Week One College Football Preview
Kickoff is less 24 hours away from the official first weekend of college football and what a menu of games we are blessed with. There are games pitting traditional powerhouses against one another, major conference matchups, and some great non-power 5 matchups. Speaking of non-power 5 schools; they have an opportunity to have a HUGE week one. College football Saturdays are a big deal to our group of friends. We have quite the menu prepared for Saturday, as you’ll find in this piece. Buckle up and prepare for Labor Day weekend and 5 straight days of college football. It’s going to be quite the party!
Below are 16 games that are on my slate of games to watch as well as our daily eats. Tyler (Mr. Arena Fanatic) and I will give our predictions for each game. Here we go!
Breakfast: Chocolate creme filled donuts!
Saturday morning donuts have been a tradition my wife and I have shared for 3 years now. We have our favorite little spot in our cozy Ohio town. It’s our chance to relax before the madness and a sweet way to kickoff the day. These games are must-watch but may not be the biggest of the weekend.
Appalachian State @ 9 Tennessee (-20.5) 9/1 7:30pm SEC Network
Sun Belt contenders head to Neyland to take on the SEC East favorites. Taylor Lamb and Marcus Cox are explosive for App State. Tennessee is led by Dobbs and Hurd. Tennessee has one of the better defenses in the SEC with Derek Barnett up front and Cam Sutton in secondary.
Tyler’s pick: Tennessee 35-20
Matt’s pick: Tennessee 41-23
South Carolina @ Vanderbilt (-4.5) 9/1 8:00pm ESPN
SEC conference opener for both teams. Vanderbilt is solid on the defense and have Ralph Webb running the ball. Will Muschamp has a ton of questions on his squad but I like South Carolina’s playmakers better.
Tyler’s pick: Vanderbilt 23-20
Matt’s pick: South Carolina 17-13
(-3) Georgia Tech vs. Boston College 9/3 7:30am ESPN2
ACC conference opener and being played in Ireland. Boston College has a stout defense and adds UK transfer QB Patrick Towles. Justin Thomas leads the Yellow Jackets and the option attack.
Tyler’s pick: Georgia Tech 27-13
Matt’s pick: Georgia Tech 21-13
Southern Miss @ Kentucky (-6.5) 9/3 7:30pm ESPNU
Southern Miss has a ton of talent back from a 9-win season in ‘15. Nick Mullens and Ito Smith are a dynamic duo in the backfield. Kentucky needs this win if they want to reach a bowl game. Boom Williams and top receivers Dorian Baker and Garrett Johnson lead the Cats’.
Tyler’s pick: Southern Miss 35-33
Matt’s pick: Kentucky 31-28
Toledo @ Arkansas State (-3.5) 9/2 9:00pm ESPNU
Arkansas State is poised for an excellent season but face a tough opponent from the MAC. Ja’Von Rolland-Jones will look to keep the Toledo offense and Kareem Hunt in check. Logan Woodside will be facing a great Red Wolves defense. This is a great matchup of non-power 5 programs.
Tyler’s pick: Toledo 30-28
Matt’s pick: Arkansas State 28-24
Lunch: Skyline Dip, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Meat/Fruit Tray, Deli Meat Sliders!
Saturday games usually kickoff around noon and that’s when the fun begins! By this time we are digging into the dips and passing around the appetizers that will carry us to dinner. My favorite is a little skyline dip, a staple here in Ohio. These games will fill your belly as you wait for the biggest of the weekend.
Western Michigan @ Northwestern (-5) 9/3 12:00pm ESPNU
My pick for the best under the radar game of the weekend. Western Michigan has one of the top receivers in the country, Corey Davis. Anthony Walker leds a solid Wildcats defense. Expect NW to feed RB Justin Jackson early and often. A win for WMU will propel the program towards a MAC Championship.
Tyler’s pick: Northwestern 27-20
Matt’s pick: Northwestern 24-23
Missouri @ West Virginia (-10) 9/3 12:00pm Fox Sports 1
Missouri faces a tough road challenge in this one. The defense will be great for Missouri but there are concerns on whether the offense can move the ball. West Virginia knows they can move the ball behind QB Skyler Howard.
