Tyler Stearns |
College football week one begins this week and we have some amazing matchups. To start the week, we have the FCS powerhouse NDSU heading to Boulder to take on Deion's Buffaloes. On Saturday, we have James Franklin's Penn State taking on an underrated West Virginia team. Let's predict the three biggest games of the weekend.
Georgia versus Clemson Georgia versus Clemson is a really interesting matchup. Though Georgia has been the most dominant team in college football post covid, Clemson was a dynasty during the 2010s. But since then, the Tigers' inability to adapt to the changing world of football, including not using the transfer portal to add key players, has hurt them greatly. And Georgia has used both high school and college football recruiting to create a big, powerful roster. And they have the coaching to develop those players, becoming a recent NFL factory. Georgia will Clemson, though it may be closer than some think. Georgia 35, Clemson 24.
USC versus LSU This game will be a barn burner. Both teams had horrible defenses in 2023-24, the only difference was LSU's offense was much stronger and kept them in games. But now, after losing their starting QB and starting two receivers, they have taken a massive hit. The same can be said about the Trojans, however, losing Caleb Williams may give the team some breathing room as the absence of a star player may spread attention throughout the roster. The team chemistry for the Trojans has and will massively improve, which may play a factor in the game. Though The Take doesn't think USC will start the year ranked, the Trojans will get it done in Vegas. USC 42, LSU 38.
Miami versus Florida Miami and Florida have had two very different offseasons. Miami finished their HS recruiting strong, stealing some blue chip recruits from Florida and FSU. They also added two very good players in the portal, in QB Cam Ward from WSU and RB Damien Martinez from Oregon State. Florida was able to keep DJ Lagway, but they lost some important recruits. They also have a grueling schedule, playing eight teams ranked in the AP Top 25. Florida will drop their first to a star studded Miami team. Miami 30, Florida 20.
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