College Football Weekend Highlights and Picks

The first full Saturday of college football has wrapped up. It’s great that college football is back, although my picks didn’t fare well. Luckily, today brings Sunday football, and the NFL season starts next week. I have insights for two key games today.

Louisville vs. Ole Miss

This is the marquee game of the day. It is the only matchup involving two ranked teams. Louisville aims to build on last year’s 9-4 season, which ended with a win over Toledo in the Boca Raton Bowl. The team added eight transfers on offense. This could mean fresh talent, but also potential confusion. Their defense features five new transfers.

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss celebrates a play during a recent bowl game in Arizona.

Ole Miss enters the season with a change at the helm. Lane Kiffin left for LSU, and Pete Golding steps in as head coach. The Rebels also saw transfers fill some spots, yet they maintain stability with Trinidad Chambliss as quarterback. While their offense keeps somewhat consistent faces, their defense only has four returning starters. Expect some initial challenges in their defense.

This game promises excitement. Louisville’s new offense faces Ole Miss’s new defense. Meanwhile, Chambliss, a proven quarterback, opposes a mostly consistent defense. Both teams are adjusting to a new system. The game may lean towards lower scores, so taking the under at 55.5 seems wise.

Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame

This matchup might not be as tight but is still intriguing. Wisconsin is not a powerhouse currently. The team went 4-8 last season against a tough schedule. They’ll start the season with five new transfers on offense, covering key positions like quarterback and running back.

Notre Dame is expected to perform strongly. Playing an independent schedule, they have flexibility in opponents. CJ Carr leads the team after a successful 10-2 record last year. The season’s schedule appears manageable, with Miami being their toughest challenge. Aneyas Williams steps into the backfield role after performing decently last year.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman reacts during a game last season.

Although Notre Dame seems superior, I’m taking Wisconsin with +20.5 points. The game is played at Lambeau Field in Wisconsin, which benefits the Badgers. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has struggled early in the season, with a 3-5 record in the opening weeks over his tenure, including losses in two recent season openers.

For additional sports betting insights, follow David on Twitter: @futureprez2024.