NCAA FOOTBALL
Week 1 Preview/Predictions
By: Ryan Quigley @RyanQuigley90
I personally love Week 0 but there is nothing better than Week 1, some fun matchups starting Thursday to Monday??? Nothing better than that! This preview is going to be a tad more selective just for my sanity but here are a few matchups I am really excited about to start the college football season:
Florida vs. Utah (Thursday 8:00 EST on ESPN)
I love this matchup because it is 2 teams with a lot to prove, Florida replacing Quarterback Anthony Richardson and Utes Quarterback Cameron Rising building off last year’s explosive offensive unit. This is a tough one, if it was in The Swamp I might lean Gators but it being at Utah and the experience I will go with the Utes.
<hr>Nebraska vs. Minnesota (Thursday 8:00 EST on FOX)
Some Big Ten action coming your way before the weekend, it would be fascinating to see new head ball coach Matt Rhule come out and start with a win for the Huskers… But I have a feeling the Golden Gophers may be a bit too much for them to handle. Minnesota had a little drama this offseason with allegations of a toxic program, I am hoping to see more “Row the Boat” but time will tell.
Louisville vs. Georgia Tech (Friday 7:30 EST on ESPN)
Georgia Tech is a rebuilding program, Louisville quietly put together a solid defensive unit last season after many years of having the reputation of an explosive offense. Give me the Cardinals to get a win on the road.
Utah State vs. Iowa (Saturday 12:00 EST on FS1)
The first on the list of a sickos matchup, Iowa is going into this game as 23.5 point favorites. This is one I have to see, I love the Hawkeyes defense but I am intrigued to see what the Hawkeyes offense can do.
East Carolina vs. Michigan (Saturday 12:00 EST on Peacock)
This is the curveball of my channel surfing games because it is streaming on Peacock, I do not want to just tune into highlights of big runs so I will have to take a break from my usual Peacock rotation of Notre Dame/WWE/Parks and Rec. to get Big Ten football on the tablet… Oh, Michigan by a lot.
Virginia vs. Tennessee (Saturday 12:00 EST on ABC)
I can keep this one short, I look forward to the Joe Milton highlights. Give me Rocky Top in this one.
Colorado vs. TCU (Saturday 12:00 EST on FOX)
What better way for Coach Prime to start his career in Colorado? Going up against the team that upset Michigan and played in the National Championship game. I understand TCU has some pieces to replace but I don’t know if it is anything like the teardown of the Buffaloes this offseason. Give me the Horned Frogs.
Ohio State vs. Indiana (Saturday 3:30 EST on CBS)
The Ohio State, one of the top teams in the country start this season in Bloomington. Buckeyes big, I am interested to see the passing game for OSU. Never a shortage of receiving options in Columbus for Kyle McCord or Devin Brown, we may see both in action.
Boise State vs. Washington (Saturday 3:30 EST on ABC)
The old Chris Peterson bowl, I have enjoyed watching both programs over the years but think this year the Washington Huskies could be something special… and even if I am wrong I think they can beat the Boise State Broncos. Really excited to see what Michael Penix Jr. can do this year.
North Carolina vs. South Carolina (Saturday 7:30 EST on ABC)
This is a fun rivalry game, I like the potential of both teams as well! Experienced Quarterbacks facing off with Drake Maye with the Tar Heels and Spencer Rattler with the Gamecocks. This should be a close one, Vegas thinks UNC by 2.5 but I have a feeling about USC (the original USC) in this one.
LSU vs. Florida State (Sunday 7:30 EST on ABC)
This has to be the game of the week, we have a top 10 matchup and I have high hopes for both teams and potentially both teams winning their respective conferences by seasons end. FSU has some studs on defense and some returning playmakers on offense that could put it all together… But I am leaning LSU, I know both teams fan bases will show out in Orlando but this LSU team could be special.
Clemson vs. Duke (Monday 8:00 EST on ESPN)
Are you ready for some football??? Monday nights game with the Tigers and Blue Devils seems like a great way to close out which will no doubt be a fun Week 1 of games that will lead perfectly into Week 2 and the start of the NFL season. I have Clemson.
