College Football

2026 College Football Week 1 Best Bets: Back Bulldogs To Cruise

04 Sep 2026, 14:53 · FOX Sports

Why are we wasting time?

Let's dive into my best bets for Week 1 of the college football season.

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No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs

You will hear the stats all week, that Georgia coach Kirby Smart never covers these big spreads as a favorite. Smart is 0-15 against the spread in his career when favored by 38 or more points.

Well, all things come to an end at some point, and this might be the time Smart and Georgia break that streak.

Tennessee State will be overmatched to the point where Georgia might very well cover this number without even trying to do so. Tennessee State lost convincingly last year to the likes of UT Martin (by 19), Lindenwood (by 22) and Gardner Webb (by 16).

I like Georgia to finally end the run of failing to cover huge spreads.

Hill's Pick: Georgia -46.5

No. 24 Louisville Cardinals vs.

No. 7 Ole Miss Rebels

Another trend you will hear plenty of this week is Louisville coach Jeff Brohm’s prolific track record in his career as an underdog.

This one I’m buying into.

Louisville has a new quarterback in Ohio State transfer Lincoln Kienholz, an athletic runner who will give Ole Miss plenty to think about when trying to also defend Louisville running back Isaac Brown. Brown rushed for over 1,000 yards as a freshman in 2024, and was on pace to surpass that mark last year before injuries derailed his 2025 season.

Brown is back and healthy, and with all spring and summer to prepare, I will back Brohm, who is 27-15 in his career as an underdog.

Hill's Pick: Louisville +7

Wisconsin Badgers vs.

No. 4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Historic Lambeau Field hosts this Sunday night battle, as Notre Dame enters the season opener with high hopes and a loaded roster.

With future NFL players all over the field on both sides of the ball, I expect the Notre Dame defense to dominate and stifle what is a limited Wisconsin offense. With their sights setting on getting back to the College Football Playoff, look for Notre Dame to get a big lead then milk the clock in a game that stays under the total.

Hill's Pick: Under 47.5 Combined Points Scored

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