Tyler’s pick: West Virginia 27-13
Matt’s pick: West Virginia 28-17
BYU vs. Arizona (-1.5) 9/3 10:30pm Fox Sports 1
BYU gets a boost on offense with the return of RB Jamaal Williams and the defense looks solid. Arizona is going to be explosive on offense with Nick Wilson and Anu Solomon.
Tyler’s pick: BYU 35-26
Matt’s pick: BYU 41-30
16 UCLA @ Texas A&M (-3) 9/3 3:30pm CBS
Josh Rosen leads the UCLA Bruins into Kyle Field in a huge Pac-12/SEC matchup. Watch out for Soso Jamabo. A&M has some of the best receivers in the country and veteran QB Trevor Knight. Myles Garrett and the Aggies defense will be much improved and ready for this one.
Tyler’s pick: Texas A&M 30-20
Matt’s pick: Texas A&M 35-20
3 Oklahoma (-11) vs. 15 Houston 9/3 12:00pm ABC
This is the best matchup between two QB’s in the any game this weekend. Baker Mayfield ran this Sooners offense to perfection last season, ending in a CFP appearance. The Sooners defense lost a few leaders from a year ago. Houston possess one of the most electrifying players in QB Greg Ward Jr. Houston’s defense will be key in this game.
Tyler’s pick: Oklahoma 35-27
Matt’s pick: Oklahoma 38-35
5 LSU (-10) vs. Wisconsin 9/3 3:30pm ABC
College Gameday will be there, because it takes place in historic Lambeau Field. Wisconsin will have its hands full with LSU RB Leonard Fournette. LSU’s defense is looking like its best in years. Wisconsin has a great RB of its own with Corey Clement. QB play is a huge question mark for Wisconsin.
Tyler’s pick: LSU 32-10
Matt’s pick: LSU 31-13
Dinner: Steaks and taters!
Grilling out on Saturday night takes me back to the tailgates I experienced in the South. With such a big slate of games it was decided to have steak. What better way to watch these following games then putting some meat on the grill.
18 Georgia (-3) vs. North Carolina 9/3 5:30pm ESPN
North Carolina has a new face at QB, Mitch Trubisky. He has great skill players around him including RB Elijah Hood and receivers Ryan Switzer and Bug Howard. Nick Chubb returns for Georgia after an ugly leg injury cut his season short in ‘15. Chubb has a chance to have a big game against a rush attack that finished 122nd nationally a season ago.
Tyler’s pick: North Carolina 32-28
Matt’s pick: Georgia 31-23
10 Notre Dame (-3.5) @ Texas 9/4 7:30pm ABC
This should be a very competitive ballgame. ND rolls into Austin with plenty of new faces but will be led by DeShone Kizer or Malik Zaire. Both are outstanding QB’s so I don’t think ND can go wrong here. Texas has a QB situation of their own, freshman Shane Buechele and senior Tyrone Swoopes are battling it out. Malik Jefferson will look to have his defense ready for an upset.
Tyler’s pick: Notre Dame 30-23
Matt’s pick: Notre Dame 23-20
2 Clemson (-7.5) @ Auburn 9/3 9:00pm ESPN
Deshaun Watson leads the Tigers into Jordan-Hare for a primetime showdown with SEC opponent Auburn. Clemson has not won in Auburn since 1950. Clemson’s offense is going to be one of the best in the nation. Auburn has been dealing with a ton of off-field issues in the offseason. Lead RB Jovon Robinson was kicked off and a QB choice left a few fans frustrated. Auburn will be much better on defense and I expect them to keep Watson in check for most of the game.
Tyler’s pick: Clemson 32-17
Matt’s pick: Auburn 31-28
20 Southern Cal vs. 1 Alabama (-11) 9/3 8:00pm ABC
Expect some fireworks in this one. Traditional powers meet in Jerry’s world in what will be one of the most anticipated games of the weekend. USC has hopes of returning to PAC-12 glory behind WR Juju Smith-Schuster and CB Adoree’ Jackson. Cooper Bateman will lead the Tide onto the field and will look to continue the dynasty. Bo Scarbrough is all the hype right now and I expect him to have a big game.
