We’ve finally arrived. Happy College Football season to all that celebrate. If you don’t, what exactly are you doing here anyway?
Another season is upon us after a Week Zero that included a Bill Bellichick win over TCU in Dublin (I still want to go someday) giving us a taste that Fall is officially upon us. Hold the Pumpkin Spice, and ready your palates for an opening weekend of football, BBQ and an abundance of fantasy drafts.
Here is what I am watching for this opening weekend:
· Let’s start with fantasy drafts. Anybody that hosts a draft before the third preseason game is playing with fire. I was included in one and had to put on auto draft so naturally I drafted Ashton Jeanty the day he went down with an undisclosed leg injury. Luckily, it turned out to be just a sprained ankle, and he’s expected to play on opening weekend. Those who drafted Josh Jacobs though may be feeling Buyer’s remorse right now. Always remember, if it ain’t September, the draft is never (solid slant rhyme usage).
· Don’t be surprised if ECU hangs around with Alabama this weekend. I’m a fan of the potential of Keelon Russell and I do think Kalen Deboer is a good coach, but he has had his struggles too. Look no further than last year when they lost to an unimpressive Florida State squad. ECU is expected to be a bowl eligible team. I can see a 28-17 type of game.
· The biggest point spread this weekend belongs to the BYU Cougars over the Utah Tech Trailblazers at -51.5. I am going to take the under. It might be 49 but I’ll give Utah Tech a little love.
· Boise State and Oregon square off again this year in the “LeGarrette Blount Punch Bowl.” My fellow millennials know what I’m talking about. Blount helped the Eagles capture their first Super Bowl so I side with my guy, LeGarrette. That Smurf had it coming.
· How is there only one game on tap between ranked opponents this weekend? (Ole Miss vs. Louisville). Teams do know you can lose 3 games now and still make the playoffs, right? Might be more if we expand to 24 teams. Enough with the cupcakes already.
· Another intriguing game this weekend is Notre Dame and Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. Notre Dame is getting some real hype as favorites to capture the national championship this year. Their schedule is favorable with only 3 games against current ranked opponents. Put this team in the Big 10 or SEC though and I think we have the equivalent of a Missouri or Penn State.
· Florida St. vs SMU could get interesting. FSU struggled a bit with New Mexico State last week. I don’t know how much more leash Mike Norvell has in Tallahassee. SMU is a fun team to watch. This is a good game to finish the Labor Day weekend with on Monday.
· The game I’m most looking forward to this weekend is the battle of Death Valley’s. This time these teams are meeting down in the bayou. Lane Kiffin will make his LSU debut against another polarizing coach (who are also polar opposites) in Dabo Sweeney. Expect that line to creep more in LSU’s favor. Word on the street is Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Joe Burrow, and The Honey Badger are all expected to be ruled eligible.
Have a great holiday weekend everybody and be safe. Stay tuned for more college football and NFL content in the coming weeks.
