Typically we don’t engage in college football’s “Week Zero”, but I found enough compelling matchups to go ahead & get this pigskin party started. Unfortunately, your humble Godfather of Cyberspace has been laid up (again) for reasons y’all don’t need or want to know about, which means I am focused on inconsequential diversions like football. Can I exceed last season’s record of 53-70?? Who knows?? Can Zach secure another season victory while also boosting his 56-67 mark?? Perhaps. We’ll see.  

North Carolina vs. TCU (-7.5)

A year ago the Horned Frogs annihilated the Tar Heels by a 34 point margin in Chapel Hill. UNC, under the guidance of (alleged) legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick, went on to finish 4-8. They’ve hired well-traveled Bobby Petrino to be the offensive coordinator and (hopefully) improve their 19.25 points/game, which was 120th nationally. TCU was 9-4, including an overtime victory over USC in the Alamo Bowl, and finished in the middle of the pack of a highly competitive Big 12. The game kicks off from Dublin, Ireland at noon on Saturday, and though it might be closer than last season, I think the favorites will handle their business. Zach doesn’t believe Belichick’s particular skillset translates well to college football.

My Pick: TCU

Zach’s Pick: TCU

North Carolina State at Virginia (-5.5)

I have high hopes that the Wolfpack, who were 8-5 and finished last season with a win over Memphis in the Gasparilla Bowl, can be even better this year. Quarterback CJ Bailey returns for his junior campaign after throwing for over 3100 yards & 25 touchdowns last year. His 68.8% completion rate ranked him 15th nationally in 2025. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers were 11-3, but lost the ACC title game in overtime. They return 65% of their production from last season and will have former Missouri QB Beau Pribula under center. NC State will win alot of games, but I don’t  think this will be one of them. Zach foresees a high scoring game and won’t be surprised if NC St. pulls off the upset.

My Pick: Virginia

Zach’s Pick: NC St.

New Mexico State at Florida State (-31.5) 

Mike Norvell enters his 7th season at the helm in Tallahassee, although I’m not sure why. Norvell is the Seminoles’ third coach since the legendary Bobby Bowden retired in 2009, but he has a collective record of 38-34. This is probably a crucial year for him…or atleast it should be. The Aggies were equally atrocious a season ago, finishing 4-8. Florida St.’s brand may have lost some cache in recent years, and I don’t know if they’ll be any more successful this season, but they’ll probably defend the home field with relative ease this weekend. The points make Zach a bit squeamish, but ultimately he’s leaning toward the favorites to cover.

My Pick: Florida St.

Zach’s Pick: Florida St.

Hawaii at Stanford (-4)

Stanford hasn’t been relevant in college football since QB Andrew Luck departed in 2011, and they haven’t had a winning season since 2018 (unless you want to give them credit for the Covid abbreviated 2020 campaign). Conversely, the Rainbows finished last season with a bowl victory and a 9-4 record. Hawaii defeated Stanford with a walkoff field goal in Honolulu a season ago, and I expect another competitive game Saturday night. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Hawaii

Zach’s Pick: Hawaii

Memphis at UNLV (-5.5)

The Tigers are a middle-of-the-pack AAC team that finished last season 9-4 and lost the Gasparilla Bowl. As a matter of fact, they ended the year on a four game losing skid. The Runnin’ Rebels finished atop the Mountain West last season, a conference that looks very different now after several teams departed to form a new Pac 12. UNLV was 10-4, but lost their final two games, including the Frisco Bowl. I used to love these kinds of games. It’s a 10pm kickoff, which means after all of the marquee matchups are over and the day seems to be done…BAM…more football. Now though, I’ll be fortunate to stay awake thru the 3rd quarter. At any rate, I believe the home team favorites will come out on top. Zach is anticipating yet another high scoring shootout, and he also likes the home team.

My Pick: UNLV

Zach’s Pick: UNLV