Three previews for Week 1 of NCAAF games and our picks based on spreads for 10 games on the slate.
Week 0 provided a little taste of NCAAF, but the games were not overly competitive. Week 1 will show a much bigger slate of games. We will be previewing three games and providing our picks based on the spreads for seven other college games for the week.
(5) Georgia vs (3) Clemson
The fifth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs and third-ranked Clemson Tigers meet in the Game of the Week on neutral turf down in Charlotte, North Carolina. College Playoff implications will be on the line in this much anticipated matchup between two powerhouse programs.
Clemson transitions to life after superstar quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s departure. In steps five-star sophomore quarterback DJ Uiagalelei to take over. The Tigers boast a talented group of wide receivers to keep an eye on. Redshirt Junior Justyn Ross makes his return to the football field after missing all of 2020 with a neck injury. EJ Wiliams looks to build on a solid Freshman season where he gathered 24 receptions for 306 yards and two touchdowns. Dabo Swinney will be looking for somebody else to contribute alongside this duo. Candidates to step up are Frank Ladson Jr., Joseph Ngata, and Ajou Ajou.
The running back group is a bit more of an unknown. Lyn-J Dixon and Kobe Pace should split time. Heralded incoming Freshmen Will Shipley and Phil Mafah are two to keep an eye on as the season goes along.
For Kirby Smart and Georgia, it’s been a topsy turvy offseason. They lost star-wide receiver George Pickens for the year with an ACL injury. Talented tight end Darnell Washington is currently not healthy and likely to miss a few games to begin the season. Georgia will rely on quarterback JT Daniels to lead the way. He and Sophomore wide receiver Jermaine Burton should make for an excellent connection this season.
Georgia will also feature a great running game. Zamir White and Kendall Milton make up a great 1-2 punch for the Bulldogs. Senior James Cook (brother of Dalvin Cook) will also see playing time as a playmaker out of the backfield.
This one should be a dandy. Both teams boast two dominant defensive lines. Whoever wins in the trenches may earn the upper hand. The winner of this matchup gains a significant edge in search of competing for a national title this year. Whichever quarterback can achieve the most success and stay turnover-free may be the key. Get your popcorn ready. We got a heavyweight fight on Saturday night.
Devy Players to Watch
- Jermaine Burton WR Georgia: Sophomore Jermaine Burton has a chance to make major strides this season. With the injury to George Pickens, Georgia is going to rely on Burton heavily this year. Burton totaled 27 receptions for 404 yards and three touchdowns in 2020. I have Burton ranked 31st overall in my Devy rankings.
- Justyn Ross WR Clemson: Redshirt Junior Justyn Ross is one of the best feel-good comeback stories to watch this fall. Ross put up 1,000 yards as a Freshman, making him an immediate Devy darling. Ross looks healthy and is ready to get back to where he was. I have 6’4 205 lbs. Ross ranked 36th overall in my Devy rankings and WR8 for the 2022 draft-eligible class.
Staff Picks
Clemson -3
- Brandon @hayeb3 : Georgia +3
- Brian @vandygrad92: Clemson -3
- Joe @TheHQNerd: Clemson -3
West Virginia vs Maryland
Although neither team is currently in the NCAAF top-25, this is an intriguing matchup. West Virginia improved by only one win in its 2nd year under coach Neal Brown, but two of those losses were under seven points. Maryland only played four games but with coach Mike Locksley. Many believe they are on the way up and a sleeper in the Big 10.
West Virginia finished top-25 in scoring defense and top-3 in passing yards allowed per game. Maryland in 2020 finished top-20 in passing play percentage. Taulia Tagovailoa was a totally different QB in his two wins, and two losses.
In wins, he averaged 338 yards and three TDs. In losses, he averaged 167 yards and three Ints. This game will be a big test; matching up against a strong pass defense but Maryland has dynamic weapons on the outside. With these big athletic receivers, Taulia has a tendency to throw it up in coverage. He will need to show development in his decision making.
