Idaho State vs. UNLV Early Odds, Picks & Prediction for Week 0: Aug. 23

We're expecting plenty of points from this FBS vs. FCS matchup in Las Vegas.

Mike Spector

Last Updated: August 18, 2025 9:25 AM EDT • 4 minute read

Idaho State vs. UNLV Early Odds, Picks & Prediction for Week 0: Aug. 23 — Pictured: Rebels running back Jai'Den Thomas (9) stiff arms as we break down Idaho State vs. UNLV early odds and picks. Photo by Kevin Neri/Statesman Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

It's an FCS vs. FBS Week 0 matchup to kick off the college football season, as UNLV hosts Idaho State at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

This line is off the board at several of the best sports betting sites because an FCS team is involved, but our Idaho State vs. UNLV early odds and picks compare the moneyline, point spread, and O/Us among those available. Be sure to check back at your preferred sportsbooks to see if any new lines pop up.

📈 Idaho State vs. UNLV early odds

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Idaho State vs. UNLV opening odds

Moneyline: Idaho State +890 / UNLV -1700
Spread: Idaho State +25.5 (-110) / UNLV -25.5 (-110)
Over/Under: Over 62.5 (-110) / Under 62.5 (-110)

Idaho State vs. UNLV odds analysis

While the point spread at BetMGM has remained firm at -25.5, FanDuel has fluctuated from as low as -21.5 on Aug. 2 to as high as -27.5 two days later. Sharps pounced on the +27.5, driving the number once again down to -23.5.

This will likely remain a “pros vs. joes” matchup, with UNLV continuing to receive the majority of the public action throughout the week. If the line ever got back to +27 or higher, I would pounce on Idaho State.

There is a one-point difference between the 62.5-point O/U at BetMGM and the 63.5 offered at FanDuel, but the line has not yet budged at either best sports betting app.

💰 Best Idaho State vs. UNLV early prediction: Week 0

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✅ Prediction: Over 62.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

📊 Best odds: -110 via BetMGM | Implied probability: 52.38%

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We missed the best number on both sides of the point spread thus far, and with the line settling at a passable number of -25.5, I am targeting the value in the total before it increases with my Idaho State vs. UNLV early predictions.

UNLV finished 36th in SP+ last season, the best in school history, with its offense ranking even higher at No. 31.

The Rebels have a ton of new faces running first-year head coach Dan Mullen’s system, which was previously successful at Mississippi State and Florida.

While Mullen might normally ease into a new season against an FCS team while not showing much of the playbook, I expect him to open it up as he still has an ongoing quarterback battle between Alex Orji (Michigan transfer) and Anthony Colandrea (Virginia transfer).

Seven of Idaho State’s games last season had a combined final score of 60-plus points. The Bengals should also do their part in the scoring after having the No. 1 passing offense among FCS teams in 2023 while bringing back quarterback Jordan Cooke, who was limited to one game last year due to injury.

🚑 Idaho State vs. UNLV injuries to watch

📺 How to watch Idaho State vs. UNLV

When: Saturday, Aug. 23
Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET
Where: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)
How to watch: Mountain West Network
Weather: Indoors
Favorite: UNLV -25.5 (-110 via BetMGM)

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Written by:
Mike Spector

Mike started in the sports writing industry in July 2019, and gained a lot of followers in his first year after finishing with the No. 2 overall record in an annual NFL betting competition, which made picks against the spread, and from an Over/Under and moneyline perspective. Mike is an avid fan of the NFL, MLB, tennis, and all college sports. In his opinion, March Madness is the best sporting event there is, and he's especially euphoric starting with conference tournament time in college basketball. Mike's a big advocate of "fading the public" and making plays that are contrarian, constantly citing that "there are reasons why they have those big shiny buildings in Las Vegas." When making wagers, Mike always scours the best odds at all of the major sports betting sites, where he mostly sifts through DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and bet365. He's tried several others and is of the firm belief that bettors should not just stick to one sportsbook, as there is always likely better value to be had with the same wager. In addition, while Mike received his undergraduate degree from Villanova University, he has no issue betting against the Wildcats when it comes to college basketball wagering, and suggests other bettors should always put their “head” before their “hearts.”