Coming into week 1 (we’ve made it!!!) I was thinking to myself, William, you have 2 kids, a lovely wife, and you’re expecting a third child, maybe you should tone it down a little and just skip out on the Games of the Week. I quickly came to my senses and remembered that nothing is more important than me writing about my 5 favorite games of the week and how I embarrassingly missed on most of my picks from the week prior (this is me being humble, I dominate the picks…humbly). Let’s jump into it!
1. 14 Clemson vs 1 Georgia *Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Clemson comes into this week 1 matchup as 13.5 pointunderdogs, but I don’t see it that way. *removes Clemson hat* I get why the talking heads think this – Clemson has struggled offensively in the past few years and hasn’t made it to the playoff since 2020, while Georgia has essentially taken the College Football throne as of late. HOWEVER, even with my Clemson hat removed, I think this game will be a lot closer than a two score game – why you ask? Because of the defense. Clemson boasted the 8th ranked total defense last year (22nd vs the run and 8th vs the pass) while Georgia finished with the 9th ranked defense (18th vs the run and 9th vs the pass). This game is going to be a low scoring, slug fest and points will be at a premium – and I’ve got Clemson taking this one with a late field goal from their newly named, true freshman kicker, Nolan Hauser.
Clemson 19 Georgia 17
2. 8 Penn St. at West Virginia
This game is enticing to most people as an upset alert, but I’m not buying it. Yes, I love Garrett Greene and his playmaking ability for the Mountaineers offense, but I am IN LOVE with Penn St.’s defense and their newly hired offensive coordinator, Andy Kotelnicki from Kansas. Drew Allar struggled at times last year, but I think he takes a big step this year with the addition of the aforementioned OCand Julian Fleming (from Ohio St.) paired with Tight End Tyler Warren and one of the best Running Back duos in the nation, Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Penn St. wins this one by double digits in Morgantown.
Penn St. 34 West Virginia 20
3. 19 Miami at Florida
This game is going to be electric – 3:30 in August in Gainesville Florida is going to be ugly and require some gritty performances out of these athletes. Cam Ward is an amazing playmaker, but the turnovers have really plagued his career (46 fumbles and 16 interceptions). Everyone has already said “Shoot ‘em Lizbeth” and left these Gators for dead like an episode of Swamp People, but I don’t see it that way. Florida’s defense is healthy and I think they take a huge step forward this year. Add in the fact that Graham Mertz had his best year statistically last year and I think this Florida team will be pretty dern good. Sorry Miami, I don’t think this one goes your way.
Florida 31 Miami 28
4. 7 Notre Dame at 20 Texas A&M
Notre Dame is being viewed by some to be a favorite to make the playoff. I’m not one of those people. Although their schedule seems to line up to give them a very good chance, I don’t think this Notre Dame team is good enough to win the big games that they need on their resume to make it to the playoffs. Texas A&M is going through a big change with Mike Elko and company taking over the coaching staff and getting Connor Weigman back from injury is going to be huge for the Aggies. Mike Elko’s defensive mind bodes well for the amount of talent that’s on that side of the ball along with the fact that he knows Riley Leonard very well from his days at Duke and I think the offense will be good enough to take advantage of a stout Notre Dame defense. Riley Leonard is tough, but with the injuries and losses to the OL, it’s going to be a long year for him.
Texas A&M 24 Notre Dame 14
5. 13 LSU vs 23 USC *Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
LSU and USC are mirror images of each other. Both are losing Heisman winning Quarterbacks (Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams). Both had bottom 100 total defense ranks (LSU 105th / USC 116th). Both are replacing their defensive coordinators with coordinators from inner conference schools. And, the biggest similarity yet…they play each other week 1. I like the talent that’s on LSU’s defense more than USC’s, but I don’t think that will be enough to top the Trojans in Las Vegas. Garrett Nussmeier takes over as QB for LSU and I just don’t think he can do enough to keep up with teams in games against better offenses. Add the fact that Lincoln Riley just churns out Heisman candidate QB’s, LSU loses in a shootout.
USC 42 LSU 38
