College Football
Week 1 – Hello Bret, Goodbye Scott
Hey baby, they’re
playing our game
They’re not only plying our game, they’re playing 84 games this weekend. It begins with UAB vs. Jacksonville State in Montgomery, Alabama, on Wednesday night and ends five nights later with Ole Miss vs. Louisville in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday night.
Yes, although five games were played last weekend, college football officially kicks off this weekend. It’s Week 1, baby! All 130 FBS teams are playing this weekend. For some, like Connecticut, it’s their first games in two years. For others, like Nebraska, it’s their second game this year.
“Hey baby, they’re playing our game
Before we get into the games, we need to learn the new rules that went into effect this season. They are:
- Changes to
Overtime
– Teams will be required to run a two-point conversion play after a
touchdown in the second overtime period. Previously, this was only
required after a game reached the third overtime period. Following a
touchdown during the first overtime, teams can still choose between
kicking the extra point or attempting a two-point conversion. The new rule
also states if a contest reaches a third overtime, instead of teams
starting another drive at the opponents 25-yard line, they will alternate
running two-point plays from the three-yard line. Before this change,
running two-point plays didn’t start until the fifth overtime. These
changes have been made to bring the game to a quicker conclusion and limit
the number of plays from scrimmage.
- Sideline
change
– The team area of the sideline will be permanently extended to the
20-yard lines. In previous years, the team area extended to the 25-yard
lines. Last season it was extended to the 15-yard lines due to the COVID
pandemic.
- Curtailing
video board activity – Video board and lighting system operators are
now included in personnel who may not create any distraction that
obstructs play. If they do create a distraction, the home team will be charged
with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
- Taunting
crackdown
– There will be more emphasis on penalizing any taunting actions directed
at the opponent.
- Restricting
coaches movement
– Coaches will receive an automatic unsportsmanlike penalty if they leave
the team area and enter the field of play to debate a call made by the
officials.
- Uniform
violations
– There will be an emphasis on alerting players who are significantly in
violation of uniform rules. Violators will be removed from the game to
correct the issue. This will include specifically the pants and jerseys,
and the T-shirts that extend below the torso.
Now that you know the new rules for 2021, you’re ready to watch some great football on opening weekend. All you need to do now is stock up on your favorite snacks and beverages. You need to get lots of snacks and beverages because opening weekend viewing is a five-day extravaganza from Thursday night to Monday night.
“Hey baby…. Hey baby
Here’s a five-day tour through the Labor Day weekend, recommending the best games to watch.
Beginning Thursday night at 7 pm ET on ESPN, check out the Boise State at UCF game – the best of the MWC against one of the best of the AAC. Check out UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Depending on how the Boise State-UCF game is going, you might want to switch over to FOX at 8 pm ET to catch the Ohio State-Minnesota game. Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim is a preseason All-American. The Gophers will be fired up.
The pickings are slim on Friday night, but I would suggest the North Carolina at Virginia Tech game at 6 pm ET on ESPN. Dinner at Lane. North Carolina is a Top 10 team at preseason. And Tar Heels quarterback Sam Howell is a Top 10 Heisman candidate. If you feel like staying up late, you might want to check out Michigan State at Northwestern at 9 pm ET, also on ESPN. You don’t have to pick up the remote to change channels.
Saturday begins with a biggie – Penn State at Wisconsin, 12 noon ET on FOX. Lunch at Camp Randall. If the Nitts and the Badgers don’t stir your grits, two other 12 noon ET possibilities are Stanford vs. Kansas State from Arlington, Texas, or Oklahoma at Tulane. Stanford-Kansas State is on FS1 and Oklahoma-Tulane is on ABC. Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler is first-team All-American at preseason.
