This isn’t the National Championship. This isn’t Conference Championships or long-storied rivalries. Half of these schools have never played each other but are now forced into each other’s paths by realignment. You’ve probably never even heard of Central Connecticut State University. But football is back, baby! And we’re breaking down a trashy slate of Thursday Night College Football.

North Dakota State @ Colorado (-10), O/U 60.5

It’s the main event every time Coach Prime, Shadeur, Travis Hunter, and the gang take the field. They spent a whole offseason getting better and the level of disrespect they’re getting right now from the haters is…

Just kidding, I don’t think Colorado is anything special this season. I do like them in this game, though. Last year, we saw in their monumental upset of TCU and their shootout against Colorado State that this offense can score points when it’s clicking. Their defense also played down to the level of its competition, which got them involved in plenty of high-scoring affairs. But I don’t think North Dakota State has the horses to run in this race.

Just like last year, I think they smash in their non-conference schedule, and then the Big 12 is going to stuff them in a locker.

Pick: Colorado -10, Lean Over 60.5

North Carolina (-2) @ Minnesota, O/U 50.5

All jokes aside, this game probably is the main event of the Thursday slate. These programs should supply a good measuring stick for the strength of the ACC and Big 10 this season, two conferences loaded with teams that expect to compete for a spot in the playoffs this season.

However, we haven’t seen UNC operate their offense without Drake Maye, who is now under center for the New England Patriots. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s offense isn’t ranked highly coming into the season, with VSS ranking them at 79th overall. Give me the under, as these teams seem to be figuring out a lot still on that side of the ball.

If I had to pick a side, give me Minnesota in the first half, with UNC ultimately figuring it out and coming away with a win.

Pick: Under 50.5, I like this to 48.5.

Coastal Carolina @ Jacksonville State (-3), O/U 54.5

Besides UNC vs Minnesota, this is the only other matchup that features two FBS teams on Thursday Night. While Arkansas, NC State, and other major programs tee off on an FCS team, the Chanticleers and the Gamecocks are going head-to-head in the trenches.

Neither team has a significant edge. They’re both bowl teams from a year ago without too many things changing. On top of that, money has come in all summer on Coastal, and if there isn’t a major difference in ratings between the teams, I’m inclined to follow the money.

Pick: Coastal Carolina +3