Games To Watch: Week 1
POTENTIAL UPSET GAME
APPALACHIAN STATE at #15 GEORGIA: SEPTEMBER 2ND- 3:15PM PT/6:15PM ET (ESPN)
Last season, Georgia couldn’t pull away from any opponent except at Ole Miss by more than two scores. The offense struggled in moving the ball through the air at times. Quarterback Jacob Eason must improve his 55.1% passer rating against Appalachian’s state’s defense that had a +8-turnover margin last season. They also return Freshman All-American cornerback Clifton Duck, who had 5 interceptions, 57 total tackles, and 8 pass breakups. Appalachian State’s offense returns fourth year starter quarterback Taylor Lamb, who is the most consistent quarterback in college football. Through his 3 seasons, he kept his percentage above 60, through over 2200 yards, and kept his interceptions under 10. Georgia has homefield advantage, but Appalachian State’s experienced players lost an overtime game at Tennessee’s 100,000+ sized stadium, so they’re thick-skinned. Georgia’s defense will keep this team upright, but the offense will be the deciding factor. Georgia is undefeated against the Sun Belt (21-0).
4. #22 WEST VIRGINIA vs. #21 VIRGINIA TECH AT LANDOVER, MARYLAND: SEPTEMBER 3RD- 4:30PM PT/7:30PM ET (ABC)
A lot of people counted out West Virginia despite having Florida transfer quarterback Will Grier, returning running back Justin Crawford, receiver Ka’Raun White, and guard Kyle Bosch. Maybe because of the defense losing so many players from last year, it’ll be hard to repeat this season. What could hurt their defense more is losing linebacker David Long for a month to a knee injury. Virginia Tech has plenty of players back to make them a challenge for the Coastal. But one question, what about the quarterback? They lose quarterback Jerod Evans who led the team in passing and rushing. The defense could have the advantage since Bud Foster enjoys calling blitzes and pressuring quarterbacks. If Will Grier plays up to his expectations like he did at Florida, the Mountaineers could be a sneaky team to watch. But it all depends on whether the defense is in rebuilding or reloading mode. This is the first rivalry matchup since 2005 for the Black Diamond Trophy (which Virginia Tech currently owns it).
3. BYU vs. #13 LSU AT NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: SEPTEMBER 2ND- 6:30PM PT/9:30PM ET (ESPN)
This game could be the making of a good ol’ fashion smashmouth game in New Orleans. LSU lost Leonard Fournette, but no one will remember because running back Derrius Guice is a beast. When Fournette went down, Guice continued the workload that netted him over 100 to 200 rushing yards a game. BYU is so hard to root against because they come in with their lunch pails and hard hats ready to work. Last season, their four losses were by a combined total of 8 points. The defense lost the front four, but their backups including Corbin Kaufusi (younger brother of Ravens defensive end and BYU alum Bronson) are the next men up. LSU gets back defensive end Christian LaCouture but lose Maea Teuhema to a suspension and transfer, and Arden Key is doubtful due to a shoulder injury. Guice is expected to carry the load, so BYU’s Top 10 rushing defense from last season will be tested. This game could be in the 20s, but we'll see which defense breaks down first. This is the first meeting between these two, but LSU is 5-7 against Independents while BYU is 6-5 against the SEC.
2. #11 MICHIGAN vs. #17 FLORIDA AT ARLINGTON, TEXAS: SEPTEMBER 2ND- 12:30PM PT/3:30PM ET (ABC)
Michigan will start over with 17 new starters, but Jim Harbaugh has a way of preparing his team before the season. Some backups have seen the field: running backs Chris Evans and Karan Higdon, defensive lines Chase Winovich, Maurice Hurst, and Rashan Gary, defenive backs LaVert Hill and Tyree Kinnel. The offense has a quarterback and a running and keep an eye on receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. Florida lost a lot of defensive experience, but they do have players with enough playing time to fill depth chart spots. Unfortunately, ten players including starters running back Jordan Scarlett and receiver Antonio Calloway and the loss of strong safety Marcel Harris to an achilles injury will hurt the team’s opener. Quarterback Feleipe Franks is the starter, but his performance will determine whether he holds it or not. Remember the Citrus Bowl in 2016 when Michigan beat down Florida 41-7? The game still lingers in Florida’s mind, and they hope to return the favor. With Florida and Michigan going in with virtually new starters, this game will determine who moves forward and who will take a step back. Michigan is currently 3-0 against Florida.
1. #3 FLORIDA STATE vs. #1 ALABAMA AT ATLANTA, GEORGIA: SEPTEMBER 2ND- 5PM PT/8PM ET (ABC)
This is the most anticipating game of Labor Day weekend. Florida State loses running back Dalvin Cook, but Cam Akers and Jacques Patrick fill the void. They lost their top two receivers to the NFL, but Nyqwan Murray, Auden Tate, and tight end Ryan Izzo will quickly replace them. They retain three experienced offensive line, but giving up 36 sacks and allowing Francois to get hit multiple times is intolerable. Florida State’s defense is better with their returning linebackers, most of their defensive line, and nearly all their corners including defensive back Derwin James (who was sorely missed due to injuries). You can say Alabama lost a lot of players statistically, but head coach Nick Saban doesn’t care. I or anyone else can say that Alabama is reloading, retooling, or revamping. But Alabama is…Alabama. The backups and third-strings mirrored last year’s squad and could be better. Alabama is 3-1 against the ACC and hasn’t lost an opener in neutral sites since 2012. However, Florida State is 9-1 against the SEC since 2010 and 5-0 since their national championship victory. but they are 0-2 against Alabama. The one win they had over Bama was vacated due to cheating. If Florida State’s offensive line isn’t in sync, they could succumb to the same thrashing USC dealt with last year.
OTHER GAMES TO WATCH
