Oregon and Utah look to make National statements in Week 1
Photo: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Article by WestCoastCFB
Arizona State vs Northern Arizona
ASU fans aren't overly optimistic about their chances at an elite season after transfers and NFL departures weakened the roster. That said, the Sun Devils are too talented for the Lumberjacks and should roll big.
Prediction: Arizona State 42 vs Northern Arizona 14
Colorado vs TCU
Betting Line: TCU -13.5
Colorado is likely in for another tough season but they do have some nice pieces in RJ Sneed, Daniel Arias and Alex Fontenot as well as what should be a solid offensive line. The Buffs' season will depend on what they get from the quarterback position. TCU went 5-7 last season but now brings in Head Coach Sonny Dykes who is known for high flying offense. Karl Dorrell's squad should hang tough but won't have quite enough firepower
Prediction: TCU 31 vs Colorado 17
UCLA vs Bowling Green
Betting Line: UCLA -23.5
Chip Kelly finally has the Bruins rolling and with the return of Dorian Thompson-Robinson at QB, this offense should be putting up big time numbers. The Bowling Green Falcons went just 4-8 last season and should find themselves vastly overmatched.
Prediction: UCLA 49 vs Bowling Green 14
Betting Line: Georgia -17
Georgia being favored by 17 in this contest is somewhat surprising. The Bulldogs set a record in the NFL Draft this past spring when they had 15 players drafted. Kirby Smart will still have a talented squad but replacing that many players can take time for things to fully click. Oregon should find a way to hang tough in this game before Georgia pulls away late.
Prediction: Georgia 31 vs Oregon 24
Arizona at San Diego State
Betting Line: SDSU -6
People will be surprised at just how improved this Arizona program is. Fisch has done an amazing job turning over the roster and adding extremely talented players in the portal. The combo of Jayden de Laura and Jacob Cowing should give Arizona the playmakers they needed on offense and as the roster gels this will become a team no one in the Pac-12 wants to play. Across the field, San Diego State went 12-2 last season but lost some talented pieces to the NFL. The defense should still be strong enough to barely hold on for a win against the Wildcats.
Prediction: SDSU 24 vs Arizona 21
BYU at South Florida
Betting Line: BYU -12
Expect BYU to have far too much talent for a South Florida program that went just 2-10 last season. Jaren Hall should be in line for a spectacular season and this game should give us an idea of just how good the Cougars may be before they take on Oregon in Week 3.
Prediction: BYU 37 at South Florida 20
Cal vs UC Davis
The Cal Bears can't overlook UC Davis. Dan Hawkins has been outstanding with the Aggies, finishing ranked in three of the past four seasons. Justin Wilcox will look to rely on his defense to shut down UC Davis Running Back Ulonzo Gilliam Jr. Expect the Golden Bears to win but it won't be easy.
Prediction: Cal 30 vs UC Davis 20
#14 USC vs Rice
Betting Line - USC-32.5
USC is at no risk for losing but we will be able to see how well Lincoln Riley has transformed the Trojans. The offense is expected to be elite and should put up close to 60 in this contest if Riley chooses to.
Prediction: USC 56 vs Rice 10
#7 Utah at Florida
Betting Line: Utah -3
This is one of the toughest games to predict. Florida has better talent on paper while the Utes have proven experience that they have developed. The Gators, while going just 6-7 last season, did find themselves in a handful of close games, including a 31-29 loss to Alabama. From a talent perspective, this may be the best team Utah plays all year. If they can win this, fans may start dreaming about the Playoff.
Prediction: Utah 28 vs Florida 27
WSU vs Idaho
New WSU quarterback, Cam Ward gets off to an easy start against the Vandals. The Cougs should have this wrapped up by halftime and get some experience for their backups before they play Wisconsin.
Prediction: WSU 52 vs Idaho 13
Oregon State vs Boise State
Betting Line: OSU -2.5
This will sneakily be one of the best games during opening weekend. These are two evenly matched programs with quality coaching staffs. The Beavers were one of college football's best surprises last season on their way to a 7 win season and now look to take the next step. Boise State stumbled to a 7-5 record in 2021 and looks to rebound with another win against the Pac-12
Prediction: Oregon State 34 vs Boise State 31
Washington vs Kent State
Betting Line: UW -23
Kent State is known for high flying offenses under Sean Lewis while the Huskies have struggled to score points the past two seasons. We will find out Saturday if it was a scheme or talent reason that Washington couldn't find the endzone. I suspect it will be a little bit of both as UW doesn't have an elite QB or RB to take over. The Huskies struggle to win and give fans flashbacks of the Montana game but pull this one out in the 4th quarter.
Prediction: Washington 28 vs Kent State 24