Cory:  The biggest game of week one is a rematch of the College Football Playoff semifinals from last season – Texas at Ohio State. Both teams have a lot of new faces on both sides of the ball, and both teams have new starting quarterbacks. Arch Manning did get a couple starts last season while Quinn Ewers was dealing with a shoulder issue, whereas Julian Sayin only attempted 12 passes in mop-up duty. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian loves to throw in some wrinkles every time the Longhorns get in a big game, so expect some things that will catch Ohio State’s defense off guard. A lot of people talk about Manning’s arm but one thing that is underrated about him are his legs and ability to run the football. With an entirely new defensive line, the Buckeyes will need to keep the running lanes closed and keep contain on Manning. For Ohio State the game plan should be simple: Get the running game going early to take pressure off Sayin, and don’t give up chunk plays to Manning and the Longhorns. This is a tough game to call but with the Buckeyes at home they get the edge.   Ohio State 24, Texas 21 

Dave:  Ohio State 32  Texas 28 

Gregg:  The boys in Vegas basically have this as a pick-em, and both teams are starting new quarterbacks. Julian Sayin will need to rely on the talents of all the veteran players the Buckeyes have at the skill positions.  This could be an opportunity to pick up were OSU left off as they plowed through a very talented playoff field.  But this is a brand new team with new coordinators on both sides of the ball.  With so many questions for both teams, it makes it very hard for me to predict this one.  If the OSU defense is as strong and deep as we expect it to me, that should allow the offense to grow into the team we need them to be to steal the victory.  I don’t think it will be a very high scoring affair, and I anticipate the Buckeyes will beat the Longhorns once again, minus the scoop and score they enjoyed in the game against Texas in the playoffs.   Ohio State 20 Texas 17   

Jason:  Ohio State

Joe-S-U:  OSU over Texas – I’ve read and heard discussion about this being OSU’s biggest opening game ever.  I always run claims like that through a historical filter, but honestly I think they could be right.  God, this game should’ve been in prime time.  Lots of questions on both sidelines, but I’m going with home field advantage to hook the ‘Horns.

John:  Marquee matchups in week one are always hard, because there are so many unknowns.  With Ohio State having both a new Offensive play caller and Defensive coordinator, that adds an additional unknown for Texas to prepare for.  I don’t expect much to change on either side of the ball for the Bucks – it’s not like they are going to come out running the wishbone – but it might be enough of a wrinkle to confuse the ‘Horns a little.  Both teams breaking in new quarterbacks.  Texas’s QB getting a lot of hype, but if his last name wasn’t Manning I don’t think the love would be there.  Sayin was as highly rate out of high school, and this will be the first meaningful reps for both of them.  The JV teams that Manning had a start against last year give him an edge in game experience, but nothing like the environment or defense he will face on Saturday.  This game is pretty much a tossup.  In those cases, my default is to follow the money.  Vegas like OSU.   Ohio State 27  Texas 24

Josh: This is the crown jewel of Week 1. Texas finally has the look of a true national contender with Arch Manning running the show. His leadership and accuracy will be tested immediately against an Ohio State defense built to rattle quarterbacks. The Buckeyes’ secondary is anchored by Caleb Downs, arguably the best safety in college football, and linebacker Sonny Styles, who thrives as a hybrid disruptor. For Ohio State, the spotlight is on freshman QB Julian Sayin — can he stay poised against Texas’s relentless pressure from pass rusher Colin Simmons? On the other side, the Buckeyes’ young star WR Jeremiah Smith will try to get separation against veteran Texas safety Michael Taaffe. This one feels like a four-quarter chess match, full of momentum swings.   Ohio State 24, Texas 20

Steven:  You’d think the 12 team playoff would lessen the importance of this game. I’m not sure. In the end, it will have a pretty big effect on seeding down the road. In the near-term, though, I don’t think the outcome matters much except for the losing team.We saw last season how the Michigan loss galvanized Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, propelling them to the national championship. Whoever comes out of this one on the short end of the stick will do much the same thing. With so many players gone from last year’s squads, this one has to be a toss-up. I’ll go with the idea that Texas QB will be OK, but he’s not the second coming of Marino, and the Buckeye defense won’t let him become so in the ‘Shoe. Whoever wins will have to control the clock and pressure the opposing defense into mistakes. I believe OSU has the squad to do just that. As long as OSU QB Julian Sayin takes the throws that are open and doesn’t try to force balls into Jeremiah Smith, he’ll do fine. OSU wins a squeaker where special teams become the difference maker. Bucks 27-20.

