Though college football fans will have to wait until Saturday for the start of the FBS season, the Week 0 action begins a couple of days prior on Thursday night in the FCS.
In the early block of games, a top-10 team in the preseason rankings makes its debut as No. 9 Youngstown State hosts a Mercyhurst squad that is still ineligible for both the NEC title and the playoffs as it enters the third year of its transition up from Division II.
This game has some intrigue as former Lakers coach Ryan Riemedio left to become the Penguins' defensive coordinator this offseason. Mercyhurst promoted 31-year-old offensive coordinator Thomas Sydeski to replace him, and this will mark his head coaching debut.
If you are looking for some betting advice for the matchup,
we've got you covered. Here are the latest odds for the game, courtesy of BetMGM.
Youngstown State vs. Mercyhurst game odds
All college football odds via BetMGM
- Spread: YSU -30 (-110), Mercyhurst +30 (-110)
- Money Line: YSU -10000, Mercyhurst +3300
- Over-Under: Over 57.5 (-110), Under 57.5 (-110)
Youngstown State vs. Mercyhurst prediction, pick:
Youngstown State likely enters the year with a chip on its shoulder after blowing a 28-point lead in a first-round playoff loss against Yale. This should be a contender to make a run this year, though, with five returning all-conference players headlined by Walter Payton Award-winning quarterback Beau Brungard.
Mercyhurst has been middling in the first two years of its transition, improving its record from 4-7 in 2024 to 5-7 in 2025. Its defense struggled last season, as did Youngstown State's, so the question here will be how much Riemedio and his knowledge of his former squad will help him here.
The Lakers suffered some blowout losses last year, but they also kept it within three touchdowns against multiple ranked teams, including eventual national champion Montana State. They can cover this massive spread.
Prediction: Youngstown State 45, Mercyhurst 20
Best Bet: Mercyhurst +30, Over 57.5
Youngstown State vs. Mercyhurst, start time, streaming:
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Live Stream: ESPN+
Stream Youngstown State vs. Mercyhurst on ESPN+
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Youngstown State vs. Mercyhurst: Week 0 Betting Odds, Prediction
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