College Football Picks: Week 1 Predictions for Every Game
It was nearly eight months ago the last time we had a real-life, this-counts-for-something college football game involving teams from the Football Bowl Subdivision, when Ohio State capped off an amazing 2014 season with a win over Oregon in the National Championship Game. And at times since that January tilt in Arlington, Texas, it felt like we'd never reach the next season.
But we somehow made it through that interminable span, and the 2015 season is upon us. In droves.
There are college football games scheduled for the next five days, beginning with an ACC/SEC clash of border states Thursday and wrapping up with the start of Ohio State's title defense on a Labor Day visit to Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia, to face the only team it lost to a year ago.
In between are a lot of other games.
Thanks to the shortened regular season (which has reduced bye weeks) and a whopping 48 teams playing FCS opponents, there are 87 games on the Week 1 schedule. And we've got a prediction for each and every one of them, along with a semi-educated explanation as to why we're making that choice.
Follow along for our picks to every Week 1 game, then give us your selections in the comments section.
Last season's record: 578-191 (.752)
No. 1 Ohio State at Virginia Tech
1 of 87
When: Monday, Sept. 7; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Virginia Tech intercepted Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett three times and sacked him seven times in a 35-21 upset road win last September.
What to watch for
The final game of the 2015 season's opening week might be the most anticipated from a national standpoint for a variety of reasons. First, it's a Labor Day prime-time game with two established power programs and two of the most successful coaches in the game, Ohio State's Urban Meyer and Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer.
There's also the fact Ohio State is the defending national champion, having won 13 straight games last year en route to the title that came in January against Oregon. The Buckeyes' winning streak began after Virginia Tech went into Columbus in September and shocked them, making Barrett look like someone making just his second career start and not the QB who set numerous OSU season records in 2014.
Barrett hasn't played since November, though. He broke his ankle in OSU's regular-season finale and was forced to watch Cardale Jones lead the Buckeyes to three postseason wins and the national title. Barrett and Jones have battled all summer for the starting job. Meyer plans to use both but hasn't revealed his starter, as Brandon Castel of The-OZone.net pointed out both are listed on the depth chart.
OSU's third quarterback, senior Braxton Miller, has been converted to wide receiver after missing all of 2014 with a shoulder injury. His value at that position became even greater after several other receiving targets were suspended for this game (as was star defensive end Joey Bosa), and then wideout Noah Brown was lost for the year with a broken leg.
Virginia Tech only went 7-6 last year despite knocking off OSU, as injuries ravaged the Hokies' run game and quarterback Michael Brewer struggled with consistency. Brewer gets the ball again this year, and his top target will likely be rising sophomore tight end Bucky Hodges.
A perennially strong defense, guided by longtime coordinator Bud Foster, will be well-prepared to handle OSU's dynamic offense like it was last year. But even with many months to come up with a scheme, the Buckeyes have had plenty of their own time to whip up a heck of a game plan for the start of their title defense.
Prediction: Ohio State 28, Virginia Tech 17
FINAL: Ohio State 42, Virginia Tech 24
Purdue at Marshall
2 of 87
When: Sunday, Sept. 6; 3 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Purdue earned a 51-41 win over visiting Marshall in September 2012 behind four touchdown passes from Caleb TerBush.
What to watch for
Purdue went 3-9 last season, tripling its win total from Darrell Hazell's first year in West Lafayette. The Boilermakers showed some promise on offense in the middle of 2014 but then fizzled out with six straight losses that included four in a row in which they failed to top 16 points.
Austin Appleby threw for only 1,449 yards with 10 TDs and 11 interceptions in 10 games last season, but he's again the man getting the call. He'll need some help from the defense, though, which allowed more than 192 rushing yards per game in 2014.
Marshall figures to be heavily reliant on bruising running back Devon Johnson at the start of the season, since the senior is coming off a 1,767-yard, 17-TD performance and the Thundering Herd will have a new quarterback in junior Michael Birdsong. The transfer from James Madison replaces Rakeem Cato, who threw a touchdown in an FBS-record 46 straight games and finished his career with 14,079 passing yards and 131 TDs.
The Herd went 13-1 in 2014, winning Conference USA, and will contend for that league title again this season. Purdue might be their toughest opponent other than Western Kentucky, but the Boilermakers won't have much chance to win this one.
Prediction: Marshall 45, Purdue 24
FINAL: Marshall 41, Purdue 31
Louisiana-Monroe at No. 9 Georgia
3 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; noon ET
Last meeting: Georgia cruised to a 44-7 home win over Louisiana-Monroe in September 2005.
What to watch for
Louisiana-Monroe went 4-8 last season, struggling all year on offense, particularly on the ground. The Warhawks ranked 126th at 69.5 yards per game, and after starting 2-0 they averaged just over 52 per game.
