CFB Week 1 Preview

Week 0 reaction, games of the week, and my locks for Week 1:

Week 0

There wasn’t much going on in week 0, but Farmageddon was a good way to start the year. Kansas State and Iowa State are both contenders to win the Big 12, and this is a huge W for ISU. If the weather had been a little better, I think KSU would have won, but it’s too late for that now. Avery Johnson and Rocco Becht both looked sharp, and I expect both of these teams to be threats from here on.

Games of the Week

1 Texas at 3 Ohio State (-1.5)

While this is a home game for the Buckeyes, I am kind of surprised they are favored. They have very little experience. Texas has more coming back and just about every position. Texas has the advantage at pretty much every position except for maybe OL. This will be Julian Sayin’s first meaningful action, and he will be playing against one of college football’s best defense. Texas wins this one.

6 LSU at 8 Clemson (-4.0)

Clemson is pretty overrated going into this season. They have lost 3 straight game to SEC teams, and I don’t know if any of those teams are as good as this LSU team. There are three things that they have over LSU. I believe Clemson is better in the trenches. They get to play at home, and LSU has not won a season opener since 2019. LSU has the advantage everywhere else. Is Clemson ready to come back into greatness and beat a contender for the first time since 2020? Is LSU ready to actually come of the gate firing? Either way, one of these teams will be breaking an ugly streak. I’m leaning LSU here, as I believe they are much better at all of the skill positions and Clemson doesn’t have the same level of depth.

4 Notre Dame (-2.5) at 16 Miami

Carson Beck sucks against good defenses. Notre Dame will have one of the nation’s best. Miami is bringing in a lot of new players this year, and the defense will be lead by a new DC. It will take a little time for the Hurricanes to hit their stride. Notre Dame will be ready to go as they prepare to make a run at another championship appearance, and will get the win by at least a TD.

Locks

Texas (+1.5) at Ohio State

I already talked about this one, and, honestly, I would be pretty surprised if Ohio State came out of this with a win.

Montana State at Oregon (-29.5)

29.5 is a lot of points, and Montana State is one of the best in the FCS, but come on. Oregon is one of the top talented teams in the country, and will dominate this team at every step. If Oregon doesn’t win by at least 30, I would be worried about them.

Notre Dame (-2.5) at Miami

I also already talked about this one. This is not the kind of game that Mario Cristobal wins, same goes for Carson Beck. Notre Dame has a much better team, and should win going away.