Montana State Bobcats at New Mexico Lobos

Saturday, August 24
1:00 pm PT, FS1

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Montana State -13.5
Over/Under Points Total: 54.5

The Bronco Mendenhall era gets underway For the Lobos with FCS powerhouse Montana State.

New Mexico opening as an 11-and-a-half-point dog at home against an FBS program tells you everything you need to know about the state of the Lobos and their opponent.

The Bobcats are good and if the spread didn’t give that away, their 32-9 record over the last four seasons should. UNM needs this one to set the tone for Mendenhall’s debut season and help jumpstart the rebuild.

Montana State wins if…The Bobcats run the football successfully. Typically in FBS vs. FCS matchups, the team from the higher division controls the line of scrimmage, but that may not be the case in this one.

Last season MSU ran 7.3 yards per carry and almost 300 yards per game.

New Mexico wins if…The Lobos force some turnovers in addition to stopping the run. Montana State only turned it over seven times last season. If the Lobos create takeaways, they have a shot at an upset in their home opener.

—My Picks—
Against the spread: Montana State
Points Total: Under
Outright Winner: Montana State

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SMU Mustangs at Nevada Wolf Pack

Saturday, August 24
5:00 pm PT, CBS Sports

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: SMU -26.5
Over/Under Points Total: 55.5

The Wolf Pack is just 1-6 against the spread as a home underdog since 2022 and they are certainly a home dog and then some in the debut of the Jeff Choate era.

They’re looking to create momentum with the new staff and if they can pull off an upset in this one the narrative of the entire season changes.

SMU is kicking off their run in the ACC and the Mustangs want to prove they belong. With a loaded offense featuring plenty of returners, SMU expects to be a player in the ACC race this season.

This one is a tone-setter for both teams.

SMU wins if…The Mustangs play their game. The talent level is vast and SMU should flex their muscles early and often. Early in the season, defenses are normally ahead of offenses.

SMU was 9th in the nation in scoring in 2023. The Mustangs should light up the scoreboard, but if a few early drives stall, there is no need to push the panic button.

Nevada wins if…The Wolf Pack can make SMU one-dimensional, or at least, they could have a chance. Last season Nevada ranked 125th in the nation in total defense and equally as bad against the run and pass.

SMU’s offense is explosive and last season, while they ran very well, the run game was not quite as potent as the passing game. If Nevada can take away the SMU air attack, they could stay in this one.  (Easier said than done.)

—My Picks—
Against the spread: SMU
Points Total: Under
Outright Winner: SMU

Delaware State Hornets at Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors

Saturday, August 24
9:00 pm PT, Spectrum

BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Hawaii -40.5
Over/Under Points Total: 55.5

Hawaii has lost three straight season openers and is looking to go 1-0 for the first time under Timmy Chang. The Warriors have won 20 consecutive games against FCS opponents by an average of 25.9 points per game.

This is a chance for UH to get some positive momentum ahead of a season loaded with excitement and optimism.

Delaware State wins if…Hell freezes over. Frankly, I don’t think there is any way they can. The Hornets were 1-10 last season with the lone win over Division III Virginia University of Lynchburg.

DSU lost by an average of 49.5 points in their two against FBS opponents in 2023.

But the Hornets allowed just under 200 yards passing per game in 2023, ranking 40th in the FCS. So, slow down Hawaii in the passing game, and maybe—then again, no.

Hawai’i wins if…The Warriors suit up. Hawaii should have no trouble with the Hornets and the only thing that could derail them would be a slew of turnovers and penalties.

So, take care of the ball and the Warriors should be able to score points as often as they would like to.

—My Picks—
Against the spread: Hawai’i
Point Total: Over
Outright Winner: Hawai’i