Happy Thursday football fans and welcome to the official WEEK 1 of the 2023 College Football Season! The long wait is over and from now until January we have college football on our TVs every single week. And what better way to start a football season than with $5 and a Broken Chair? That's right, the Huskers open up the 2023 season for everyone and they get to do it while battling for the greatest trophy in sports history. I've got a FULL weekend of predictions ready for you in addition to Nebraska Minnesota, and I will be attending that game for my first ever Husker road game. Also, Nebraska broke a world record last night with 92,003 in attendance for Nebraska Volleyball Day! Largest attendance for a women's sporting event in world history. Such an amazing atmosphere and incredible to be part of it. So much fun having volleyball in Memorial Stadium. I've got some photos below, it was absolutely incredible. Now, onto my predictions below and enjoy your football holiday weekend!
Week 0 Record: 4 - 0
NC State at UConn
Probably not the prime-time Thursday night game most will be watching (obviously the Huskers are the priority), but don't be shy in checkin in on this score throughout the night. Jim Mora brought the Huskies to their first bowl game since 2014 last year, and this team has a shot at an 8-win season in 2023. The Wolfpack are always a tough draw though, especially as an opener. Being at home should help the Huskies but the Pack's defense will prevail. Closer than the experts think, but NC State wins on the road 27-21.
Florida at #14 Utah
The Utes have been waiting a full year for this one! Stumbling to the Gators in a frustrating 29-26 loss last year in the season opener didn't de-rail the season, but it certainly was one they knew should have been different. There are few times in football you get to right a wrong, but the Utes host the Gators in Salt Lake City tonight with just that opportunity. Florida has a lot of talent to replace with QB Anthony Richardson going to the NFL and replacing 4 out of 5 offensive linemen. There's always talent in Gainsville, but Senior QB Cameron Rising has big plans for the Utes in 2023, and it starts with beating the Gators. Utah wins at home with a statement 35-24.
Miami (OH) at Miami (FL)
This is certainly more of a gimmicky pick, but I couldn't help myself. With some smack talk on social media, the Redhawks are looking to claim full rights to the Miami name after this one is decided. They're a solid team in the MAC, but can't quite break through to the top. The Hurricanes ended up at 5-7 last season, but were blown out in multiple games. HC Mario Cristobal is hoping for a smoother ride in 2023, and has Tyler Van Dyke returning at QB to help that process. I think they get it done at home 30-17.
Colorado at #17 TCU
Deion Sanders starts his FBS coaching career with last year's runner-up, the TCU Horned Frogs. After an unprecedented roster turnover it will be very interesting to see what the Prime Time Buffaloes look like. This squad was brutally horrible a year ago, but the transfer portal and culture change has certainly built up a lot of hype. In typical Prime Time style, the Buffs will be showing off fancy gear, but can they get it done on the field? TCU has a LOT of star talent to replace. Most notably the QB-WR Duo of Max Duggan and Quentin Johnston. Chandler Morris is likely to get the start as he held the spot prior to his injury early last year ahead of Duggan. He should be able to keep the Horned Frogs aggressive on offense. I expect some points in this game, but I'm rolling with the Frogs at home to start the season. 35-17 TCU wins this one.
Virginia at #12 Tennessee
The Vols are looking for an explosive start to 2023 like they had last year, but replacing the downfield threat of Jaylin Hyatt won't be easy. They've got lots of other playmakers coming back though, and Joe Milton III at QB will be a blessing for third-year head coach Josh Heupel. Look for a blowout in this one as they host a Cavaliers team that ranked 126th in the nation in scoring offense last season. Vols big 44-14.
#3 Ohio State at Indiana
The Buckeyes are out to prove something this year, especially after ending last year with a beat down from Michigan and the heartbreaker against Georgia with the missed field goal. The Hoosiers do get the benefit of hosting this one, but the Buckeyes are on a war path and have lots of new weapons to show off. Ohio State wins big 38-7.
