With Week 0 upon us, college football fans across the country can rejoice as the long-awaited break is finally over. There are plenty of exciting players, matchups, and teams that will be showing the fruits of their labor after grinding through the offseason tomorrow. We as fans get to enjoy a conference game, a game played in Ireland, a Heisman hopeful, and two teams making their FBS debuts. This slate of games should be an indication of the chaos and unpredictable nature that this season will hold. This makes me wonder: who will start the season 1-0 with a win this week?
North Carolina (0-0) vs. TCU (0-0) — 9:00 AM PT
Stadium: Aviva Stadium — Dublin, Ireland
Prediction: TCU 31–17 North Carolina
Thus far into his short career at UNC, Bill Belichick has not been able to win consistently. I lack trust in the direction of the Tar Heel program and believe TCU is the safe pick to win. The Horned Frogs are a more talented team and should show it for the second year in a row. Although their quarterback is making his FBS debut, TCU has enough support around him to get the job done in Ireland.
San Jose State (0-0) at USC (0-0) — 12:00 PM PT
Stadium: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum — Los Angeles, California
Prediction: USC 52–10 San Jose State
At noon, in a game that sounds like ancient warriors preparing for battle, will be anything but as USC should throttle SJSU. The Trojans are a more complete and talented team than San Jose State in every way. The Spartans have a tall order if they want to win as they are playing a better team with significant roster turnover and will have all eyes on them. This game should be over by halftime as the Trojans will cruise to an easy victory.
NC State (0-0) at Virginia (0-0) — 12:30 PM PT
Stadium: Scott Stadium — Charlottesville, Virginia
Prediction: Virginia 23–17 NC State
Virginia got incredibly lucky that this game was moved from Rio de Janeiro to Charlottesville. This gives the Cavaliers a much stronger home-field advantage that could be pivotal in a Week 0 conference game. C.J. Bailey, the NC State quarterback, has the ability to push Virginia to their breaking point. With that being said, Virginia will lean on the experience of their veteran roster, in addition to their home-field advantage, and get the slim victory in a tight game throughout.
Jacksonville State (0-0) at North Dakota State (0-0) — 2:30 PM PT
Stadium: Fargodome — Fargo, North Dakota
Prediction: North Dakota State 33–17 Jacksonville State
NDSU is making history by finally entering the FBS after dominating the FCS for such a long time. The luxury of playing this game at home is unbelievable. The fans and program will be able to celebrate the fact that they are finally being acknowledged as a talented program at the highest level, which will only help the Bison on Saturday. Travel could be an issue for Jacksonville State as they make a long journey to one of the least populated areas in college football. With a program-defining game, a rowdy environment, and tough travel, expect North Dakota State to win big in the first of many FBS games in their future.
Sacramento State (0-0) at Eastern Michigan (0-0) — 3:30 PM PT
Stadium: Rynearson Stadium — Ypsilanti, Michigan
Prediction: Eastern Michigan 26-21 Sacramento State
The moment might be too big for Sacramento State to win their first FBS game. The Hornets are dealing with a new head coach, a new level of competition, and new travel plans. This favors Eastern Michigan in a home game, as the Eagles return production in the form of quarterback Noah Kim and tight end Joshua Long. Expect Sacramento State to come out trying to fire on all pistons, only to stall and lose a tough game in their debut.
Hawai’i (0-0) at Stanford (0-0) — 4:00 PM PT
Stadium: Stanford Stadium — Stanford, California
Prediction: Hawai’i 35–24 Stanford
Hawai’i’s explosive offense starts with their quarterback, Micah Alejado, who should have a big game. He has key pieces returning on the outside, which should help eliminate mistakes on the road. Stanford’s pass defense allowed close to 300 yards per game last season, and their offense has sputtered in recent seasons. The Cardinal enter a new era under new head coach Tavita Pritchard and have struggled in recent seasons, giving Hawai’i an opportunity to start the year with a road win.
New Mexico State (0-0) at Florida State (0-0) — 4:00 PM PT
Stadium: Doak S. Campbell Stadium — Tallahassee, Florida
Prediction: Florida State 45–3 New Mexico State
The Seminoles are coming in as huge favorites and for good reason. Florida State is going to dominate the game with a strong rushing attack and a solid defense that can cause problems for many teams around the country. This week they are playing an inferior opponent in the Aggies at home and should not have any trouble waltzing to a victory. New Mexico State will be paid $1.4 million by FSU for this game, which is a nice price to be paid for a trip to Florida.
Memphis (0-0) at UNLV (0-0) — 7:00 PM PT
Stadium: Allegiant Stadium — Las Vegas, Nevada
Prediction: UNLV 31–28 Memphis
The Runnin’ Rebels are poised for a big year in large part due to their experience, talent, and unique schemes. I expect Arnold and Thomas to play a large role in tomorrow’s game. Memphis has the talent to win this, however, there are always more questions surrounding a new head coach. Unfortunately for the Tigers, they will have more questions to answer after traveling to face a tough opponent in UNLV and losing.
