NCAAF: Week 1 Games to Keep an Eye on

UMass at Rutgers

Friday, August 30th, 7:15 pm EST

Alright, I know what you’re thinking, this guy can’t be serious, can he? For years now UMass and Rutgers have been at or near the bottom of the college football world. This year will likely be much of the same which is why this game is on my radar.

These two teams went a combined 5-19 in 2018 with Rutgers accounting for just one of those wins. The Scarlet Knights averaged an awful 13.5 points per game (last in all FBS) last season while the Minuteman averaged a much better 32.8 points per game. UMass loses two quarterbacks and wide receiver Andy Isabella from last year which will set the offence back a step.

As for Rutgers, all signs point to Texas Tech QB transfer McLane Carter to take over the reins, which should pair nice with running back Raheem Blackshear (1,136 all-purpose yards in 2018).

Defense isn’t the strong suit for these teams either. UMass allowed an average of 42.9 points against in 2018, ranking 127th nationally. Rutgers was the better defensive team, allowing an average of 31.4 points per game ranking them 89th nationally. Now, five of the top seven tacklers from last season are gone for the Scarlet Knights. UMass returns a starter in each key position on the defense (defensive line, linebacker and corner) but the majority of the other positions will be filled with inexperience.

Look, this game isn’t going to be glamorous and probably not worth spending your Friday night watching from start to finish. With two bad teams facing off there, has to be fireworks. It’s week one of a new season and someone has to win. Lets label this game the toilet bowl. Who knew we’d have a bowl game to start the season. Vegas is clearly picking UMass on the road as they have them as 15.5 point favourites.

Virginia at Pittsburgh

Saturday, August 31st, 7:30 pm EST

If the Cavaliers or Panthers want to contend for a Coastal Division title and have a shot to become ACC Champions, it might come down to this game. The Coastal division looks to be tight with the likes of Miami and Virginia Tech always in contention. Wins within the conference will be huge.

Both teams have projected win totals of six but the experts are higher on them. Virginia is favoured by only 2.5 points which is the second tightest point spread of the weekend. The Panthers beat up Virginia with the run game in 2018 but no longer have the top two running backs from that game.

Virginia also returns eight starters to its defense that ranked 21st last season. The Panthers will have to rely more on the passing game this season if they want a chance to top the Cavaliers. Pressure will be on quarterback Kenny Pickett to get the ball downfield and into his receiver’s hands. There’s also pressure on head coach Pat Narduzzi. The best record Narduzzi has been able to produce is 8-5 (2015 and 2016) and he’s gone 0-3 in Bowl games.

Pitt has won four straight meetings in the series and has the home field advantage this weekend. Expect a tight game between two ACC Coastal opponents that know one another well.

Boise State vs Florida State

Saturday, August 31st, 7:00 pm EST

Boise State travels across the country to Jacksonville, Florida for a “neutral site” game. The Broncos have an outside shot at going perfect this year but one of the highlighted games on their schedule would have to be versus the Seminoles.

Boise returns its whole offensive line but loses a solid college quarterback in Brett Rypien and a strong running back in Alexander Mattison. The Broncos will also have to replace two receivers who caught half of the teams’ touchdown passes in 2018.

Florida State’s offensive problems last season started with the line and they only return two starters heading into this season. If the line can hold up the Seminoles have the players at the skilled positions to produce. James Blackman is a decent quarterback (2,230 passing yards as a freshman in 2017) and Cam Akers is a legit running back in the ACC.

On the defensive side of the ball, Boise State returns seven starters from last season. The Broncos defense ranked 20th nationally with those players in their lineup. On the Florida State front, they have the depth as they return 16 of their top 20 tacklers from 2018. Depth doesn’t always mean talent though so the ‘Noles will need players to step up.

If the Broncos want to be taken seriously and have that shot at an undefeated season as well as a win over a Power 5 school, it starts in the sunny south. For Florida State, getting back to an ACC and NCAA football powerhouse could begin with a strong start to the 2019 college football season.

#11 Oregon vs #16 Auburn

Saturday, August 31st, 7:30 pm EST

The 2019 college football kickoff game in Arlington, Texas looks to be the best week one match up. This is the only game between two top 25 ranked opponents to start the season. The PAC 12 conference is desperate for a signature win over the SEC and week one, on prime time national television would sure be a great start.

Ducks senior quarterback Justin Herbert wants to improve his draft stock and bring Oregon back to the playoffs for the first time since its inaugural season. Herbert should be well protected behind an offensive line that returns all five starters. The run game should be strong as well with two sophomores in the backfield who combined accounted for just under 1800 yards last season.

Auburn will have a strong offensive line of its own with all five starters being seniors. The Tigers will turn to Bo Nix at the quarterback position, who will become the first true freshman since 1946 to start for Auburn. The Ducks might also have the next great defensive player in number one overall prospect Kayvon Thibodeaux. Kayvon should pair nice with senior linebacker Troy Dye who recorded 115 tackles last season. Auburn has its own star back for his senior season as well. Defensive tackle Derrick Brown looks to lead a stacked defensive line poised to create all kinds of issues for opposing teams.

Oregon can still lose this game and run the table to the Pac 12 championship game. If it comes down to a one-loss Ducks team and a one-loss Alabama or Georgia team getting into the college football playoff, I think we all know the committee would choose the SEC team.