2024 College Football Picks: Week 0 Predictions for Every Game
Real, actual college football is back.
The flurry of the transfer portal and NFL draft declarations is well behind us. Spring practice and summer workouts are nothing but a memory, and fall camp is drifting into the calendar's rear-view mirror.
Because real, actual college football is here again.
Week 0 serves as the much-appreciated appetizer to the 2024 campaign, providing four spaced-out games and a long-awaited opportunity to block out a Saturday.
The headliner is also the first one: Florida State battles ACC counterpart Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland.
Let's get to the picks. Because, you guessed it, we're back.
No. 10 Florida State vs. Georgia Tech
1 of 4
When: Noon ET on ESPN (in Dublin, Ireland)
The revenge tour kicks off across the pond for Florida State—and brings a meaningful opponent right away.
Georgia Tech returns a bulk of its offense in 2024, led by dual-threat quarterback Haynes King. He'll probably make several turnover-worthy throws, and FSU's defense should capitalize on a couple of them. Still, his versatility is dangerous and figures to keep GT in the game.
Opening the season with a comfortable victory would be ideal for Florida State, of course. A resounding win would be reassuring as new quarterback DJ Uiagalelei takes command of a retooled offense.
Knowing the context of the tilt, however, a tight finish is reasonable. Besides, all ACC wins count the same.
Prediction: Florida State 27, Georgia Tech 20
Montana State at New Mexico
2 of 4
When: 4 p.m. ET on FS1
This isn't an ordinary FCS opener.
Last season, Montana State held a Top 10 ranking for the entire year. Its campaign ended with an overtime loss to North Dakota State, a longtime FCS power and eventual semifinalist in the playoffs.
New Mexico, meanwhile, is transitioning to the Bronco Mendenhall era following an 11-32 stretch under Danny Gonzales. The team's greatest issue in 2023 was a defense that struggled to stop much of anything, yielding 6.7 yards per play and 35.1 points per game.
Given that MSU boasts what might be the best FCS offense behind mobile QB Tommy Mellott, this is a bad matchup for New Mexico.
Prediction: Montana State 34, New Mexico 23
SMU at Nevada
3 of 4
When: 8 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network
The only defense worse than New Mexico last season? That inglorious honor belongs to Nevada.
So, yeah, speaking of bad matchups...
SMU exited the AAC with a trophy, winning the league championship—despite not having star QB Preston Stone for the title game, too. Nevertheless, he returns to lead the Mustangs' charge into a power conference after throwing for 3,197 yards at a sizzling 9.3 per attempt with 28 touchdowns to six interceptions.
In addition, every meaningful skill-position player is back around Stone. Seriously, we're talking three running backs, six wide receivers and a tight end. This is an exceedingly familiar group at now-ACC program SMU.
Nevada, well, good luck to you.
Prediction: SMU 45, Nevada 21
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Delaware State at Hawaii
4 of 4
When: 11:59 p.m. ET
In a total contrast to FCS contender Montana State, Delaware State is more of a typical lower-division matchup.
Last year, the Hornets went 1-10. They played FBS teams Army and Miami (Ohio), losing those outings 57-0 and 62-20, respectively. The preseason MEAC poll pegged Delaware State to finish last in the league.
That's the long version of saying Hawaii wins handily.
From a full-season perspective, defense is still a concern for the Rainbow Warriors. But in this contest, quarterback Brayden Schager should find plenty of explosive plays and minimize the impact of any defensive lapses.
Prediction: Hawaii 48, Delaware State 17
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