With college football returning Saturday (the real week one), it’s time for the race for the playoffs and crowning of a national champion to begin. Some teams are mere pawns in a game of chess, but for some Saturday is the start of something more. You’ll get plenty of previews across the web in the coming days breaking down the teams who have a shot to lift the trophy at year end. Here are some teams who should be concerned about surviving week one:
No. 11 Michigan vs. Florida
College Football Betting Odds: Wolverines -3.5
As a 3.5-point favorite and facing a fellow top-20 team to start the year, it wouldn’t register as a big upset if the Michigan lost in a battle of two defense-minded teams. With that said the Wolverines are replacing 17 starters between the two sides of the ball and will enter the game with one of the lowest returning starter rates in all of college football. The Gators for all their problems last year on offense have yet to announce a starter at quarterback but do have Luke Del Rio and Malik Zaire, who both have experience (how much positive experience is a key variable) as starters. The question is will either of them be effective?
The Gators had a brief spurt under Will Grier where their defense was stellar and their offense was starting to look good. But then Grier got suspended and things fell apart. Can they get back to that? And remember, the Gators have seven players suspended for this game – including last year’s leading wide receiver, Antonio Callaway.
In a neutral-site game between two stout defenses, it may be the team who minimizes mistakes that will escape. Florida QBs may have fewer jitters going into this one.
No. 1 Alabama vs. Florida State
College Football Betting Odds: Alabama -7
Much like in Michigan-Florida we’re splitting hairs when talking about two top-three teams entering the season, but Florida State may be one of the few programs in America which won’t be scared of the Tide. Deondre Francois showed in his freshman campaign he can make the big throws and take a hit with the best of them, two key ingredients necessary to move the ball against a ferocious Alabama defense. Jalen Hurts’ limitations as a passer were a huge part of Alabama’s struggles in the national title game. If that aspect of his game hasn’t developed and Francois can avoid giving Alabama an easy score created by defense, this one has the makings of a classic in week one. However, keep in mind that many people thought Alabama-USC Week 1 last season would be a classic but the Trojans got flattened.
No. 21 Virginia Tech vs. West Virginia
College Football Betting Odds: Hokies -4
There aren’t too many games where a ranked team should struggle. In this tilt people should see a close game down to the fourth quarter. Both teams can put a helmet on people defensively though the Mountaineers will be replacing a big portion of last year’s defense. Both teams will be breaking in new quarterbacks to start the season and it will be interesting to see how much confidence each coach shows early on. The guess here is that Virginia Tech survives thanks to one big play by its defense, but expect a slugfest which struggles to reach the over-under.
No. 25 Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech
College Football Betting Odds: Volunteers -3
Georgia Tech hasn’t been trending upwards the last few years under Paul Johnson, but nobody enjoys playing against the triple-option offense. Georgia Tech has had a knack in recent years for pulling one or two of these upsets a year. Tennessee will see a bit of turnover from last year with eight starters having to be replaced. The Vols’ defense was inconsistent at best last year. Missed tackles or assignments against Georgia Tech have a tendency to lead to touchdowns. Not always the most disciplined or well-coached team, expect Tennessee to have problems on the big stage to open the season — a Georgia Tech upset here wouldn’t surprise analysts in the least.
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