Paul Finebaum: Finebaum is predicting an upset, taking the No. 1-ranked Longhorns to win and kickstart “Archmania.”  “He is going to win that first game (against Ohio State) on the biggest stage in college football this year,” Finebaum said while discussing his prediction of Manning to win the Heisman Trophy on ESPN’s “Get Up.”

ESPN GameDay: Desmond & Nick – Texas, Pat & Lee – Ohio State

Final Score:  Ohio State 14   Texas 7 

Cory:  Alabama had a down season under first-year head coach Kalen Deboer, but there are some positives to take away. First, the Crimson Tide return a lot of starters on defense and should be very stout on that side of the ball. They’ve got some great skill position players such as wide receiver Ryan Miller, and running back Jam Miller. The team that smashed LSU and Auburn in November last year is more indicative of the potential of this team, and not that terrible loss to a mediocre Oklahoma team. For Florida State – there’s really nowhere to go but up after a two-win season in 2024. The Seminoles dipped into the transfer portal for help on offense and got some in quarterback Thomas Castellanos, formerly of Boston College. Florida State’s offense was so bad last season that anything will be an improvement. The problem is that week one they have to play against a really good Alabama defense, and there is not enough confidence in the Seminole running game to keep control of the ball.   Alabama 35, Florida State 24

Dave:  Alabama 38  FSU 14

Gregg:  Both of these teams are coming off very bad seasons, earning a combined record of 11-14 last year.  I expect the Tide will have the upper hand as the hope to return to the top of the SEC this year.  FSU just hopes to improve on what was one of their worst seasons ever in 2024.   I think the last Tomahawk chop from the fans will be early in the 3rd quarter.  Expect the Tide to feel good about themselves (only to find out by about October that FSU is just not that good for the second straight year)  Roll Tide   Alabama  35  FSU 13

Jason: Florida State

Joe-S-U: ‘Bama over FSU – The ‘Noles won’t stay down long, a bowl game this Dec./Jan. is a reasonable target.  They may even steal one against one of their trio of rivals.  Won’t be any such theft against the Tide although FSU won’t be embarrassed.

John:  FSU is a shell of their 80’s and 90’s glory, and Bobby Bowden isn’t coming through that door to recruit or coach the ‘Noles.  Props to ‘Bama playing a true non conference road game against a power 5 team, which is a rarity for SEC schools.  Look for the ‘Tide to roll in this one.   Alabama 38  Florida State 17

Josh: When Alabama steps on the field, they bring decades of dominance with them. This year is no different — their defensive front is stacked, and they’ll look to smother Florida State’s rebuilt offense. FSU’s hope lies in their new wide receiver corps: USC transfer Duce Robinson and Tennessee’s speedy Squirrel White give them explosive playmaking they lacked a year ago. The matchup of Robinson against Alabama’s rangy linebackers could tilt drives. On the flip side, Alabama’s offensive line against Florida State’s revamped defensive front is worth watching — if Alabama controls the trenches, they’ll dictate the pace. For FSU, true freshman WR Jayvan Boggs might be the X-factor if he can break free. Still, Alabama’s depth wears teams down.   Alabama 31, Florida State 17

Steven:  Can Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer shake off a disappointing inaugural season with the Crimson Tide and right the ship as it were? Well, he better get a win against the Seminoles or he might be the first coach fired this year. “Coach Saban, we have Greg Byrne AND Greg Sankey on the line. They say they NEED you back in Tuscaloosa.”  It won’t happen… yet.  Tide rolls 24-18. 