Georgia went 10-3 in 2014 but wasn't able to claim the SEC East because of losses to South Carolina and Florida, as well as a setback to rival Georgia Tech. The Bulldogs have some new faces to rely on this year, with Virginia transfer Greyson Lambert getting the nod at quarterback and his play calls coming from new coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
But it's the familiar things that will pace Georgia this game, if not all season. That would be workhorse running back Nick Chubb, who topped 100 rushing yards in all eight of his starts as a freshman, and an underrated defense that has one of the best linebacker groups in the country.
Georgia's last loss to a non-power team was the 2011 opener against Boise State. There's no danger of that happening here.
Prediction: Georgia 50, Louisiana-Monroe 14
FINAL: Georgia 51, Louisiana-Monroe 14
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Tennessee-Martin at No. 17 Ole Miss
4 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; noon ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Tennessee-Martin went 6-6 last season, but that included losses at Kentucky (59-14) in August and Mississippi State (45-16) in November. The Skyhawks are 1-18 all-time against FBS competition, with the lone win coming in 2012 against Memphis.
Ole Miss was 9-4 a year ago, starting 7-0 but then struggling to move the ball after top receiver Laquon Treadwell went down with a leg injury in early November. Treadwell is back and healthy, and he's one of two big targets (the other being junior tight end Evan Engram) that former Clemson quarterback Chad Kelly will get to throw to.
The Rebels also bring back a good chunk of a defense that led the nation in points allowed in 2014, at 16 per game.
Ole Miss last lost to an FCS team in 2010, an overtime setback to Jacksonville State, but all told it is 22-1-1 against lower-division opponents.
Prediction: Ole Miss 37, Tennessee-Martin 13
FINAL: Ole Miss 76, Tennessee-Martin 3
No. 21 Stanford at Northwestern
5 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; noon ET
Last meeting: Northwestern and Stanford played to a 41-all tie in September 1994. The teams have tied two of their six all-time meetings.
What to watch for
Stanford went 8-5 last season, ending a streak of four straight years with at least 11 victories. Red-zone issues plagued the Cardinal's offense and made it struggle in close games, despite one of the best defenses in the country.
Now Stanford is going at it without most of those top defenders from 2014, but it still has a veteran presence on offense in fifth-year senior quarterback Kevin Hogan. Hogan has thrown for 6,523 yards and 48 touchdowns in his career.
Northwestern was 5-7 for the second year in a row, distancing itself further from what's seemingly like an outlier of a 10-3 performance in 2012. The Wildcats bring back a promising running back in sophomore Justin Jackson, who ran for 1,187 yards and 10 TDs last year, but they'll be going with redshirt freshman Clayton Thorson at quarterback.
This is the third year in a row Northwestern opens against a Pac-12 team, losing at home to California in 2014. Expect a better result for the home team this time around, despite a tougher opponent.
Prediction: Northwestern 24, Stanford 20
FINAL: Northwestern 16, Stanford 6
Colgate at Navy
6 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; noon ET
Last meeting: Navy pulled out a 42-35 win over Colgate in October 1998, one of three wins it had that season.
What to watch for
Colgate was 5-7 a year ago, losing 30-10 at Ball State to start the season. The Raiders are 4-27 against FBS teams but haven't beat one since 2003 against Buffalo.
Navy was 8-5 last season, its final one as an independent program. The Midshipmen have joined the American Athletic Conference for 2015 and (by request) were placed in the West Division despite being closer to the Eastern teams. Senior quarterback Keenan Reynolds is the spark of their triple-option run offense, and he enters this season needing 14 rushing touchdowns to become the FBS all-time leader.
Reynolds had 23 rushing TDs last year, despite missing two games, and 31 the year before that when he also set the single-game record for a quarterback with seven rushing scores.
The challenge of preparing for an offense like Navy's could put Colgate at risk of having Reynolds challenge his own record.
Prediction: Navy 45, Colgate 19
FINAL: Navy 48, Colgate 10
Norfolk State at Rutgers
7 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; noon ET
Last meeting: Paul James ran for 119 yards and three touchdowns in Rutgers' 38-0 home win over Norfolk State in September 2013.
What to watch for
Norfolk State went 4-8 last season, including a 36-7 loss at Buffalo. The Spartans are winless in seven all-time games against FBS competition.
Rutgers heads into its second year as a member of the Big Ten with far more controversy than any team would like to start a season. Head coach Kyle Flood is the subject of a school investigation over whether he had improper contact with a university official to inquire about a player's academic status, and Flood has also suspended top receiver Leonte Carroo and quarterback Chris Laviano for half of the opener because of a curfew violation.
That makes it possible for LSU transfer Hayden Rettig to make his first career start as a redshirt sophomore.
