Get ready for the excitement of College Football Week 1! Read on for in-depth analysis, key matchups, and expert predictions for the top games.
Are you excited for the kickoff of College Football Week 1? We’ve got you covered with an in-depth preview of the five biggest games set to unfold this week. From star-studded matchups to coaching debuts, here’s everything you need to know:
To view the schedules of each NFL team, please click on the link.
Table of Contents
Florida Gators at No. 14 Utah Utes (Thursday, 8 P.M. ET on ESPN)
Storyline to Know: Utah without Cam Rising
The biggest question heading into Thursday’s matchup is whether Utah quarterback Cam Rising will be able to suit up. The sixth-year senior is coming off a torn ACL suffered against Penn State in the Rose Bowl, making it nearly eight months since his injury.
Matchup to Watch: Florida’s Run Game vs. Utah’s Run Defense
Florida’s offense is going to rely heavily on the ground game this season. The Gators’ running backs, Montrell Johnson Jr. and Trevor Etienne, make up one of the better duos in the country. Johnson tied for third among SEC running backs a year ago with 10 rushing touchdowns, while Etienne ranked third among that same group with 3.9 yards after contact per attempt.
To view the schedules of each NFL team, please click on the link.
Utah’s run defense is led by linebacker Lander Barton, a PFF preseason first-team All-Pac 12 member. He led the conference’s linebackers last season with a 75.2 run-defense grade. The Utes also have an excellent downhill safety in Cole Bishop to help support. He led all Pac-12 safeties in 2022 with seven tackles for loss or no gain in run defense.
Prediction: Florida 24, Utah 21
This prediction hinges on Rising’s availability. If he plays, the Utes win in a close one. If he doesn’t, the Gators come out on top. Since Rising is doubtful, Florida beats Utah for the second straight year.
Colorado Buffaloes at No. 17 TCU Horned Frogs (Saturday, 12 P.M. ET on FOX)
Storyline to Know: Coach Prime’s Debut
Colorado made one of the biggest offseason splashes by hiring Deion Sanders as the team’s next head coach. He wasted no time in completely revamping a roster that went 1-11 last season. Fifty-one players transferred in this offseason, 20 more than the next-closest school in college football. Deion’s son Shedeur Sanders was one of them and will be the Buffaloes’ new starting quarterback.
Matchup to Watch: TCU’s New-Look Passing Game vs. Colorado’s Secondary
TCU’s magical run to the national championship game last year was fueled largely by an electric passing attack. However, three of the biggest sparks for that are gone. The Horned Frogs must replace a Heisman runner-up at quarterback (Max Duggan), a first-round wide receiver (Quentin Johnston), and a Broyles Award-winning offensive coordinator (Garrett Riley). Chandler Morris, who was the opening-day starter last season before going down with an injury, will take over under center.
Colorado’s biggest strength is its secondary, led by cornerback Travis Hunter. The former No. 2 overall recruit in the 2022 class was recently named to PFF’s preseason All-Pac 12 first team. He earned an 82.0 grade as a true freshman at Jackson State, a top-20 mark among FCS cornerbacks.
Prediction: TCU 41, Colorado 21
It’ll take more than one game for Coach Prime to turn this program around. TCU wins this one pretty easily.
No. 21 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (Saturday, 7:30 P.M. ET on ABC)
Storyline to Know: Will Tez Walker be Eligible to Play?
North Carolina lost its two best receivers from 2022, Josh Downs and Antoine Green, to the NFL draft. To make up for the departures, the Tar Heels added Kent State wide receiver Tez Walker from the transfer portal. He was named to PFF’s preseason All-ACC first team and caught 11 touchdowns in 2022, tied for seventh among FBS receivers.
Matchup to Watch: Can North Carolina Force Spencer Rattler into Mistakes?
Even without Walker, Maye and the Tar Heels’ offense should be able to put up points on a South Carolina defense that ranked 95th last year in expected points allowed per play. The question is whether the Gamecocks will also be able to score at will.
Prediction: North Carolina 34, South Carolina 31
This game has all the makings of a shootout. In that case, we’re siding with the elite quarterback over the inconsistent one.
No. 5 LSU Tigers vs. No. 8 Florida State Seminoles (Sunday, 7:30 P.M. ET on ABC)
Storyline to Know: One of the Biggest Games of the Year
Yes, it’s only Week 1. Even so, this matchup is easily one of the biggest games of the 2023 college football season — perhaps behind only Michigan-Ohio State. These are two programs with legitimate College Football Playoff aspirations and Heisman Trophy favorites at quarterback.
Matchup to Watch: Florida State’s Passing Attack vs. LSU’s Defense
Florida State should field one of the most lethal passing attacks in the country this season. The offense boasts Heisman candidate quarterback Jordan Travis, two first-round receivers on PFF’s 2024 NFL Draft big board in Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman, and a top-five tight end in the nation in Jaheim Bell.
Prediction: Florida State 31, LSU 30
In what should be a thriller, Florida State squeaks by LSU and cements itself as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender.
No. 9 Clemson Tigers at Duke Blue Devils (Monday, 8 P.M. ET on ESPN)
Storyline to Know: Is Duke for Real?
Under first-year head coach Mike Elko, Duke went 9-4 in 2022 after posting a 5-18 combined record in the two seasons prior. Many of the key pieces return from last year’s squad, including quarterback Riley Leonard (77.8 PFF grade), offensive tackle Graham Barton (88.2), and interior defensive lineman DeWayne Carter (86.3). The Blue Devils will have a chance to cement themselves as a legitimate ACC contender and a top-25 team at home against the reigning conference champions, ninth-ranked Clemson.
Matchup to Watch: Clemson’s New-Look Offense against a Stingy Duke Defense
All eyes will be on the partnership of new Clemson offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and quarterback Cade Klubnik. Riley won the Broyles Award a year ago while at TCU, given to the best assistant coach in the country. Klubnik, meanwhile, was the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the 2022 class and posted a 68.6 grade on 225 snaps as a true freshman.
Prediction: Clemson 30, Duke 21
Duke gives Clemson a season-opening scare, but the Tigers hold on for the victory.
FAQs
To view the schedules of each NFL team, please click on the link.
Q1: When does College Football Week 1 start?
A1: College Football Week 1 kicks off with games on Thursday, followed by matchups on Saturday and Sunday, with a concluding game on Monday.
Q2: Which game is considered the biggest in Week 1?
A2: The clash between No. 5 LSU Tigers and No. 8 Florida State Seminoles on Sunday is one of the most highly anticipated games in Week 1.
Q3: Who are the standout players to watch in these matchups?
A3: Keep an eye on quarterbacks Jordan Travis, Jayden Daniels, Spencer Rattler, and Cade Klubnik, as well as dynamic running backs and defensive stars across these games.
To view the schedules of each NFL team, please click on the link.
Conclusion
Get ready for an action-packed College Football Week 1 with thrilling matchups and exciting storylines. Stay tuned as the season unfolds, and keep an eye on these games for a taste of the excitement that college football brings!
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