West Virginia has 5th year Jarrett Doege returning as West Virginia’s starting QB. He was productive in 2020, with over 2,500 yards, 14 TDs, and four Ints. Leddie Brown is the main playmaker on offense and could have a great start to the 2021 season; as Maryland was 116th in rush yards allowed per game. This will be a true battle of a potent offense vs a very good defense.
Devy Players to Watch
- Rakim Jarrett WR Maryland: Jarrett was the #4 WR in 2020 and only played in four games because of COVID but showed flashes. 57% of his yards and two of his three TDs were in one game vs Penn State. Jarrett needs to show more consistency and that starts with West Virginia.
- Leddie Brown RB WVU: Brown had modest stats his first two years. He broke out in 2020, playing 10 and amassing over 1,200 scrimmage yards and 11 TDs. He looks to be the focus on the offense again and could move up boards with his running and receiving ability
- Taulia Tagovailoa QB Maryland: Known as Tua’s brother but he is trying to make a name for himself. In his 1st year starting at Maryland, Taulia showed flashes but was inconsistent. If he can improve on his consistency and decision-making, he could be in the mix after Rattler & Howell in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Staff Picks
Maryland +2.5
- Brandon @hayeb3 : Maryland +2.5
- Brian @vandygrad92: West Va -2.5
- Joe @TheHQNerd: Maryland +2.5
(9) Notre Dame vs FSU
Notre Dame comes into the game as the number nine ranked team in the country, while Florida State is unranked. This NCAAF game will take center stage as it is the only Sunday college football game.
Wisconsin transfer Jack Coan will be asked to replace three-year starter Ian Book at quarterback. In 2019 (with the Badgers), Coan completed 236 of 339 pass attempts for 2,727 yards and 18 TDs. Notre Dame lost its top two wide receivers and four of the five starting offensive linemen from 2020. WR Avery Davis (24 catches for 322 yards and two TD’s) and TE Michael Mayer both return, but the rest of the receiving corps is a work in progress.
As the offense will likely need time to gel, the defense will be heavily counted on. Six starters return, with Junior S Kyle Hamilton (a potential top-10 NFL prospect) being the most highly regarded returnee.
Second-year Florida State head coach Mike Norvell will be looking to improve on a 3-6 record. Senior transfer McKenzie Milton (UCF) and Sophomore Jordan Travis are currently listed as co-starters on the depth chart at quarterback. Milton has not played since a horrific knee injury ended his 2018 season. Travis led the Seminoles in rushing last year with 559 yards and seven scores. Leading running back Jashaun Corbin and leading receiver Ontaria Wilson (30 catches for 382 yards and two TD’s) both return in 2021.
Devy Players to Watch
- Kyren Williams RB Notre Dame: currently the RB9, Williams had 211 carries for 1,125 yards (5.3 ypc) and 13 TD’s in 2020. Williams also added 35 catches for 313 yards and an additional TD.
- Michael Mayer TE Notre Dame: Listed as the Devy overall TE1. Mayer had 42 catches for 450 yards and two TDs as a True Freshman last year.
- Jashaun Corbin RB Florida State: Corbin is the RB44 and was a 2020 transfer from Texas A&M, after spending two years with the Aggies. The Redshirt Junior will look to build off of his 2020 success with the ‘Noles (a combined 516 yards on 100 touches and five TD’s).
Staff Picks
FSU +7.5
- Brandon @hayeb3: ND -7.5
- Brian @vandygrad92: ND -7.5
- Joe @TheHQNerd: FSU +7.5
Other NCAAF Game Picks Based on the Spread
Brandon Haye
Brandon grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and works as a health insurance data analyst. He has no children, but two fur babies - Squirt and Brownie. He and his wife, Katie, spend their time playing poker and enjoying time with their pups. Brandon is a huge Michigan Wolverine and Jacksonville Jaguars fan. He at one time was in 77 fantasy leagues and loves the game of football. Brandon started writing for The Leauge Winners in 2021.