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| If #8 Michigan is going to upset #2 Alabama, quarterback Denard Robinson will have to have the game of his career. (Matthew Stockman) |
5. Tennessee vs. North Carolina State - 7:30 PM EST (Friday), ESPNU/WatchESPN
The last time these two schools played was 73 years ago. Much has changed from then. This game though could be a sign of things to come for both teams the rest of the season. Tennessee would prefer to forget last season. After stud wide receiver Justin Hunter went down in week three against Florida, the Volunteers finished 3-7 in their last ten games, with two of those wins coming over Buffalo and Middle Tennessee State. Conversely, North Carolina State ended last season playing their best football. The Wolfpack finished finished 6-2 in their last eight games, including an blowout upset of then-No. 8 ranked Clemson 37-13 and a win over Louisville in the Belk Bowl.
Tennessee's offense took a considerable blow with the departure of All-SEC wide receiver Da'rick Rogers. They do still have other solid talent at the wideout position led by Hunter and JUCO transfer Cordarrelle Patterson. Of course, the biggest question mark is likely the man who is trying to get them the ball, quarterback Tyler Bray. Even though this is Bray's third year as a starter, he has yet to win a football game outside the state of Tennessee. He appears to have all the tools, but has yet to have the toughness and composure to lead the Vols to a big win yet. The running back positions and the defense as a whole are a bit of question marks as well.
N.C. State's offense will be confidently led by quarterback Mike Glennon. Last season, Glennon threw for 3,054 yards and 31 touchdowns. The rest of the Wolfpack offense is loaded with talent and experience, especially the offensive line, which returns four out of five starters. The Wolfpack secondary is the foundation of their defense. Cornerback David Amerson and safety Earl Wolff are the cornerstones of that secondary. The Volunteers are going to have a difficult time moving the ball through the air on Friday night against N.C. State.
Prediction: N.C. State 31 Tennessee 20
4. #14 Clemson vs. Auburn - 7:00 PM EST (Saturday), ESPN/WatchESPN
For the third consecutive season, these two sides square off. The winner has gone on to do big things each season. In 2010, Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton led Auburn to the 27-24 overtime victory as part of their route to a National Championship run. Last season, it was Clemson who overcame a 21-7 deficit to beat Auburn 38-24. They went on to start the season 8-0 and won the Atlantic Coast Conference title.
Clemson will be without star wide receiver Sammy Watkins due to suspension (drug arrest). This means that more of the offensive weight will fall on the shoulders of quarterback Tahj Boyd and tailback Andre Ellington. After giving up an incredible 505 yards in their humiliating 70-33 loss to West Virginia in last year's Orange Bowl, Clemson knew they would have to improve on defense to have a chance at winning the ACC again. New defensive coordinator Brent Venables has established a zone scheme and worked on the group's flexibility. It will be interesting to see how long it takes for them to click as a unit.
Last season was a rebuilding one for Auburn. They hope that this season some of their young stars are ready to shine and to build upon the university's rich heritage. Sophomore Kiehl Frazier won the starting quarterback job for at least week one against Clemson. Frazier was a highly regarded recruiting prospect out of high school. He is a dangerous dual threat quarterback. Frazier will quickly begin to receive comparisons to his predecessor Newton before long. Auburn fans hope he can establish that type of legacy before his time there is done.
Prediction: Clemson 27 Auburn 17
3. Georgia Tech @ #16 Virginia Tech - 8:00 PM EST (Monday), ESPN/WatchESPN
The ACC Coastal Division "championship" could be this game in week one. The winner of this game has gone on to represent their division in the ACC Championship Game each of the past seven seasons. The Hokies have won the past two matchups against the Yellow Jackets. This year is no exception because Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech are among the favorites to win the ACC again. The winner will get a huge advantage,
Georgia Tech's triple option offense will be led by senior quarterback Tevin Washington. Washington led the team last season with 986 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. The tailback duo of Orwin Smith and David Sims should add to the attack as well. The Yellow Jackets hope that they have improved enough on defense to make a difference. The defensive core should be led by linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu. He had six sacks last season, but he has to keep his emotions in check.
