College Football Predictions Week 1 – Best Bets for Aug. 30

By Brady Trettenero in College Football
Published:

- Week 1 college football brings a monstrous slate with several primetime matchups
- The best CFB betting value often hides in games the public overlooks
- See below for my three best college football predictions for Week 1 action on August 30
Saturday’s Week 1 college football slate features monster games like Texas-Ohio State and LSU-Clemson that will dominate the headlines. But the best betting value rarely comes from those primetime showdowns. Sportsbooks spend countless hours perfecting those lines, leaving little room for error.
The real opportunities hide in college football games that most people ignore. That’s where books get lazy, and sharp bettors find edges. Today’s huge slate on August 30 delivers plenty of these spots if you know where to look.
From all the Week 1 CFB matchups, three games jump off the page with legitimate betting value. Let’s break down my top college football predictions for Saturday’s action.
Week 1 College Football Predictions – Best Bets for Aug. 30
All Week 1 college football odds as of Aug. 30 from FanDuel, Caesars and BetMGM. Browse available Week 1 college football betting apps to make a bet of your own.
- BETMGM SPORTSBOOK
USE CODE SBD1500 & GET $1,500 BACK IN BONUS BETS
- BET365 SPORTSBOOK
BET $5 & GET $200 IN BONUS BETS WITH CODE DIME365
- FANATICS SPORTSBOOK
BET & GET UP TO $1,000 IN FANCASH!
- DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK
BET $5 & GET $300 IN BONUS BETS INSTANTLY + OVER $200 OFF NFL SUNDAY TICKET!
- FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK
BET $5 & GET $300 IF YOUR BET WINS
- CAESARS SPORTSBOOK
USE CODE SBD20X & BET $1 TO DOUBLE THE WINNINGS ON YOUR FIRST 20 WAGERS!
DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK T&Cs: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS).
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, KS, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY); (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA); (877) 8-HOPENY (NY); 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ); (888) 789-7777 (CT); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN); mdgamblinghelp.org (MD); morethanagame.nc.gov (NC); 1800gambler.net (WV)
Week 1 College Football Prediction #1: Purdue -17.5
Forget everything you know about Purdue football. Barry Odom’s arrival changed the entire program, bringing in 51 transfers. That’s the most in FBS and represents a complete roster overhaul, not just minor tweaks.
Ryan Browne showed his potential last season when he torched then-No. 23 Illinois in his first college start. He threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 118 more on the road against a ranked team. That’s a pretty impressive debut for any quarterback.
Odom’s confidence stands out heading into Week 1. He cut training camp short by two days to focus on Ball State prep. When asked about his team’s progress, he said they’re “about where I expected us to be” and “getting close to game ready.” That sounds like a coach who knows his team can handle business.
Ball State’s defense struggled mightily last season. The Cardinals ranked 125th in yards allowed, 132nd in points allowed, and dead last with 85 explosive plays given up. Those numbers don’t suggest they’re ready to slow down a motivated Purdue squad in their opener.
New Ball State coach Mike Uremovich admitted his team is “still learning how to practice” and working on tempo. That’s not what you want to hear when you’re catching nearly three touchdowns on the road. Ross-Ade Stadium will be packed with 65,000 fans desperate for something positive after last year’s 1-11 disaster.
The public’s all over Purdue with 71% of bets backing the Boilermakers to cover. While fading the public often works, I’m following the money given Purdue’s advantages in coaching, talent, and home field for their season opener.
- Best Bet: Purdue -17.5 (-105) at FanDuel