Tyler’s pick: Southern Cal 27-26
Matt’s pick: Alabama 38-17
Chad Kelly has said numerous times that he is the best QB in CFB. Here is his chance to prove it against a loaded Florida State defense. Ole Miss lost some key players on defense but look out for Marquis Haynes rushing the edge. Freshman Deondre Francois gets the start and has the best RB in CFB, Dalvin Cook. Travis Rudolph will need to have a big game against the Ole Miss secondary so holes for Cook open. This is my top game of the week and I think it’ll live up to the hype.
Tyler’s pick: Florida State 26-20
Matt’s pick: Florida State 27-23
Below are 16 games that are on my slate of games to watch as well as our daily eats. Tyler (Mr. Arena Fanatic) and I will give our predictions for each game. Here we go!
Breakfast: Chocolate creme filled donuts!
Saturday morning donuts have been a tradition my wife and I have shared for 3 years now. We have our favorite little spot in our cozy Ohio town. It’s our chance to relax before the madness and a sweet way to kickoff the day. These games are must-watch but may not be the biggest of the weekend.
Appalachian State @ 9 Tennessee (-20.5) 9/1 7:30pm SEC Network
Sun Belt contenders head to Neyland to take on the SEC East favorites. Taylor Lamb and Marcus Cox are explosive for App State. Tennessee is led by Dobbs and Hurd. Tennessee has one of the better defenses in the SEC with Derek Barnett up front and Cam Sutton in secondary.
Tyler’s pick: Tennessee 35-20
Matt’s pick: Tennessee 41-23
South Carolina @ Vanderbilt (-4.5) 9/1 8:00pm ESPN
SEC conference opener for both teams. Vanderbilt is solid on the defense and have Ralph Webb running the ball. Will Muschamp has a ton of questions on his squad but I like South Carolina’s playmakers better.
Tyler’s pick: Vanderbilt 23-20
Matt’s pick: South Carolina 17-13
(-3) Georgia Tech vs. Boston College 9/3 7:30am ESPN2
ACC conference opener and being played in Ireland. Boston College has a stout defense and adds UK transfer QB Patrick Towles. Justin Thomas leads the Yellow Jackets and the option attack.
Tyler’s pick: Georgia Tech 27-13
Matt’s pick: Georgia Tech 21-13
Southern Miss @ Kentucky (-6.5) 9/3 7:30pm ESPNU
Southern Miss has a ton of talent back from a 9-win season in ‘15. Nick Mullens and Ito Smith are a dynamic duo in the backfield. Kentucky needs this win if they want to reach a bowl game. Boom Williams and top receivers Dorian Baker and Garrett Johnson lead the Cats’.
Tyler’s pick: Southern Miss 35-33
Matt’s pick: Kentucky 31-28
Toledo @ Arkansas State (-3.5) 9/2 9:00pm ESPNU
Arkansas State is poised for an excellent season but face a tough opponent from the MAC. Ja’Von Rolland-Jones will look to keep the Toledo offense and Kareem Hunt in check. Logan Woodside will be facing a great Red Wolves defense. This is a great matchup of non-power 5 programs.
Tyler’s pick: Toledo 30-28
Matt’s pick: Arkansas State 28-24
Lunch: Skyline Dip, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Meat/Fruit Tray, Deli Meat Sliders!
Saturday games usually kickoff around noon and that’s when the fun begins! By this time we are digging into the dips and passing around the appetizers that will carry us to dinner. My favorite is a little skyline dip, a staple here in Ohio. These games will fill your belly as you wait for the biggest of the weekend.
Western Michigan @ Northwestern (-5) 9/3 12:00pm ESPNU
My pick for the best under the radar game of the weekend. Western Michigan has one of the top receivers in the country, Corey Davis. Anthony Walker leds a solid Wildcats defense. Expect NW to feed RB Justin Jackson early and often. A win for WMU will propel the program towards a MAC Championship.
