Some of the most interesting games on the 2024 college football schedule will be played early in the season, including notable nonconference matchups that could impact the playoff race. Now, the 2024 season is becoming clearer as official kickoff times and TV channels for some games are known. It's the perfect time to make early predictions.
Week 1 promises some key matchups that will wreak havoc on the top 25 rankings right from the start, capping off an already historic season that includes a drastic conference realignment and an expected playoff expansion. There is a mood towards this.
College Football Headquarters has some early predictions for how newly scheduled games will play out on the field early this season. always east
Aug. 29, 8 p.m., ESPN. All eyes will be on Deion Sanders as he enters his second season with the Buffaloes, playing at home against a team that has racked up FCS national title trophies for the past 10 years. Colorado's offense should be in order with Shedule Sanders under center and some quality transfer portal acquisitions. Pick: Colorado 34-23
Aug. 31, 12 p.m., ABC. If Garrett Riley's offense can find a reliable receiver, Cade Klubnick could be Clemson's next star quarterback. Freshman Bryant Wesco may fit that bill, but he will be tested by another strong Georgia defense that will fight for de facto home-field advantage in Atlanta. Clemson's front seven has the pieces to compete against a Georgia offense that returns quarterback Carson Beck but lacks the Bowers/McConkie connection. Pick: Georgia 34-24
Aug. 31, 3:30 p.m., ABC. Florida may play one of the toughest schedules in college football this season and needs every non-conference win it can get. Already under pressure, Billy Napier cannot afford to lose a game at home against a rival of his stature. Miami looks to have improved its offense with key transfers like quarterback Cam Ward, wideout Sam Brown and tailback Damian Martinez. Pick: Florida 31-27
Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m., ABC. Mike Elko and Riley Leonard reunite in different capacities, with the former Duke coach and quarterback reuniting in Week 1. Leonard has the potential to be a two-way star, but he's coming back from two injuries, losing two of ND's best blockers and a tailback while trying to get stronger in the Aggies' project front seven. But the Irish runner-up team also has the elements to challenge A&M's deep game. Pick: Texas A&M 28-24
Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m., ABC. Now that the SEC is playing against the Big Ten after realignment, both teams need to reform their defenses, and have brought in talented coordinators to make that project a reality. Both teams will be tested against high-quality passing attacks. LSU is led by Garrett Nussmeyer and USC is led by Miller Moss, with both teams replacing ultra-productive quarterbacks. Pick: LSU 38-30
September 7th, 12pm, Fox. Marquee programs face off in one of college football's premier venues. The defending national champions will debut a very new team and coaching staff against an SEC-bound Longhorns team that returns key personnel and notable transfer add-ons. Pick: Texas 34-23
September 7, 7:30pm, ABC. The addition of veteran quarterback Grayson McCall immediately upgrades the Wolfpack's offense, as does tailback Jordan Waters and receiver Noah Rodgers. They will test the Vols' new-look secondary, with Nico Iamareaba working with Tennessee's talented receivers. Pick: Tennessee 31-26
September 14th, 12pm, Fox. Wisconsin always plays strong at the line of scrimmage, especially on offense, but Luke Fickell wants to open things up more. Things didn't go as planned a year ago, but injuries to the QB also played a role. Adding transfer Tyler Van Dyke is important, but the Badgers still haven't quite matched the speed of the SEC despite a strong home-field advantage. Pick: Alabama 35-20
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