Folks, we have arrived. College football will be played on five consecutive days starting Thursday, in a week that gives us the best Week 1 slate in who knows how long. We’re treated to three top 10 matchups, in addition to several ranked teams playing power conference opponents. I will be seated and locked in on those battles, but I also want to highlight 3 unranked teams that I think have a chance of being dark horses in their respective conferences, who coincidentally happen to be playing their own power conference opponents. Let’s get into it.
Nebraska @ Cincinnati (played in Kansas City), Thursday 8/28 @ 9pm ET
I see a lot to like for this Cornhuskers team, especially on offense. If Dylan Raiola can make a jump in his sophomore season, I think they can be major factor late in the season, especially with the light Big 10 schedule that they were handed. Matt Rhule signed some nice pass catching weapons from the portal, including Dane Key from Nebraska and Nyziah Hunter from Cal, and they return a few starters on the offensive line. Cincinnati in week 1 isn’t necessarily a cupcake, which I think will give us a good look at what Nebraska can be this year. I’m looking for two things: 1. How Dylan Raiola looks after an offseason of working with new OC Dana Holgerson, and 2. How the defense performs. The defense (especially up front) seems like the biggest question mark for Nebraska this season, so I’m interested to see what they can do against the Cincinnati offense. It’s a nice Big 10/Big 12 battle to start us off on Thursday night.
Georgia Tech @ Colorado, Friday 8/29 @ 8pm
Georgia Tech gets a bit of a test in a road trip to Boulder on Friday night. I think this team has the makings of an ACC contender, with a solid schedule draw that sees only Clemson out of the top ACC teams. They have the QB in Haynes King, and they should have the skill players, but I want to see what this offensive line is made of in Week 1. They’re dealing with some personnel turnover, as they had four guys with All-ACC honors last season, and only one returns. Especially against a Colorado front that has a few athletes, I hope to see them protect King and give the ball carriers some good running lanes. The offense can only go as far as the offensive line can take them.
Utah @ UCLA, Saturday 8/30 @ 11pm
Pac-12 after dark is back! At least that’s what I’m telling myself. Utah is probably the least “dark horsey” of these three teams, but I’m super excited for this week one matchup, as I like the Utes to have a major bounce back season. The offensive line is rock solid. They have two, potentially three, NFL guys up front, and they’ll lead the way for what will likely be a super heavy rushing attack. Devon Dampier is under center, transferring from New Mexico, and he not only comes with his OC from the previous school, but a running back and wide receiver as well. If the passing game clicks even a little bit, I love this team. And what better way to find out than a late-night Power 4 showdown. On the flip side, the headlines write themselves with Nico at the helm, which I think will be a great test to see what kind of form the Utes defense is in to start the year. Make sure you’re well caffeinated, it’s going to be a late night.
