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Best bets for Week 0 of the college football season

Scott Halleran / Getty Images Sport / Getty

It's finally here.

Week 0 of the college football season kicks off Saturday, featuring an in-state rivalry game between Miami and Florida before Arizona and Hawaii meet on the island for a nightcap.

Looking to build off a season in which we hit roughly 57 percent of our top college football plays, here's what's in store for Week 0.

Miami vs. Florida

Line: Florida -7.5
Total: 47

The Gators opened up as 7.5-point favorites, held steady at -7 for more than a month, and even hit as low as -6.5 for a quick minute, but ticked back up to -7.5. That happened after Miami redshirt freshman Jarren Williams won a three-way quarterback battle over last year's starter, N'Kosi Perry, as well as former blue-chip recruit and Ohio State transfer Tate Martell. The Hurricanes' offense has been tough to trust the last few years, and this situation certainly doesn't inspire immediate confidence.

The Hurricanes do have more established talent elsewhere on offense. The skill corps is highlighted by DeeJay Dallas, one of the most electrifying running backs in the country last season. But his success Saturday hinges on the passing game and Miami's ability to stay out of second- and third-and-longs.

When a game screams "under" on paper, it's usually important to find something you might be missing. I simply can't. I liked this total when it opened at 50 and still like it at 47.5. Both squads are projected for Top 12 finishes in S&P+ defensive efficiency and I wouldn't be surprised if the offenses need to shake off the cobwebs.

Pick: Under 47

Arizona at Hawaii

Line: Hawaii +11
Total: 74

Kudos to the scheduling committee for giving bettors a Hawaii game at 10:30 p.m. ET, meaning we can chase our loss when the Hurricanes and Gators combine for 97 points. Joking aside, the only significant move here was on the total, which jumped from the opener of 70 to 74. The Wildcats have held firm as 11-point chalk.

Arizona-Hawaii features two starting quarterbacks who can make defenses pay, but both were hampered by injuries in 2018. Arizona's Khalil Tate, considered a Heisman dark horse heading into last season, is one of the best dual threats in the country. He's finally healthy as the Wildcats enter their second year under offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone. Hawaii's Cole McDonald lit the college football world on fire early last season, throwing for 1,400-plus yards and 15 touchdowns against zero interceptions in his first four games.

Since the Wildcats' receiving corps lacks experience, expect running back J.J. Taylor to be busy early - both to get the offense in rhythm and open up deep shots for Tate. Hawaii lost star receiver John Ursua, but overall, the group might be better than last year's. That's a good sign for a passing offense that finished 28th in the country in marginal passing efficiency (some of that with a hobbled McDonald).

I would have bet the "over" at 75 or better and immediately grabbed 70 once the total opened. For what it's worth, the Rainbow Warriors have gone over the total in nine of their last 10 non-conference games against FBS teams under head coach Nick Rolovich. I also make Hawaii an underdog of around nine, so there's an edge on the Rainbow Warriors plus the points, albeit smaller than the total.

Pick: Hawaii +11/Over 74

Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.

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