The 2026-27 college football season is officially underway! We have a full Thursday night of Week 1 matchups on tap. It’s time to lock in our CFB Best Bets before the games get underway. Check out these CFB Picks for Thursday’s Week 1 slate. Without further ado, let’s jump into the top CFB Predictions for the week. 

CFB Picks, Predictions & Best Bets: Thursday, 9/3

Our CFB Best Bets kick off with Thursday night’s matchup between Colorado vs. Georgia Tech. It’s the best game on the slate, so let’s get some action on it. Plus, we’ll dish out CFB predictions for Akron vs. Wake Forest. Be sure to check out more CFB picks below, including some college football player props. Good luck!  

 

 

 

Colorado vs. Georgia Tech Prediction: Thursday, September 3rd

These teams are coming off vastly different 2025 campaigns. Georgia Tech just went 9-4 in its best season in a decade. The Yellow Jackets started out 8-0 and looked like a dark-horse playoff contender. Conversely, Colorado went 3-9 in a total down year for Deion Sanders’ squad. 

At first glance, backing Georgia Tech at home in this matchup seems like the right move. However, we’re going in the opposite direction. Colorado should be much improved with many key and encouraging changes from last year. Meanwhile, Tech is a completely different team this time around – which may be for the worse. 

Colorado’s offense has a ton of potential with new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion. He brings in his fast-paced “Go-Go” offense that features a multi-back power run scheme and creative RPOs while spreading opposing defenses out. This offensive style will be tough for Georgia Tech to prepare for in a season opener. 

The Buffaloes’ offensive talent is also promising and much better than last season. Quarterback Julian Lewis is a former five-star recruit with the skill set to thrive in the Go-Go system, and reports surrounding the redshirt freshman this summer have been positive. Texas transfer DeAndre Moore Jr. and San Jose State transfer Danny Scudero headline an elite WR group. More importantly, the backfield features multiple dynamic playmakers in Damian Henderson II, DeKalon Taylor, and Jaquil Smith. 

On the other side, Georgia Tech’s offense isn’t anywhere close to the same one that ranked 11th nationally in total yards per game a year ago. The Yellow Jackets lost their offensive coordinator to Florida and are replacing 9 of 11 offensive starters from last season. That includes dual-threat quarterback Haynes King. 

In King’s place, Alberto Mendoza transfers in from Indiana as the new QB. The younger brother of Fernando Mendoza is very unproven after only seeing garbage-time action last year as a backup. He could have a good season, but some inconsistencies in his first career start should also be expected. 

Finally, Colorado will likely come in plenty motivated to get the win. It’s a mini revenge spot as Georgia Tech beat the Buffs on the road last season. Can Deion Sanders have his team return the favor this year? Let’s at least count on it being a close game. 

Akron vs. Wake Forest Prediction: Thursday, September 3rd

Wake Forest kicks off its season at home against Akron on Thursday night. The Demon Deacons are big favorites and should win this easily. Let’s focus on the total, though, and grab the under in a lower-scoring contest. 

Akron’s murky quarterback situation is a major factor. As of this writing, it’s unclear whether or not transfer QB Reese Poffenbarger will be eligible to play. He’s seeking a waiver to suit up for an extra year, and a decision on that doesn’t seem likely to come before Thursday’s kickoff. 

Poffenbarger not playing obviously downgrades the Akron offense. Even if he does play, though, the Wake Forest defense should be strong after ranking 26th nationally in yards allowed per game last year. The Demon Deacons have many key pieces returning to a unit that held 7 different opponents to fewer than 20 points a season ago. 

Meanwhile, Wake’s offense could take a game or two to get into rhythm. The attack features multiple transfers along the offensive line and at the skill positions, including QB Gio Lopez (from North Carolina). Losing RB Demond Claiborne also hurts the Deacs’ run game. 

Wake Forest should move the ball and score enough to win the game. However, a big offensive outburst seems unlikely. Plus, the offense may not want to show much on tape with tougher matchups against Purdue, Miami, and Louisville up next in the coming weeks.  

 

 

 

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