Hello and welcome, college football fans, to the eve of the most exciting day of the year – the first day of the season. As is the tradition, we will experience an extended week 1 with 5 games kicking off tomorrow taking us all the way to Labor Day. From Nebraska at Illinois kicking off the season tomorrow at 1:00 (all times Eastern) through Louisville at Mississippi September 6 at 8:00, the party is finally kicking off.
…..
Before we set the stage, the Power 5 is going a little wacko. Oklahoma and Texas are moving to the SEC (2025 or sooner if the Big 12 folds). The Big 10, ACC, and Pac 12 decided to form an alliance although nobody seems to know what the alliance does except show respect for each other and is supposed to combat the SEC’s move. Notice the red-headed stepchild Big 12 isn’t part of the alliance (seems like soprano is warming up for her aria). The Pac-12 (bastion of good decisions of late – yes, Sheldon, that is sarcasm) announced they were not looking to expand. Apparently, they are relying on the alliance not to become the next red-headed stepchild when the Big 12 fails. They are closer to Vegas, so maybe the conference is gambling the Big 12 crash will result is better deals (desperation and all). Much much more to come.
…..
The next games after this Saturday start Wednesday, so look for another G’s Expectations or What to Watch Monday or Tuesday from Columbus, Ohio (yes, I’m back on the road).
…..
Before I get into these first games, a reminder of how the GCS works. I do not have pre-season ranks or expectations. All 257 teams are tied for first or worst depending on your perspective. I don’t publish rankings until week 3 or 4. The reason is those odd week 1 road upsets would put an FCS team as number 1, which is kind of cool, but not reasonable. Also, because there are no rankings, there are no predictions until the week after the first publish. Make sense? I hope so.
…..
Here are the five games tomorrow. The early game to watch is Nebraska at Illinois. It not only is the only FBS conference game, but it’s the smallest line at Huskers -7. Add the analyst/consultant controversy in Lincoln and it should be fun. No prediction from me, but the winner of the game (based on recent history) will more than likely postpone mediocrity within the Big 10 for a few days.
…..
Speaking of the Pac 12, the Hawaii at UCLA game is interesting. The Bruins favored -17.5 at home are trying to be relevant (at least as much as anyone in that conference has been in recent years). To do so, they need to beat the Rainbow Warriors leaving no doubt. Could be exciting for UCLA, could be the beginning of another long year.
…..
For the late game, I am really looking forward to UTEP at New Mexico St. Based on previous years, neither school should pass up a win (they are really hard to get). I expect them to come out fighting and the game going the full 60 minutes. It could make a difference later on.
…..
That’s it for now, but, like you, I’m really excited the game is back in action. See you in a couple days, G
