College football Week 1: Let's celebrate by hitting this three-leg, +526 parlay

Last week was fun, especially watching Georgia Tech knock off No. 10 Florida State on a last-second field goal, but four games weren't enough to fully get the juices flowing. The good news is college football is officially back this weekend with nearly 100 Division I games on the schedule, starting with a 20-game slate on Thursday night.

Let's welcome back college football with a three-leg parlay for tonight's appetizers.

Building a Thursday play for NCAAF

Leg 1: North Carolina -2

North Carolina returns for its first test in the post-Drake Maye era, but we trust transfer quarterback Max Johnson and his experience to run Mack Brown's offense smoothly. The Tar Heels also have one of the best running backs in the country in Omarion Hampton, so they should have no problem moving the ball and scoring even if Johnson can't take the top off the defense.

This is mostly a fade of Minnesota QB Max Brosmer, who transferred in from FCS New Hampshire. He put up big numbers last season, but the best team he's played against was JMU in 2019, and he went 12-21 for 101 yards and no touchdowns in that matchup. He'll likely struggle against the best athletes he's ever faced.

Leg 2: Colorado first half -6.5

It's popular to dump on Colorado right now, and we're not high on this team in the long run, but we think the Buffaloes can set off some fireworks to start the season. Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. are all back in Boulder to lead what should be an explosive passing offense. The Buffs stumbled down the stretch because Sanders was under pressure in 0.5 seconds every time he received the ball, but Colorado completely overhauled its offensive line by ditching all five starters and rebuilding the unit through the portal.

As long as Sanders has enough time to scan the field, he can light up the scoreboard early. This isn't the same North Dakota team that we've seen in years past, and these players haven't faced anything like what Hunter presents with the ball in his hands.

Leg 3: Jacksonville State alt team total over 27.5

Jacksonville State was quietly one of the best stories in college football last season. In their first season in the FBS, the Gamecocks went 9-4 under Rich Rodriguez and beat Louisiana in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. They ranked third in the country in rushing yards per game (236.7) and averaged 30.2 points, and they return three starters on a strong offensive line.

Coastal Carolina's defense was one of the worst run-stopping units in the country last year, as it ranked 101st in yards allowed per rush (4.7). The Chanticleers also lost their top three tacklers from last season, so Jacksonville State should have success pounding the rock and breaking off explosive runs.

Put it all together, and we get a +526 parlay on DraftKings to sweat out on Thursday night.

In the news ...

Ja'Marr Chase doesn't practice Wednesday, now considered 'day-to-day' — What in the world is going on in Cincinnati? One day after Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Chase would continue to practice this week to gear up for Week 1, the star wide receiver sat out Wednesday's practice. "I think I probably put my foot in my mouth speaking too quickly," Taylor told reporters. Chase is now considered "day-to-day," and we haven't even mentioned Joe Burrow's mysterious wrist injury that won't go away. If you're feeling queasy about the Bengals, you can get them at +180 to miss the playoffs.

Steelers name Russell Wilson as starting QB — The quarterback controversy in Pittsburgh is over, at least for now. On Wednesday, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin named Wilson as the starting QB for Week 1 . Justin Fields will serve as his backup to start the season. Considering Wilson's struggles last season, it wouldn't be surprising to see both quarterbacks on the field this season. You can guarantee this won't be the last time we talk about this QB battle. The Steelers are +750 long shots to win the AFC North.

Caitlin Clark breaks another rookie record as Fever continue to surge — Another day, another record broken for Clark . On Wednesday night, the Iowa product drilled three three-pointers to reach 88 on the season, breaking the single-season rookie record previously held by Rhyne Howard (85). Clark put up 19 points, five assists and five rebounds to lead Indiana to an upset win against the Connecticut Sun. The Fever, which are now +2600 to win the WNBA title, have won four out of five games since the break.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Jack Dougherty