Even without those potential starters, Rutgers shouldn't have any trouble improving to 33-3 against FCS foes.
Prediction: Rutgers 31, Norfolk State 16
FINAL: Rutgers 63, Norfolk State 13
South Dakota State at Kansas
8 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; noon ET
Last meeting: Tony Pierson ran for 124 yards and two touchdowns in Kansas' 31-17 home win over South Dakota State in September 2012.
What to watch for
South Dakota State is ranked 15th in the preseason FCS coaches poll, going 9-5 in 2014 and reaching the playoffs before falling to four-time FCS champion North Dakota State. The Jackrabbits opened that season with a 38-18 loss at Missouri, dropping them to 0-7 against FBS competition.
Kansas went 3-9 a year ago, firing Charlie Weis midway through the season. Texas A&M assistant David Beaty took over the program in the winter, and since then he's seen a seemingly endless amount of roster attrition because of injuries, dismissals and other factors. The Jayhawks may have fewer scholarship players than their opponent, despite a much higher limit than what FCS teams can award.
Things look so bleak for Kansas that this may be its only winnable game of the season. SDSU has 15 starters back, the hunger to pull off an upset and nothing to lose.
Prediction: South Dakota State 27, Kansas 23
FINAL: South Dakota State 41, Kansas 38
Illinois State at Iowa
9 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; noon ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Illinois State is ranked second in the preseason FCS coaches poll, going 13-2 last season and falling to four-time champion North Dakota State in the FCS title game. The Redbirds are 6-35 all-time against FBS competition, most recently beating Eastern Michigan in 2012.
Iowa heads into its 17th season under Kirk Ferentz, but the last few have been uninspiring. The Hawkeyes were 7-6 in 2014 and 8-5 in 2013, basically beating the teams they should and losing to those they're not as good as (with the exception being a home loss to rival Iowa State last year). Quarterback Jake Rudock lost his job during the offseason and transferred to Michigan, leaving junior C.J. Beathard in charge of the offense.
The majority of a defense that ranked 22nd a year ago has returned, but not sizable defensive tackle Carl Davis.
Iowa finds a way to struggle against FCS competition, regardless of how good or bad it is, yet it's 12-0 all-time against that level. Somehow, Ferentz will find a way to make it 13-0.
Prediction: Iowa 27, Illinois State 21
FINAL: Iowa 31, Illinois State 14
Richmond at Maryland
10 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; noon ET
Last meeting: Maryland pulled out a 27-24 win at Richmond in November 1977.
What to watch for
Richmond is ranked 18th in the preseason FCS coaches poll, going 9-5 last season and reaching the second round of the playoffs. The Spiders fell at Virginia last September, dropping their record to 5-33 against FBS competition, with their last win coming in 2011 against Duke.
Maryland went 7-6 last season, its first in the Big 12, though the Terrapins dropped their bowl game to Stanford to end on a down note. Randy Edsall returns only 10 starters from that team, which, like the previous year, saw injuries wreak havoc on his depth.
An example of this is who Maryland will start at quarterback in the opener. Perry Hills, a junior who played in just two games last season, started seven games in 2012 before going down with an injury and then missing all of 2013.
Maryland has never lost to an FCS opponent since Division I split into I-A and I-AA, but this will be one of the tougher matchups the Terps have had since.
Prediction: Maryland 28, Richmond 20
FINAL: Maryland 50, Richmond 21
Wofford at No. 12 Clemson
11 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 12:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Tajh Boyd threw three touchdown passes and ran for another in Clemson's 35-27 home win over Wofford in September 2011.
What to watch for
Wofford went 6-5 last season, which included a 38-19 loss at Georgia Tech in August. The Terriers are 1-18 all-time against FBS opponents, with their only win coming in 2000 against Louisiana-Monroe.
Clemson went 10-3 last year, its fourth straight season with at least 10 victories. The Tigers managed to overcome numerous injuries on offense—most notably to star freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson—to post that great record, with plenty of credit going to their top-ranked defense.
Most of those key defenders have moved on, though, and while Clemson's offense no longer has coordinator Chad Morris (now at SMU) it does have what it hopes is a healthy Watson. Combine him with two great receivers (junior Mike Williams and sophomore Artavis Scott) and sophomore running back Wayne Gallman, and Clemson should be explosive again on offense.
And expect those weapons to be firing all over the place in this opener.
Prediction: Clemson 55, Wofford 20
FINAL: Clemson 49, Wofford 10
Youngstown State at Pittsburgh
12 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 1 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Youngstown State spoiled the debut of Pittsburgh coach Paul Chryst with a 31-17 upset road win in September 2012.
What to watch for
Youngstown State is ranked 16th in the FCS preseason coaches poll, despite going 7-5 in 2014. The Penguins are getting a lot of hype for this year because of the hiring of ex-Nebraska coach Bo Pelini, who was let go in December despite winning at least nine games in all seven of his seasons with the Cornhuskers.
