While this weekend may not technically be week one of the college football season, it is week one of Power-5 football, as the Big-12 and ACC will finally kick off their seasons. So for us, it is week one, and with that in mind let’s get right into the picks… And remember, don’t go calling the local bookie, because a junkie is never to be trusted.
Syracuse at #18 North Carolina (-23)
The Orange basically had an on again, off again fall camp. One day they practiced, the next day they did not. Rinse and repeat. While the Tarheels did have a brief stoppage, it was nothing like what they had up in Syracuse, and that will play a huge factor in this one. Throughout the first two weekends, it has been blatantly obvious which teams put in the work and which ones weren’t able to. Sam Howell is now in year two leading this UNC team and most expect them to take a huge step forward in Mack Brown’s second season at the helm. Take the Heels, and lay the points…. North Carolina rolls.
Duke at #10 Notre Dame (-20.5)
Chase Brice’s first game as starting quarterback will come in one of the most storied venues in all of college football, and unfortunately, there will not be a full house to see it. However, unlike some stadiums, Notre Dame will have a limited capacity on hand comprised of students, faculty and staff, and family of team members. It won’t matter though. Fans or no fans, Brice just doesn’t have enough help to compete with the Fighting Irish this season. Ian Book and the Golden Domers put a beating on the Dookies and cover the spread in the process.
Georgia Tech at Florida State (-12.5)
Georgia Tech heads into year two under Geoff Collins with almost as many questions as they had entering year one. Collins is known for his ability to field solid defensive units so expect the Yellow Jackets to show some improvement on that side of the ball. Florida State, on the other hand, is starting over again. Mike Norvell comes over from Memphis and will attempt to bring some respectability back to Tallahassee. It won’t happen in year one though, as that offensive line is still a dumpster fire and James Blackmon is still at quarterback. Georgia Tech should be able to find some success running the ball against this Florida State defense, enough to stay in it anyways. The Seminoles are having to install brand new systems on both sides of the ball and didn’t have the benefit of spring practice. The Noles are still the better team and should get the win, however they will not cover.
#1 Clemson (-33) at Wake Forest
The Tigers will open the season in Winston-Salem in a fanless Truist Field. Wake Forest is basically replacing everybody on offense, but do bring back their entire front seven on defense from 2019. Clemson’s new look offensive line will be pushed by a pretty solid Wake front four, but it is a challenge the Tigers will rise up and meet. The Demon Deacons just do not stack up from a talent standpoint. Travis Etienne leads the way as the Tigers jump up early, get the backups in, and cruise to victory, while also covering the big number.
