The 2015 college football season in the FBS kicks off Thursday night and there are sure a number of great games this weekend. But what if you can only pick one as the best from every conference? Join me as I preview and predict the best games of Week 1 in the college football world.
ACC: Louisville at No. 4 Auburn
The Louisville Cardinals are looking to finally be a contender in the ACC and this just might be the year they can do it. With a defensive backfield that includes Josh Harvey-Clemons, the Cardinals are going to give the Tigers fits all day long on Saturday in the Georgia Dome. However, Auburn has too strong of a running back group, led by Roc Thomas, and they will be able to move up and down the field enough to gas the Cardinals by the fourth quarter.
Auburn wins, 34-23
American Athletic Conference: Towson at East Carolina
The Towson Tigers have been one of the premiere teams in the FCS over the last decade. In 2013, the team played in the FCS National Championship game and they have been able to compete for the CAA Championship just about every year. The Tigers were down last season, only going 4-8, but that could be enough to motivate them in this game. The Pirates are always a tough team to beat on the field. There weren’t too many premiere match-ups to select from, but if we can see any kind of upset in Week 1, it would be this game. The Pirates are able to throw their way out of a sticky situation and pull away in the fourth quarter.
East Carolina wins, 45-20
Big 12: No. 2 TCU at Minnesota
This game just screams upset, doesn’t it? The Horned Frogs were one field goal away from possibly being undefeated in 2014 and are right back in the same spot this year. Heisman hopeful Trevone Boykin is looking to lead his team to the promised land and possibly into the College Football Playoff in January. He can’t look past Jerry Kill’s club as they too have a rather high-powered offense. This game is going to be a shootout, with TCU getting the headshot in the fourth quarter.
TCU wins, 48-42
Big Ten: No. 1 Ohio State at No. 25 Virginia Tech
Was there ever really any question as to what this game would be? The Buckeyes are seeking revenge on the Hokies for handing them their only loss in 2014. The Buckeyes also want to start the National Championship defense off strong. They are entering one of the most hostile environments in all of college football on a big primetime stage. They play easily the best defense in the ACC with players like Deon Clarke and Donovan Riley leading the charge. This game is going to be intense from start to finish, but I can’t really see the Buckeyes not walking away without a win.
Ohio State wins, 31-27
Conference USA: Jackson State at Middle Tennessee State
I don’t pick this game because I think it is going to be the best. I pick it because of the news that came down on Wednesday. Rick Stockstill named his son, Brent, who redshirted in 2014, the starting quarterback over Austin Grammer, who clearly deserved the job. The coach has said both guys will play in this game, so it’s going to be worth watching to see if Grammer proves that he should have been the starter from the get-go.
Middle Tennessee State wins, 41-17
MAC: Kent State at Illinois
The Golden Flashes have a very good shot of upsetting the Fighting Illini Friday night. Illinois just fired head coach Tim Beckman less than a week ago and they have a huge distraction hanging over their heads. Dri Archer is no longer at Kent State, but this team still has Trayion Durham, who will be able to fill that slot somewhat at the running back position. Kent State improved near the end of last season, so they hope to build on that with a big win to start the year.
Kent State wins, 30-24 (OT)
Mountain West Conference: Washington at No. 22 Boise State
I bet you were hoping to see Savannah State and Colorado State on this list, weren’t you? Nah, I suppose not. The Broncos had a strong showing in 2014, going to the Fiesta Bowl and beating Arizona. This game is surrounded by many stories that could take away from the football game, the biggest being Chris Petersen’s return to Boise since leaving for Washington in 2013. The boo-birds will certainly be chirping on Friday night and it will probably be an ugly return for the former head coach. The game is tied at halftime, but a big third quarter shuts the game down for the Broncos.
Boise State wins, 45-24
PAC-12: No. 17 Arizona State at No. 21 Texas A&M
This game is being played in Houston, so the Aggies have a bit of a home-field advantage. However, many people have been predicting one of these two team to get into the CFP this season, with Travis Haney saying both would make it in on Wednesday. This game could have national championship implications very early in the year. This game is going to be an absolute defensive brawl with Antonio Longino holding down the fort for the Sun Devils and Myles Garrett doing the same for the Aggies. This is going to be about who makes the bigger mistake and gives up more big plays and I think that is the Aggies.
Arizona State wins, 24-21
SEC: No. 24 Wisconsin at No. 8 Alabama
Two teams that have struggled to find their identity all summer long face off in another big match-up in Texas. The Crimson Tide have yet to name a starting quarterback, which could come as late as Saturday afternoon. The Badgers could be in some trouble offensively as they haven’t really found someone to replace first-round draft pick Melvin Gordon. Corey Clement should do a good job, but he is still not a finalist for the Heisman as Gordon was. The Badgers’ defense, namely defensive back Michael Caputo, is going to be what could win the game for them. Whether it is Jacob Coker, Alec Morris or Cooper Bateman leading the Tide offense, Nick Saban could find himself on the bad end of a 0-1 record.
Wisconsin wins, 20-17
Sun Belt Conference: Louisiana-Lafayette at Kentucky
I know that I picked the Georgia Southern Eagles to go undefeated in 2015, and I still think they will, but this game involves a team that was second in the Sun Belt last season and an SEC team that has made strides over the last few years. The Ragin’ Cajuns are a perennial powerhouse in the Sun Belt every year and this season should be no different. However, the Wildcats don’t want their biggest year yet to start off sour. They pull off the W, but not by as much as you would think.
Kentucky wins, 35-27
What do you think? Do you agree with my picks? Are there games that should have been on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