There are a couple of biggies at 3:30 pm ET on Saturday – Alabama vs. Miami (Florida) from Atlanta, and Indiana at Iowa. Miami quarterback D’Eriq King hopes to pull off an upset. The Tide and Canes are on ABC. Indiana-Iowa is on BTN. If neither of those games are exciting, then you might want to touch bases with West Virginia at Maryland at 3:30 pm ET on ESPN. An hour later, there is an intriguing game – Louisiana at Texas, 4:30 pm ET on FOX. The Rajin’ Cajuns will be going for the upset. But Texas running back Bijan Robinson has plans to prevent that from happening.
Saturday night, you could begin with Texas Tech at Houston. That game is at 7 pm ET on ESPN. However, 30 minutes later you will want to go with the “game of the week” – Georgia vs. Clemson from Charlotte, North Carolina. No. 3 vs. No. 5. The Dawgs and the Tigers tangle at 7:30 pm ET on ABC. Another option at 8:30 pm ET on FOX is LSU at UCLA. For your late show viewing on Saturday night try Nevada at California at 10:30 pm ET on FS1. Nevada quarterback Carson Strong is worth watching. Nothing like a midnight snack in Berkeley.
There is only one game on Sunday, but it should be interesting – Notre Dame at Florida State. The Irish and the Noles tangle at 7:30 pm ET on ABC. Likewise, there is only one game on Monday – Labor Day night. Louisville plays Ole Miss in Atlanta. The game kicks off at 8 pm ET on ESPN.
That’s a wrap on your recommended five-day Labor Day weekend viewing. You begin your weekend with Gus Malzahn and end it with Lane Kiffin. Not to mention Mack Brown, Lincoln Riley and Nick Saban in between. How fun is that? Don’t run out of snacks and beverages.
“It’s the game with the rocking melody
Now that you have the new rules and the recommended viewing for the weekend, let’s take a quick look at how the competition shapes up in each of the 10 FBS conferences and among the Independents.
First in the Power Five conferences:
In the ACC Atlantic Division, Clemson is the overwhelming favorite. NC State is a strong challenger to Clemson. Boston College, Florida State, Wake Forest and Louisville are all sleepers. Syracuse is a lost cause.
In the ACC Coastal Division, North Carolina is the strong favorite, with Miami a strong challenger to the Tar Heels. Virginia Tech, Pitt, Virginia and Georgia Tech are the sleepers. Duke is the lost cause.
Clemson is the favorite to beat North Carolina in the ACC championship game.
In the Big 12 Conference, Oklahoma is the solid favorite. Iowa State is the serious challenger to the Sooners. Texas, Oklahoma State and TCU are the sleepers. West Virginia, Kansas State, Texas Tech and Baylor barely have heartbeats. Kansas has no heartbeat.
Oklahoma is the favorite to beat Iowa State in the Big 12 championship game.
In the Big Ten East Division, Ohio State is the clear favorite. Penn State and Indiana are the challengers, while Michigan is the sleeper. Rutgers, Maryland and Michigan State are the losers.
Over in the Big Ten West Division, Wisconsin is the top choice. Iowa is the designated challenger to the Badgers. Northwestern and Minnesota are the sleepers. Nebraska and Purdue barely have heartbeats, while Illinois is totally out of it.
Ohio State is picked to down Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game.
In the Pac-12 North Division, Oregon and Washington are the co-favorites. Stanford comes in as the challenger. California and Washington State are the sleepers. Oregon State is a lost cause.
In the Pac-12 South Division, USC and Arizona State are the co-favorites. Utah is the challenger. UCLA and Colorado are the sleepers, while Arizona is hopeless.
Oregon is favored to down USC in the Pac-12 championship game.
In the SEC East Division, Georgia is the pick, with Florida being the challenger. Kentucky and Missouri are the sleepers. Tennessee and South Carolina barely have heartbeats. Vanderbilt is a total loser.
In the SEC West Division, Alabama is the overwhelming favorite. Texas A&M and LSU are the challengers. Ole Miss and Auburn are the sleepers. Mississippi State and Arkansas are lost causes.
Alabama is the choice to be Georgia in the SEC championship game.
