The time, finally, has come.
All the talk is over. The fun finally gets underway as this year's college football season hits full swing next weekend. While most teams use the first week to work out the kinks in their system (see Florida), there are also some pretty good matchups to open off the year. From Salt Lake to Stillwater, from Athens to Ann Arbor, this somewhat "predictable" season has the potential to be anything but. For the sake of fans everywhere, let's hope that comes true.
With that said, here's a quick overview of opening weekend games, with predictions in bold. Enjoy!
Five Must-See Games
Alabama vs. Virginia Tech (in Atlanta) — Unlike last year's rout of Clemson, the Tide takes on a much tougher opponent in Frank Beamer's Hokies. The biggest question in this game surrounds new Alabama QB Greg McIlroy. Certainly, this isn't the best game to start a brand new signal caller, and McIlroy will have his work cut out for him. However, Alabama counters that inexperience with a nasty veteran defense, a defense that should carry them this season, and in this game. Alabama 17, Virginia Tech 13
Georgia vs. Oklahoma State — The T. Boone Ranch will be rocking in what has to be one of the biggest home openers in a long time for the Cowboys. Despite the hostile environment, I wouldn't be surprised if Georgia wins this game. Mark Richt is a great coach, and the Bulldogs return fantastic starters from the offensive and defensive lines. However, Mike Gundy is a man. He's 42. And he has a quarterback with experience. He's Zac Robinson. The OSU offense will be just a little too much to handle in Stillwater. Oklahoma State 35, Georgia 27
South Carolina vs. NC State — This should be an interesting battle. NC State is predicted to do well in the ACC, while many people think this could be Steve Spurrier's swan song at South Carolina. While the Wolfpack were routed in their last trip to Columbia, this time they're the team on the rise. It won't be a blowout, but the Gamecocks will have a tough time in Raleigh. NC State 23, South Carolina 13
Oregon vs. Boise State — I've had a lot of trouble with this one. Boise is extremely tough at home, but rarely if ever have the Broncos hosted someone of Oregon's caliber on the Smurf Turf. Kellen Moore doesn't have Ian Johnson at tailback, and will have a whole different group of receivers this year, which has me leaning towards the Ducks, but the Broncos have more riding on this game than Oregon, which has me heading back towards Boise. This could be the game of the year and a definite classic, and it's almost down to a coin flip to pick a winner. However, I believe in a simple formula. When in doubt, take the home team. Boise State 28, Oregon 27
BYU vs. Oklahoma (in Dallas) — This game is going to be more interesting than most people think. BYU QB Max Hall is underrated nationally, and if the fairly new Cougar offensive line gives him time, Brigham Young might make this interesting. The one problem for BYU is that, for their best chance at pulling off an upset, they needed to take on Oklahoma later in the year. Sure, the Sooners will have a young offensive line that hasn't been battle tested as much as Bob Stoops wishes. However, the OU defensive line is stout, and that's what will decide this game. Oklahoma 42, BYU 17
Five Biggest Cream Puffs
After all, it is the first weekend...
Charleston Southern vs. Florida — Please. If Tim Tebow takes one snap in the second half, Florida should be forced to double the rent-a-win check it gave to Charleston Southern. This one will be close for the first four minutes, and then the Gator JV squad should be put in as a mercy rule. Florida 77, Charleston Southern 0
Akron vs. Penn State — The Nittany Lions didn't push themselves in creating their non-conference slate. They won't need to push themselves in this game, either. Penn State 45, Akron 10
UL-Monroe vs. Texas — ULM beat Alabama two years ago. Does anyone actually believe they'll pull the upset in Austin? I thought so. Colt McCoy will start his Heisman campaign in the right way, and the Horns will put a statement score to the rest of the country. Texas 63, UL-Monroe 6
Jacksonville State vs. Georgia Tech — It's a short trip from Jacksonville, AL to Atlanta, but even with Ryan Perrilloux in a Gamecock jersey, Paul Johnson and his option attack should have no problems running all over Jax State. Georgia Tech 51, Jacksonville State 7
Liberty vs. West Virginia — Even without Pat White, Bill Stewart can breathe a sigh of relief. The Mountaineers, who could be the dangerous team flying under the radar, should keep their fans happy in quickly routing the overmatched Flames. West Virginia 59, Liberty 10
Week 1 Upset Alert
Louisiana Tech vs. Auburn — The Gene Chizik era stars on the Plains, and it won't be an easy start as Derek Dooley's Bulldogs visit Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Tigers struggled mightily last season trying to run Tony Franklin's offense, and while Gus Malzahn is better at fitting his offense to the talent given to him, it'll still be a tough transition for Auburn. The Tigers don't seem to have the double threat at tailback yet to fully utilize the Wildcat, while the shift of Kodi Burns to WR has me thinking that Malzahn is really trying to spread talent wherever he can. Louisiana Tech is no slouch, having beat Mississippi State last year, and something tells me they'll pull off another shocker to open this year. Louisiana Tech 17, Auburn 13
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