CFB Week 1 Predictions
Week 1 does not always have the best gameday slate, but let's look at Saturday's (and Sunday’s) biggest and best games.
#1 Georgia vs #14 Clemson (Georgia -14.5) 12:00pm EST
Prediction: Georgia beats Clemson 27-6
Georgia is the single-best team in College Football this season. They are better coached, more talented, and more disciplined than any other unit. After demolishing the Tigers, Georgia should leave week 1 feeling great.
#8 Penn State at West Virginia (PSU -8.5) 12:00pm EST
Prediction: Penn State beats West Virginia 17-13
In my humble opinion, Penn State is the most overrated team in College Football this year. Most experts have this team being the third-best team in the Big 10 (behind OSU and Oregon), and making the playoffs. To me, Penn State is going to be a let down offensively once again, but their defense should remain solid. West Virginia makes this close in Morgantown, but Penn State squeaks out a victory.
#19 Miami at Florida (Miami -3) 3:30pm EST
Prediction: Miami beats Florida 31-21
This is Miami’s year to make some noise. They have one of the most talented running back rooms in college football, maybe the best QB in college football, and arguably the best offensive line in college football. Florida has a gauntlet of a schedule this year including this tough out-of-conference game, and I think the Canes are too much for the Gators. Miami walks into Gainesville and leaves with a win.
# 7 Notre Dame at #20 Texas A&M (A&M -3) 7:30pm EST
Prediction: Texas A&M beats Notre Dame 24-17
Vegas has A&M as the favorite in this game and I honestly agree. The Aggies have hype surrounding them every single season, and every year they let their fans down. However, I think this is the upset that can change the program around. Talent-wise these teams match up pretty evenly and I am a big fan of both coaches. I think it comes down to the 12th man at Kyle Field, and A&M leaves victorious.
#23 USC vs #13 LSU (LSU -4) 7:30pm EST Sunday
Prediction: LSU beats USC 42-38
This game should be fun. The LSU and USC defenses were both some of the worst units statistically last year so I expect a high-scoring game. Both teams lost their former Heisman-winning QBs so there is some turnover but I have faith in both Brian Kelly and Lincoln Riley to have these offenses humming. This should be the most electric game of the weekend, but in the end, I think LSU eeks out a win in Vegas.
