Ranking and Predicting the Top 10 College Football Games in Week 1

10. Syracuse vs Tennessee (-13.5) (Atlanta)

This game features two teams that I think will take a big step from 2024. However, I still believe they'll both be solid teams and should put on a great game in Atlanta. I think Tennessee wins, but Syracuse covers.

Tennessee 28, Syracuse 17

9. Nebraska vs Cincinnati (Kansas City)

Another neutral site battle between two solid power four programs, but we could see a bit of a slugfest in this one. Both teams had much better defenses than offenses a season ago, and it's trending in that direction again in 2025. Once again, I think the favorite wins but the underdog covers.

Nebraska 24, Cincinnati 20

8. Utah at UCLA

This is a sneaky-good matchup that is getting overshadowed by the other games in this loaded opening week. Both teams are breaking in highly-touted transfer quarterbacks that will try and turn the tide from unsuccessful seasons in 2024. I think this is a toss-up but give me Kyle Wittingham's team in a close one.

Utah 24, UCLA 21

7. Virginia Tech vs South Carolina (Atlanta)

We really need to get these games back on campus, as this is the third neutral site game I have in my top 10. I think both these teams are very underrated heading into the year, but only one of them can start 1-0, and I think it will be the Gamecocks.

South Carolina 27, Virginia Tech 20

6. Alabama at Florida State

A lot of people have this game higher than I do, but I'm just not confident it's going to be very competitive. It will be very interesting to see how the Tide will fair in Doak Campbell, though, and I could see the crowd giving the Noles a chance.

Alabama 31, Florida State 17

5. Georgia Tech at Colorado

This is another sneaky-good game this weekend that (surprisingly) not a lot of people are talking about. But this is another toss-up game that I'm very intrigued to see. I think Georgia Tech will be the better team, but Colorado is talented enough to match them at home.

Georgia Tech 30, Colorado 27

4. Auburn at Baylor

This and the GT-CU game make for an elite Friday night slate. I also have no idea who's going to win this game - I think Baylor will be an overall better and more consistent team this year, but if Auburn can play their A-game, it'll be hard for the Bears to win with all the talent the Tigers have.

Baylor 27, Auburn 24

3. Notre Dame at Miami

I think there's a pretty consensus top three games this weekend that every college football fan can agree on, with three top-10 matchups happening. I think Notre Dame will be a better team throughout the season, but I think Miami steals this one at home because of CJ Carr's inexperience and the Irish's first game under a new defensive coordinator.

Miami 26, Notre Dame 24

2. LSU at Clemson

While I'm pumped for this game and think it will be must-see-TV, I'm a little higher on Clemson than most and a little lower on LSU than most. Combine that with it being at Clemson and Dabo Swinney's team having more knowns to start the season, I have the Orange Tigers winning this one.

Clemson 34, LSU 24

1. Texas at Ohio State

There are a lot of great games this weekend, but c'mon. Anyone who doesn't have this as their No. 1 game of the weekend is lying to you or are biased. Both these teams have so much talent but a lot of it is young talent. Like most of these games, I could see it going either way, but I think Texas is just a little better than the Buckeyes.

Texas 24, Ohio State 23