Pittsburgh welcomes its eighth coach (including interims) since 2010 in Pat Narduzzi, the well-regarded Michigan State assistant who was hired to replace Chryst after Chryst took the Wisconsin job. Though his acumen is on defense, Narduzzi inherits a strong offensive group led by three juniors: quarterback Chad Voytik, running back James Conner and receiver Tyler Boyd.
Boyd, however, won't be playing in this game after he was given a one-game suspension following an offseason DUI arrest. The Panthers also will be without defensive end Rori Blair because of a suspension for an unrelated DUI citation.
That will just mean more touches for Conner, who led the ACC with 1,765 rushing yards and a school-record 26 touchdowns.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 30, Youngstown State 20
FINAL: Pittsburgh 45, Youngstown State 37
Maine at Boston College
13 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 1 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Tyler Murphy tallied three touchdowns, two on passes and one on a run, in Boston College's 40-10 home win over Maine last September.
What to watch for
Maine went 5-6 last season, and this year opens with back-to-back games against FBS competition. The Black Bears are 3-13 against the upper division, beating FBS newcomer Massachusetts in 2013.
Boston College went 7-6 in 2014, but for the second year in a row it's going through a major overhaul of its offense with just three starters returning. The Eagles must replace their entire offensive line as well as Murphy, who ran for an ACC-record (for a quarterback) 1,179 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Sophomore Darius Wade takes over at the position, but expect to initially see sophomore running back Jon Hilliman (860 yards, 13 touchdowns in 2014) serving as the focal point. He had 98 yards and two TDs last year against Maine.
Prediction: Boston College 34, Maine 17
FINAL: Boston College 24, Maine 3
Portland State at Washington State
14 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 2 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Connor Halliday threw for 544 yards and six touchdowns in Washington State's 59-21 home win over Portland State last September.
What to watch for
Portland State went 3-9 last season, with two of its losses coming to Pac-12 schools (Oregon State and Washington State). The Vikings are 2-23 all-time against FBS teams, the last win coming in 2006 against New Mexico.
Washington State was 3-9 in 2014, unable to stop anyone on defense or special teams and then losing its best weapon—Halliday—midway through the year to a broken leg. Before getting hurt, Halliday set the FBS single-game passing record with 734 yards against California, but the Cougars even lost that game because they allowed two kickoff-return TDs.
Luke Falk produced in Mike Leach's Air Raid offense as a redshirt freshman replacement, and he's set to start the opener. There's no shortage of receiving targets for the Cougars, but they lack a defined run game and allowed 296.6 passing yards per game in 2014.
Wildfires all over the Pacific Northwest threatened the playing of this game because of poor air quality, but WSU announced Monday the game was on as scheduled. That's a good thing for the Cougars, because they need any winnable games they can get to try to be in the hunt for a bowl bid.
Prediction: Washington State 49, Portland State 28
FINAL: Portland State 24, Washington State 17
Kent State at Illinois
15 of 87
When: Friday, Sept. 4; 9 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
What was supposed to be a relatively unimportant game between a low-end Mid-American team and a Big Ten school hoping to build off of a bowl appearance in 2014 has instead become a far more interesting contest. That's because Illinois made the surprise move of firing fourth-year coach Tim Beckman on Aug. 28, citing preliminary results of a school investigation into player mistreatment allegations.
The Fighting Illini were 6-7 a year ago, their best mark under Beckman, and despite a loss to Louisiana Tech (and the absence of top receiver Mike Dudek because of a knee injury), there was hope for 2015. Now former Western Michigan coach Bill Cubit, the team's offensive coordinator, has taken over and has to quickly get the players to buy into his approach.
Kent State was 2-9 a year ago, its worst mark since going 1-10 in 2005. The Golden Flashes have won just six games the past two seasons after an 11-3 record in 2012, but they return 16 starters, including junior quarterback Colin Reardon and junior safety Nate Holley.
Illinois will look for junior quarterback Wes Lunt, who only played eight games last year because of injury, and senior running back Josh Ferguson to pace the offense. It will be an underdog in many games in 2015, but this will be a great way to start the Cubit era.
Prediction: Illinois 31, Kent State 20
FINAL: Illinois 52, Kent State 3
UTEP at No. 18 Arkansas
16 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Ryan Mallett threw five touchdown passes and Knile Davis ran for 182 yards and a score in Arkansas' 58-21 home win over UTEP in November 2010.
What to watch for
UTEP is coming off of a 7-6 season and its first bowl appearance since 2010, falling to Utah State in the New Mexico Bowl. Sean Kugler now must replace half of his starters, including quarterback Jameill Showers and several receivers. He still has workhorse running back Aaron Jones, though, a junior who ran for 1,321 yards and 11 TDs, as well as senior all-purpose threat Autrey Golden.