Meanwhile in the Group of Five conferences:
In the AAC Conference, Cincinnati is the solid favorite. UCF is a serious challenger. Houston and SMU are the sleepers. Memphis and Tulsa are limping along. Tulane, East Carolina, Navy, Temple and South Florida are all losers.
Cincinnati is favored to top UCF in the AAC championship game.
In the MWC Mountain Division, Boise State is the pick. Wyoming is the challenger, while Air Force and Colorado State are the sleepers. New Mexico and Utah State are the low-lifes.
In the MWC West Division, Nevada is the favorite. San Jose State is the challenger and San Diego State is the sleeper. Fresno State and Hawaii have heartbeats. UNLV is the low-life.
Boise State is the pick to beat Nevada in the MWC championship game.
In the Sun Belt Conference East Division, Coastal Carolina and Appalachian State are the co-favorites. Georgia State is the challenger. Georgia Southern and Troy are the sleepers.
In the Sun Belt Conference West Division, Louisiana is the solid favorite. Arkansas State is the challenger. Texas State and South Alabama are the sleepers. ULM is a lost cause.
Coastal Carolina is the favorite to beat Louisiana in the Sun Belt championship game.
In the Conference USA East Division, Marshall is a marginal favorite. Florida Atlantic is the challenger. Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee are sleepers. Charlotte and FIU are hanging in there, while Old Dominion is long gone.
In Conference USA West Division, UAB is the solid favorite. UTSA and Louisiana Tech are the challengers. Southern Miss is the sleeper. North Texas and Rice have heartbeats, while UTEP is lost in space.
UAB is favored to beat Marshall in the C-USA championship game.
In the MAC East Division, there is a three-team race for the title between Ohio, Buffalo and Kent State. Miami is the challenger and Akron and Bowling Green are solid losers.
In the MAC West Division, Toledo and Ball State are the co-favorites. Western Michigan is the challenger. Central Michigan is the sleeper. Eastern Michigan and Northern Illinois are lost causes.
Toledo is the choice to down Ohio in the MAC championship game.
And finally, among the Independents, Notre Dame and Liberty are the winners. Army and BYU are factors. Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Mexico State are the losers.
“Hey baby…. Hey baby
The first of the six CFP rankings shows will be televised at 7 pm ET, Tuesday, November 2, on ESPN, following the 10th weekend of the season. The weekly rankings to determine the four-team playoff will be televised each of the next four Tuesdays, to November 30, with the final rankings televised at 12 noon, Sunday, December 5.
All six of the shows will be televised on ESPN. The five Tuesday shows (November 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30) will begin at 7 pm ET, except for the November 9 show. It will begin at 9 pm ET. The December 5 show will not only announce the seedings for the four-team playoff, but also the spots in the other four New Year’s Six bowls.
This season the Cotton Bowl Classic and the Orange Bowl will host the two playoff semifinal games on December 31. The national championship game will be played Monday, January 10, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Of the other four New Year’s Six bowls, the Peach Bowl will be played on December 30, while the Fiesta, Rose and Sugar Bowls will be played on January 1.
Additionally, 35 other bowl games will be played this season, running from December 17 to January 4. There are two new bowl games being played for the first time – the LA Bowl in Los Angeles and the Fenway Bowl in Boston. The Redbox Bowl was canceled this season. All told – 41 bowls plus the championship game.
“Pleasant memories are coming back to me
In news last week, the Big 12 Conference hired former West Virginia quarterback and athletic director Oliver Luck as an advisor and consultant. Soon after Luck was hired, the Big 12 announced it was looking to expand with schools like Boise State, BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF mentioned…. LSU and USC announced they will open the 2024 season during the Labor Day weekend in Las Vegas. The Tigers and the Trojans have played twice before, splitting games in 1979 and 1984…. The Pac-12 announced it will not expand its membership for the time being – maybe later, but not in the near term…. Five Ohio State players, including starting quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Chris Olave, have received brand new cars as a result of their NIL deals. By promoting and endorsing Coughlin Chevrolet, a dealership located in suburban Columbus, the players were given brand new Chevrolets.