Boise State at #10 Washington
The Huskies had a phenomenal first year under Kalen DeBoer, going 11-2 with both their losses as 1 score games on the road. Ex-Hoosier QB Michael Penix Jr. was a star quickly for the Huskies and is looking to put up similar numbers in his final college campaign. He threw for over 4,600 yards last season with an impressive 31:8 TD to INT ratio. Look for this team to put up points and improve defensively in year two under DeBoer. Huskies make a statement in their farewell year in the PAC-12 with a 34-14 victory over the Broncos.
West Virginia at #7 Penn State
West Virginia draws a tough opener on the road in Happy Valley, especially for a team looking to be a sleeper in the Big XII Conference. The Nittany Lions are arguably the sleeper in the BIG 10 with so much focus on Michigan and Ohio State. Penn State has one of the most experienced offensive lines in the nation and should build quickly on their average from 2022 of 181 rush yards per game. Sophomore QB Drew Allar is set to take over the spotlight, and with the talent around him I think he has a strong performance in Week 1. Penn State wins 33-10.
#21 North Carolina vs South Carolina
A very interesting matchup takes place on the East Coast as North and South Carolina battle for not only a 1-0 start to the season, but probably a claim to which state is better. This will be one of the best QB battles of week one as it pits Sophomore star Drake Maye up against veteran Spencer Rattler. Rattler is working with a new OC as Marcus Satterfield is now with the Huskers, but this offense came alive at the end of the season scoring 63, 31 and 38 points in their final 3 games (including the bowl game loss to Notre Dame). The system might change a bit, but that chemistry is big. However, I really like they style of football North Carolina brings in with their up-tempo, gun-slinging offense. Drake Maye fits the system incredibly well and we saw it last year with freshman campaign that resulted in over 4,300 yards passing and 45 total TDs. This offense was young last year and got a lot of experience. I expect them to put up big numbers this year. It'll be a barnburner, but I'm taking the Tar Heels 42-34.
#18 Oregon State at San Jose State
Another game that probably won't get much attention but you should certainly keep your eye on the score for is the Beavers on the road at San Jose State. We saw the Spartans in Week 0 get shredded by Caleb Williams and USC, but they still put up 28 points of their own and Senior QB Chevan Corderio was picking apart the Trojan defense. San Jose State can and will put up points this season, so Oregon State needs to start fast on offense. They've brought in ex-Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei to run the show now, and he's got a lot of young talent around him. We'll see if this can be a fresh start for the former Tiger and I think Oregon State wins this one close 35-28.
#5 LSU vs #8 Florida State
The biggest game of the weekend is our top 10 matchup between the Tigers and the Seminoles. This game had a wild finish with a blocked PAT after LSU had scored with no time left on the clock last year, so hopefully we get some similar excitement in 2023. This is our other QB battle of the weekend, featuring a couple of potential Heisman hopefuls in Jordan Travis (FSU) and Jayden Daniels (LSU). The Tigers are in year two of Brian Kelley and have plenty of weapons around Jayden Daniels, but need to find a run game to support him with. Their defense will be tough as always, but have a lot of new pieces due to players leaving and joining from the transfer portal. Florida State seemed like a bit of a forgotten team last year after they lost 3 close games in a row to Wake Forest, NC State and Clemson in the heart of the season, but those 3 close losses to quality (ranked) teams were the only stumbles. I honestly have the Seminoles as a bit of a dark horse this year out of the ACC. Defense has question marks but should show improvement and Jordan Travis will be a nightmare to defend against in 2023. I think he has a big opening night and Florida State beats the Tigers once again 27-24.
#9 Clemson vs Duke
Speaking of the ACC, we've got a road opener for the Tigers from Clemson as they take on the Blue Devils. Duke finished 9-4 last season with all their losses coming in 1 score games. If Clemson comes out sleepy in Week 1 they could be in for a rude awakening. Dabo is trying to find the Tiger teams from the late 2010s who wouldn't let opposing teams sniff a victory, but the rest of the ACC is starting to catch up. Duke doesn't win this one, but they don't get smashed either. Tigers open up 1-0 with a road victory over the Blue Devils 30-21.
