The 2024 college football season is set to bring about many changes, from conference realignments to player transfers, head coaching changes, and a new playoff format. However, one thing remains constant – the excitement of Week 0, where FBS teams take the field to kick off the regular season, a moment that many consider to be the best in sports.
Week 0 of the 2024 college football season features four games on Saturday, August 24. The most anticipated matchup is between the highly-ranked Florida State Seminoles and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Dublin, Ireland. Additionally, the Montana State Bobcats will face off against the New Mexico Lobos, the ACC newcomer SMU Mustangs will take on the Nevada Wolf Pack, and the Delaware State Hornets will travel to Hawaii to play the Rainbow Warriors.
While fans may be eager for competitive games in this opening week, all four matchups have double-digit spreads. Surprisingly, FCS Montana State is favored against New Mexico, and Hawaii is expected to dominate Delaware State by nearly 40 points. In fact, the game between Hawaii and Delaware State is projected to be such a blowout that BetMGM isn’t even offering moneyline odds.
Let’s take a closer look at the two FBS vs. FBS games on the Week 0 schedule:
No. 10 Florida State vs. Georgia Tech
Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
How to watch: Noon ET on ESPN
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic will showcase the Florida State Seminoles, who feel they were snubbed last season by not making the College Football Playoff. Led by new quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and talented wide receiver transfers Malik Benson and Jalen Brown, the Seminoles are eager to make a statement in Dublin. On the other side, Georgia Tech’s offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner has helped improve the team’s scoring, but their defense remains a concern. Quarterback Haynes King will look to lead the Yellow Jackets to another successful season.
SMU vs. Nevada
Location: Mackay Stadium, Reno, Nevada
How to watch: 8 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network
In their first game as ACC members, SMU is heavily favored against Nevada. With a high-scoring offense that averaged 38.7 points per game last season, the Mustangs are expected to put up big numbers. Running back Brashard Smith and a talented backfield will lead the charge for SMU, while Nevada will look to counter with their own offensive weapons. This matchup marks the seventh meeting between the two schools, with the series tied at three wins each.
As the 2024 college football season kicks off with Week 0 action, fans can expect thrilling games, standout performances, and the start of what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable season ahead.