State
Transfer QB Will Rogers gives Jedd Fisch a true veteran presence in Washington's transition to the Big Ten. The Huskies have plenty of question marks, but they should start strong in Week 1.
USC vs. LSU (-4.5) — Las Vegas
Can you imagine Lincoln Riley winning? It's fun to think about, but it's also unrealistic. This game will be hard fought, but the Tigers in Las Vegas will have the advantage.
Rutgers (vs. Howard), Purdue (vs. Indiana State) and Oregon (vs. Idaho) are not on the list.