Final Score:  Florida State 31   Alabama 17 

Cory:  Auburn brought in head coach Hugh Freeze two years ago to help bring them back to the top of the SEC and challenge for championships. Well, after two seasons the Tigers are 11-14 under his tutelage. I am not sure if he’s on the hot seat right now, but if not it’s starting to get warmer. The Tigers have a tough task in week one with a trip to Baylor. The Bears had a rocky start to the 2024 season before reeling off six straight wins. You have to wonder which Baylor team will show up in this game. It feels like Auburn will be the more physical of the teams here, and Baylor’s defense did struggle a lot last year. A lot of Auburn’s hopes rest on the shoulders of quarterback Jackson Arnold, who transferred in from Oklahoma. Arnold was a big-time recruit who was very inconsistent with the Sooners last season. If Arnold continues to struggle that would open the door for Baylor to win this game. That said, I am not confident Baylor’s defense will be good enough to stop Auburn in all four quarters.   Auburn 35, Baylor 24

Dave:  Auburn 32  Baylor 24

Gregg:  I love it when the big conference big teams are willing to play each other in the non-conference schedule.  I fear this will fade away with the larger playoff field, but time will tell. Baylor is picked to be one of the top teams in the Big 12 this season, finishing last season winning their final 6 games.  On the other side, Auburn has struggled for several years, losing 7 games each of the last 4 years.  This game will probably be closer than it should be but in the end, the Bears will be victorious.   Baylor 31  Auburn 24

Jason:  Baylor

Joe-S-U:  Auburn over Baylor – Tigers and Bears, oh my!  I read the other day that Don Baylor was the first and one of four California/Anaheim Angels to win American League MVP.  What that has to do with this pick, I have no idea whatsoever.

John:  Basically another pick-em game, this time with two teams I know almost nothing about.  I’m throwing darts at a dartboard with this one.   Baylor 35  Auburn 31

Josh: This may fly under the radar nationally, but it’s fascinating. Auburn is trying to prove it belongs back among the SEC’s best, while Baylor wants to show the Big 12 hasn’t left them behind. The game could hinge on Auburn’s defensive line against Baylor’s rushing attack — if Auburn controls the line of scrimmage, Baylor may have to lean on chunk plays. Offensively, Auburn’s young QB and receivers will be tested by Baylor’s opportunistic secondary, and whoever wins those one-on-one matchups may tip the scoreboard. For Baylor, wideout speed against Auburn’s corners could provide the spark they need. It’s a culture clash: SEC physicality vs. Big 12 creativity.   Auburn 28, Baylor 21

Steven:  HMMMM, this is a literal toss-up. I have little faith in Auburn, so I’ll say the Bears win a bit of a shootout at home. Baylor 35-24.

                      Final Score:  Auburn 38   Baylor 24  

Cory:  While the Texas-Ohio State game is getting a significant amount of attention this week, don’t overlook LSU visiting Clemson. Thankfully, this game is at 7:30 PM so fans of college football will be able to watch both games. LSU has not lived up to expectations under Brian Kelly. The offense continues to put up big numbers but the defense has not followed. It’s not a good time to try to get that fixed considering Clemson has perhaps the best quarterback in the country in Cade Klubnik. Clemson won the ACC and held its own with Texas in the College Football playoff quarterfinals thanks in large part to Klubnik. When you look at Clemson, they had a habit of playing to their competition last season and it can be a challenge to get past that. I believe they are a better football team than LSU, but always seem to find themselves in close games. I also don’t like that Clemson is very pass-heavy. I would like to see more emphasis on the run to balance out the game and control the clock more. For LSU, will the defense ever figure it out? Hard to see that starting this week.   Clemson 35, LSU 31

Dave:  Clemson 28  LSU 21

Gregg:  A lot of people have Clemson rated very high this season.  Are they really good, or is it the fact that, at least on paper, their schedule looks very weak.  LSU should be a good chance to prove themselves, I will go with the Tigers to win this one.   Clemson 24  LSU 17

Jason:  Clemson

Joe-S-U:  Clemson over LSU – With Harbaugh officially out of college football’s hair for a decade, this game features the 2 leading candidates to fill Hairball’s void of biggest coaching piles of dung.  Reminds me of watching Bob Knight go up against Gene Keady in their everlasting battle to be their sport’s biggest jagoff.  A la Notre Dame, all Dumbo has to do is win this and then keep his team from sleepwalking through the rest of the year.  When your 2 bye weeks come before playing North Carolina and Duke, you’re just phoning it in.

