This year sees the largest slate of week 0 games on the schedule since 2017. I’m sure no one forgets that amazing Saturday which was headlined by Stanford playing Rice in Australia. If we’re being honest, there isn’t much to get excited about. There are no memorable contests like we saw in 2019 when Miami played Florida in Orlando. That won’t stop us from building a college football week 0 parlay.
The most notable game in 2021 is a Big 10 showdown between Nebraska and Illinois. There is also good news if you missed seeing New Mexico State or UConn play. Both are back in action this season and take the field during week 0.
So, while the first Saturday may lack marquee matchups, any football is worth watching in our view. And the only thing better than watching is betting on the games. With that in mind, let’s take a look at our college football week 0 parlay. Odds via Fanduel Sportsbook.
More Betting from The Touchback: The Touchback’s way too early NFL Week 1 parlay
The Touchback’s College Football Week 0 parlay
Nebraska at Illinois (+225)
At this point, Nebraska is little more than a big name. Quarterback remains a concern in Lincoln with Adrian Martinez being a major question mark heading into 2021. Meanwhile, the Cornhuskers lost to Illinois last season and barely beat them in 2019. This isn’t to say the Fighting’ Illini are a better team. But they are at home and are getting much more favorable odds.
Related: Looking at the 4 best college football win-total bets in 2021
UTEP at New Mexico State (-9.5) (-105)
This matchup is a total mystery. On one side you have the UTEP Miners who have lost four straight Battle of I-10 showdowns (That’s the name of this rivalry). However, the team showed signs of improvements in 2020. Admittedly, this isn’t saying much considering the Miners recorded a single FBS victory between 2017-2019.
On the other side are the New Mexico State Aggies who sat out 2020 and lost to FCS Tarleton State during a two-game spring season. Who knows what to expect from them but the most likely result here is a close game. This is why we’re betting on NMSU to cover.
UConn (+27.5) vs. Fresno State (-112)
Of all our college football week 0 parlay bets, this is the one we are least confident in. UConn has been bad for years and there isn’t much optimism surrounding the 2021 squad. Fresno State is a middle-of-the-road Mountain West team, but the Bulldogs could easily win by 28.
There are two reasons we like UConn to cover despite that fact. Firstly, Fresno State didn’t win any game by 28 points last season even with UNLV (0-6) and Utah State (1-5) on their schedule. Secondly, the Bulldogs travel to Oregon the following week and it’s highly unlikely they risk their starters if the contest gets out of hand.
Hawaii (+16.5) vs. UCLA (-104)
UCLA under Chip Kelly has been underwhelming to say the least. The Bruins have also struggled in early season non-conference games and only have one victory in their past six openers. Hawaii did beat two middling Pac-12 schools in 2019, although they probably don’t have enough depth to win outright here. The Rainbow Warriors covering seems like the best option.
Related: 5 things you might not remember about Aloha Stadium
Parlay of the Day: Bet $10 to win $225.59
Our college football week 0 parlay is a total longshot. However, the payout is worth it. Even if you lose, who cares since it’s only week 0.
