College football is back!
After eight months away, the pageantry and drama of college football returns for the most anticipated season ever.
While the vast majority of teams don’t begin their seasons until next week, we will get a nice little Saturday for ourselves as eight squads will kick off the year in Week 0 contests. Let’s take a look at the matchups that will ring in the new college football season.
#10 Florida State vs Georgia Tech (Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, Noon)
The season opens across the pond in Dublin where #10 Florida State takes on Georgia Tech at Aviva Stadium.
FSU is coming off maybe the most disappointing 13-0 season in history and the exodus of key players doesn’t help their chances coming into 2024. However, with Oregon State transfer DJ Uiagalelei taking over the reins at the QB position, the offense could look very different than last year. Rather than the more standard pro-style offense the Seminoles ran last season, the RPO game is likely to be FSU’s weapon of choice.
The most exciting matchups of the game will undoubtedly be in the trenches where FSU edge rushers Patrick Payton and Marvin Jones Jr. will take on the mighty Georgia Tech offensive line. With four returning starters and the addition of Keylan Rutledge from MTSU, the Yellow Jackets look to repeat as the ACC’s premier front five.
While Tech should be able to keep it close, FSU should still find a way to come out on top.
Prediction: Florida State 27-17 Georgia Tech
Montana State at New Mexico (Saturday, 4:00 p.m.)
This is likely the snoozer of Week 0. New Mexico will be led by their new head coach, Bronco Mendenhall. Although a lack of scouting could cause some headaches for MSU, the Bobcats are favored in this game for a reason.
The Lobos picked up a solid transfer class and have the pieces to be competitive against their FCS opponent. However, the Bobcats are loaded in comparison to the average FCS team. Quarterback Tommy Mellott has good weapons to work with, but MSU’s solid rushing attack should be their key to victory.
Prediction: Montana State 17-10 New Mexico
SMU at Nevada (Saturday, 8:00 p.m.)
Write this down now: SMU is going to be fun this year. The Mustangs had the eighth-highest-scoring offense in the country last year, putting up 38.7 points per game and they look poised to do it again.
The backfield has the ability to be dominant. It’s not a matter of if rushing touchdowns will rain down, but of who and how many. Jaylan Knighton, Brashard Smith, Camar Wheaton, and LJ Johnson Jr. will split touches early in the year. While head coach Rhett Lashlee would likely prefer to see one of his backs become dominant, there is no such thing as too much depth.
Prediction: SMU 35-10 Nevada
Delaware State at Hawai’i
No need to take the Hawai’i challenge this week unless you’re a card-carrying member of the Sickos Committee. Delaware State has been slowly plodding their way across the Pacific and has received a “lucrative payment” for its troubles.
All to get blown out six timezones away.
Hawai’i is always a fun team. Expect the pass-happy Rainbow Warriors to run circles around the Hornets in Honolulu. After the travel chaos endured by the Hornets, Hawai’i’s home-field advantage grows bigger and bigger.
Prediction: Hawaii 45-13 Delaware State