Nebraska at Minnesota (Battle for the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy)
The Huskers open their season once again with a conference opponent on the road. It is my LEAST favorite way to open a schedule, but nonetheless the game must be played. Minnesota will likely have a different style this year as the offensive line has to replace multiple starters and star RB Mohamed Ibrahim. Their new QB, Athen Kaliakmanis, is primed to open up the passing game and the receivers corps is returns a lot of experience with Daniel Jackson and Chris Autman-Bell. Luckily for the Huskers, the biggest strength of the team should be the secondary. From watching this unit closely in practice to the experience and talent on the back end, I expect them to be the backbone of the Blackshirt defense in 2023. Nebraska's linebacker corps is experienced as well, but with new system under DC Tony White, that's one of the more difficult positions to transition. Offensively, the run game needs to be a focus for Nebraska. I don't expect the Huskers to win most battles (on either side of the ball) at the line of scrimmage, so look for counters and outside zone runs early to get the ball moving in the right direction. Jeff Sims has the QB1 spot and the Georgia Tech transfer has all the tangibles (and they hype). His inaccuracy will be something to watch, especially with an inexperienced receiver corps, but his mobility should open up a lot of options for the Husker offense under new OC Marcus Satterfield. As mentioned earlier, the line of scrimmage will be the key in this game, and keeping Jeff Sims protected. Minnesota's defense was very youthful and vulnerable last season, so they bring back a lot of veteran experience in 2023. Look for them to bring pressure early with the front 7 and create havoc for an offensive line that has new pieces and struggled on many occasions last season. Last but not least we have the dreaded special teams. Overall I think we will see more competent football play from the Huskers in all units, but special teams is an area that really needs to have that happen. I wouldn't expect much from the return game, and with a true freshman kicker I'd like to keep all his shots within 35 yards if possible. There's a lot of questions heading into this game and unfortunately not all of them will be answered right away in Week 1. The big keys to watch is Sims' ability to throw accurately under pressure (because there will be pressure) and how much push the Huskers can get in the run game. Defensively Nebraska needs to tackle in space. Minnesota has play-makers and has always blocked well on the edge. Full wrap-up and gang tackles will be important. I'll be in the stands for this one cheering GBR as loud as possible, but I have the Gophers taking this one at home 24-17. I'd love to see Matt Rhule start his tenure off with a win though, so hopefully the Huskers can pull one out and create some big plays!
Quick Hit Predictions:
Central Michigan at Michigan State - Mel Tucker and the Spartans were in a downward spiral last season, finishing 5-7. They need to come out strong in 2023 and use this as a tune up game for a brutal BIG 10 schedule. Sparty 24, Chippewas 10.
Fresno State at Purdue - This is a sneaky pick in Week 1. I'm going with Fresno State. The Boilermakers have a new head coach and a lot of question marks going into 2023. Although the Bulldogs are replacing star QB Jake Haener, they are a well coach and veteran team and love upsetting opponents on the road. Tough start for Purdue but Fresno State wins 31-21.
Northwestern at Rutgers - The Wildcats are easily the biggest dumpster fire of the offseason in college football. Firing long-time head coach and fan favorite Pat Fitzgerald amid the uncovering of hazing issues in the middle of a rebuild just added more to the mess from their 1-11 performance last season. On the road in a conference game is not a great way to fix that. Rutgers 28-20.
UTSA at Houston - The Cougars have joined the Big XII and will have a step up in competition this year. They narrowly escaped the Roadrunners in a 3 OT thriller last year with the season opener, but I fear they may not be as lucky this time around. MEEP MEEP as UTSA steals Week 1 33-27.
Louisiana Tech at SMU - Again the Bulldogs are on my list as I scout them for their upcoming trip to Lincoln, but this is a tough draw. SMU is replacing star QB Tanner Mordecai with ex-Hawkeye Alex Padilla, who most fans thought should've been starting last year in Iowa City. Mustangs put up some points and win this one 38-21.
Toledo at Illinois - The Illini are going to be a team you want to watch this year. Bret Bielema has this team primed for a West Division title in the BIG 10 and should impose their will upon opponents up front. Illinois rolls the Rockets 30-10.
Volleyball Day at Nebraska
Thanks for reading all my Week 1 Predictions and as always... GO BIG RED!
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
