After an entertaining but light Week 0, we have a pretty busy schedule this weekend, with several games where two teams from the preseason Top 25 face off. Without further ado, here are my predictions for Week 1.
(All point spreads are from BetMGM, Click here (For live odds, all kickoff times are Eastern Time.)
North Carolina (-1.5) at Minnesota, Thursday, 8 p.m. (Fox)
The Gophers continue to produce productive running backs and have another good one in sophomore Darius Taylor, but he’s dealing with a sore hamstring. Quarterback Max Brosmer, a transfer from New Hampshire, should be an upgrade from what the Gophers had at the position last year, but I think the Tar Heels have enough athleticism to hold off Minnesota and start with a win.
North Carolina 20, Minnesota 13
Take: North Carolina -1.5
North Dakota State at Colorado (-10), Thursday, 8 p.m., ESPN
The Bisons are physical and tough and won’t be an easy matchup for Colorado, but I think the Buffs will be much better on defense this fall and have enough playmakers to take over in the second half.
Colorado 34, North Dakota State 17
Take: Colorado -10
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Clemson vs. Georgia (-13.5), Saturday, noon, ABC
This is the pick I’m most unsure about. I was tempted to bet on the Bulldogs coming out on top in a game that wasn’t competitive in the fourth quarter, but I think Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik will be much better in his second season in coordinator Garrett Riley’s offense and rally the Tigers to hold the score to less than two touchdowns.
Georgia 27, Clemson 17
Take: Clemson +13.5
Penn State (-8.5) at West Virginia, noon, Fox
It will be fascinating to see what the Nittany Lions’ offense looks like under new coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. While quarterback Drew Allar isn’t Jalon Daniels or Jason Bean, he can still run a version of that option and do enough to keep defenses guessing. Quarterback Garrett Greene will keep the Mountaineers in the game throughout this game with his wheels and playmaking skills.
Penn State 20, West Virginia 17
Take: West Virginia +8.5
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Miami (-2.5) at Florida, 3:30 p.m., ABC
This is the most talented team the Canes have had in two decades, but the start of the game in the Swamp will be a real test. I think quarterback Cam Ward and running back Damien Martinez can handle it, but expect some rough patches in the first half. Florida’s Graham Mertz is a good enough passer to attack Miami’s biggest question mark: its defensive secondary.
Miami 28, Florida 17
Take: Miami -2.5
Notre Dame at Texas A&M (-3), 7:30 p.m., ABC
Marcus Freeman will have one of the best defenses in the country, perhaps the most athletic Notre Dame has had in the last 30 years, but it’s the offensive line — which will feature three sophomores and two freshmen, including a true freshman left tackle in Anthony Knapp — that concerns me the most. Mike Elko’s defense will have four big, athletic frontcourt players. I also think Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman has the pocket presence to hold his own against Notre Dame’s defense.
Texas A&M 17, Notre Dame 10
Take: Texas A&M-3
Fresno State vs. Michigan (-21), 7:30 p.m., NBC
The defending champions start with a new coach, a new quarterback and a completely rebuilt offensive line. The Wolverines will have some issues on offense, but I don’t think that will be a problem in Week 1, when their overloaded defense will dominate.
Michigan 35, Fresno State 3
Take: Michigan -21
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LSU (-4.5) vs. USC, Sunday, 7:30 p.m., ABC
The Tigers have lost four straight season openers, but they’ll end that streak against the Caleb Williams-less Trojans. These teams were horrible on defense last year; expect both to be a little better on that side of the ball. They also both need to replace Heisman-winning quarterbacks. The Tigers have a much better offensive line, so I’m picking them here.
LSU 28, USC 20
Take: LSU -4.5
The Seminoles weren’t great on either side of the ball last week against Georgia Tech. I’m betting Mike Norvell will fix some of those issues, but I think BC’s speedy quarterback Thomas Castellanos will do the damage. He gave the Noles a hard time last year and nearly led the Eagles to a big upset.
Florida State 31, Boston College 20
Take: Boston College +16.5
Surprise Special: UNLV at Houston (-2.5), Saturday, 7 p.m., FS1
I almost could have picked Miami (Ohio) over Northwestern (-3), but I prefer this one even more. Willie Fritz is a good coach, but he faces a major rebuild, while UNLV’s Barry Odom has good momentum after a terrific first season.
UNLV 24, Houston 17
Take: UNLV +2.5
(Photo: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