And yes, the “Alliance” was officially announced – the alliance between the ACC, Big Ten and Pac-12 – although northing was signed. It appears to be little more than a verbal agreement between the three conferences, as a means to band together in defense against the big bad SEC.
In the Zoom presentation, the three conference commissioners – Jim Phillips (ACC), Kevin Warren (Big Ten), George Kliavkoff (Pac-12) – came across like the three stooges – a trio of buffoons.
The three commissioners said they have formed an alliance to collaborate and provide thought leadership on various opportunities and challenges facing college athletics, including:
- Student-athlete
mental and physical health, safety, wellness and support
- Strong
academic experience and support
- Diversity,
equity and inclusion
- Social
justice
- Gender equity
- Future
structure of the NCAA
- Federal
legislative efforts
- Postseason
championships and future formats
- Football
scheduling that features additional attractive matchups across the three
conferences, while continuing to honor historic rivalries and the best
traditions of college football.
This mostly sounds like a bunch of bureaucracy, bull shit and poppycock. If anything, it does give the three conferences the strength to band together to oppose and block the SEC from pushing its agenda forward. But again, nothing was signed. It’s just a gentlemen’s agreement.
Former Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is replacing Urban Meyer on FOX Sports’ “Big Noon Kickoff” show on Saturday mornings. Rob Stone, Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, Brady Quinn will return to the show. Former Boise State and Washington coach Chris Petersen will make contributions and special appearances on the show.
After much delay, Steve Spurrier’s restaurant in Gainesville, Florida, finally opened earlier this summer. It’s called Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille. The restaurant is located in the Celebration Point area of Gainesville. The restaurant is expanding in September with the opening of Visors Tailgate, a rooftop bar, above the restaurant.
Hurricane Ida has teams on the move. The LSU football team will spend this week in Houston, practicing an preparing for its opener at UCLA. Meanwhile, the Tulane football team will spend the week in Birmingham, practicing and preparing for its home opener against Oklahoma. And the Tulane volleyball team is spending the week in Tallahassee. Conversely, Louisiana, who opens at Texas, chose to remain home in Lafayette, while practicing and preparing for the Longhorns.
“Hey baby…. Hey baby
Of the five games played Saturday, four were routs and one was close. The close game was an upset. The other four weren’t. In the close game and upset, Illinois beat Nebraska, 30-22. (See more on the game in “Ye Olde Stomping Grounds” below.)
In the other four games, Fresno State, UCLA, UTEP and San Jose State were big winners. And man were they ever.
Fresno State beat Connecticut, 45-0. Bulldogs quarterback Jake Haener was 20-26-0, throwing for 331 yards and three touchdowns. Fresno State racked up 541 total yards. Connecticut only had 107 total yards – 35 rushing and 72 passing. I wouldn’t be surprised but what UConn coach Randy Edsall will be fired before the season is over. Attendance in Fresno: 26,043
UCLA downed Hawaii, 44-10. Bruins running back Zach Charbonnet rushed for 106 yards and three touchdowns. UCLA led 31-3 at halftime. Hawaii was held to only 26 yards rushing. Attendance in Pasadena: 32,982
UTEP humbled New Mexico State, 30-3. UTEP amassed 452 total yards. New Mexico State only had 190 total yards – just 89 passing. Attendance in Las Cruces: 19,034
And finally, in the nightcap, San Jose State topped Southern Utah, 45-14. San Jose State quarterback Nick Starkel was 16-27-1, passing for 394 yards and four touchdowns. The Spartans had 543 total yards. Attendance in San Jose: 16,204
“I sit and watch, as tears go by”….Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts died last week. The Stones formed in 1962 and Watts became the drummer in 1963. He appeared on all 25 of the Stones’ albums and in all of their concert tours. Charlie Watts was 80. “….it’s all over now.”
