Conference Football in August: Sacramento State vs. Eastern Michigan Expert Picks
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Thu Aug 27, 2026, 4:10 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
ncaaf
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+10.0
-110
54
-110o
+285
Spread
Total
Moneyline
-9.0
-115
53
-110u
-340
There are actually two conference games in Week 0 of the NCAA Football slate. And while most will be paying attention to the ACC Showdown in Charlottesville between NC State and Virginia, I'll be looking at the MAC. Hard-nosed, tough, Rust Belt football, as we head to the Great Lakes region of the US. The Eastern Michigan Eagles are welcoming the Sacramento State Hornets not only to the FBS, but to the MAC as well. Keep reading for our expert picks in this contest below.
Check out the best odds on the market and tons of picks for the NCAA Football Season.
NCAA Football Expert Insights: Sacramento State vs. Eastern Michigan
After a year away at Fresno State, Carson Conklin is back to being the QB for the Sacramento State Hornets
Sacramento State is making the jump to the FBS, and I'm not sure why. They have only made four appearances in the FCS playoffs, posting a 2-4 record, going to the quarterfinals in 2022. But, not only did they make the move up to play with the big boys, they are also joining one of the most entertaining conferences in college football, giving them some national attention on weekdays later in the year, and this Saturday in Week 0.
As for Eastern Michigan, they look to improve after a 4-8 year last season, but return six starters on each side of the ball, including quarterback Noah Kim, who threw for 2,817 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. The senior will be looking to leave his mark on the sport this year. Can he begin his final campaign with a win for his hometown fans?
Matchup Information – Sacramento State vs. Eastern Michigan – August 29
- Venue & Location: Rynearson Stadium (Ypsilanti, MI)
- Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
- Kick Off: 6:30 p.m. Eastern
- Broadcast: ESPN+
Hornets vs. Eagles Betting Odds
Odds listed are from BetOnline as of Thursday, August 26, 2026 at 3:22 p.m. eastern.
Spread
- Sacramento State +9.5 (-112)
- Eastern Michigan -9.5 (-108)
Moneyline
- Sacramento State +280
- Eastern Michigan -350
Total
- Over 54 (-110)
- Under 54 (-110)
Overall, I'm going to try and avoid overthinking this contest. The better team is at home, sure laying a big number. But that is what Week 0 games are for.
Sacramento State vs. Eastern Michigan: NCAA Football Expert Picks
Noah Kim and the Eagles host the FBS newcomers, the Sacramento State Hornets on Saturday in Week 0
Sacramento State vs. Eastern Michigan Prediction: Eagles Win and Cover, Over 54
Best Bet: Eastern Michigan -9.5 (-108) BetOnline
I think the Eagles are favored by this many for a reason. I wouldn't be scared that the line has shifted from 8.5 to 9.5 where it is now, but I would encourage you all to get the number before it crosses over the double digit mark. Eastern Michigan is ready to give Sacramento State a "Welcome to the FBS/MAC" moment. They are at home, have a 5th year senior QB leading this experienced squad, facing a team that is traveling across the country for their first FBS contest.
Just based on the MAC betting odds, EMU should be one of the top teams in the league this year, while Sacramento State is projected to be in the bottom three. It ain't rocket science.
I also think Eastern Michigan is a very safe parlay piece, much like how I feel about UNLV. Therefore, the Grandma Corry Parlays will be making a return with college football. This week's moneyline parlay is a three teamer including both the Eagles and Rebels to get the job at home, plus one more FCS side (Montana) which gets the full payout to even money.
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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