Arkansas also went 7-6 in 2014, becoming a major force late last season when it posted back-to-back shutouts of ranked opponents and then held Texas to just 59 yards and seven points in the Texas Bowl. Bret Bielema has gone against the grain with his aversion to tempo and spread offenses, and it's working, though last year's formula of producing a pair of 1,000-yard rushers needs to be adjusted with senior Jonathan Williams out for the season with a foot injury.
Instead, the Razorbacks will go mostly with junior Alex Collins, who has 2,126 yards and 16 TDs in two seasons. They'll also hope for continued improvement from senior quarterback Brandon Allen as well as sure-handed receiving from big tight end Hunter Henry.
The Hogs roll easily.
Prediction: Arkansas 43, UTEP 14
FINAL: Arkansas 48, UTEP 13
Louisville vs. No. 6 Auburn (at Atlanta)
17 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Auburn earned a 16-3 win over Louisville in September 1974, the only previous meeting between the schools.
What to watch for
Louisville went 9-4 in Bobby Petrino's first year of his second stint with the Cardinals, maximizing the play of the stars Charlie Strong left behind. Most of those guys have moved on following a large draft haul for the school, putting Petrino more in control of how this team will look.
Petrino's reputation is rooted on offense, but this could again be a defensive-minded team similar to the 2014 one that ranked sixth nationally. A strong defensive line will be anchored by senior Sheldon Rankins and junior Devonte Fields, the former TCU star who hasn't played at the FBS level since September 2013 because of injuries and a trip to junior college.
Auburn's second year under Gus Malzahn was far less successful than the initial one, when the Tigers played in the BCS title game. In 2014 they went 8-5, plagued by a defense that lacked any ability to get pressure on the quarterback. The answer to that problem was to bring in former Florida coach Will Muschamp as coordinator, and while the offseason development has looked good, we haven't seen what Auburn's defenders can do in a real game.
"It's all about winning...There is no barometer we're looking for," Muschamp told James Crepea of AL.com. "Let's just do what we need to do to win the game."
Auburn also has retooled its offense, with junior quarterback Jeremy Johnson replacing the departed Nick Marshall. Johnson's brief time on the field the last two years has shown us a strong and accurate arm, which should lead to the Tigers being far more pass-oriented than in the previous two seasons.
This Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta will be an entertaining one, but it should be Auburn's to win without too much stress.
Prediction: Auburn 27, Louisville 14
FINAL: Auburn 31, Louisville 24
Virginia at No. 13 UCLA
18 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: UCLA got interception returns for touchdowns from Ishmael Adams and Eric Kendricks to fuel a season-opening 28-20 win at Virginia last August.
What to watch for
Virginia enters coach Mike London's sixth season needing to win now to keep him employed. The Cavaliers were 5-7 a year ago, losing their finale to Virginia Tech (right after London was assured of returning for 2015 by the athletic director) that would have given them a bowl bid, and that was his fourth losing season in five go-arounds.
Greyson Lambert, who started nine games for Virginia last year but was beat out by Matt Johnson for the starting job in the spring, is now starting for Georgia as a graduate transfer. The Cavs will be young all over, but on defense that youth includes rising sophomore Quin Blanding at safety.
UCLA is also going with a new quarterback, tabbing true freshman Josh Rosen as the starter over junior Jerry Neuheisel. Rosen enrolled early and dazzled in the spring and now starts the process of succeeding three-year starter Brett Hundley. Rosen will rely on an underrated receiving corps and a very dependable running back in defending Pac-12 rushing leader Paul Perkins, who ran for 1,575 yards and nine TDs in 2014.
The Bruins defense has athletic junior linebacker Myles Jack covering nearly all of the field, and his ability to handle pass coverage will become even bigger now that senior cornerback Adams has been suspended indefinitely following his arrest on suspicion of robbery charges.
Virginia's defense will provide a good initial test for Rosen, but UCLA is just too good overall to have his growing pains be a deciding factor.
Prediction: UCLA 29, Virginia 19
FINAL: UCLA 34, Virginia 16
BYU at Nebraska
19 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
BYU was 8-5 last year as an independent, falling to Memphis in overtime in the Miami Beach Bowl, and now heads into a big season that will be filled with challenging games against power opponents. The Cougars' first-month schedule is something you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy, with trips to Nebraska, Michigan and UCLA as well as a visit from Boise State.
They hope to navigate that gauntlet behind the versatile play of quarterback Taysom Hill, while also hoping he can stay healthy. Injuries have cut short two of his three seasons to this point, including in 2014 when he went down midway through the year with a broken leg. Hill is a superb dual-threat passer who is best on the move, and with leading rusher Jamaal Williams missing this season because of personal reasons, he's going to have to take on even more responsibility.