In 1963, he led Loyola (Chicago) to the NCAA basketball championship. The Ramblers beat Cincinnati in the title game, 60-58. Jerry Harkness died last week. He was an All-American forward for Loyola. Jerry Harkness was 81.
And rest in peace, Ed Asner. He died yesterday. Ed Asner was 91.
So, as the season begins, I pose these questions:
- Will this be
the last season Oklahoma and Texas play in the Big 12?
- By the time
the championship game is played on January 10, 2022, will the ACC, Big
Ten, Pac-12, or for that matter, the Big 12, add any schools to their
conferences?
- Is Nebraska
coach Scott Frost a dead man walking?
- Will someone
other than Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Georgia make the
playoff?
- Will someone
other than Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Oklahoma respectively win the SEC,
ACC, Big Ten and Big 12 championships?
- Will any
Power Five team have to forfeit a conference game because of COVID?
- Among
first-year coaches Shane Beamer, Bret Bielema, Bryan
Harsin, Steve Sarkisian, Josh Heupel and Gus Malzahn,
who will have the most success and who will have the least success in
2021?
- Of the
following coaches, who will be the first to get fired in 2021 and who will
survive to coach another season: Dino Babers, Justin Fuente,
Jim Harbaugh, Chip Kelly, Clay Helton and Dana
Holgerson?
- When does the
first NIL scandal hit?
- What kind of
reception will Oklahoma and Texas receive from opposing Big 12 fans when
the Sooners and Longhorns play on the road this season?
Yes, they’re playing our game!
Touchdown Tom
(My apologies to The Buckinghams)
(Note: Next week’s CFW – Week 2 – will be posted on Tuesday morning, September 7 – the day after Labor Day.)
Weekend Recap
YE OLDE STOMPING GROUNDS:
Hello Bret, goodbye Scott – Illinois 30, Nebraska 22 (Touchdown Tom said: Nebraska 31, Illinois 15). I’d say Bret Bielema had a successful welcome back to college football and a successful welcome back to the Big Ten. I’d also say that Scott Frost may soon be saying farewell to college football. Or, perhaps I should say, college football will be saying farewell to Scott Frost. No, it sure wasn’t the opening game that Nebraska fans were expecting. In his fourth season, this was supposed to be Frost’s best team. Maybe it will be, but it sure didn’t look like it Saturday. The best thing about Nebraska was quarterback Adrian Martinez rushing for 111 yards. The worst thing about Nebraska was Martinez fumbling and only completing 50% of his passes (16-for-32). The best thing about Illinois was controlling the clock for 34:55. The worst thing about Illinois was losing its starting quarterback in the first quarter. Attendance in Champaign: 41,064
Week 0 Result: 0 winners, 1 fumble (0 percent)
Quotes of the Week
“We just don’t know where this (college football) is leading. There’s a lot of speculation at this point. Right now I’m very concerned that it is fragmented,” ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, expressing his concerns about the future of college football.
“College football is a mess and it needs to come together. It’s no closer today than it’s been in a long time,” ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, on the current state of college football.
“I think we’re going to pull the upset,” Steve Spurrier, on how Florida will do against Alabama on September 18.
“Can you bench a guy that’s getting a million dollars?,” Steve Spurrier, reacting to a comment that Alabama quarterback Bryce Young could get benched against Miami.
“Lifelong Nebraska fan here. Is Scott Frost the most over-hyped, most disappointing bust of a head coach ever? I’ll hang up and listen,” Tom Harris.
“Scott Frost is Jim Harbaugh, with a less-talented roster,” Barrett Sallee.
“Nebraska fans shouldn’t be mad at Scott Frost. You had to try. He had to take the job. Sometimes, it just doesn’t work. The person you should be mad at is Bill Moos for giving Frost a contract extension after two years for no good reason,” Dan Wolken.
“The other area where Bill Moos failed is allowing Scott Frost to bring his entire UCF staff to Nebraska. That was a disaster waiting to happen and someone should have been an adult and told Frost if he wanted the job he couldn’t do that,” Dan Wolken.
