Week 1 Big Ten picks against the spread

Congratulations college football fans, we have made it through another long and grueling offseason without the sport we know and love. Well, this year’s version of football will look different, but rest assured that the action will still be intense.

New faces and locations will be the theme of the season with Jim Harbaugh and a large core of his national title-winning squad from Michigan heading to the NFL. The Big Ten also welcomes 4 West Coast programs, setting up a coast-to-coast league of epic proportions.

With 18 teams in the B1G, it sets up a slate of games like we’ve never seen before. Week 1 in the conference will stretch from Thursday through Sunday evening with a few marquee matchups and 18 games to kickstart the season.

All season, we’ll take a look at the weekly spreads and provide you with a pick for every game. It’s bound to get wild and crazy at some point along the way, and we’ll see if any B1G team winds up on upset alert in their season opener.

All lines featured via ESPN Bet.

Minnesota vs. North Carolina (-2)

Pick: Minnesota +2

Two programs with very different results in 2023, but each with new starting QBs entering the season. I probably lean toward the Tar Heels being the better team, but I also like Minnesota’s defense and getting this game at home. It will go down to the wire.

Illinois (-28) vs. Eastern Illinois

Pick: Illinois -28

Illinois returns starting QB Luke Altmyer and gets a great runway game vs. Eastern Illinois to open the season. Bret Bielema might pull his starters with a big lead, but there is a need to build as much cohesion early on that the starters may still be in the game in the 4th quarter, regardless of the likely blowout.

Michigan State (-14) vs. FAU

Pick: FAU +14

I don’t think Jonathan Smith loses his debut with Michigan State, but he is facing a veteran coach on the opposite sideline in Tom Herman. Aidan Chiles will settle in before long, I just think this one takes a while before the final outcome is secure.

Wisconsin (-23.5) vs. Western Michigan

Pick: Wisconsin -23.5

Western Michigan continues to trend the wrong way since PJ Fleck’s tenure and a few bright spots under Tim Lester. The Badgers’ offensive production probably is not indicative of what to expect against better competition, but it will be a fun debut for Tyler Van Dyke.

Penn State (-8.5) at West Virginia

Pick: Penn State -8.5

West Virginia is a quality opponent for Penn State. However, the Nittany Lions have all the makings of a team capable of competing for the B1G title and a trip to the new Playoff. Look for Andy Kotelnicki to display only a couple of wrinkles, but the defense will keep the Mountaineers in check throughout.

Iowa (-22.5) vs. Illinois State

Pick: Iowa -22.5

Iowa’s defense should have no issues in the opener. So, the pick ultimately boils down to whether Iowa’s offense can score 24+ points. Let’s hope they can, otherwise it’s not a great sign for the rest of the season.

Maryland (-20.5) vs. UConn

Pick: Maryland -20.5

The Terrapins are breaking in a new QB under Mike Locksley. However, UConn has been among the worst FBS programs in recent history. Maryland in a big win to start the year. (And be sure to visit Tradition’s best MD sportsbooks for the best offerings all season long.)

Ohio State (-49.5) vs. Akron

Pick: Ohio State -49.5

The number is massive, but Akron is 4-20 in 2 seasons of Joe Moorhead leading the program. The Buckeyes will play their 2nd and 3rd-string units, but the pick is a testament to the true depth in Columbus this year.

Indiana (-22) vs. Florida International

Pick: Indiana -22

Curt Cignetti steps into his first game at Indiana. He knows how to win, and FIU certainly knows how to lose. The Hoosiers roll in Week 1.

Nebraska (-27.5) vs. UTEP

Pick: Nebraska -27.5

Similar to the Iowa pick, this line boils down to Nebraska’s offense going up against a first-year coach at UTEP. Nebraska is adamant true freshman Dylan Raiola will get a full chance to make plays out of the gate, and I think the Huskers use the opportunity to get the starting offense more reps even in a big win.

Northwestern (-2.5) vs. Miami (Ohio)

Pick: Miami (OH) +2.5

Northwestern is a regression candidate. I’m not sure when to trust the Wildcats, and Miami (Ohio) won the MAC a season ago.

Michigan (-21) vs. Fresno State

Pick: Michigan -21

A late coaching change from Fresno State and another elite defense from the defending national champions. This one has the textbook makeup of a Week 1 blowout in Sherrone Moore’s official debut.

UCLA (-14) at Hawai’i

Pick: UCLA -14

UCLA begins its season of intense travel mileage in Week 1, but a trip to Hawai’i is a little less daunting than some of the others that await the Bruins.

Washington (-27.5) vs. Weber State

Pick: Washing -27.5

Transfer QB Will Rodgers gives Jedd Fisch a bona fide veteran to work with in Washington’s transition to the Big Ten. The Huskies have plenty of question marks, but they’ll hit the ground running in Week 1.

USC vs. LSU (-4.5) — Game in Las Vegas

Pick: LSU -4.5

Can you imagine if Lincoln Riley pulls off the win? It’s fun to think about. But it’s also unrealistic. Look for this one to be a shootout, but one that leans toward Brian Kelly’s Tigers in Vegas.

Rutgers (vs. Howard), Purdue (vs. Indiana State), Oregon (vs. Idaho) are unlisted.