Because the ball sailed by the uprights in Dublin, Eire, Georgia Tech’s staff stormed Aviva Stadium in elation. The successful area purpose as time expired despatched the Ramblin’ Wreck again stateside with a surprising 24-21 win over No. 10 Florida State.
School soccer is so again.
Week 0, although gentle on video games, supplied the Yellow Jackets’ large upset, together with FCS powerhouse Montana State scoring 21 unanswered factors within the fourth quarter to beat New Mexico. And, by the best way, the Bobcats have been paid $360,000 to journey to New Mexico, in accordance with The Albuquerque Journal.
That was simply the appetizer. Right here comes the principle course. Week 1 is stuffed with engaging matchups. Listed here are the highest 5, ranked in inverse order:
5: No. 8 Penn State at West Virginia | Saturday | midday ET | Fox
Penn State and West Virginia renewed their rivalry final season after 31 years with the Nittany Lions successful 38-15. This might be Penn State’s first journey to Morgantown since 1992. Whereas West Virginia is not anticipated to complete within the high half of the Massive 12, something can occur in rivalry video games. Nevertheless, Penn State boasts a staunch protection and a veteran quarterback in Drew Allar.
Prediction: Morgantown might be fired up for this one, nevertheless it will not matter. Penn State wins 27-14.
4: No. 19 Miami at Florida | Saturday | 3:30 p.m. ET | ABC
An in-state rivalry that just about all the time delivers is well worth the watch. Miami leads the all-time collection 29-27, however the groups have traded wins over the previous 4 conferences. Florida received the final assembly, 24-20, in 2019.
Each coaches have one thing to show as Miami’s Mario Cristobal tries to get the Hurricanes to the following degree of the nationwide dialog, whereas Billy Napier is on the recent seat in Gainesville.
Prediction: A sold-out Swamp helps the Gators to an enormous 31-24 victory. A ridiculously powerful SEC schedule awaits, however this win is a step in the precise route for Napier.
3: No. 23 USC vs. No. 13 LSU (Las Vegas) | Sunday | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC
A pair of high-profile coaches coming into the third 12 months at their present colleges face off on this battle of ranked groups. Brian Kelly has guided LSU to a pair of 10-win seasons whereas Lincoln Riley’s Trojans adopted an 11-3 2022 season with an 8-5 mark final 12 months.
Quarterback play is a query mark for each packages. The final two Heisman winners in Caleb Williams (USC, 2022) and Jayden Daniels (LSU, 2023) departed their respective packages. USC turns to redshirt junior Miller Moss as its beginning quarterback whereas LSU tabs Garrett Nussmeier. Each gamers have caught to their respective colleges regardless of having to attend to turn into starters. The intense lights might be on for them on this Sunday evening showdown.
Prediction: LSU wins an in depth one, 38-34.
2. No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 14 Clemson (Atlanta) | Saturday | Midday ET | ABC
The day kicks off with top-of-the-line matchups of the weekend. Kirby Sensible and his top-ranked Bulldogs have by no means misplaced a season opener in his eight-year tenure, together with a win over No. 3 Clemson in 2021. Dabo Swinney and Clemson wish to quiet the critics after a 9-4 season in 2023.
Quarterback play would be the story of this one. Georgia’s Carson Beck is a Heisman contender whereas Swinney is hoping to see a “large leap” from Cade Klubnik in his second full season as a starter.
Prediction: Georgia is an excessive amount of for Clemson and wins this one, 35-10. Beck will get an early resume enhance for the Heisman and the Bulldogs present why they’re the preseason primary staff.
1: No. 7 Notre Dame at No. 20 Texas A&M | Saturday | 7:30 p.m. | ABC
Notre Dame makes the journey to School Station for Mike Elko’s debut as A&M’s new head coach. The Jimbo Fisher period was by no means what Aggies followers hoped (46-27 document, together with a 12-13 document the previous two seasons).
In a loaded SEC, Texas A&M could also be a sleeper decide to get into the playoffs. This recreation will go a protracted strategy to that finish. Elko is understood for his work on the protection, which can face new Irish quarterback Riley Leonard. Leonard transferred from Duke, the place he performed beneath Elko.
Prediction: It isn’t simple for the Irish going into Kyle Subject. Anticipate a giant Aggies win, 28-20.
