Andy Staples picks Week 1 College Football games against the spread

Week 1 is upon us. At long last, the college football season will start in full with multiple marquee matchups across the Labor Day weekend.

To mark the occasion, On3’s Andy Staples and The Athletic’s Ari Wasserman logged their picks against the spread for the biggest games of the week on Andy Staples On3 Thursday night.

Games got underway Thursday, so Staples and Wasserman’s picks were for the rest of the week — including the highly anticipated rematch between LSU and Florida State on Sunday. Here’s who they picked against the spread for what’s sure to be an exciting weekend.

Miami (FL) vs. Miami (OH)

The pick: Miami (FL) -16.5

The Hurricanes are trying to bounce back from a rough first year under Mario Cristobal, and that quest starts against Miami (OH) on Friday. Both Staples argued Miami (FL) could pull it off considering the chip on its shoulder with Tyler Van Dyke back at quarterback and took the ‘Canes to cover.

Louisville vs. Georgia Tech

The pick: Louisville -7

With Jeff Brohm back at his alma mater, the Cardinals were one of the big winners in the transfer portal as they brought in the top transfer class, according to the On3 College Football Team Transfer Portal Rankings. With Haynes King and Georgia Tech to start the season, Staples and Wasserman chose Louisville to cover the spread and get a big first victory.

East Carolina vs. Michigan

The pick: Michigan -36

That spread is a huge number, especially considering Jesse Minter will be on the sidelines as acting head coach. But Wasserman argued Michigan will be too much for East Carolina to handle and took the Wolverines to “steamroll” the Pirates even without Jim Harbaugh.

Virginia vs. Tennessee

The pick: Tennessee -28

All eyes are on Joe Milton and the Tennessee offense this season, and he’ll have a chance to make a strong first impression against Virginia. Both Staples and Wasserman took the Vols to cover the 28-point spread — even if Milton throws a few passes over his receivers’ heads.

Colorado vs. TCU

The pick: TCU -20.5

Colorado is a big mystery this season after Deion Sanders orchestrated an all-time roster turnover. That’s a big reason why Wasserman felt TCU would be the play with the 20.5-spread as the Horned Frogs look to build off last year’s national title game run.

Utah State vs. Iowa

The pick: Iowa -24

The Hawkeyes offense was, understandably, a big talking point as Brian Ferentz has an interesting new clause in his contract and Cade McNamara is now in as quarterback — if he’s healthy, that is. Still, Staples chose Iowa to cover the 24-point spread against Utah State as the quest for 25 points per game begins.

Texas vs. Rice

The pick: Texas -35

With a uniquely familiar foe in JT Daniels coming to Austin for the third time, Texas is a heavy favorite in what could be a special season for Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns. It’s a big number, but Staples is rocking with Quinn Ewers and the high-powered offense to get off to a fast start to the season.

Alabama vs. Middle Tennessee State

The pick: Middle Tennessee State +39

There’s perhaps no bigger unknown in college football this year than the Alabama quarterback situation — even though Nick Saban said he knows who the starter will be. That’s a big reason why Staples feels Middle Tennessee will wind up covering that 39-point spread as an underdog even though the Crimson Tide will likely win the game handily.

Ohio State vs. Indiana

Andy’s pick: Ohio State -30
Ari’s pick: Indiana +30

Ohio State also faces question marks at quarterback even despite naming Kyle McCord the starter for the season opener against Indiana. Ryan Day said both McCord and Devin Brown will play in the game, which is why Wasserman said the Hoosiers could cover the spread. However, Staples argued the Buckeyes have enough firepower to cover even despite the question marks under center.

Boise State vs. Washington

The pick: Boise State +14

Kalen DeBoer turned in one of the nation’s top coaching jobs a year ago, turning Michael Penix Jr. into a Heisman Trophy contender at Washington. But Boise State could be a 10-win team this season, which is why Staples and Wasserman agreed 14 points is too much for the Huskies to cover.

UTSA vs. Houston

Andy’s pick: UTSA -2
Ari’s pick: Houston +2

Houston vs. UTSA is one of the more intriguing matchups as the Cougars get ready for their first Big 12 season. Staples is rolling with the Roadrunners to cover, but Wasserman chose the Cougars to cover that 2-point spread — although UH’s sweet retro uniforms played a role in that decision.

Penn State vs. West Virginia

Andy’s pick: West Virginia +20.5
Ari’s pick: Penn State -20.5

It feels like James Franklin has been talking about the opener against West Virginia since the Rose Bowl, but it’s finally arrived as the Nittany Lions look to wreak havoc in the Big Ten East. Wasserman thinks Penn State will cover the 20.5-point spread against a WVU team fighting for its life, but Staples is rolling with “YOLO Neal Brown” to cover as he tries to hold onto his job.

South Carolina vs. North Carolina

Andy’s picks: South Carolina +2.5, over 64.5
Ari’s picks: North Carolina -2.5

A rematch of the 2022 Mayo Bowl awaits this weekend as North Carolina and South Carolina square off in Charlotte. There’s sure to be no shortage of offense in the game, which is why Staples is picking the over and the Gamecocks to cover. However, Wasserman thinks Drake Maye and the Tar Heels will find a way to knock off Shane Beamer and South Carolina by more than three points.

LSU vs. Florida State

Andy’s picks: Florida State +2.5, over 56.5
Ari’s pick: Florida State +2.5

Perhaps the biggest game of the weekend is coming up Sunday as two possible College Football Playoff contenders square off. Staples thinks Florida State vs. LSU could be a display of offense as he takes the over 56.5, but both he and Wasserman agree the Seminoles will cover the 2.5-point spread.