No. 14 Clemson vs. No. 1 Georgia
Saturday, Aug. 31 — Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta
11 a.m. on ABC/ESPN+
This is considered a neutral site game despite the fact that it is being played an hour away from Georgia’s campus. Combine that with a Bulldog team looking for revenge after missing out on last year’s College Football Playoff, and things could get ugly fast. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney might finally see the light regarding the utilization of the transfer portal if he wants the Tigers to return to the upper echelon of college football. The Bulldogs will send the Tigers back home with their tail between their legs and prove that the SEC means more.
Prediction: Georgia 42, Clemson 17
No. 19 Miami at Florida
Saturday, Aug. 31 — Ben Hill Griffin Stadium — Gainesville, Florida
2:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN+
The Hurricanes head to the swamp led by senior quarterback Cam Ward, who is looking to put on a show for NFL scouts. Florida coach Billy Napier comes into the season on the hot seat, just 11-14 in two seasons with the Gators. Miami looks to make a push for the ACC title this year. Meanwhile, Florida simply hopes for a winning season. It’s all about the U, and Napier’s seat gets even hotter as he loses another big game in front of the Gator faithful.
Prediction: Miami 28, Florida 17
Colorado State at No. 4 Texas
Saturday, Aug. 31 — DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium — Austin
2:30 p.m. on ESPN
The Texas Longhorns are looking at a complete reload after losing 11 players to the 2024 NFL Draft. The Colorado State Rams enter year three under coach Jay Norvell hoping to be Mountain West title contenders. The Rams have a wide receiver corps headlined by graduate Tory Horton and senior Dylan Goffney. However, the Longhorns could overwhelm a Colorado State defense that ranked 104th in the nation last season. Only one set of horns can walk away victorious, and Texas is looking to win its first game as a member of the SEC. Maybe there’s a sighting of redshirt freshman QB Arch Manning if the Longhorns pull away fast enough.
Prediction: Texas 38, Colorado State 14
No. 23 USC vs. No. 13 LSU
Sunday, Sept. 1 — Allegiant Stadium — Las Vegas
6:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN+
These two teams are extremely similar. Both the Trojans and Tigers come into the game without their Heisman-winning quarterbacks, who went first and second overall, respectively, in the 2024 NFL Draft. This will also be both teams’ first outing with new defensive coordinators after their programs were held back by lackluster defenses last season. A shootout in Las Vegas could see this duel come down to whichever team can get a stop on defense. Sin City shows us that the Tigers mean business and are not to be taken lightly this season.
Prediction: LSU 35, USC 34
