College football games on TV today: Week 1 schedule for Thursday night football

Your look at the Week 1 college football schedule with the biggest games on TV today

James Parks | Aug 31, 2023

College football games on TV today: Week 1 schedule for Thursday night football /

The 2023 college football season is finally here for real as the Week 1 schedule kicks off around the country with some intriguing non-conference games on tap, including one notable matchup between a pair of Big Ten West rivals, and one ranked team defending home field facing injury concerns around its best players. Here's your look at the schedule for the football on TV today.

College football games on TV today: Week 1 schedule for Thursday night football

All times Eastern and game lines are courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Elon at Wake Forest
Thurs., Aug. 31 | 7 p.m. | ACCN
Point spread: No line
FPI pick: Wake 95.9%

The game: Watch as Demon Deacons quarterback Mitch Griffis steps into the quarterback role after Sam Hartman's departure, going against an Elon defense that returns just four expected starters.

College Football HQ picks: Wake Forest

Kent State at UCF
Thurs., Aug. 31 | 7 p.m. | FS1
Point spread: No line
FPI pick: UCF 89.8%

The game: Kent State is an open question coming into the season so will likely want to run the ball early, something of a challenge against a skilled UCF front seven unit.

College Football HQ picks: UCF

Rhode Island at Georgia State
Thurs., Aug. 31 | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Point spread: No line
FPI pick: Georgia State 93.7%

The game: State lost six games where they had a lead in the second half and ended the year on a three-game losing skid, missing out on a bowl game for the first time in three years.

College Football HQ picks: Georgia State

NC State at UConn
Thurs., Aug. 31 | 7:30 p.m. | CBSSN
Point spread: NC State -14.5
FPI pick: NC State 84.7%

The game: NC State has won 8 or more games for 5 of the last 6 years but returns a whole new offense with quarterback Brennan Armstrong on board, but the real game is the Wolfpack's defensive front against UConn's experienced O-line that returns four starters.

College Football HQ picks: NC State

Florida at No. 14 Utah
Thurs., Aug. 31 | 8 p.m. | ESPN
Point spread: Utah -4.5
FPI pick: Utah 73.7%

The game: Expect some strong play at the line of scrimmage as both teams try to establish the run with questions at quarterback, for Utah around Cam Rising's ACL injury return and for Florida what exactly to expect from transfer Graham Mertz.

Florida vs. Utah picks, predictions: Who wins, and why?

Nebraska at Minnesota
Thurs., Aug. 31 | 8 p.m. | Fox
Point spread: Minnesota -7.5
FPI pick: Minnesota 67.1%

The game: Plenty of turnover on both these teams as the Gophers look to replace stars at quarterback and tailback, but return receiver Chris Autman-Bell as a crucial target. Nebraska debuts head coach Matt Rhule, who has a reputation as a turnaround artist at the NCAA level, leading a transfer-laden team whose O-line is a question, and could leave new quarterback Jeff Sims having to use his mobility to stay clean.

College Football HQ picks: Minnesota

South Dakota at Missouri
Thurs., Aug. 31 | 8 p.m. | SECN
Point spread: No line
FPI pick: Missouri 95.4%

The game: Mizzou returns important starters on offense including wide receiver Luther Burden and a unit that played some strong defense a year ago, particularly in the close Georgia game. The Coyotes will use Travis Theis early and often after the running back posted 4.7 ypc on 774 yards and was second on the team in receiving.

College Football HQ picks: Missouri

Southern Utah at Arizona State
Thurs., Aug. 31 | 10 p.m. | Pac-12
Point spread: No line
FPI pick: Arizona State 95.5%

The game: Our first look at Jaden Rashada, the former five-star quarterback prospect who seemed headed to Florida before a reported $13 million NIL fell apart, resulting in his joining the Sun Devils to join up with first-year coach Kenny Dillingham, while the ASU defense returns some key pieces and valuable experience.

College Football HQ picks: Arizona State

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Published Aug 31, 2023

JAMES PARKS

James Parks is the founder and publisher of College Football HQ. He previously covered football for 247Sports and CBS Interactive. College Football HQ joined the Sports Illustrated Fannation Network in 2022.