Nebraska fired Bo Pelini despite seven seasons with at least nine wins, replacing him with longtime Oregon State nice guy Mike Riley. Riley's career record wasn't nearly as good, but his personable approach to the game has won over the Cornhuskers fans, and they seem willing to run with him as he switches from a spread to a pro-style offense.
The onus of making that change happen falls on quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. The junior had 3,400 yards of total offense last year but completed only 53.3 percent of his passes, with 12 interceptions on 345 attempts.
Losing athletic receiver/return man De'Mornay Pierson-El to a foot injury for several weeks takes away a major Nebraska weapon, but Armstrong, receiver Jordan Westerkamp and running back Imani Cross will be enough to take down BYU.
Prediction: Nebraska 34, BYU 24
FINAL: BYU 33, Nebraska 28
Old Dominion at Eastern Michigan
20 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Antonio Vaughan's 46-yard punt return touchdown helped Old Dominion to a 17-3 home win over Eastern Michigan last September.
What to watch for
Old Dominion is now a full FBS member after several seasons transitioning up from the FCS level, and after going 6-6 a year ago the Monarchs are hoping to make their first bowl appearance. But they'll be attempting that without one of the most prolific passers in NCAA history, Taylor Heinicke, who has graduated. Redshirt freshman Shuler Bentley takes over the job, though he has sophomore running back Ray Lawry (947 yards, 16 touchdowns in 2014) to work with.
Eastern Michigan has been one of the poorest-performing FBS teams for some time. Last year's 2-10 record was the Eagles' third straight 10-loss season, and they've had just one .500 record in the past 19 years. Sophomore quarterback Reginald Bell, who threw for 1,297 yards and nine TDs but was also EMU's leading rusher, is back for another season.
Eastern Michigan last beat a team from outside of the Mid-American Conference (not including FCS schools) in 2005, and while this will be a close one it won't go the home team's way.
Prediction: Old Dominion 27, Eastern Michigan 20
FINAL: Old Dominion 38, Eastern Michigan 34
Sam Houston State at Texas Tech
21 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Texas Tech racked up 770 yards of total offense in an 80-21 home win over Sam Houston State in September 2005.
What to watch for
Sam Houston State is ranked fourth in the FCS preseason coaches poll, coming off an 11-5 season in which the Bearkats reached the FCS semifinals. Along the way they were shut out at LSU, dropping their record to 3-28 against FBS competition.
Texas Tech struggled to a 4-8 record, plagued by turnover issues and very little production on defense. The Red Raiders had a minus-13 turnover ratio and also allowed 512.7 yards per game, taking away from an offense that put up more than 500 yards per game.
Either junior Davis Webb or sophomore Patrick Mahomes will start at quarterback. They combined for 4,086 passing yards and 40 touchdowns last year.
This won't be an easy game for Texas Tech, but it also won't be one where it should have to worry that much about how the defense has come along unless turnovers become a problem again.
Prediction: Texas Tech 50, Sam Houston State 31
FINAL: Texas Tech 59, Sam Houston State 45
Penn State at Temple
22 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Akeel Lynch ran for 130 yards and a touchdown and Grant Haley returned an interception for a score in Penn State's 30-13 home win over Temple last November.
What to watch for
Penn State managed to pull out a 7-6 record in 2014 despite one of the worst power-conference offenses in the country. Horrible offensive line play led to quarterback Christian Hackenberg taking 44 sacks, which led to him throwing 15 interceptions against just 12 touchdowns. A complete lack of a run game didn't help, either.
What saved the Nittany Lions was the nation's second-ranked defense, with half of that unit (including star Anthony Zettel on the defensive line) coming back.
Temple was 6-6 but didn't get a bowl bid, robbing a talented and underappreciated group from getting its due. Quarterback P.J. Walker struggled with his accuracy and interceptions but has the tools to beat teams, though it's the Owls defense that is its strength.
Last year Temple held four of its last five opponents to 16 points or fewer, and defense is how it's going to earn the program's first win over the in-state rivals since 1941.
Prediction: Temple 23, Penn State 17
FINAL: Temple 27, Penn State 10
Wagner at Rice
23 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Wagner went 7-4 last season but did not qualify for the FCS playoffs. The Seahawks lost 34-3 at Florida International in September, their third loss in as many attempts against FBS teams.
Rice went 8-5 last season, its third straight winning record after three consecutive losing marks. The Owls beat Fresno State in the Hawaii Bowl, but since Fresno had a losing record that meant they were 0-5 against teams with winning marks and 8-0 against those who finished below .500.
Senior Driphus Jackson enters his second year as starting quarterback, throwing for 2,842 yards and 24 touchdowns with 401 rushing yards and a score in 2014.
