College Football Week 1 Predictions: LSU/Clem, Tex vs OSU, ND vs Mia and More

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 and important non-conference matchups between teams just outside the Top 25, along with numerous mismatches on paper. The list of contenders and dark horse teams is deeper than last year, and we saw how crazy it was down the stretch. Let’s hope the powers that be don’t expand the playoffs to 24-28, which would kill the drama of the regular season. On a brighter note, they did get it right by changing the seeding for the 12-team playoff. Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride that is the College Football regular season.

Marquee Matchups

#1 Texas vs. #3 Ohio State: What a way to begin the 2025 College Football season with a blockbuster rematch of last year’s playoff semifinal. Neither team could run the ball successfully on the doorstep of the national title. Ultimately, Ohio State put the nail in the coffin with a scoop and score touchdown to put it out of the Longhorns reach. One can assume with a healthy backfield RB’s Wisner and Baxter to go along with a dual-threat QB in Manning, Texas should have the advantage in the rushing attack. Ohio State doesn’t rebuild it reloads. That said the Buckeyes lost a ton of talent and valuable experience from a championship roster. On the flip side one could argue Texas has lost plenty of elite players to the draft as well. Home field makes it difficult to pick against Ohio State. The redzone is a key for Texas as the Longhorns struggled in that area a year ago. That’s where Arch’s feet and arm come in the play in the closing minutes.

The Pick: Texas +1.5

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Texas +1.5

• Texas better at QB
• Turnovers to be key
• Game in Ohio State

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#4 Clemson vs. #9 LSU: Yet another great August marquee matchup pairing two high-profile schools in primetime on ABC. Clemson brings back loads of experience so if the Tigers want to reclaim the top spot under Dabo Swinney this would be the year to do it. LSU’s season opening losses are adding fuel to the pressure for Brian Kelly in year 4. The one thing holding this College Football podcaster back from truly believing in Clemson is the fact they only really beat one legit opponent in 2024 and that was SMU. This is classic quarterback battle with Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and LSU’s Garrett Nessmeier. Containing the run will be a key to victory for both teams. LSU’s offensive line won’t have enough time to gel, whereas Clemson returns 4 out their 5 starters.

The Pick: LSU +4 Clemson wins a close one

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet LSU +4

• Great QB Battle
• Turnovers to be key
• Game in Clemson

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Under The Radar 

#6 Notre Dame vs. #10 Miami: This special Labor Day weekend tilt on a Sunday night will shine a spotlight on this makeshift ACC rivalry. The Canes hit the transfer portal hard as they look to make serious strides in their defensive backfield after getting repeatedly gashed in 2024. Notre was shocked by Northern Illinois only to string together 14 victories. Miami’s offense was title worthy, but their defense broke down injuries wise adding to the poor display in key games versus Georgia Tech, Syracuse, and Iowa State. A healthy defensive line, a mix of transfer vets, and a few rising youngsters should see a jump on defense for the Hurricanes. Notre Dame’s aggressive corners will be a major test for Miami’s inexperience pass catchers. The biggest advantage is Miami signal-caller Carson Beck. One would assume the Irish will lean into the run game setting up plays thru the air for young wiper-snapper QB CJ Carr. The last time these two bitter rivals met when both were ranked high, Miami destroyed Notre Dame at home. Will recent history repeat itself?

The Pick: Notre Dame –2.5

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Notre dame -2.5

• Notre Dame DBs will be the Difference
• Turnovers to be key
• Game in Miami

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Georgia Tech vs. Colorado: Sure, neither of these programs are ranked in the preseason but the winner most certainly will be next week. Colorado broke through last season bringing the Buffs back to a respectability. As the 2024 season went on the Yellow Jackets appeared to be a team on the rise beating undefeated Miami and pushing SEC champs Georgia to the limit. This game will be won in the trenches with both squads looking to run the ball. GT QB Haynes King looks the part of a top tier NCAA player but don’t sleep on Liberty transfer QB Kaidon Salter. The home crowd will be helpful for Colorado, but coach Deion Sanders lost so much to NFL draft. The Buffs could keep this thing close, so the spread is admittedly difficult to pick.

The Pick: Georgia Tech –4.5 and over the 51.5 total points.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Clemson -3.5

• Haynes King to Play Well
• Turnovers to be key
• Game in Colorado

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Saturday Upset Special

Baylor +2.5. This one takes place on a Friday as Baylor pulls off an ever-so-slightly upset based off a proven track record at quarterback.

Hardcore Barnburners

Utah vs. UCLA: Can the Utes bounce back from a dreadful season? Will UCLA continue to progress while playing a challenging schedule? Can Utah get it right at QB? Speaking of quarterback can Tennessee transfer QB Nico Iamaleava thrive in LA? This one gives us hardcore college ball fans Pac-12 after dark vibes and should be a low-scoring affair. Although Bruin coach Deshawn Foster showed me something last year it’s tough not to favor long time head coach in Utah Kyle Whittingham.

The Pick: Utah –5.5

TCU vs. North Carolina: TCU looks to make a jump in 2025 but will need to get this non-conference win under its belt. UNC hired legendary New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick. The normally guarded private life and grumpy military like approach for Belichick has been a total 180 since joining the Tarheels. Will see if Bill has been in the pros too long to relate and get the most out of these college boys.

The Pick:  North Carolina +3.5. TCU wins but UNC keeps it tight.

Against The Spread

Hawai’i +17.5 versus Arizona

Buffalo +18.5 versus Minnesota

Quick Hits Recap

-Heisman Favorites: Texas QB Arch Manning, Penn St. QB Drew Allar, Clemson QB Cade Klubnik, LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier, Ohio St. Jeremiah Smith, Miami QB Carson Beck, & South Carolina QB LeNorris Sanders.

-Real Contenders in 2025: Texas, Penn State, Georgia, Clemson, Notre Dame, Alabama, Ohio State.

-Dark horses on the cusp in 2025: LSU, Oregon, Miami, ASU, South Carolina, Florida.

-The Big-12 will be entertaining all the way to the last game of the season. This year the conference has 7 programs in the Top 20 for returning production.

-Will the ACC get 2 teams in the playoffs?

-Will Boise State be the group of 5 program in the Playoff again?

-Can Miami QB Carson Beck get his groove back?

Written by Chris Carlson Co-Host/Producer of The College Ball Show under the Rope A Dope Radio Banner on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Google Podcasts & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio