10) BOISE STATE AT WASHINGTON – 12:30PM PT/3:30PM ET [ABC]
This should be dubbed the Christ Petersen Bowl indefinitely. Make a trophy of him too. Anyway, Boise used to be intimidating to Power 5 opponents, even to the SEC at one point. It hasn’t been lately, especially with Petersen’s departure to Washington. Boise State returns enough pieces to compete for the Mountain West title, but Washington’s building for their own Pac-12 success and more. However, it depends on the Husky defense. If they improved, Washington runs over Boise. If not, the game is much closer than the point spread (Line: Washington: -14.5)
WINNER: WASHINGTON
9) WASHINGTON STATE AT COLORADO STATE – 4PM PT/7PM ET [CBS SPORTS NETWORK]
This is a fascinating matchup. Washington State’s Cam Ward did wonders by leading the team to a surprising 7-6 record and postseason. They’re expected to compete another and potentially win more than seven if done right. However, their recent record against the Mountain West is concerning. They’re 1-3 against MW since 2019, and that one win was against Colorado State last season. The Rams expect to improve if their offense improves overall. Quarterback Clay Millen gives this team some hope. Wazzu’s passing defense was a weak spot and the Rams are an Air Raid team that won’t hesitate to attack the field. Tread lightly when betting against the Rams.
WINNER: WASHINGTON STATE
8) OREGON STATE AT SAN JOSE STATE – 12:30PM PT/3:30PM ET [CBS ON SUNDAY]
Oregon State travels to San Jose with higher expectations. The combination of Clemson transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and running back Damien Martinez could be deadly. However, the Beavers are questionable in road games against Big West/WAC/Mountain West opponents (since 1998) and are 8-10 on the road record against them. San Jose State lost last week to USC, but they showed what they’re capable of against formidable competition. Quarterback Chevan Cordeiro will take his team as far as possible. This is a scary matchup that Oregon State shouldn’t overlook. This loss could hurt their playoff opportunity, so DJ must take a massive step and avoid this upset.
WINNER: OREGON STATE
7) COASTAL CAROLINA AT UCLA – 7:30PM PT/10:30PM ET [ESPN]
Coastal Carolina returns their most decorated quarterback in Grayson McCall. He returned after his injury last season and fought it off as much as possible before the offseason. Coastal might regress without coach Jamey Chadwell (Liberty), but they should still compete for the Sun Belt title. UCLA turns a new chapter with a new offensive roster. D.T.R. moves on to the NFL (Browns), but the Bruins have some promising pieces, including highly praised recruit, quarterback Dante Moore. They also bring in running back Carson Steele (Ball State), Kyle Ford (USC), and J.Michael Sturdivant (Cal). Coastal should be competitive, but UCLA figures out their roster and escapes any potential upset conversation.
WINNER: UCLA
6) WEST VIRGINIA AT PENN STATE – 4:30PM PT/7:30PM ET [NBC]
Penn State should be as good as last season, but don’t assume they run over West Virginia. Nothing against Penn State, but they are choppy in season openers against most Power 5 schools and Appalachian State. Since 2010 (thanks to Alabama), there’s a dent in their armor that most teams could exploit. West Virginia may not be as formidable, but they have quarterback Garrett Greene, running backs Tony Mathis and CJ Donaldson, receivers led by NC State transfer Devin Carter, and return most of their offensive line. It has high scoring written all over and Penn State could be on upset alert. Wouldn’t that make Pat McAfee happy to see this?
WINNER: PENN STATE
5) SOUTH ALABAMA AT TULANE – 5PM PT/8PM ET [ESPNU]
Quarterback Michael Pratt leads the Green Wave in 2023 after a successful finish to their season. Defeating Cincinnati, UCF, and USC in the last three games sets high expectations for a repeat and more. South Alabama might have a special season similar to Tulane. Quarterback Carter Bradley’s the answer and the team has enough talent and experience across the board to compete. While Tulane should be as good as last season, they lost running backs Tyjae Spears (NFL) and Cam Carroll (Florida), and lost too much experience on defense to overcome against an experienced Jaguars.
WINNER: SOUTH ALABAMA
4) COLORADO AT TCU – 9AM PT/12PM ET [FOX]
This should be a classic matchup/Big 12 preview. Deion “Primetime” Sanders will be on the forefront of the move in 2024. TCU finishing as National Championship runner-ups should give them optimism to challenge the Big 12 again this season. However, they lost quarterback Max Duggan, running back Kendre Miller, and receiver Quentin Johnston. They do add transfers, and they’re also glad to have quarterback Chandler Morris return. He was the original starter in Week 1 last season before going down with an injury. TCU could have similar results, but they might be in a 60-minute fight with Colorado that has an abundance of transfers led by quarterback Shedeur Sanders and all-purpose player Travis Hunter (both from Jackson State). TCU should win a close one, but don’t be surprised if Colorado shocks the college football world.
WINNER: TCU
3) FLORIDA AT UTAH – 5PM PT/8PM ET [ESPN ON THURSDAY]
Last season, Florida escaped the inevitable thanks to Anthony Richardson’s amazing comeback trail. Now, Florida’s going through a new quarterback in Graham Mertz, who’s nothing like Richardson and has plenty to prove. Utah hopes for another big year led by quarterback Cam Rising. Let’s hope he’s healthy enough to start by Week 1 because they really need him for this matchup. Defense must play consistent to help out the offense after they surprisingly struggled at times, so a bounce back is a must. Florida was middling last year, and a lot was on Anthony Richardson to carry them. However, depth at running back and receiver Ricky Pearsall’s return makes the matchup interesting. Unfortunately, the Florida’s roster is too sporadic to trust. I’m treading lightly with Utah, but Rising’s status is still up in the air.
WINNER: UTAH
2) NORTH CAROLINA VS. SOUTH CAROLINA (CHARLOTTE, NC) 4:30PM PT/7:30PM ET [ABC]
North Carolina’s banking on Drake Maye for a big year again (in Bank of America Stadium), and hopefully the rest of the Heels follow, especially on defense. Meanwhile, South Carolina hopes quarterback Spencer Rattler finally plays consistent football in his second straight season as a starter with the same coach. While he has pass catchers and a backfield, he lost key pieces at both tight positions in Austin Stogner (Oklahoma) and Jaheim Bell (Florida State) and running back Marshawn Lloyd (USC). They do receive tight end Trey Knox (Arkansas). North Carolina’s expected to win with what they have compared to South Carolina. However, the Tarheels defense was bad last season while the Gamecock’s special teams could change the game. It’s hard to bet against the Heels with Maye but be wary of what South Carolina could do on special teams and in the secondary.
WINNER: UNC
1) LSU VS. FLORIDA STATE (ORLANDO, FL) – 4:30PM PT/7:30PM ET [ABC ON SUNDAY]
This is a classic matchup to cap off the weekend while I’m doing my NFL Fantasy Draft. LSU returns plenty of experience on both sides, including quarterback Jayden Daniels and linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. Daniels should improve and hopefully as more of a passer. Defense should be as good as last season, but the secondary is in question. Florida State has playoff aspirations, and the hype is real. But is it too real to believe? Quarterback Jordan Travis is a dog and has guys across the board to make plays. Defense was as good late down the stretch and made impactful plays. It should be a repeat of last season, but LSU should have an edge this time after the players bought into coach Brian Kelly. Defensive tackle Maason Smith is suspended for this game, but adding Oregon State transfer linebacker Omar Speights to lead an up-and-coming talented defense could be the difference.
WINNER: LSU
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