Games To Watch: Week 1

Todd Gurley (Photo Credit: FirstRoundGrade.com)

 Written By: Nathan Skinner
                   Canes Rising Contributor



The long wait is finally over.  College football is here to fill our Saturdays(And Thursdays, Fridays, and occasionally Wednesdays).  The first week is full of noncompetitive games, games in which teams were beaten the day the contract was signed.  However, there are also some very intriguing games, games that will have a major impact on the new College Football Playoff.  Here's the pick of the litter.


5. Boise State vs. Ole Miss(Thursday)-- This game isn't getting massive publicity, but it's going to be a game that tells us a lot about both programs.  Ole Miss has been recruiting extremely well under Hugh Freeze, and it's about time that started to show on the field. This will be the game that helps to tell us whether Ole Miss is ready to take that next step, or whether they will continue to be inconsistent.    The 'Rebels are a dark horse in the SEC, and will be the team that knocks out one of the favorites.  This game isn't all about Ole Miss, it's also about Boise.  Boise State has been the best midmajor program since 2000.  For the first time, major questions surround this program.  Chris Petersen finally left for greener pastures, Boise finally started to look human last season.  Is Boise starting to erode? Can new coach Bryan Harsin keep Boise relevant? Some of these questions may be answered on Thursday night

4.  Texas A&M vs. South Carolina(Thursday)-- The first game to be aired live on the SEC Network is going to be very entertaining. The Aggies are entering the first year of the Post Manziel era, and there's a ton of questions, mostly involving defense.  TAMU under Kevin Sumlin has been awful defensively, and if this team wants compete, that has to change.  Johnny Football isn't around to bail this team out, and this team doesn't have the firepower to survive shootouts. Steve Spurrier has quietly built a winner in Colombia, and the 'Cocks are a team that should be a legitimate contender for the SEC title.  South Carolina lost Jadeveon Clowney, but a ton of talent returns. This is a conference game which makes it even more important

 3. Florida State vs. Oklahoma State--The defending National Champions aren't going to be able to ease into their title defense.  Oklahoma State will bring their high powered offense, and porous defense.  FSU will bring their elite quarterback,and their reloaded roster. It's a battle between a balanced team, and a team that looks to win high scoring battles.   This game is likely to devolve into a rout because the Cowboys rarely play defense, but it will have plenty of offensive fireworks. Mike Gundy has made Oklahoma State a consistent winner, but the question remains whether they can compete with the best in the country.  Jimbo Fisher has to wonder whether his team can deal with the hype, and the pressure of being the overwhelming favorite to win it all. 

2. LSU vs. Wisconsin--If you are a fan of physical football, you're in luck.  In an era in which the I formation has become as rare as the Wing T, this game harkens back to the good old days.  Wisconsin has slowly become the modern version of  "Student Body Left", while LSU leans on their fast, talented defense, that seems to never need rebuilding.  Both programs have new quarterbacks, but are deep at the running back position.  LSU has highly touted freshman Leonard Fournette, while Wisconsin features Heisman candidate Melvin Gordon. This game will remind fans that football can be entertaining, without being played at warp speed.

1. Clemson vs. Georgia--This game is THE game this week.  Two talented teams, with a plethora of weapons, meeting in the first week of the season.  This is going to be one of the better games before conference play kicks off in earnest, and it's happening in week 1.   Clemson is replacing both Tahj Boyd, and Sammy Watkins, but this program has done an excellent job recruiting, and they will reload.  The major question is whether Cole Stoudt can execute the complex offense that has been installed by offensive coordinator Chad Morris.  Georgia is also replacing their quarterback, but the heart of the Georgia attack is at running back.  Gurshall, or Marshley is what the two headed monster of Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall has been called by Georgia fans.  What they should be called is Extremely Dangerous.  This is the best tandem of running backs in the country, and they will be a handful for the Clemson defense.