Last season, Virginia Tech seemed to slowly improve just as their quarterback Logan Thomas did as well. Thomas has the talent to lead the Hokies to victory. In the backfield, redshirt freshman Michael Holmes is set to get the bulk of the carries. Holmes is highly regarded, but we will have to see how he fares when the spotlight is shining. The Hokies always seem to rely on a solid defense. This year is no exception. Players such as cornerback Kyle Fuller need to step up and make big plays to slow down Georgia Tech's option attack.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 20 Georgia Tech 17
2. #24 Boise State @ #13 Michigan State - 8:00 PM EST (Friday), ESPN/WatchESPN
These two teams actually have quite a bit in common going into this new season. Last season, both Boise State and Michigan State had very successful seasons, winning a combined 23 wins, including their respective bowl games. Both teams also have to replace the most successful quarterbacks in school history and talented tailbacks with unproven backups.
Junior Joe Southwick was named the starting quarterback for Boise State. He played in limited action last season. Southwick will rely on the help of sixth-year tailback D.J. Harper. While this is first season as the Broncos' primary back, Harper did rush for a season-high 125 yards and two touchdowns against TCU last season. Matt Miller and Mitch Burroughs, the Broncos' top returning wide receivers, should also help to provide reliable targets for Southwick to look for when in need.
Michigan State's newly named starting quarterback is Andrew Maxwell. He got to be former Spartans quarterback Kirk Cousins' primary understudy the past two seasons. Maxwell will undoubtedly rely upon junior tailback Le'Veon Bell. While this is Bell's first season as the Spartans' primary back, he did rush for 948 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. The Spartans return one of the Big Ten's best defenses this year. Defensive end William Gholston is primed to wreak havoc on the Broncos' offensive line.
Prediction: Michigan State 20 Boise State 13
1. #8 Michigan vs. #2 Alabama - 8:00 PM EST (Saturday), ABC
A top-ten matchup in week one sees two of the BCS favorites squaring off with a lot of pride on the line. While the vast majority of the Top 25 teams are enjoying cupcake games, Michigan and Alabama are set to battle in a game that has huge national championship implications. Both teams are coming off huge seasons. Alabama throttled LSU in the BCS National Championship Game last season. Head coach Nick Saban is looking to build a dynasty in Tuscaloosa. In his first year in Ann Arbor, head coach Brady Hoke transformed Michigan from a floundering, mediocre team into Sugar Bowl victors. The talent was already there, they just needed the guidance to get there.
Michigan is going to need even more wise counsel from Hoke if they are going to have a shot at upsetting Alabama. The talent is there to make it happen. Senior quarterback Denard Robinson is among the preseason favorites to win the Heisman. The ever dangerous dual threat, Robinson improved drastically as a passer last season. The one part of his game that he needs to continue to work on, especially against Alabama, is turning the ball over. Robinson has never faced a defense as good as Alabama's, but if he is able to find room to run and limits his mistakes, Michigan has a chance to win. Another big factor for the Wolverines is the playing status of tailback Fitzgerald Toussaint. On Tuesday, Toussaint plead guilty to driving while visually impaired, stemming back to an arrest over the summer. His playing status is unclear for Saturday's game. If Toussaint does play, he could be a big x-factor in deciding the outcome of the game.
When looking at Alabama's offense, the thing that sticks out of the most is the extremely talented offensive line. Led by center Barrett Jones, the offensive line could end up featuring as many as three All-Americans. They will definitely be a huge help to the guys playing behind them. Junior quarterback AJ McCarron may not be flashy like Robinson, but he obviously knows how to win football games. Tailbacks Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon should share the bulk of the work for the backfield. The Crimson Tide defense remains as solid as ever. One guy in particular to keep an eye on is safety Robert Lester. Not only will he play a crucial role in containing Robinson, but he is also known for his ability to intercept passes well. Lester will be primed and ready in case Robinson does make a mistake.
Prediction: Alabama 24 Michigan 20
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