We're a week away from the marquee match-ups in college football, including the must-see game between Texas Tech and Ole Miss. But before we get to that, I will give my insight on the top 5 games of Week 1. How this works is I will list the most important from one to five, then I'll preview the Tech game.
1. #14 Michigan vs. #12 Notre Dame
Info: Saturday, Sept. 1st, 6:30 PM CT
This is the biggest match-up of week 1 compared to the rest of the top 25. This renewed rivalry brings the exciting story of Shea Patterson, the Ole Miss quarterback transfer for the Wolverines. Patterson was named the starter in front of Brandon Peters after his transfer in December. The 6-foot-2 junior threw 17 touchdowns and 2,259 yards last season for Mississippi before he went down with a knee injury against LSU. Michigan will be anxious to see how he'll do against a defense that will have 10 returning starters. The Irish had a well-to-do season as they finished 10-3, while Michigan went 8-5, losing their last three games. They'll have Brandon Wimbush at quarterback, DeShone Kizer's backup. Wimbush took over in 2017 and threw 1,870 yards and 16 touchdowns with only six interceptions. With eyes on how both defenses will rise to the occasion, the game will be a slugfest to both offenses. With Notre Dame riding into this game against a quarterback who'll begin to be familiar with his team, the Irish are in a tight spot to win in South Bend. Prediction: ND wins 17-10.
2. #6 Washington vs. #9 Auburn
Info: Saturday, September 1st, 2:30 PM CT, Chick-Fil-A Kickoff, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Sorry, Alabama, you don't get the number two spot because of how interesting your match-up is. Instead, I decided this game will be a lot more exciting than the usual Crimson beat-down. These teams look pretty even compared to the likes of Michigan and Notre Dame. Both offenses have returning quarterbacks that are both respectable opponents. In the blue corner, we have Jake Browning returning for his senior year with the Huskies. While Browning has College Football Playoff experience, his productivity lowered last season with 19 touchdowns and 2,451 yards. While he only threw five picks, his touchdown tosses were extremely low compared to his 2016 43-touchdown pass year. Browning will have some help in the backfield with halfback Myles Gaskin, who has 4,055 career rushing yards. In the orange corner, (Not red, but you get the picture) we have Jarrett Stidham and the Auburn Tigers. Stidham will have the pleasure of facing a defense that allowed 16.1 points per game last year. After watching Stidham duke it out in the SEC, it will be intriguing to watch how he responds to primetime games like Alabama, Georgia, and other rising conference teams. Ryan Davis at wide receiver will try to be Stidham’s main guy and Auburn’s halfback Kam Martin will join Stidham in the backfield. Auburn’s defense will compete at a mediocre level while Washington will have 9 returning starters. While Washington looks to have a solid team I believe Stidham can outplay the Husky defense even if his own defense doesn’t live up to the hype. After all, we saw what Stidham did to Georgia last season. Prediction: Auburn wins 42-32.
3. Louisville vs. #1 Alabama
Info: Saturday, September 1st, 7:00 PM CT, Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
Here comes the Tide. In fact, a Crimson Tide that is rising with no sign of stop. BUT, is this the year someone can stump the Saban and Co.? Unfortunately, it won't happen in week one. While Alabama head coach Nick Saban says the starting quarterback for the game will be a gametime decision, it will be obvious either quarterback will pick apart a defense that didn't quite meet the quality of former quarterback Lamar Jackson. Though Louisville had a meager 8-5 season, we didn't see vintage Jackson. This team will see a new man with a plan as quarterback Jawson Pass will take over. The sophomore has not seen the field as a Cardinal, but he may have help from four returning wide receivers like Dez Fitzpatrick and Jaylen Smith. But Pass won't perform like Tua Tagovailoa or Jalen Hurts. These cats have CFP experience (Tua played for half a game, but who cares?) It ain't happening, Cardinals. Prediction: Alabama wins 35-10.
