Xing Cai
The 2022 college football regular season is here! And we’ve busted out the best 2022 NCAA football picks in Week 1 just for the occasion!
This year, the first set of action will take place on Thursday, September 1. The schedule-makers, meanwhile, wasted little time in delivering us a collection of hallmark games. From Notre Dame vs. Ohio State to the Cincinnati vs. Arkansas showdown, Week 1 is teeming with intriguing matchups featuring a pair of powerhouses.
Like usual, our best college football bets will take into account a mix of both opportunity and value. We may include some heavy favorites that pay out -2700 or something if we feel strongly enough, but we’re also looking to capitalize on situations in which you can make even money or better.
Before we move any further, here are the latest Week 1 NCAA football betting odds, which come courtesy of Bovada, one of the best college football betting sites in 2022:
| Favorite |  | | Underdog |
| Alabama | -2700 | +1200 | Utah State |
| Clemson | -1700 | +890 | Georgia Tech |
| Ohio State | -750 | +520 | Notre Dame |
| Georiga | -900 | +590 | Oregon |
| Utah | -154 | +128 | Florida |
| Michigan | -7000 | +1600 | Colorado State |
| Arkansas | -235 | +190 | Cincinnati |
| Oklahoma | -100000 | +3000 | UTEP |
| Ole Miss | -2800 | +1000 | Troy |
| BYU | -465 | +350 | USF |
| Houston | -192 | +158 | UTSA |
| Michigan State | -1800 | +980 | WMU |
| Oklahoma State | -1700 | +890 | CMU |
| Penn State | -182 | +150 | Purdue |
| Pittsburgh | -295 | +235 | WVU |
Always make sure you’re double-checking these 2022 betting lines for NCAA football. Although single-game odds don’t tend to move too much, they are subject to shift right up until opening kickoff. Given that our 2022 NCAA football picks are accurate entering Tuesday, August 30, you’ll want to review odds on college football if you’re placing bets anytime after that.
If you still need a home for all of your 2022 NCAA football betting, please be sure to check out our reviews of all the best online betting sites. From Bovada and BetOnline to Sportsbetting.ag and Xbet, we’ve compiled all the information you need to make an informed decision and begin making your NCAA football picks today.
Alabama is the Easiest Bet Among Week 1 2022 NCAA Football Picks
No, the potential return on an Alabama victory is not lucrative by any stretch, but this matchup with Utah State profiles as free money. Sportsbooks will eventually pull it and force you to bet on the point spread (41.5 at this writing!) or over/under, so we recommend pouncing on the line now.
And if you’re at all nervous, here’s some advice: Don’t be. Alabama adequately stocked up on offense this season using the transfer portal. This is a great bound-to-win line you should consider pairing with other picks as part of a larger parlay play.
MTS Prediction: Alabama (-2700)
Cincinnati has the Chance to Upset Arkansas in a Big Way
There is some risk when investing in Cincinnati here. Arkansas has a wealth of big-play potential at their disposal.
However, we feel like oddsmakers and analysts are too far down on Cincinnati overall. Last year’s team went 13-1 while beating opponents by an average of nearly three touchdowns, and this year’s squad includes most of the members from the almost-perfect-season core.
Maybe some people feel like the defense in the secondary and in the middle of the field will regress. We don’t. As such, we love the Bearcats’ upset potential for this batch of 2022 NCAA football picks.
MTS Prediction: Cincinnati (+190)
Does Notre Dame Stand a Chance Against Ohio State?
Most college football polls have Notre Dame checking in as a top-five team this year. That often implies an easy win in Week 1.
But this round of 2022 NCAA football picks will not be so kind to the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame is beginning their season against the Ohio State Buckeyes, who are universally considered one of the two best teams in college football.
Make no mistakes, on their best nights, the Fighting Irish have the defensive know-how to contend with anyone. But there remains a glaring lack of uncertainty at quarterback, and Ohio State’s own offense continues to be piloted by C.J. Stroud and his downfield passing acumen.
MTS Prediction: Ohio State (-750)
Should Penn State be Favored vs. Purdue in Week 1?
In the grander scheme of this season, we’re not all that high on Penn State. Their run game projects to be shallower this year, and they have holes on the offensive line to boot. On top of that, the rock-star defense from last season is now saddled with incorporating a bunch of new underclassmen after they lost a ton of vets.
For this matchup specifically, though, we’re not worried. Purdue is vulnerable to chance-taking offenses with a steadying arm under center, and Penn State still has Sean Clifford as their signal-caller. If we assume he’s just as good as he was last season, when he threw for 3,000-plus yards and 21 touchdowns, the Nittany Lions should absolutely sneak into your 2022 NCAA football picks for Week 1.
MTS Prediction: Penn State (-182)
Include Clemson in Your Week 1 2022 NCAA Football Picks
Skeptics continue to worry about the future of quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. After a year to remember in 2020, he turned in a season to forget during the 2022 campaign. Many believe Clemson’s offense will be a massive disappointment as a result.
Don’t buy into the anti-hype. Uiagalelei has slimmed down a great deal and looked great during exhibition action. It should also help that Clemson’s offensive line is more experienced and sturdier than last season, ensuring he’ll have more time to go through his decision-making process.
Even if you’re currently doubting the Tigers, there’s no reason to bet against them in Week 1. They should beat up a rebuilding Georgia Tech program by at least two touchdowns, if not many more.
MTS Prediction: Clemson (-1700)
Take a look at this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can decide which one to use for all of your 2022 college football betting:
