The Obstructed NCAA Football Week 1 Preview
It is FINALLY here!
The college football season technically started last week, but with really nothing major in terms of big games (despite two top 25 teams playing-Stanford and USF), this upcoming week, the rest of the nation kicks off. Much like every year now, we get those annual must-see kickoff games that gets fans excited for what is about to come. This year is no different with Florida State and Alabama colliding in the new Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta and many think it may be the first of two between the schools in the new place as many penned it for a January game to see who holds up the national title. I don't really think it will happen though I wouldn't be surprised if it did. But the strangest things happen every year in college football so who knows? But this week has some great games and others that may feel like a "pre-season" tilt. So onto the previews.
#2 OHIO STATE @ INDIANA, 8:00 (THUR)-ESPN: No, I am not predicting an upset here with Indiana over Ohio State. HOWEVER, the Buckeyes, who many have penned for a National Championship this year has *ahem* underachieved (must be nice to be 23-3 however) the last couple of seasons as they have NOT won the Big Ten Conference since 2014 and got embarrassed by Clemson in the playoff last year. Indiana is a team that isn't a major threat, but has played Ohio State tough the last few seasons. However, the Indiana coach who has given Ohio State fits, Kevin Wilson, is the Buckeyes offensive coordinator. Now if Wilson can open it up for the Buckeyes like Tom Herman did in his time there, life will be good Thursday. If not and JT Barrett continues his struggles, this game may be competitive for 3 quarters, giving the Bucks fans some unease, especially heading home against Oklahoma the next week. So this is a big game for Ohio State. They need to show they are going to be a threat nationally. However, I think Ohio State will have some difficulties taking down Indiana and it could be a game heading into the 4th quarter, before their talent takes over and beats the Hoosiers. But it may not be enough to have fans wonder if they will be in trouble beating Oklahoma next week. MY PREDICTION: OHIO STATE 41, INDIANA 24
WYOMING @ IOWA, 12:00-BTN: The major reason why this is on my prediction week is because of the Cowboys' Josh Allen at quarterback. Allen is regarded as an NFL prospect, just as much as Sam Darnold. So Wyoming gets the spotlight with a respectable power 5 school. But Iowa wants redemption after their stunning loss to North Dakota State last year. Wyoming will present a challenge for the Hawkeyes as Iowa is in more of a run-oriented conference, notably a run oriented division. If Iowa is to win this, they need to bully Wyoming's line, which may not be easy. So this game could be an upset the whole way through if Iowa cannot get a few key stops. But in the end, I think the Hawkeyes win out because of their physicality on Wyoming and will get a few big plays on the offensive side against a fairly weak defense last year. MY PREDICTION: IOWA 28, WYOMING 24
NC STATE VS. SOUTH CAROLINA, 3:00-ESPN: The first of a few games this weekend and in the next few weeks that will see if the ACC can hold on to their "kings of football" moniker. While NC State isn't regarded in the same breath as Clemson, Florida State, or even Miami & Virginia Tech, they are pinpointed as that team who can have a breakout year and may shock some people. The Wolfpack are sound mostly on both sides of the ball and has a very strong front defensive line that could give anybody fits. And this game may be decided on that and whoever plays a better game at quarterback: Ryan Finley for NC State or Jake Bentley for South Carolina. I think Finley is more suited for these games but Bentley is still young and the last time they played a stout defensive line, he & South Carolina was throttled by Clemson. So while I think Bentley will get better, it will be as the season progresses, not now. MY PREDICTION: NC STATE 20, SOUTH CAROLINA 17
#11 MICHIGAN VS. #17 FLORIDA, 3:30-ABC: Well, the Harbaugh vs. SEC war starts with a bang in 2017 as the Wolverines battle Florida in JerryWorld. It is going back and forth with both the Gators and Wolverines not releasing depth charts, starters, etc. just to try to get the psychological advantage. However, while Michigan lost a lot of starters from 2016, they should be fine as a lot of the new faces have played in meaningful minutes in games last year. Florida, on the other hand, lost a key piece in wide receiver/playmaker Antonio Callaway, who is suspended for the game. And with questions on whether or not the Gators passing game is adequate, this stings worse. And in a game like this, it is a deciding factor. Adding on, Harbaugh, when driven and given time to work and prepare, is second to none. He may not be looking for a W against Florida, but another beatdown like Michigan gave them in the Capital One Bowl in 2015. MY PREDICTION: MICHIGAN 24, FLORIDA 10
WESTERN MICHIGAN @ USC, 3:30 PAC12: Aside from Alabama/Florida State, this game is the OTHER game that features New Year's Six games or better. Of course, one major change for Western Michigan is that PJ Fleck rowed the boat to Minnesota to coach the Gophers and there are losses on the offense (notably Corey Davis). USC however, will continue to feature Sam Darnold though the Trojans replace a lot around him. If USC can keep Darnold upright this game, there really isn't much of one, but if the Broncos get him more than a few times, people will wonder if the Trojans are a legit national threat. But USC is similar to Alabama, Florida State, and Ohio State of getting the pieces they need so I don't see the Trojans falling under that. MY PREDICTION: USC 49, WESTERN MICHIGAN 24
