My predictions for the top 5 games of Week 1:
Florida at 10 Utah (-7.0)
Last year, I thought Utah was going to win this week 1 matchup. Most people did, but Florida came through thanks to some late game heroics from Anthony Richardson. Florida no longer has Richardson, and they are playing in Salt Lake this time around. Utah got better as the season went on, and I believe they will start the season off strong. Utah will win and cover to kickoff the season.
Boise State at 9 Washington (-14.5)
This game will tell me if Washington is for real. Boise State is a tough team that could make a NY6 bowl when it is all said and done, so if Washington can take care of business, we’ll get a better picture of whether or not they can make it through their tough Pac 12 schedule. I think Washington will win but not cover.
20 North Carolina at South Carolina (-3.0)
I am very excited for this matchup. Spencer Rattler had a great finish to the season last year, and if he builds on that momentum, the Gamecocks could be force to be reckoned with. However, this is no guarantee as Spencer Rattler has been very inconsistent all his career. Drake Maye on the other hand, had a great season last year, and I suspect will come out with a bang. North Carolina gets the upset and wins.
South Alabama at Tulane (-7.0)
These are two of the top dogs in the Group of 5. Tulane loses a lot of production from last year, while South Alabama is still stacked. A lot of people are sleeping on the Jaguars just because they are in the Sun Belt, but I actually think the Sun Belt will be stronger than the AAC this year across the board. South Alabama gets the upset with the win.
13 Florida State vs 4 LSU (-2.5)
This is one of the biggest games of the year right off the bat. Last year Florida State won thanks to a missed extra point, but this year I don’t believe they will be so lucky. LSU finished the season super strong last year, and boasts one of the top defenses in college football. I believe LSU will win and easily cover.
JacobErwin.com 