2021 Week 1 Preview

While we did have some games last week during “Week 0”, the real games get starting this week!

I bet everyone, players and fans, are ready for some non-conference play (unless you’re in the Big 10). We have a few big time matchups this weekend. The Week 0 games didn’t give us much in the way of competition. The main notable of the weekend was Illinois beating up on Nebraska (the final score was closer than the actual game). Since no games have been played, it is a bit tough to get super in depth. Let’s get another season of predictions started off!

Notable Games
1Alabama vs 14Miami (Atlanta)
I think Miami will be pretty good this season, but I don’t think they will be Alabama good. QB D’Eriq King is looking to have another strong season and hopes to help the ‘Canes make it to the ACC Championship game and beyond. Starting the season off against the Tide is going to be difficult. Alabama does have to break in some new starters in key positions, so this game might be a bit sloppy and close in the first half. I think as the second half gets going, Alabama will have the rust shaken off and will take control of this one.
I am picking Alabama

3Clemson vs 5Georgia (Charlotte)
What a matchup to start the season! This should be a great game. While I love having games like this in the beginning of the year, they don’t really mean all that much. Either team will be able to overcome a loss in this game because both teams have decent chances to win their conference, making this game a quality loss. While Clemson has to replace the bigger hole (QB Trevor Lawrence) I think they have the edge in this game. They are favored by a field goal, and I think that is just the right amount. The only outcome that would surprise me in this game would be a blowout.
I am picking Clemson

19Penn State at 12Wisconsin
This is another really interesting matchup to start the season. (The Big 10 is playing conference games this week for some reason). Both of these teams struggled last year. Penn State started 0-5 before winning their final 4 games of the season. Wisconsin struggled with Covid issues, especially at QB. Both of these teams should be much improved this year, but I think Wisconsin is the better team. If they can stay healthy, they have a pretty good chance of winning their division.
I am picking Wisconsin

17Indiana at 18Iowa
Here we get yet another very interesting Big 10 game. Indiana had a strong case for winning their division last season despite a close loss to Ohio State (even though the Buckeyes only played 5 regular season games to Indiana’s seven, and yes I know Ohio State was the better team, still mad though). I think Indiana is going to bring it again this year. Iowa started slow but ended up 6-2 overall last year. The Hawkeyes are a tough team to play, but I just like Indiana in this one.
I am picking Indiana

23Louisiana at 21Texas
Louisiana started off last season by beating Iowa State (a team that almost made the CFP, once again showing these early games mean nothing). I don’t think that many people would be surprised if ULL got this win. Texas has a new head coach in Steve Sarkisian and will also have a new QB after Sam Ehlinger was there for 17 seasons (or what felt like it). It is also possible that Texas could be looking ahead to the Arkansas game. This could be a scary game for Texas fans, but I think they will pull out a win late.
I am picking Texas

Boise State at UCF (Thursday)
This would have been a very fun neutral site game. I do think it has the potential to be a good game, but the travel and the heat that Boise is going to have to deal with traveling to Orlando will be extremely unhelpful. Both of these teams have new head coaches, but UCF has a seasoned vet in former Auburn coach Gus Malzahn. Both teams also have young but experienced QBs and strong teams. Homefield advantage will play a huge role in this game, and that is why I am taking the Knights in this one.
I am picking UCF

Rice at Arkansas
As a rabid Arkansas fan, I am so very excited to not have to play an SEC team this week. The Hogs are a little bit banged up this week and need to get healthy before playing Texas next week. That doesn’t mean they can look over the Owls. Rice hasn’t been a good team in a long time, but, honestly, neither has Arkansas. The Hogs should win this game comfortably, but they have to show up ready to play. If last year is any indication, I think they will come out hot.

Top 25
1Alabama vs 14Miami (Atlanta)
2Oklahoma at Tulane
3Clemson vs 5Georgia (Charlotte)
4Ohio State at Minnesota (Thursday)
Kent State at 6Texas A&M
Northern Iowa at 7Iowa State
Miami (OH) at 8Cincinnati
9Notre Dame at Florida State (Sunday)
10North Carolina at Virginia Tech (Friday)
Fresno State at 11Oregon
19Penn State at 12Wisconsin
FAU at 13Florida
San Jose State at 15USC
16LSU at UCLA
17Indiana at 18Iowa
Montana at 20Washington
23Louisiana at 21Texas
The Citadel at 22Coastal Carolina (Thursday)
Weber State at 24Utah (Thursday)
Southern Utah at 25Arizona State

Other Games
Michigan State at Northwestern (Friday)
Stanford vs Kansas State (Dallas)
Louisville vs Ole Miss (Atlanta) (Monday)