4. #8 Miami vs. #25 LSU
Info: Sunday, September 2nd, 6:30 PM CT, AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas
For those who also can't wait for Sunday Night NFL, here's college football on a Sunday. Both of these teams aren't pushovers, but they'll be looking for a opening win that could raise an argument for a contender in CFP. Though Miami finished last season 0-3 including losses to Wisconsin and Clemson, they are looking to rebuild and rebound to the glory days. Malik Rosier will start off for the 'Canes, but he'll be put under the microscope after contributing to the U's closing games last season. But the game-changer is the famous turnover chain. The Miami defense is looking to bear the name of one of the top ACC defenses. This defense will be led by one of the best linemen Joe Jackson. His fellow teammates like Shaquille Quarterman and Jaquan Johnson will be looking to join him in his defensive masquerade. On the LSU side, you have a team that is anxious to get back out on the field and try to push for a SEC title. While the Tigers lost a lot of key players on offense like QB Danny Etling, the quarterback situation looks scary with Myles Brennan, Lowell Narcisse and Justin McMillan fighting for 1st string. With the addition of Texas Tech wide receiver transfer (a crying shame, but oh well) Jonathan Giles, one of these quarterbacks will heavily rely on the LSU receivers to produce some action. The defense lost a few key players as well, but should be able to function with leading tackler Devin White. The game will be sloppy at both ends, but the 'Canes win this one fairly. Prediction: Miami wins 28-14.
5. #23 Texas vs. Maryland
Info: Saturday, September 1st, 11:00 AM CT
These teams will be joining Texas Tech and Ole Miss for the eleven o' clock slate. This game is intriguing for two reasons: 1. The polls had some faith in UT, and 2. What will happen to UM head coach D.J. Durkin? While it is biased to say that this Longhorn team is over-ranked, I feel Tom Herman has something up his sleeve this season. After a slow start, Texas managed to finish the season with a bowl victory against Missouri. Texas looks to quarterback Sam Ehlinger to make dreams come true. Over these past years, we've seen a cycle of UT quarterbacks who have had ups and downs. If the UT defense can clamp down and Herman makes the right calls, Texas looks pretty good on paper. Meanwhile, the University of Maryland has had some controversy. 19-year-old Jordan McNair unfortunately passed away from a heat stroke experienced on the field during practice. Along with 2 coaches, Durkin has been placed on administrative leave and will more than likely be fired. Should this affect how the Terps will play in 2018? Yes, definitely. Quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome will need some help to try to spice up this team, but it won't be enough to replace veteran leadership. The defense looks a little sluggish and Pigrome doesn't have the players to get past Texas. Though I have shame in this, UT gets their revenge. Prediction: UT wins 42-18.
The Bold One: Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss
Info: Saturday, September 1st, 11:00 AM CT, NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
It's here! It's finally here! Red Raider Nation has been waiting anxiously to see how Tech will do this season with the storyline being Coach Kliff Kingsbury. He saved his job after a comeback victory at Texas to make a bowl. Unfortunately, Tech would once again lose in the final moments against USF in the Birmingham Bowl. That's what happened all season long. Texas Tech was like a pimple: enough pressure will make them pop. Maybe it was just the Shimonek Effect, but Tech always seems to lose grasp in the fourth quarter. With a highly questionable quarterback battle, Kliff will use this game as a learning tool to see if he is right or wrong. What will he be right or wrong about? Jett Duffey and McClane Carter. These two dudes have apparently duked it out trying to win favor in Kliff's eyes. But Kliff seems to have his favorite: Carter. Carter was named the UT game starter after a poor showing on Nic Shimonek’s half vs. TCU. While Carter has had experience in the game against Texas, but he collapsed after a great 1st half start. Carter finished 16 for 37, went for 237 yards passing, and threw two picks. Despite the trouble Duffey has been in, Tech needs an athletic quarterback who is consistent in winning. Let's take a look at the Rebels, who lost Shea Patterson to Michigan. The leader in the backfield will probably be Jordan Ta'amu who had experience when Patterson got hurt. The Rebels wide receivers D.K. Metcalf, A.J. Brown, and DaMarkus Lodge will be the go-to guys for the QB who has shoes to fill. However, this Ole Miss defense allowed 35 points per game. In the end, gotta go with the scarlet and the black despite whoever starts at quarterback. Prediction: TTU wins 32-25.
Though I lack the stats to call my bluff, these match-ups will be the highlight of week one. If Tech gets the victory, of course. If not, then look at the top 5 to claim a highlight. What do y'all think?