College football is back, baby! Week zero is here, and we have actual college football games happening this weekend. No more talking about the “what ifs” and projections; we have live football games on our televisions to watch. There are only seven FBS games, so predictions will be light. However, we do have a couple of big-name programs playing, including Notre Dame and USC (although no one can watch USC because it’s on the Pac-12 Network, which does not exist).
Sam Hartman Throws 2 First Half Interceptions – Notre Dame has a major question mark at wide receiver this fall. Not only does Sam Hartman need to build chemistry with his new receivers, but most of them do not have real game experience. The Fighting Irish bring back only one receiver with double-digit receptions in Jayden Thomas. They also brought in Kaleb Smith from Virginia Tech, who has 57 receptions over the past two seasons. There will be bumps along the way, but Notre Dame has a schedule that will challenge them but also allow mistakes to happen. Navy plays a slow-paced game, which will limit the number of possessions Notre Dame will have in a game. Hartman will throw two interceptions in the first half while he works through the chemistry with his new team. He will settle in for the second half and help lead Notre Dame to an easy victory, winning by at least 17 points.
Caleb Williams Scores Five Touchdowns, Out of the Game by Halftime – USC was one of the best offenses in the country last year. Heisman trophy winner Caleb Williams is back to lead the offense once again. Williams will have a few new weapons with Travis Dye and Jordan Addison off to the NFL. Lincoln Riley used the transfer portal to bring in Dorian Singer from Arizona and Marshawn Lloyd from South Carolina. USC is going to look to set the tone for their season early. Williams is one of the most explosive quarterbacks in the country with the ability to find the endzone on any play. He has a strong arm to stretch the field and is a dynamic runner. USC’s offense should pick up right where they left off with one of the highest-scoring offenses in the country. USC puts this game away early after leading by at least five touchdowns at halftime, where Riley makes the decision to pull Williams and give him rest with a long season ahead.
Kurtis Rourke and Sam Wiglusz Combine for Three Touchdowns – One of the most underrated quarterback-wide receiver combinations is in the MAC. Kurtis Rourke was one of the best quarterbacks in the country before he went down with an injury in November. Wiglusz was his favorite target, registering 877 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Wiglusz saw his production drop after Rourke’s injury, but he is back now. The duo is looking to bring a MAC championship to Athens, Ohio, and it all starts Saturday against San Diego State. Look for the duo to make a statement against the Aztecs with Rourke throwing three touchdowns to Wiglusz in their week zero matchup. Ohio vs. San Diego State could be the best matchup of the weekend, so make sure to tune in to this one!