Tyler’s pick: Northwestern 27-20
Matt’s pick: Northwestern 24-23
Missouri @ West Virginia (-10) 9/3 12:00pm Fox Sports 1
Missouri faces a tough road challenge in this one. The defense will be great for Missouri but there are concerns on whether the offense can move the ball. West Virginia knows they can move the ball behind QB Skyler Howard.
Tyler’s pick: West Virginia 27-13
Matt’s pick: West Virginia 28-17
BYU vs. Arizona (-1.5) 9/3 10:30pm Fox Sports 1
BYU gets a boost on offense with the return of RB Jamaal Williams and the defense looks solid. Arizona is going to be explosive on offense with Nick Wilson and Anu Solomon.
Tyler’s pick: BYU 35-26
Matt’s pick: BYU 41-30
16 UCLA @ Texas A&M (-3) 9/3 3:30pm CBS
Josh Rosen leads the UCLA Bruins into Kyle Field in a huge Pac-12/SEC matchup. Watch out for Soso Jamabo. A&M has some of the best receivers in the country and veteran QB Trevor Knight. Myles Garrett and the Aggies defense will be much improved and ready for this one.
Tyler’s pick: Texas A&M 30-20
Matt’s pick: Texas A&M 35-20
3 Oklahoma (-11) vs. 15 Houston 9/3 12:00pm ABC
This is the best matchup between two QB’s in the any game this weekend. Baker Mayfield ran this Sooners offense to perfection last season, ending in a CFP appearance. The Sooners defense lost a few leaders from a year ago. Houston possess one of the most electrifying players in QB Greg Ward Jr. Houston’s defense will be key in this game.
Tyler’s pick: Oklahoma 35-27
Matt’s pick: Oklahoma 38-35
5 LSU (-10) vs. Wisconsin 9/3 3:30pm ABC
College Gameday will be there, because it takes place in historic Lambeau Field. Wisconsin will have its hands full with LSU RB Leonard Fournette. LSU’s defense is looking like its best in years. Wisconsin has a great RB of its own with Corey Clement. QB play is a huge question mark for Wisconsin.
Tyler’s pick: LSU 32-10
Matt’s pick: LSU 31-13
Dinner: Steaks and taters!
Grilling out on Saturday night takes me back to the tailgates I experienced in the South. With such a big slate of games it was decided to have steak. What better way to watch these following games then putting some meat on the grill.
18 Georgia (-3) vs. North Carolina 9/3 5:30pm ESPN
North Carolina has a new face at QB, Mitch Trubisky. He has great skill players around him including RB Elijah Hood and receivers Ryan Switzer and Bug Howard. Nick Chubb returns for Georgia after an ugly leg injury cut his season short in ‘15. Chubb has a chance to have a big game against a rush attack that finished 122nd nationally a season ago.
Tyler’s pick: North Carolina 32-28
Matt’s pick: Georgia 31-23
10 Notre Dame (-3.5) @ Texas 9/4 7:30pm ABC
This should be a very competitive ballgame. ND rolls into Austin with plenty of new faces but will be led by DeShone Kizer or Malik Zaire. Both are outstanding QB’s so I don’t think ND can go wrong here. Texas has a QB situation of their own, freshman Shane Buechele and senior Tyrone Swoopes are battling it out. Malik Jefferson will look to have his defense ready for an upset.
Tyler’s pick: Notre Dame 30-23
Matt’s pick: Notre Dame 23-20
2 Clemson (-7.5) @ Auburn 9/3 9:00pm ESPN
Deshaun Watson leads the Tigers into Jordan-Hare for a primetime showdown with SEC opponent Auburn. Clemson has not won in Auburn since 1950. Clemson’s offense is going to be one of the best in the nation. Auburn has been dealing with a ton of off-field issues in the offseason. Lead RB Jovon Robinson was kicked off and a QB choice left a few fans frustrated. Auburn will be much better on defense and I expect them to keep Watson in check for most of the game.
Tyler’s pick: Clemson 32-17
Matt’s pick: Auburn 31-28
20 Southern Cal vs. 1 Alabama (-11) 9/3 8:00pm ABC
Expect some fireworks in this one. Traditional powers meet in Jerry’s world in what will be one of the most anticipated games of the weekend. USC has hopes of returning to PAC-12 glory behind WR Juju Smith-Schuster and CB Adoree’ Jackson. Cooper Bateman will lead the Tide onto the field and will look to continue the dynasty. Bo Scarbrough is all the hype right now and I expect him to have a big game.
Tyler’s pick: Southern Cal 27-26
Matt’s pick: Alabama 38-17
Chad Kelly has said numerous times that he is the best QB in CFB. Here is his chance to prove it against a loaded Florida State defense. Ole Miss lost some key players on defense but look out for Marquis Haynes rushing the edge. Freshman Deondre Francois gets the start and has the best RB in CFB, Dalvin Cook. Travis Rudolph will need to have a big game against the Ole Miss secondary so holes for Cook open. This is my top game of the week and I think it’ll live up to the hype.
Tyler’s pick: Florida State 26-20
Matt’s pick: Florida State 27-23
Matt's PicksMatt’s Top 25:
1. Alabama 2. Clemson 3. Ohio State 4. Florida State 5. LSU 6. Oklahoma 7. Tennessee 8. Michigan 9. TCU 10. Ole Miss 11. Houston 12. Louisville 13. Michigan State 14. Iowa 15. Notre Dame 16. Georgia 17. Stanford 18. Oklahoma State 19. Washington State 20. Florida 21. Texas A&M 22. Washington 23. Boise State 24. North Carolina 25. USC Matt’s Top 10 Non-Power 5 1. Houston (#11 nationally) 2. Boise State (#23 nationally) 3. San Diego State 4. South Florida 5. Marshall 6. Western Michigan 7. Southern Miss 8. Arkansas State 9. Western Kentucky 10. Appalachian State Heisman Watch: Week 1- My top 10 players to watch in this week’s Heisman race. (will change every week, depending on performance, team wins/losses.) 1. Dalvin Cook, RB, FSU 2. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson 3. J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State 4. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma 5. Greg Ward Jr., QB, Houston 6. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU 7. Juju-Smith Schuster, WR, USC 8. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford 9. Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan 10. Jalen Hurd, RB, Tennessee College Football Playoffs/NY6 Bowl Projections- Week 1 (Teams will change with rankings) Peach Bowl: 4 Florida State vs. 1 Alabama Fiesta Bowl: 3 Ohio State vs. 2 Clemson Orange Bowl: Tennessee vs. Notre Dame Sugar Bowl: LSU vs. Oklahoma Cotton Bowl: Houston vs. TCU Rose Bowl: Michigan vs. Stanford |
Tyler's PicksTyler's Top 25:
1. Clemson 2. Alabama 3. Ohio State 4. USC 5. Oklahoma 6. Tennessee 7. Iowa 8. LSU 9. Houston 10. Louisville 11. Michigan State 12. Georgia 13. Washington State 14. Florida State 15. Notre Dame 16. Washington 17. Michigan 18. Boise State 19. San Diego State 20. North Carolina 21. TCU 22. Florida 23. Ole Miss 24. Texas A&M 25. Virginia Tech Tyler's Top 10 Non-Power 5 1. Houston (#9 Houston) 2. Boise State (#18 Nationally) 3. San Diego State (#19 Nationally) 4. Southern Miss. 5. Western Michigan 6. Temple 7. Appalachian State 8. MTSU 9. South Florida 10. Marshall Heisman Watch: Week 1- My top 10 players to watch in this week’s Heisman race. (will change every week, depending on performance, team wins/losses.
1. Dalvin Cook, RB, FSU 2. Greg Ward Jr, QB, Houston 3. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson 4. Juju Smith-Schuster, WR, USC 5. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU 6. Luke Falk, QB, Washington State 7. Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina 8. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville 9. Donnel Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State 10. Keevan Lucas, WR, Tulsa College Football Playoffs/NY6 Bowl Projections- Week 1 (Teams will change with rankings)
Peach Bowl: 4 USC vs. 1 Clemson Fiesta Bowl: 3 Ohio State vs. 2 Alabama Orange Bowl: Louisville vs. Michigan St. Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Tennessee Cotton Bowl: Houston vs. LSU Rose Bowl: Big Ten vs. Washington St. |
