Skip to main content

We're just under 100 days to go before the 2023 college football season officially kicks off, but it's never too early to get a look at how the wise guys are projecting the bigger games on the schedule, in particular some of the more intriguing Week 1 matchups.

And before then, on the Week 0 schedule at the end of August which brings us two notable games with high-profile teams, as Notre Dame takes on rival Navy from Dublin and USC welcome San Jose State to the Coliseum.

Deion Sanders gets a huge early test out of the gate as a very new-look Colorado team goes on the road to College Football Playoff runner-up TCU in Week 1 while the Carolinas will renew their rivalry in Charlotte in an SEC-ACC showdown between the Tar Heels and Gamecocks.

College football game odds, lines for early 2023 schedule

Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Chris Tyree on a carry during a college football game.

Odds via DraftKings

Notre Dame (-21) vs. Navy. No more Tommy Rees calling plays for the Irish, but transfer quarterback Sam Hartman figures to give this offense a major upgrade throwing the ball while playing behind one of college football's best lines and aided by some of the nation's better running back talent in a potential Week 0 statement game.

San Jose State at USC (-29.5). Our first glance at a hopefully-improved USC defense whose missed tackles and general lack of coordination doomed this team when a College Football Playoff berth was in sight last postseason, while reigning Heisman quarterback Caleb Williams sets off on his final year loaded once again with elite, game-breaking skill talent.

Nebraska at Minnesota (-7.5). Matt Rhule has done all the right things so far in his debut offseason with the Cornhuskers, but with a key first test on the road against a Gophers team that lost important playmakers on offense but is still getting attention as a credible West Division contender this season.

Florida at Utah (-9.5). One of the better Week 1 games pits the two-time defending Pac-12 champs against a traditional SEC power still trying to find an answer at the quarterback position. Utah lost a lot to the draft, but retains veteran experience on defense and offensive line, keeps quarterback Cameron Rising, and brings on transfer wide receiver Mycah Pittman. Plus it has a home-field advantage here.

Colorado at TCU (-20.5). Quite a line for the Horned Frogs and revealing that, despite Deion Sanders' highly-publicized transfer portal strategy, there isn't a ton of faith in the Buffaloes, at least not yet. Here's a chance to make a good first impression against the College Football Playoff runner-up that lost key contributors but also brought on some important players in the portal itself.

South Carolina vs. North Carolina (-1.5). A narrow margin in favor of the Tar Heels, who return one of college football's premier quarterbacks in Drake Maye, but have a lot of work to do surrounding him with better play at receiver and when rushing the passer. Spencer Rattler is back for the 'Cocks, a team that lost major talent to the portal but also brought on tight end Trey Knox to give Rattler a target.

Tennessee (-27) vs. Virginia. Big Orange begins its quest to prove it wasn't a one-year wonder after losing much of what was college football's No. 1 ranked offense, with Joe Milton stepping in at quarterback, flanked by two productive rushers, but the Vols need better secondary play to make a run at the SEC East, starting with a neutral site game in Nashville against an ACC foe that's trending down.

MTSU at Alabama (-37). A customarily big line for the Crimson Tide in the opener, an early chance to see what Nick Saban's new coordinators are up to as they make replacements at quarterback and in the secondary. Alabama returns respectable depth and skill in the corners, at receiver, and running back, and should be better protecting the QB. The addition of Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner to the rotation makes things interesting, though no one in that room has a ton of experience to draw from.

LSU (-2) vs. Florida State. Last year's edition of this season opener came down to one point and the last second on the clock and this year's matchup looks to be close, too. LSU, the surprise SEC West champs, returns the bulk of last season's roster on offense and features some dominant defensive talent combined with an elite transfer class. Florida State won 10 games last fall and also brings back most of its gifted group, led by quarterback Jordan Travis, edge rusher Jared Verse, and some blue-chip transfers on both sides of the ball.


More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | All Teams

Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Picks