Big Ten Predictions, Odds & Best Bets Week 1

Making Big Ten predictions starts and ends with Ohio State and Oregon this season, despite Michigan winning it all last year.

But the Wolverines, who aren't among the favorites by the college football championship odds, have one of the conference's most interesting Week 1 matchups.

While there are far bigger games to focus on with college football predictions for Week 1, Michigan is among three Big Ten programs that have exploitable situations against Group of Five teams.

Unlike the Wolverines, Maryland and Nebraska aren't sniffing the College Football Playoff odds entering the season, but both teams are poised for big opening performances.

Could a true freshman have his breakout game in the Cornhuskers season opener? Our best college football betting sites certainly think so.

Big Ten best bets: Week 1

College football odds as of Friday and subject to change. Track the college football scores for the latest line movement and matchup info.

• Roman Hemby 2+ TDs (+290 via DraftKings) vs. UConn  ⭐⭐⭐
• Dylan Raiola Over 1.5 passing TDs (-130 via bet365) vs. UTEP  ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Donovan Edwards Over 11.5 receiving yards (-115 via bet365) vs. Fresno State  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best Big Ten predictions this week

College football picks made Friday; odds subject to change.

Roman Hemby 2+ TDs (+290) ⭐⭐⭐

Maybe the ghost in Jim Mora's house is to blame, but UConn fell off a cliff in Year 2 under the former UCLA head coach. The Huskies were 96th in SP+ on defense and were 100th in the country in points allowed (29.8).

Unless Dan Hurley decides to coach the football team, too, things aren't going to get better - the Huskies are 86th in returning production. That opens the door for a big offensive performance from the Terrapins' top running back.

Though banged up last year, Hemby can expect to be the focal point on offense this season with Taulia Tagovailoa gone. He enters this weekend with 20 career touchdowns, and if he adds two more against UConn, a $10 bet pays a $29 profit.

Best odds: +290 via DraftKings | Implied probability: 25.64%

Bet $5, Get $150 + $1K Deposit Bonus

Terms and conditions apply.

Claim $150

Dylan Raiola Over 1.5 passing TDs (-130) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Betting on a true freshman quarterback to throw two touchdowns in his first collegiate game might seem a little crazy. But Raiola is the savior the people of Lincoln have been waiting for two decades to arrive.

A five-star recruit, Raiola chose Nebraska over Georgia and walks into a surprisingly promising situation in Matt Rhule's second season. The Cornhuskers landed Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor in the transfer portal, both of whom have over 1,000 career receiving yards.

Raiola also gets the benefit of playing a UTEP defense that was 101st in SP+ last year and allowed five passing touchdowns in its two games against Power Five teams. If Raiola hits the Over, a $10 bet pays a $7.69 profit.

Best odds: -130 via bet365 | Implied probability: 56.52%

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose*

*Deposit required. Mobile app only. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Claim Now

Donovan Edwards Over 11.5 receiving yards (-115) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Very little is the same with Michigan's offense after winning the national title last season. One piece that's back is running back Donovan Edwards, who's featured on the cover of EA Sports College Football 25 because everyone's expecting a huge year.

The former blue-chip recruit bided his time behind Blake Corum the last three years but was frequently featured in the passing game. Edwards was fourth on the team in receiving yards last year (249) and ranked top 20 in the country among running backs in yards per route run (1.52), per PFF. 

After topping 11.5 receiving yards in eight of 15 games last year as a backup, I expect him to clear it with ease against a Fresno State defense that was 79th in SP+. If he does, a $10 bet pays an $8.70 profit.

Best odds: -115 via bet365 | Implied probability: 53.49%

College football betting odds pages

Here are our best college football betting sites:

• Caesars Promo Code: SBRBONUSDYW | Read our Caesars Review
• BetMGM Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetMGM Review
• bet365 Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our bet365 Review
• FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
• DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review

(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
* Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.

Not intended for use in MA.
Each betting site featured on SBR has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission

Related pages

• Best Sports Betting Sites | Best Sportsbook Promos (U.S. only)