Rice will open a season with a win for the first time since 2008.
Prediction: Rice 40, Wagner 21
FINAL: Rice 56, Wagner 16
Florida Atlantic at Tulsa
24 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Jaquez Johnson threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns in Florida Atlantic's 50-21 home win over Tulsa last September.
What to watch for
Florida Atlantic's first season under Charlie Partridge wasn't very successful from an overall standpoint, as the Owls went 3-9 and scored only 24 points per game. But when Johnson was on, he was quite good, such as in wins over Tulsa and Western Kentucky, and he threw only five interceptions in 315 attempts.
Tulsa ushers in the Philip Montgomery era, hoping he can whip up some magic with its players like he has with the studs he got to work with at Baylor. The player to build around is receiver Keevan Lucas, who in the midst of last year's 2-10 season had 101 receptions for 1,219 yards and 11 TDs.
Montgomery gets a win in his debut in a mid-major clash that both teams need to if they want a bowl bid.
Prediction: Tulsa 44, Florida Atlantic 31
FINAL: Tulsa 47, Florida Atlantic 44 (OT)
Morgan State at Air Force
25 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Morgan State went 7-6 last season, losing in the first round of the FCS playoffs. The Bears lost 31-28 last year to Eastern Michigan, making them 0-10 against FBS opponents in their history.
Air Force had an amazing turnaround in 2014, going from 2-10 the year before to 10-3 with a bowl win over Western Michigan. The Falcons' option attack averaged 273.1 rushing yards per game, seventh best in the country, but quarterback Kale Pearson has graduated and been replaced by junior Nate Romine.
The Falcons are perfect in 19 all-time matchups with FCS foes, and they'll make that an even 20.
Prediction: Air Force 30, Morgan State 14
FINAL: Air Force 63, Morgan State 7
Albany at Buffalo
26 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Albany beat Buffalo, 28-20, in 1988, when both teams were in Division III.
What to watch for
Albany went 7-5 last season but did not qualify for the FCS playoffs. The Great Danes have never before played a team from the FBS ranks.
Buffalo was 5-6 a year ago, its fifth losing season in the past six. The Bulls fired Jeff Quinn midway through, replacing him in the offseason with Lance Leipold. Leipold was incredibly successful at Division III Wisconsin-Whitewater, winning 109 games and six national titles in eight seasons.
The Bulls have a pair of notable seniors in quarterback Joe Licata (2,647 passing yards, 29 touchdowns) and running back Anthone Taylor (1,403 yards, 12 TDs) to build around. That's more than enough to give Leipold a win in his FBS debut.
Prediction: Buffalo 37, Albany 21
FINAL: Buffalo 51, Albany 14
Presbyterian at Miami (Ohio)
27 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Presbyterian went 6-5 last season, with three of those losses coming at FBS schools. The Blue Hose fell to Northern Illinois (55-3), North Carolina State (42-0) and Ole Miss (48-0) to fall to 0-9 against the upper division in their history.
Miami went 2-10 last year, an improvement over the 0-12 mark from 2013. The RedHawks have won 10 games in the past four seasons since a 10-4 mark and a Mid-American Conference title in 2010. Only four starters return from an offense that averaged only 375.3 yards per game last fall.
Presbyterian remains an ambitious program when it comes to its scheduling, but it's yet to show it can be competitive against FBS teams even if they're not among the best in the country. Miami wins its first season opener since 2007.
Prediction: Miami 28, Presbyterian 17
FINAL: Miami 26, Presbyterian 7
Howard at Appalachian State
28 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Howard went 5-7 in 2014 but ended the year on a four-game winning streak. The Bison lost to both Akron and Rutgers last year and are winless in 10 games against FBS opponents.
Appalachian State went 7-5 in its first year at the FBS level, but it wasn't eligible for a bowl game because of NCAA transitioning rules. The Mountaineers averaged more than 240 rushing yards per game, led by sophomore Marcus Cox's 1,415 yards and 19 touchdowns, and their top three gainers in 2014 were underclassmen.
Now able to challenge for the Sun Belt title and a bowl, Appalachian State won't want to squander any win opportunities. Look for a blowout win for the home team.
Prediction: Appalachian State 40, Howard 16
FINAL: Appalachian State 49, Howard 0
Savannah State at Colorado State
29 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 4 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Savannah State was 0-12 last season, and it takes a 21-game losing streak into 2015. The Tigers played three FBS teams last year, losing by a combined score of 208-16 to Middle Tennessee, Georgia Southern and BYU. They're 0-7 against higher-division teams.