Week 1 College Football Prediction #2: Tulane/Northwestern Under 46
New Orleans weather on August 30 will be rough for both teams. The forecast shows 83 degrees with a 76% chance of rain and humidity that pushes the heat index near 100. Wet conditions typically favor unders, especially in season openers.
Northwestern’s offense was terrible last season, ranking 128th out of 134 FBS teams with just 17.8 points per game. They converted red zone trips into touchdowns just 39.5% of the time. Even with Preston Stone upgrading the quarterback position, he’s working behind a rebuilt offensive line with inexperienced receivers.
Tulane’s quarterback situation remains unsettled heading into game day. Coach Jon Sumrall says he’ll name his starter “at 10:59 a.m. on game day” between Jake Retzlaff and Brendan Sullivan. Retzlaff only joined the team in late July after getting dismissed from BYU. That’s barely enough time to learn the playbook, much less develop timing with receivers.
Both defenses should control this game. Tulane allowed just 20.6 points per game last season, ranking 24th nationally. They return eight starters, including All-AAC linebacker Sam Howard, who recorded 53 tackles and forced five fumbles. Northwestern’s defense kept them in games all season despite their offensive struggles.
Home favorites in Week 1 have gone under 55% of the time since 2018. The combination of weather issues, quarterback uncertainty, and defensive strength points toward a low-scoring affair in the Big Easy.
Both teams lost key offensive pieces to the portal. Tulane’s leading rusher Makhi Hughes transferred to Oregon while four of their top five receivers left. Northwestern couldn’t score with experienced players last year. New personnel in Week 1 rarely produces offensive fireworks.
- Best Bet: Tulane/Northwestern Under 46 (-110) at Caesars
Week 1 College Football Prediction #3: Hawaii/Arizona Over 53.5
Hawaii’s passing attack could be the best you’ve never heard of. The Rainbow Warriors averaged 268.2 passing yards per game last season, but the real story is their efficiency. Their receivers caught 22.0 passes per game, the best mark in all of college football. They were targeted 36.9 times per game and completed 70% of passes on third-and-long.
Arizona’s defense matches up poorly with this aerial assault. The Wildcats allowed 239.0 passing yards per game last season, fifth-worst in the Big 12. They gave up 31.8 points per game while their offense managed just 21.8. Those numbers suggest plenty of scoring opportunities for both teams.
Fresh off their 23-20 win over Stanford, Hawaii quarterback Micah Alejado brings momentum into Tucson. Even in that defensive battle, Hawaii moved the ball through the air consistently. Against Arizona’s struggling secondary, the Rainbow Warriors should find much more success.
Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita doubled his interception total from 2023 to 2024. More turnovers typically lead to shorter fields and additional scoring chances. Hawaii’s quick-strike passing game can capitalize on any extra possessions.
The spread tells the story here. Arizona is favored by 17.5 points, which means they’ll need to keep scoring throughout. Hawaii showed against Stanford they won’t quit. If the Warriors stay within striking distance early, both teams will need to keep pushing for points.
The last meeting between these teams produced 83 total points in Hawaii’s 45-38 victory. While the rosters have changed, both programs still feature the offensive firepower to light up the scoreboard. This total of 53.5 looks low when you consider Hawaii’s elite passing game facing Arizona’s vulnerable pass defense.
- Best Bet: Hawaii/Arizona Over 53.5 (-110) at FanDuel
- BETMGM SPORTSBOOK
USE CODE SBD1500 & GET $1,500 BACK IN BONUS BETS
- BET365 SPORTSBOOK
BET $5 & GET $200 IN BONUS BETS WITH CODE DIME365
- FANATICS SPORTSBOOK
BET & GET UP TO $1,000 IN FANCASH!
- DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK
BET $5 & GET $300 IN BONUS BETS INSTANTLY + OVER $200 OFF NFL SUNDAY TICKET!
- FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK
BET $5 & GET $300 IF YOUR BET WINS
- CAESARS SPORTSBOOK
USE CODE SBD20X & BET $1 TO DOUBLE THE WINNINGS ON YOUR FIRST 20 WAGERS!
DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK T&Cs: GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS).
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, KS, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY); (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA); (877) 8-HOPENY (NY); 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ); (888) 789-7777 (CT); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN); mdgamblinghelp.org (MD); morethanagame.nc.gov (NC); 1800gambler.net (WV)

Lead NHL & NCAAF Editor
Brady is the lead NHL and College Football editor at Sports Betting Dime, where he specializes in betting odds and data-driven analysis. Brady has over 10 years experience working in sports media, with work published by outlets such as ESPN, CBS Sports, Yahoo! Sports and Fox Sports.