College Football is finally here and week one begins with a few big time matchups. While there are several games this week, I am going to go over and give thoughts on the four biggest games for week 1.

Florida @ #14 Utah (Utah -4.5)

The Florida Gators will play a Thursday night regular season game for the first time in 30 years. After a 6-7 record last season, second-year head coach Billy Napier will look to turn things around. Graham Mertz will start at quarterback for the Gators, replacing now NFL Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. Mertz is in his fourth year and is a transfer from Wisconsin, where he started 12 games last season and finish 2,136 yards, 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Gators are led by a strong running game on offense with junior Montrell Johnson and sophomore Trevor Etienne. Defensivley, Florida is led by edge rusher Princely Umanmielen, cornerback Jason Marshall , and others. Austin Armstrong, former defensive cordinator at Southern Miss, will look to help the Gators defensivley as he was named Florida’s new defensive cordinator.

Utah is coming off a 10-4 season, but did lose to Florida 29-26 in the opening game last year. The Utes are led by star starting quarterback Cameron Rising, who will be coming a torn ACL injury that he suffered in the Rose Bowl last year. Despite Utah hopeful Rising would be ready to play week 1, he is not expected to suit up against the Gators Thursday night. Utah will start junior Bryson Barnes in the opening game. Barnes played in 10 games last season for Utah, completing 37 of 57 passes for four touchdowns and two interceptions. Offensivley, Utah is led by one of the best offensive lines and strong running game as well. The Utes are also led by a very strong defense, leading in sacks, tackles for a loss and second in total defense in the Pac-12 last year.

Game Prediction: I really thought Cam Rising would be ready for week 1, but I still think Utah can win this game on the ground and defensivley. I am picking Utah to defeat Florida 27-13.

Colorado @ #17 TCU (TCU -20.5)

After a disastrous 1-11 season, Deion Sanders came to take control as the head coach for the Colorado football team. Sanders didn’t come alone either as he has brought in several players to upgrade the team. Shedeur Sanders, Deion Sanders son, will be the new starting quarterback for the Buffaloes. He threw for almost 7,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in his two years with Jackson State. Colorado’s offense is also led by two transfer wide receivers from USF in Jimmy Horn Jr. and WR Xavier Weaver. The only thing that did not change fully for Colorado on offense is the line and that may be a concern. The Colorado defense was horrible last season allowing 44.5 points per game. The defense is expected to be full of new faces and hired former Alabama defensive cordinator Charles Kelly to run the defense. Former No.1 overall recruit cornerback/wide receiver sophmore Travis Hunter will also lead the Buffaloes this season.

TCU is coming off its first undefeated regular season since 2010 before getting dominated by Georgia in the National Championship game last year. Quarterback Chandler Morris is returning for the Hornfrogs after losing his job to Max Duggan when he hurt his knee last year. TCU will have to replace some star offensive players from last year, but do have returning receiver Savion Williams, All-Big 12 TE Jared Wiley and some exciting transfers on the offense. The TCU defense was a little exposed last year in the playoff, but time will tell if it can hold up this year.

Game Prediction: I just don’t think Colorado will have quite enough to come out and upset a top team after last season and a totally new roster. Suprisingly, I do have them covering though with TCU defeating Colorado 31-14.

#21 North Carolina vs. South Carolina (NC -2.5)

It will be a battle of the Carolinas in Charlotte this Saturday night when #21 North Carolina faces South Carolina. North Carolina began last season with a 9-1 record, but finished the season 9-5 after four straight losses. The Tar Heels are led by a star in quarterback back Drake Maye, but could use some work on the offensive line. Despite losing wide receiver Josh Downs, Maye will still look for another heisman worthy season as he has a lot other offensive weapons. The defense is the tough part for the Tar Heels. They gave up 31 points and over 430 yards per game last season. As long as they are not as bad as last year, North Carolina has a chance to win double digit games this year.

South Carolina had a 8-5 record last year and did finish the season with some big wins over Tennessee, Clemson and only lost by a touchdown in the Gator Bowl against Notre Dame. The Gamecocks did lose some talent offensivley, but still have a very talented quarterback in Spencer Rattler. If he doesn’t turnover the ball as much, the offense should be in good hands. The defense struggled against the run last season, giving up almost 200 rushing yards per game. A key stat I noticed according to collegefootballnews.com, the Gamecocks were 1-4 last season when they lost the turnover battle and 7-1 when they didn’t. That should be another big factor when it comes to winning games this season.

Game Prediction: As much I like Drake Maye, I don’t believe in the defense and am going to take South Carolina to win outright in a shootout 52-45.

#5 LSU @ #8 Florida State (LSU -2.5)

What a opening game this was last year with Florida State beating LSU 24-23. This game will be played Sunday night and is the game that everyone is most excited for with so much hype going into the season for both teams. LSU was able to squeak past Alabama, finishing 10-4 last year and making it to the SEC title game. New LSU head coach Brian Kelly did well in his first season and has high expectations for 2023. The Tigers are led by quarterback Jayden Daniels and a strong defense in star defensive tackle Maason Smith linebacker Harold Perkins and more. I expect LSU to have every chance to make it back to the SEC title game this year and possibly even further.

Florida State finished last season with a 10-3 record , but fell short of making the ACC Championship game. The Noles offense will be special with quarterback Jordan Travis leading the way, 6-foot-7 wide receiver Johnny Wilson, along with a strong rushing attack led by Trey Benson. Florida State is also led by top defensive player in defensive end Jared Verse and senior defensive tackles Fabien Lovett and Braden Fiske. This is one of my favorite teams to make the playoff and a run at a national title. This should be once again one of the best games of the year.

Game Prediction: I think LSU is one of the best teams in college football and will be looking for revenge from last year, but I cannot go against Florida State. I am picking Florida State to win this game outright 31-28.

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