John:  Clemson has struggled against the SEC lately. This is a night game in Death Valley, which is one of the better atmospheres in college football so I think the edge is with the Tigers.   Clemson 34  LSU 28

Josh: This is a national showcase. LSU thrives on swagger and explosiveness, while Clemson has prided itself on discipline and defensive toughness. The battle in the trenches is the headline: LSU’s offensive line vs. Clemson’s defensive front, one of the best in the country. If LSU can give their QB time, their receivers have the skill to stretch Clemson’s secondary. For Clemson, the spotlight is on their young QB — can he handle LSU’s relentless pass rush and linebacking corps? Wideout vs. corner matchups will be critical too, as LSU’s secondary has playmakers capable of flipping the game on a single pick. This one feels destined for a last-minute field goal or defensive stand.   LSU 24, Clemson 23

Steven:  There’s been a lot of hype around this year’s Clemson squad. They’re like a stock that’s been a bit oversold. I’m not sure I buy it, yet. Both LSU’s QB Garrett Nussmier and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik should have Heisman caliber seasons, so I’m looking for a bit of a shootout in this one as well. I like what I see out of Nussmeier a bit more than Klubnik, so I’ll take LSU 38-33. 

Final Score:  LSU 17   Clemson 10 

Cory:  If you watched Notre Dame in the playoffs last year and did not come away impressed then you must hate good football. The Fighting Irish overcame a terrible early-season loss to Northern Illinois to top-10 wins over Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State, before falling short in the National Championship game to Ohio State. The Fighting Irish do lose Riley Leonard, who came alive in the second half of the season, but replace him with the highly-touted CJ Carr at quarterback. But, quarterback play is not what makes Notre Dame the team that they are: It’s a strong running game and terrific defense, and they’ve got both this year. Miami believes they’re ready for a run to the playoffs after bringing in Carson Beck at quarterback from Georgia, but the problem for Miami last year was not quarterback or the offense, it was their terrible defense. I don’t think the Hurricanes have enough on that side of the ball to stop the Fighting Irish in this one.   Notre Dame 28, Miami 20 

Dave:  Notre Dame 32  Miami 31 

Gregg:  Notre Dame showed me a lot last year, deserved to be in the playoffs and may have very well been the 2nd best team in the country.  With the schedule they have, they should have no problem reaching the playoffs again, probably getting the first round bye this time around.  Playing at Hard Rock, Miami may have some juice to start the game but not enough to finish it.    Notre Dame  35  Miami 27  

Jason:  Notre Dame

Joe-S-U:  Catholics over Convicts – I would certainly not anticipate another Northern Illinois-type letdown, but once Freeman and Co. get by the ‘Canes and the Aggies, there’s not much meat on that schedule.  Easy skate to the playoff?  Absolutely. Battle tested?  Hmmmm….

John:  Another tough week one match up.  The Irish are a 2 ½ point road favorite, and while the Hard Rock isn’t quite Death Valley, the ‘Cane’s can be tough at home. This one wouldn’t surprise me either way, but I’m leaning more Irish.   Notre Dame  31  Miami  28

Josh: The energy when Notre Dame faces Miami is always different. The Irish lean on their physical O-line and patient offensive execution, while Miami counters with raw athleticism and speed. One battle to watch is Notre Dame’s offensive tackles against Miami’s edge rushers — if the Irish can keep their quarterback clean, they can grind down the clock. Miami will rely heavily on their secondary, led by physical corners, to limit Notre Dame’s play-action shots. On offense, Miami’s receivers will try to test the Irish downfield, but Notre Dame’s safety play usually shines in big games. Expect some jawing, a few late hits, and the kind of emotional swings this rivalry is famous for.   Notre Dame 27, Miami 24

Steven:  Too much returning depth on Notre Dame’s side. Domers win handily 31-14.

Final Score:  Miami 27   Notre Dame 24