We’re just a week away from a brand new college football season. We’ve listed a different list here, containing 30 of the most anticipated games of the season. But before you jump on to that, check out first the best college football games in Week 1.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]Top Five Games to Watch in Week 1 of College Football
Texas A&M Aggies vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (Thursday, August 28)
Line: Texas A&M Aggies (+10.5) at South Carolina Gamecocks (-10.5); total: 57.5 – see all NCAAF lines
[sc:NCAA240banner ]The post-Johnny Manziel era begins for the Texas A&M Aggies when they open their season on the road against fellow SEC member, South Carolina. But it’s not just Johnny Football whom College Station will be missing starting this season, as Jake Matthews and Mike Evans are now both in the NFL, too.
What’s left of Kevin Sumlin’s offense will be in for an early litmus test against the Gamecocks, whose defense under Steve Spurrier’s wing remains formidable despite losing beast defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to the pro ranks.
Writer’s prediction: South Carolina beats Aggies by more than 10 points.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. LSU Tigers (Saturday, August 30)
Line: Wisconsin Badgers (-4) at LSU Tigers (+4); total: 50.0 – see all NCAAF lines
A win figures to be bigger for the Badgers in this game than for LSU, as the Badgers don’t have that many chances to meet ranked teams on the field this season. There are only two Top 25 programs on Wisconsin’s schedule right now. That’s three less than that of LSU, which has lost a ton of talent over the offseason, including Zach Mettenberger, Jeremy Hill, Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.
However, aggressive recruitment has brought in a horde of top-tier prospects to Death Valley. Among them is 5-star running back Leonard Fournette.
Writer’s prediction: LSU wins season opener.
Clemson Tigers vs. Georgia Bulldogs (Saturday, August 30)
Line: Clemson Tigers (+7.5) at Georgia Bulldogs (-8.5); total: 58.0 – see all NCAAF lines
Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins are now gone, and they’re going to be replaced by Cole Stoudt and Charone Peake, respectively. Both replacements won’t be near the talent level of their predecessors, but it’s going to be fine for Clemson for as long as their defense lives up to the hype. That said, the Bulldogs’ offense, which returns a big chunk of its starters (Heisman Trophy candidate and running back Todd Gurley included), should pose a formidable test for the Tigers’ front seven.
Writer’s prediction: Georgia wins, but fails to cover the spread.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Auburn Tigers (Saturday, August 30)
Line: Arkansas Razorbacks (+21) at Auburn Tigers (-21) – see all NCAAF lines
Arkansas did not beat anyone from the SEC last season, going 0-8 SU in conference play and finishing with a grim 3-8 SU overall. The Razorbacks, though, are bound to improve in Bret Bielema’s second season, as 13 total starters from last year have returned to the roster. Will that be even enough for Arkansas to prevent a blowout loss against Auburn? Or are we all about to witness a seismic upset win by the Razorbacks at Jordan-Hare Stadium?
Writer’s prediction: Auburn gets the win, Razorbacks cover.
Create a betting account now and cash in on the looming college football wars.
Fresno State Bulldogs vs. USC Trojans (Saturday, August 30)
Line: Fresno State Bulldogs (+21.5) at USC Trojans (-21.5); total: 57.5– see all NCAAF lines
The Trojans ended their 2013 season with a complete destruction of Fresno State in the Las Vegas Bowl, winning the game 45-20. The two teams meet again, and this time to open their respective seasons.
Derek Carr won’t be there, though, for the Bulldogs. Carr was instrumental in leading the Bulldogs’ offense, which finished first in passing yards last season with 394.8 yards per game. As for USC, they’ll still have Cody Kessler under center. Kessler had a breakout season in 2013, wherein he threw for 2,968 yards and 20 touchdowns
Writer’s prediction: USC wins and covers.
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