“Nothing about this game would indicate Nebraska is being investigated for practicing too much,” Dave Matter.
“Scott Frost is going to hold a hell of a clipboard in Tuscaloosa,” Kegan Reneau.
“The only guy that really could beat us, we thought, was Adrian Martinez,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema, after the Nebraska game.
“Bret Bielema’s first game at Illinois and he’s thoroughly out-coaching Scott Frost, after his (Bielema’s) starting quarterback left with an injury,” David Eickholt.
“Nebraska is a poorly coached football team,” CBS Sports writer Tom Fornelli.
“The Cornhuskers have a severe lack of playmakers on offense,” CBS Sports writer Tom Fornelli.
“No, I was just sweating,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema, when asked if he was fighting emotions after the win over Nebraska.
Touchdown Tom’s
Predictions for
GAME OF THE WEEK: 1. Georgia vs. Clemson – (SEC vs. ACC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – No. 3 Clemson vs. No. 5 Georgia from Charlotte, North Carolina. They always say if you’re going to lose, lose early in the season. Either of these teams could lose and still find itself in the playoff at the end of the season. In fact, it’s conceivable that Clemson and Georgia could find themselves in a rematch in the playoff. Lose now and win out and you’re in good shape. The game will come down to defense, running game and a battle of the quarterbacks – Clemson’s D.J. Uiagalelei and Georgia’s J.T. Daniels. They both go by their initials. D.J. bests J.T. – Clemson 23, Georgia 20.
RUNNER-UP: 2. Alabama vs. Miami (Florida) – (SEC vs. ACC) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ABC – No. 1 vs. No. 14 from Atlanta, Georgia. Alabama is the solid favorite, but Miami will be out to pull off the upset. Manny Diaz could use a big win – not only use but needs a big win. However, if the Canes keep it close, Manny should be okay. Miami quarterback D’Eriq King holds the key to unlocking the treasure chest for the Canes. But he has to play an error-free game. Miami dominates Bama in returning experience. But the Tide has Nick – Saint Nick. And Saban is not one to lose games like this. All eyes will be on the million dollar NIL quarterback – Bryce Young. Bama turns the Canes into a depression – Alabama 28, Miami 24.
REST OF THE BEST: 3. Penn State at Wisconsin – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, FOX – No. 19 Penn State at No. 12 Wisconsin. Both camps have been pretty quiet. Not a lot of noise out of either one. Both teams appear to have a cautious approach to the game. But which one is more positive? Which one has the positive approach? The Badgers have the home field and that could be the difference. The Nitts can’t Jump Around – Wisconsin 20, Penn State 16.
4. Indiana at Iowa – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, BTN – No. 17 Indiana at No. 18 Iowa. You can’t get much closer than that. The score of the game may be just as close. And it’s not often this contest is a big game. But it sure is this year. Indiana has the quarterback – Michael Penix. Iowa has the running back – Tyler Goodson. Iowa may be better in the trenches. That could be the difference. Hoos not your daddy – Iowa 27, Indiana 20.
5. Louisiana at Texas – (Sun Belt vs. Big 12) – 4:30 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – Last year on opening weekend, Louisiana went into Ames, Iowa, and beat Iowa State. Not only beat Iowa State, but also the Cajuns clobbered the Cyclones, 31-14. Louisiana is led by senior quarterback Levi Lewis. He’s a good one. Texas is under first-year coach Steve Sarkisian. The Longhorns are supposed to be better than last year’s team that finished 7-3. Texas has a powerhouse at running back – sophomore Bijan Robinson. He’s a first-team All-American pick. The Rajin’ Cajuns will give Bevo a scare. But the Cajuns won’t gumbo Bevo – Texas 27, Louisiana 19.
