Florida A&M at No. 17 UCF (-45.5)
7:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network
Notre Dame transfer Quarterback Brandon Wimbush should make his first start for the Knights, who will face a Florida A&M team that went a solid 6-5 last season in Willie Simmons’ first go-round. UCF maintains its regular season unbeaten streak going with ease.
Prediction: UCF 48 FAMU 0
Georgia Tech at No. 1 Clemson (-33.5)
8 p.m., ACC Network
Geoff Collins’ debut as Georgia Tech’s new Head Coach won’t be easy. Clemson was 1-2 against the spread when favored by more than 30 points in 2018. Georgia Tech will struggle, especially early in this season as they try to transition to a more conventional offense. Look for the Tigers to win handily, but the Yellow Jackets will cover.
Prediction: Clemson 52 Georgia Tech 17
Texas State at No. 12 Texas A&M (-34.5)
8:30 p.m., SEC Network
First-year head coach Jake Spavital leads the Bobcats into a tough opener at Kyle Field and the Aggies, led by Jimbo Fisher, are hoping to pick up where they left off after averaging more than 50 points over their last four games of 2018. Kellen Mond opens with a big first half and the Aggies run away and hide for an easy victory.
Prediction: TAM 40 Tex State 10
No. 14 Utah (-5) at BYU
10:15 p.m., ESPN
A week 1 rivalry game, and it should be a great one. The Utes have won the last eight meetings, but all of the last six have been decided by little more than five points per game. BYU makes it interesting at home, but the Utes have too much talent and pull away late.
Prediction: Utah 30 BYU 17
No. 19 Wisconsin (-13.5) at South Florida
7 p.m., ESPN
On paper, this looks like a dangerous game for the Badgers, but last year the Bulls were terrible against the run and if they have not improved at stopping tit they will have no chance here.
Prediction: Wisconsin 37 South Florida 7
Florida Atlantic at No. 5 Ohio State (-27)
Noon, FOX
Justin Fields and Ryan Day will impress in their debuts, and the Buckeyes show a little more punch on defense around future first-round pick Chase Young. If Day is the real deal as a coach the Buckeyes could be better than last year.
Prediction: Ohio State 45 Fla Atlantic 27
South Alabama at No. 24 Nebraska (-36)
Noon, ESPN
Questions on defense surround the Huskers so 36 is a lot of points give here. The Huskers will roll big-time but the Jaguars will cover.
Prediction: Nebraska 35 South Alabama 17
No. 2 Alabama (-34.5) vs. Duke
3:30 p.m., ABC
Duke is a solid and well-coached team, but Bama is Bama and they should win this game handily.
Prediction: Bama 48 Duke 7
Northwestern at No. 25 Stanford (-6.5)
4 p.m., FOX
This is a solid week 1 matchup between two well-coached teams. I like the Wildcats in an upset.
Prediction: Stanford 24 Northwestern 14
No. 3 Georgia (-20.5) at Vanderbilt
7:30 p.m., SEC Network
Vandy has some talented skill players and Georgia is breaking in some new receivers. The Commodores will stay in this game longer than expected.
Prediction: Georgia 34 Vandy 7
No. 11 Oregon vs. No. 16 Auburn (-3)
7:30 p.m., ABC
The key to this game will be Oregon’s offensive line against Auburn’s defensive line. Take the points in a close one.
Prediction: Oregon 24 Auburn 20
Houston at No. 4 Oklahoma (-24.5)
7:30 p.m., ESPN
The Cougars will not be a pushover here and I expect this to be the game of the weekend.
Prediction: Oklahoma 45 Houston 38
No. 9 Notre Dame (-20.5) at Louisville
8 p.m., ESPN
The Cardinals are at home and will be fired up, but emotion only lasts so long. Irish pull away in the second half.
Prediction: Notre Dame 35 Louisville 24