APPALACHIAN STATE @ #15 GEORGIA, 6:15, ESPN: Many are penning this as a possible upset. I can see it, but I am not banking on it. That said, if there is one team that you DON'T want to start the season and you have high hopes, it is Appalachian State. We know about the stunner in Ann Arbor 10 years ago but the Mountaineers had the highly touted Vols on the ropes last year before falling in overtime. They will be playing possessed to see if they can get that next giant win off of a major power. Georgia has high hopes this year with two great recruiting classes, but last year was a rough go for Kirby Smart and there are still questions abound on the line and with Jacob Eason. This is probably not the game Georgia wants with a visit to Notre Dame looming next week, as it could be a dogfight and a game that will get Bulldog fans uneasy going into the fourth (a la Nicholls). I think Georgia pulls away very late in this game, but it will get fans talking and wondering if Kirby Smart is actually the guy for the job. MY PREDICTION: GEORGIA 31, APPALACHIAN STATE 21
#3 FLORIDA STATE @ #1 ALABAMA, 8:00, ABC: Well, people are hyping this as the greatest first week game in college football history. Not sure if I can go there in part because given how college football is, you may see an Ohio State/Alabama in 5 years or Clemson/USC or whatever. But people are amped and rightfully so. New stadium in Atlanta. Two of the top three teams battling it out. Talent levels beyond belief. And just two of the most successful teams in the past 7 years. Alabama lost a lot on both sides, but they have enough depth that many feel it doesn't matter. Florida State lost a good bit on offense with the line and if Deondre Francois struggles early, it could be an actual LONG game for Florida State. A lot of hope and hype surrounds Cam Akers for the Noles at running back but Alabama's specialty is to stop the run or at least it is emphasized. If the Tide stops the Noles rushing attack and makes Francois pass, will be problematic. If Alabama can dictate the offensive tempo, like they can and should, it could be a very a long game for a Noles team that may be experienced, but had struggled at times on the defensive side. Plus, Florida State is not one to look very sharp to start out the season, even against weaker teams so it may be advantage Alabama too. And I don't think the Tide will let go of any big lead unlike their last game. MY PREDICTION: ALABAMA 35, FLORIDA STATE 28
BYU VS. #13 LSU, 9:30, ESPN: LSU gets another advantage of getting a game moved, this time from Houston (prayers to the city and the surrounding areas) and pretty much in their backyard of New Orleans at the Superdome. Maybe this time they take advantage of it. Unlike others, BYU played last week, but did not look sharp at all against FCS Portland State. A game like that and even against a questionable passing attack like the Tigers and it could be a blowout. The Cougars hope is that the move from Houston to New Orleans will affect LSU. Doubtful, but right now I don't see this game being that competitive. MY PREDICTION: LSU 34, BYU 10
#22 WEST VIRGINIA VS #21 VIRGINIA TECH: 7:30 (SUN), ABC: This game also has intrigue as both the former Big East foes are hoping to play sleeper/spoiler in their conferences this year. Both teams come with questions. West Virginia on defense and Virginia Tech on offense, but it may be about who wins that battle. I have said it before I like what Justin Fuente brings for the Hokies and think he will have aces in his sleeve against the Mountaineers and the Hokies D should be strong once again. So I think Virginia Tech wins this one with a few key stops and a few key plays. MY PREDICTION: VIRGINIA TECH 37, WEST VIRGINIA 28
TEXAS A&M @ UCLA (SUN) 7:30 FOX: As I said last week in my predictions of the season, this may be the Loser Gets Chip Kelly Game. Texas A&M has gotten off to strong starts each of the last 3 years only to crash & burn midway through. This year will be no different with the Aggies having a relatively favorable schedule until Alabama in October, but if Texas A&M starts off slow, Kevin Sumlin is going to constantly have people on his case the rest of the way and some may not think he will make to to the Alabama game. The Aggies lost Myles Garrett, but with him the defense had their issues last year. If the Bruins can keep Texas A&M from getting to Josh Rosen, this will be a major factor in the outcome as the Aggies aren't as talented as they have been. And if the offense sputters, it could get very ugly. I think UCLA gains a measure of revenge from last year's OT loss though I think A&M plays fairly well. It will be the team who gets the key stops. MY PREDICTION: UCLA 31, TEXAS A&M 24
#25 TENNESSEE VS. GEORGIA TECH, 8:00 (MON): This is the third of the ACC/SEC Wars this weekend. Tennessee is by all accounts in a rebuild mode after losing Dobbs, Hurd, and Barnett. They catch a huge break as Dedrick Mills for Tech is kicked off the team. It leaves a void for Tech, even with their option offense, but never count out a Paul Johnson team. He can find waays to win games he should not win. And many are penning Tennessee to win this in part because of this. However, I think Tech's line, which is an edgy, physical bunch may bully the Vols defensive line and if that happens, Tennessee will be in major trouble. And with questions abound on offense for Tennessee, I think Tech stands to win this game and really kickstarts the heat on Butch Jones seat. MY PREDICTION: GEORGIA TECH 24, TENNESSEE 17
That is it for Week 1! Enjoy!
-Fan in the Obstructed Seat