6. Ohio State at Minnesota – (Big Ten vs. Big Ten) – 8 pm ET, Thursday, FOX – Minnesota has the star running back – Mohamed Ibrahim. Ohio State has the star receiver – Chris Olave. Minnesota’s stars stop with Ibrahim. Ohio State’s stars continue with just about everybody else. Minnesota does have the experienced quarterback – Tanner Morgan. But the Buckeyes have a good quarterback – C.J. Stroud. The Gophers have probably bitten off more than they can chew in their first game. But they are at home and they will have the crowd behind them. The Buckeyes are used to that. Goldy learns that this Buckeye is not made out of chocolate and peanut butter – Ohio State 31, Minnesota 17.
7. North Carolina at Virginia Tech – (ACC vs. ACC) – 6 pm ET, Friday, ESPN – The Tar Heels and the Hokies feature one coach on the way up and the other coach on the way down. In his third year back in Chapel Hill, Mack Brown has North Carolina loaded to bear. The Tar Heels are especially loaded at quarterback with Sam Howell. In his sixth year in Blacksburg, Justen Fuente is a coach on the way down. That is unless he can turn things around this year. The Hokies are capable of causing problems for the Tar Heels, especially at home. But as he roasts a Turkey, Howell says no problem – North Carolina 30, Virginia Tech 20.
8. LSU at UCLA – (SEC vs. Pac-12) – 8:30 pm ET, Saturday, FOX – After a national championship two years ago, LSU was a little shaky last year. Starting off on the road at UCLA, the Tigers need to get rid of the shakes. LSU has the talent. But the talent needs to come together. Some think UCLA could be the surprise team of 2021. Chip Kelly needs a pleasant surprise. His first three years in Westwood have been dismal. UCLA looked impressive in its opening win over Hawaii. This season could be the breakout year for the Bruins. Unfortunately, they break down against the Tigers – LSU 27, UCLA 24.
9. Notre Dame at Florida State – (Ind. vs. ACC) – 7:30 pm ET, Sunday, ABC – Last year, Notre Dame competed as a member of the ACC. This year, the Irish are back on the outside, looking in. Week 1 and ND is looking in on Florida State. The Irish come in as a ranked team. For the umpteenth year, FSU is not a ranked team. The Noles don’t even know what it is to be ranked anymore. They don’t even know what the word means. Still, FSU will try to pull off the upset. After a tough season last year, second-year coach Mike Norvell is under some pressure. He doesn’t have to beat ND, but he needs to make it a game. The Noles get step-danced – Notre Dame 33, Florida State 17.
10. Boise State at UCF – (MWC vs. AAC) – 7 pm ET, Thursday, ESPN – Both teams enter the game tanked just outside the Top 25. Both enter the game with new coaches. Boise State’s coach went to Auburn and Auburn’s coach came to UCF. The Broncos are a good team, but they aren’t the team that Chris Petersen used to have at Boise State. They’ve taken a step down. Still, they are a good team. New UCF coach Gus Malzahn hopes to keep the fire burning at UCF. He inherited some talent, especially at quarterback – Dillon Gabriel. The Knights win this joust – UCF 35, Boise State 27.
Then there are five games worth keeping a close eye on: San Jose State at USC – (MWC vs. Pac-12) – 5 pm ET, Saturday, P12N; Oklahoma at Tulane – (Big 12 vs. AAC) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ABC; Ole Miss vs. Louisville (in Atlanta) – (SEC vs. ACC) – 8 pm ET, Monday, ESPN; Fresno State at Oregon – (MWC vs. Pac-12) – 2 pm ET, Saturday, P12N, and Nevada at California – (MWC vs. Pac-12) – 10:30 pm ET, Saturday, FS1.
YE OLDE STOMPING
GROUNDS:
West Virginia at Maryland – (Big 12 vs. Big Ten) – 3:30 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN – This is Neal Brown’s third season at West Virginia. The Mounties showed improvement last year. That improvement needs to continue into this year. That improvement needs to include a victory over Maryland. The Terps are truly an unknown team. They are supposed to be a laugher in the Big Ten East. But third-year coach Mike Locksley could be ready to unleash a few surprises this year. In his third-year, he should wake up the Turtles. Maryland could be a dangerous team. But not that dangerous – West Virginia 30, Maryland 24.
