College Football Week 1 Predictions 

The College Football season is back and all is right in (my) the world. This opening weekend gives fans a few ranked versus-ranked marquee matchups and several other games with intrigue. Week zero definitely delivered bang for the buck, so buckle up and get ready for a wild ride, which is the regular season of college football. As a reminder, the 12-team playoff era is in full effect. Get all of your college football news here!

Marquee Matchups

#1 Georgia vs. #14 Clemson: The Georgia Bulldogs begin their quest for a 3rd championship in the last 4 years. While Clemson attempts to climb back up the latter to the elite level program, a place they once resided. Defense wasn’t the main issue in 2023 for the Tigers it was costly turnovers especially in enemy territory. Time after time the Tigers had a chance to extend a lead or take a lead only to commit a bad turnover.

The Bulldogs lost a fair amount of talent, per usual, but return plenty of high-end players. Georgia will have the advantage at quarterback with Carson Beck compared to the interception/fumble-prone Cade Klubnik. The Tigers’ defense will need to make strides, and they should, given the many experienced players on that side of the ball. Will the Clemson receiver core return to a top-tier group after a season of injuries? This game will be competitive until the Bulldogs put it out of reach.

The Pick is Clemson +13.5. Georgia wins, but Clemson covers.

#7 Notre Dame vs. #20 Texas A&M: Jimbo Fischer is gone after failing to translate stellar recruiting to wins on the field. So now former Duke coach Mike Elko takes over the helm for the Aggies. His former quarterback for the Blue Devils, Riley Leonard, hit the transfer portal and will be on the opposite side as the starting QB for the Irish. Aggies QB Conner Weigman returns from injury and showed promise as a legit starter last year. Texas A&M will have to run the ball better this season and this game in particular. The Irish’s starting secondary is one of the very best in the nation, so if Texas A&M gets in a pass-first situation, it won’t be a good spot. I like the Irish in this one. That said, playing in College Station is a tall task to overcome.

The Pick: Notre Dame +1

Under The Radar

#13 LSU vs. #23 USC: With neither team ranked in the preseason Top-10 this matchup seems to be flying under the radar a little bit. Even with this being a non-conference contest, a win for either side would greatly boost their season expectations. LSU won a chip in recent years as well as making the SEC title game two years ago. At the same time, USC has been struggling beyond an 11-win season for quite some time compared to their lofty program standards. Which defense will make enough strides to be a real contender in 2024? Regardless of what the answer turns out to be this game is for sure going over the 64.5 total points. The Trojans have more depth at wide receiver. However, even though the Tigers lost two standouts to the NFL that room is not empty. LSU is further along at this point then USC so unless the Tigers lay an egg they should be able to get the ‘W’.

The Pick: LSU +4.5

#8 Penn State vs. West Virginia: Don’t you dare sleep on the Big Ten vs. Big-12 matchup flying under the radar. Sure it will be overshadowed by Georgia/Clemson but this will be closer down the stretch of the 4th quarter. West Virginia overachieved in 2023 by controlling the line of scrimmage and time of possession. Penn State’s offense looked ordinary when facing quality opposition. This year the man who ignited the Kansas offense will be calling the plays for the Nittany Lions. Can the new OC help QB Drew Allar live up to his 5-star rating coming out of high school? The more talented team will eventually get the job done but it won’t be a walk in the park.

The Pick: Penn State -8

Penn State vs West Virginia Preview show

NCAA Football Penn State vs West Virginia Preview Show

Saturday Upset Special 

UNLV upsets Houston as a minor dog.

Miami (Ohio) upsets Northwestern as a +3 dog.

Florida upsets #19 Miami in the swamp.

Hardcore Barnburners

#19 Miami vs. Florida: This rivalry game is just one step to finding out the best team in the state of Florida in 2024. Miami has a better team and a sizable advantage at QB on paper but the swamp is a tough place to play. One thing is for certain Florida’s schedule is crazy difficult so the Gators won’t be looking ahead. Full disclosure: my 2nd favorite team behind Minnesota is Miami, so this pick could be me playing devil’s advocate.

The Pick: Florida +2.5

Miami vs Florida Preview show

College Football Preview Miami Hurricanes vs Florida Gators

Houston vs. UNLV: Can Houston stop the rushing attack of the Rebels? If so, will they be able to contain WR Ricky White III catching passes from returning QB Donovan Smith? The new head coach for Houston, Willie Fritz, will have his hands full for the season opener, taking over for Dana Holgorsen, who was fired after a 4-8 record. Regardless of who wins this should be a barnburner.

The Pick: UNLV +2.5

Against The Spread

UNLV +2.5 versus Houston.

Florida +2.5 versus #19 Miami.

Miami (Ohio) +3 versus Northwestern.

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Quick Hits Recap

-Georgia Tech started the 2024-25 College Football season with a bang upsetting #10 Florida State as a 10-point dog.

-Preseason Heisman Candidate: Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel, Georgia QB Carson Beck, Texas QB Quinn Ewers, Alabama QB Jalen Milroe, and Will Howard QB for Ohio State.

-REAL Contenders: Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, Alabama, and Texas.

The fact that we have 5 legit contenders is the result of NIL and the transfer portal. Several teams, such as Michigan, Ole Miss, Penn State, and Clemson, could be real contenders if their quarterback play takes a major step.

Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show Podcast available at blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio & Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio