College football predictions: Early 2023 betting lines, point spreads
The 2023 college football schedule brings us more than a few dynamite matchups between elite teams that will have a direct impact on how the playoff and national championship races shake out.
And though we're a few months still out from the season kicking off, it's never too early to get a look at how those games will look.
FanDuel Sportsbook in Las Vegas has released its early game of the year odds on the college football slate, including 10 of the most important games with very early predictions as we head into spring football.
More: Phil Steele Predicts College Football Preseason Rankings
These lines are subject to change as bettors make their wagers and as these teams inevitably change somewhat in their composition as the season draws near.
Scroll through to have a look at these 10 early lines for college football's biggest matchups on the 2023 schedule.
College Football Predictions: Early 2023 Betting Lines, Point Spreads
Courtesy of FanDuel
Florida State at Clemson
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Early line: Clemson -3
When: Sept. 23
Need to know: No more divisions in the ACC starting this season and it looks like these two teams are the ones to beat in the conference title race.
Florida State brings back many of its most important stars, including quarterback Jordan Travis and edge rusher Jared Verse, while adding cornerback Fentrell Cypress and others in the portal.
Clemson saw notable turnover on its roster, especially on the defensive side, as the front seven lost a ton of vital pieces, and there are questions on if this offense has regained its footing. But the Tigers brought on play caller Garrett Riley over from TCU to give the unit a new approach.
College Football HQ's early pick: Florida State +3
Ohio State at Notre Dame
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Early line: Ohio State -8.5
When: Sept. 23
Need to know: Notre Dame's offense will look a lot different this year after losing coordinator Tommy Rees and gaining transfer quarterback Sam Hartman and his big arm.
ND can run the ball well, too, and boasts one of college football's premier offensive lines, and while Ohio State brings on a new quarterback, it still has some of the nation's best wide receiver and running back talent and should move the ball with ease.
College Football HQ's early pick: Notre Dame +8.5
More: College Football Strength of Schedule Rankings for 2023
Texas vs. Oklahoma
Early line: Texas -5
When: Oct. 7
Need to know: Texas is the early fave after drubbing OU by a 49-0 count at the Cotton Bowl last season. This should be Steve Sarkisian's best team, with Quinn Ewers back under center, a more experienced line, and most of the Longhorns' top receivers coming back, too.
Oklahoma played very bad defense in Brent Venables' debut season, but acquired some notable transfers in the front seven including Trace Ford and Dasan McCullough, while the bulk of the Sooners' offense returns.
College Football HQ's early pick: Texas -5
Florida State vs. LSU
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Early line: Florida State -1
When: Sept. 3
Need to know: Two surprise teams from a year ago open up a year after a thrilling 1-point FSU win to open last season, and both return major playmakers including at quarterback, running the ball, and on defense. An even matchup overall with a slight home field advantage at the neutral site in Orlando.
College Football HQ's early pick: Florida State -1
More: 2023 LSU Football Schedule
Texas at Alabama
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Early line: Alabama -8.5
When: Sept. 9
Need to know: Alabama is far from a finished product right now with holes at quarterback and defensively, but still presents a formidable talent base at receiver to build on and should run the ball well with Jase McClellan finally getting his due.
This was a 1-point Bama win last fall thanks to mistakes and penalties, and Quinn Ewers had the Crimson Tide's number throwing the ball against that secondary before his injury. And the Longhorns have a lot of speed at receiver to test this group again.
College Football HQ's early pick: Texas +8.5
More: Ranking College Football's 10 Best Offenses in 2023
USC at Notre Dame
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Early line: USC -3
When: Oct. 14
Need to know: If the Irish can run the ball early behind its solid line and Hartman can build rapport with his receivers, the Trojans defense, which cost the team dearly late last season with playoff contention in sight, could be in trouble once again here.
Good thing USC brings back Heisman quarterback Caleb Williams, in tandem with another crop of elite speed at receiver. This game should have a ton of College Football Playoff impact, especially with Southern Cal facing Utah, Washington, and Oregon after this one.
College Football HQ's early pick: USC -3
Schedules: USC | Notre Dame
Penn State at Ohio State
Early line: Ohio State -8.
When: Oct. 21
Need to know: You get the feeling that Penn State is right on the edge of breaking through here, especially given how close it played OSU last year. Much of its defense is back and it can run the ball very well, while 5-star quarterback prospect Drew Allar steps into the role full time.
Ohio State has maintained its traditional recruiting dominance, especially at receiver, where it will be very strong once again, and important defensive pieces are back, but quarterback is still a very open question.
College Football HQ's early pick: Penn State +8
More: 2023 Ohio State Football Schedule
LSU at Alabama
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Early line: Alabama -8.5
When: Nov. 4
Need to know: Something of a surprise to see Alabama get this much room given last year's loss and the team watching key pieces leave the roster. Combined with LSU's returning talent all over the roster: quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is also the team's top rusher, a skilled receiver room, the bulk of its rushing output, its entire O-line, and a solid front seven rotation.
College Football HQ's early pick: LSU +8.5
More: 2023 Alabama Football Schedule
Georgia at Tennessee
Early line: Georgia -7.5
When: Nov. 18
Need to know: Easily the toughest game on Georgia's schedule, there are still questions about how much of a step back, if any, Tennessee will take after losing star players like Hendon Hooker and Jalin Hyatt. Georgia returns a lot of its offensive skill depth and should once again be the SEC's top defense.
College Football HQ's early pick: Georgia -7.5
Schedules: Tennessee | Georgia
Ohio State at Michigan
Early line: Michigan -1
When: Nov. 25
Need to know: All eyes are on Michigan, who used two straight wins over Ohio State, Big Ten titles, and College Football Playoff appearances to force itself back into prominence. UM returns its premier rushing attack, should be among the nation's top O-lines again, and has continuity at quarterback. And it hosts a Buckeyes squad long on talent but which has lacked decisiveness and aggression in The Game the last two times out despite its talent base.
College Football HQ's early pick: Michigan -1
More: 2023 Michigan Football Schedule
More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | All Teams