Florida Atlantic at Florida – (C-USA vs. SEC) – 7:30 pm ET, Saturday, SECN – Last season went down in a negative way for Dan Mullen and his Gators. In the regular season finale, Florida was upset by LSU in Gainesville. In the Cotton Bowl, the Gators were clobbered by Oklahoma, 55-20. Granted, Florida played a decent game in losing to Alabama – 52-46 – in the SEC championship game. Then throw in Mullen almost getting into a fight with Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz. That’s all behind the Gators now. This is a new season and Florida has a new quarterback – Emory Jones. Florida is looking for a fresh start. The Gators will get a fresh win over Florida Atlantic. FAU gets a fresh paycheck. Albert is smarter than any Owl – Florida 40, Florida Atlantic 11.
Fordham at Nebraska – (Patriot vs. Big Ten) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, BTN – Fordham? Really Nebraska? This isn’t the Fordham of 1936, when Vince Lombardi was one of the Seven Blocks of Granite. Today, Fordham’s offensive line is like the Seven Sheets of Toilet Paper – cheap toilet paper. But I know. The Frosted One needs some wins. Adrian Martinez should have a heyday. Fordham has a good payday. Frost gets off Scott-free – Nebraska 52, Fordham 9.
Duke at Charlotte – (ACC vs. C-USA) – 7 pm ET, Friday, CBSSN – David Cutcliffe started off great at Duke. But in the last few years, the Dookies have been pretty sad. And the picture doesn’t look good for Duke this year. Fortunately, they are opening up against Charlotte. That’s a positive for the Dookies. Charlotte has shown some improvement in the last year or two. But the 49ers aren’t improved enough to handle Duke. Cutcliffe begins 1-0, but it’s a long season ahead. The Dookies break down Charlotte’s web – Duke 31, Charlotte 18.
Oregon State at Purdue – (Pac-12 vs. Big Ten) – 7 pm ET, Saturday, FS1 – The worst of the Pac-12 against the worst of the Big Ten. Well, maybe not quite the worst of the Big Ten, but almost. Close enough that Boilers coach Jeff Brohm may be looking for a new job at the end of the season. But Jeff gets off to a winning start in 2021. The Beavers get dammed – Purdue 27, Oregon State 23.
ELSEWHERE AROUND FLORIDA:
Long Island at FIU – (Northeast vs. C-USA) – 7 pm ET, Thursday, ESPN3….
West Florida at McNeese – (Gulf South vs. Southland) – 12 noon ET, Saturday, ESPN+….
Warner at Stetson – (Sun vs. Pioneer) – 6 pm ET, Saturday, ESPN+….
Touchdown Tom
P.S.
Not exactly college football related, but as the Labor Day Weekend approached and college football fans were hyped for the start of another season, the number one song in the country…
…80 years ago this week in 1941 was “Green Eyes” by Jimmy Dorsey
…75 years ago this week in 1946 was “To Each His Own” by Freddy Martin and His Orchestra
…70 years ago this week in 1951 was “Come On-a My House” by Rosemary Clooney
…65 years ago this week in 1956 was “Hound Dog”/“Don’t Be Cruel” by Elvis Presley, and “My Prayer” by The Platters
…60 years ago this week in 1961 was “Wooden Heart” by Joe Dowell, and “Michael” by The Highwaymen
…55 years ago this week in 1966 was “Summer In The City” by The Lovin’ Spoonful, and “Sunshine Superman” by Donovan
…50 years ago this week in 1971 was “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” by The Bee Gees, and “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” by Paul & Linda McCartney
…45 years ago this week in 1976 was “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee, and “You Should Be Dancing” by the Bee Gees
…40 years ago this week in 1981 was “Endless Love” by Diane Ross and Lionel Ritchie
…35 years ago this week in 1986 was “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood
…30 years ago this week in 1991 was “(Everything) I Do) I Do It For You” by Bryan Adams
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