August 29, 2018 by Nicholas Niland
To me, this is the sound of settling for Fall. Week one of college football!
Welcome to the beginning of the season, plenty of questions to be answered, and many more to be asked. In this addition, I will be giving you a couple of highlight games to keep tabs on this weekend. Here we go!
6 Washington vs 9 Auburn. Line: Aub -2.0
Starting the season with an upset? Possibly. The Chick-fil-A Kickoff in Atlanta, GA will be a warm welcome to the genesis of the 2018 College Football season. I’m going to give the edge to Auburn in this week one match-up, and here’s why. Both Washington and Auburn have stingy defenses that can limit their opponents to scoring, even in this era of lighting up the scoreboards. I think Jarrett Stidham for Auburn will have much more experience to carry the Tigers offense. Although, not a heavy passer, Stidham was smart with his passes, throwing for 18 TDs and 6 INTs. Auburn has lost a fantastic running back in Kerryon Johnson, and will have a void to replace in the backfield. I think Auburn will have a balanced offense that will give the Huskies an issue. Washington brings back their QB from last year with Jake Browning, and an equally as stingy defense as Auburn touts. Browning and Stidham had similar passing numbers last year, but Browning’s numbers fell off a cliff from his previously posted in 2016. I feel like Browning will have a difficult time this year replicating his success from 2 seasons ago, and against a defense like Auburn, he could easily throw 2 INTs.
Prediction: Aub 34 – Wash 24
14 Michigan vs 12 Notre Dame. Line: ND -1.0
This seems like a late Fall match-up, but here it is, week one! South Bend is going to be loud, that’s the only thing I know for sure. Michigan has a lot of question marks surrounding them, with the new addition of Shea Patterson who is supposed to be the savior for the lackluster offense Jim Harbaugh has pieced together. Last year, Michigan did not have a QB who threw for 1,000 yards, and they didn’t have a running back who reached the 1,000 yard mark as well. Michigan has a lot riding on Patterson to revitalize the offense, but their defense is going to be one of the best in the nation. Michigan has only lost 2 starters from last year, which is scary. Michigan will more than likely have another top 5 defense that will wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Notre Dame has named their starting QB as Brandon Wimbush, who at times, last year showed flashes of being a good QB. Wimbush and the Fighting Irish look to start the season off right, but filling the hole in the backfield that Josh Adams left will prove difficult. This game is a complete toss-up, as both defenses could be in control, while both offenses struggle to find their identity.
Prediction: Michigan 17 – ND 28
8 Miami vs 25 LSU. Line: MIAMI -3.5
I’m shocked that this line is only favoring Miami by 3.5. LSU could be an absolute train wreck this season. LSU has announced their starting QB as Joe Burrow, who has only played 10 games. To be fair, Burrow is a graduate transfer who backed up JT Barrett over the last two seasons, so he has had very little opportunities to play meaningful snaps. LSU is suffering from numerous outside distractions surrounding players and coaches, different allegations and issues with the law. I feel as though LSU, losing Derrius Guice and Danny Etling will prove insurmountable for them to overcome. Miami has some positions to fill as well, however mainly on the defensive side. Miami brings back their starting QB and RB from last year, as well as their third leading receiver from last year. This neutral site game in Arlington, TX will be a great way to start off the season for both teams who are ready to proof they deserve their preseason ranking. I think Miami will take this one with ease.
Prediction: LSU 21 – Miami 34
20 Virginia Tech vs. 19 Florida State. Line: FSU -7.0
Florida State is coming off of a disappointing season last year that was plagued by injury, notably in the QB position, losing Deondre Francois early in the season. Another headline is the new head coach, Jimbo Fisher’s departure to Texas A&M was rather abrupt, but it was to be expected. Willie Taggart comes into a team that has a lot to prove, and a lot to figure out. FSU’s Athletic Director is leaving as well, taking a job for the NCAA. I think with all the uncertainty and changes, there should be a new culture and identity Taggart can form, which should be beneficial for the Noles as they look to regain their national contenders status. On the other side, Justin Fuente and the Hokies have already established their culture and identity. Josh Jackson will have another year under his belt for the Hokies as the QB, after an impressive freshman campaign, Jackson led VT to a 9-4 record. In order for VT to improve off of their record from last year, they will have to find more production from their running backs. I think despite the home-field advantage and hype surrounding the welcomed changes at FSU, Virginia Tech comes out on top this week.
Prediction: VT 28- FSU 24.
thestadiumreporter.wordpress.com 