College Football is officially BACK today with an appetizer of games on this Week 0 slate, which means the Rock M Pick ‘Em returns!
The first game of the College Football season features a Top-25 matchup in Dublin, Ireland as No. 22 Iowa State takes on No. 17 Kansas State in a Big 12 battle. In a newly renovated stadium, the Jayhawks open their season against Fresno State in Lawrence. There’s also a Conference USA matchup as Western Kentucky hosts Sam Houston – and Stanford vs Hawaii round out Saturday’s
mini schedule.
Let’s make some Week 0 picks because why not? (odds presented by our partners at FanDuel Sportsbook).
No. 22 Iowa State vs No. 17 Kansas State (-3) (11:00 a.m. CST on ESPN)
Sammy Stava: What a way to open up the season. A Top-25 “Farmageddon” matchup? Sign me up. This is a tough one to predict, but in the end, Avery Johnson has the better QB player over Rocco Becht and Chris Klieman out-coaches Matt Campbell. Wildcats win and cover, 24-20.
True Deck: After returning play caller, Rocco Becht, and lead running back, Carson Hansen, I expect the Cyclones to pick up right where they left off their successful 2024 campaign. With the first upset of the season, I’ll take Iowa State to get the job done over Avery Johnson and the Wildcats, 28-21.
Matthew Gustafson: I can’t really think of a better way to start the season than “Farmageddon” in Dublin, Ireland. This should be a fun one, and it should be a close fought matchup, too. But when most other things are equal and it’s early in the season, I’m going to lean toward the team with lots of returning production. Give me Avery Johnson and the Wildcats over a revamped Iowa State secondary, 31-24.
Fresno State vs kansas (-12.5) (5:30 p.m. CST on FOX)
Sammy Stava: Mizzou fans will get to watch a little bit of kU before the September 6th matchup. I hate to admit it, but Missouri might have their hands full come Week 2. The Jayhawks have a talented offense led by Jalon Daniels and Daniel Hishaw Jr, and Lance Leipold is a pretty good coach.
kU wins this one comfortably against a Fresno State team picked to finish 5th in the Mountain West preseason poll. 38-21.
True Deck: Mizzou fans first look at kansas will be against a Fresno State team looking to bounce back from ‘bowl-less’ season. I expect Jalon Daniels to take care of business and I don’t think it will be close. kU fans haven’t seen a real home game since 2023 and I expect them to be rowdy. I’ll take kansas to cover in dominant fashion, 28-3.
Matthew Gustafson: I’m skeptical of the Jayhawks’ ability to compete at the top of the Big 12 this season, and the advanced metrics seem to agree: the Godfather Bill Connelly’s SP+ rating has them 48th in the nation, one spot behind Rutgers. But this is a team that will be amped up to play a true home game for the first time since 2023, and veteran starter Jalon Daniels will give the home team the advantage over a Fresno State squad that lost nearly 60% of its production from last season.
Daniels does has a penchant for turning the ball over, which I think will limit the margin of victory. Even so, I’ll take kU to win 35-24.
Sam Houston vs Western Kentucky (-10.5) (6:00 p.m. CST on CBS Sports Network)
Sammy Stava: Western Kentucky has become a pretty good Group of Five program, having gone to six straight bowl games under head coach Tyson Helton. Meanwhile, Sam Houston is only in their third season as an FBS program. I think the Hilltoppers win comfortably — especially at home. 31-20, WKU.
True Deck: Western Kentucky has 16 transfers listed as projected starters. Maverick McIvor is a gamble as he’s coming from three-straight seasons of FCS ball, but I think this offense will work; especially at home for the season opener. Give me the Hilltoppers to win and cover, 31-14.
Matthew Gustafson: Two of the top teams from last year’s CUSA meet up on Week 0 with dramatically different rosters from last season. Sam Houston State returns some of its top talent on offense, which would usually provide them with the advantage for me – but the Bearkats are practically starting from scratch on defense, while the McIvor could be the next quarterback for the Hilltoppers to go from FCS to Group of 5 stardom. Western Kentucky immediately establishes itself as a CUSA contender with a 38-21 victory.
Stanford vs Hawaii (-2.5) (6:30 p.m. CST on CBS)
Sammy Stava: Stanford was picked to finish last in the ACC. Hawaii was picked to finish 7th in the Mountain West. Give me the Rainbow Warriors especially at home. 17-13.
True Deck: After losing their play caller and sack leader from last season, I think the Rainbow Warriors will have a hard time this season finding rhythm. I’ll take Stanford to win outright, 28-20
Matthew Gustafson: Stanford’s offense looks pretty questionable, as the Cardinal will rely on lots of up transfers while facing a Hawai’i defense that returns the majority of its impact players and added some pieces in the portal. If the Rainbow Warriors’ season finale against New Mexico was any indication, Micah Alejado could be a lot of fun to watch at quarterback over the next few seasons. I’ll trust Timmy Chang’s development of the youngster over the offseason and take Hawai’i 27-21.