Colorado State went 10-3 in 2014 but will have a different look this year. Coach Jim McElwain left to run Florida's program, and the Rams also lost career passing leader Garrett Grayson and productive running back Dee Hart, though big-play wide receiver Rashard Higgins remains. As a sophomore he led FBS in receiving yards (1,750) and touchdowns (17), topping 175 yards in three straight games.
New coach Mike Bobo—the former Georgia offensive coordinator—couldn't have asked for a better opponent to open his tenure with. This will very likely be a bloodbath.
Prediction: Colorado State 58, Savannah State 10
FINAL: Colorado State 65, Savannah State 13
North Dakota at Wyoming
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When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 4 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
North Dakota went 5-7 last season, including a 42-10 loss at San Jose State in August. That dropped the team—which currently doesn't have a nickname—to 0-7 against FBS competition.
Wyoming was 4-8 in 2014 in Craig Bohl's first season after coming over from FCS powerhouse North Dakota State. The Cowboys dropped seven of eight after a 3-1 start, but despite the late struggles they had a strong rushing duo emerge in Brian Hill and Shaun Wick. They combined for 1,549 yards and 13 touchdowns and should be heavily used in this game.
Prediction: Wyoming 31, North Dakota 14
FINAL: North Dakota 24, Wyoming 13
Southern Illinois at Indiana
31 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 4 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Southern Illinois recorded a 35-28 win at Indiana in September 2006.
What to watch for
Southern Illinois was 6-6 last season, but it lost five of six after a 5-1 start. The Salukis' only loss during the first half was a 35-13 setback at Purdue, dropping them to 3-34 in their history against FBS schools.
Indiana was 4-8 last season, its seventh straight with a losing record. Kevin Wilson is on the hot seat heading into his fifth year, sitting at 14-34 overall and having to recover from the departure of 2,000-yard rusher Tevin Coleman to the NFL draft. The Hoosiers landed UAB transfer Jordan Howard, who ran for 1,587 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2014 for the on-hiatus program.
Anything short of a bowl bid likely will mean the end of Wilson's run in Bloomington, so he can ill afford to drop any winnable games.
Prediction: Indiana 28, Southern Illinois 20
FINAL: Indiana 48, Southern Illinois 47
Bowling Green vs. No. 25 Tennessee (at Nashville, Tennessee)
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When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 4 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Bowling Green went 8-6 last year and played in the Mid-American Conference title game in Dino Babers' first season, playing a style of football that could best be described as defense-optional. The Falcons averaged 30 points per game but also allowed 33.5, along with nearly 500 yards per contest.
There are 10 starters back from that offense, so expect another high-flying attack from Bowling Green, the kind that put up 45 in a win over Indiana and also amassed 500 or more yards six times.
Tennessee was 7-6 a year ago, catching fire down the stretch after Butch Jones turned to Joshua Dobbs at quarterback. The dual-threat passer tallied 1,675 yards in less than six full games, accounting for 17 touchdowns, and he'll again be making a lot of plays for the Volunteers.
But also expect more offensive balance, with the two-headed running monster of Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara keeping Dobbs from having to do too much on his own.
The Vols defense is young but talented, and it will be able to make enough plays to slow down Bowling Green on occasion in what should otherwise be a high-scoring contest.
Prediction: Tennessee 41, Bowling Green 28
FINAL: Tennessee 59, Bowling Green 30
Southeast Missouri State at No. 24 Missouri
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When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 4 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Missouri logged a 52-3 home win over Southeast Missouri State in September 2008.
What to watch for
Southeast Missouri State was 5-7 in 2014, a record that included a 34-28 loss at Kansas. That dropped the Redhawks' record against FBS opponents to 1-19.
Missouri has won the last two SEC East titles, collecting 23 victories along the way thanks to a serviceable offense and swarming defense. The Tigers won't be able to rely as much on the latter this year because of heavy NFL departures as well as offseason injuries, so it will be up to the offense to carry the load.
Maty Mauk is in his second year as full-time starting quarterback, but in 2014 he struggled often and finished with 13 interceptions and completed only 53.4 percent of his throws. Thankfully he has senior running back Russell Hansbrough (1,084 yards, 10 touchdowns) to lean on.
Missouri is 14-0 all-time against FCS opponents, about to be 15-0.
Prediction: Missouri 39, Southeast Missouri State 17
FINAL: Missouri 34, Southeast Missouri State 3
Grambling State at California
34 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 5 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Grambling State went 7-5 last season, winning seven in a row between losing streaks of three to start and two to end the year. The Tigers lost 47-0 at Houston in September, dropping their all-time mark against FBS teams to 3-16.
California rose from 1-11 in Sonny Dykes' first season in 2013 to 5-7 a year ago, held back mostly because of a defense that was so bad against the pass the Golden Bears had to destroy the scoreboard just to hope for a win. Cal allowed 367.2 passing yards and 42 touchdowns, by far the worst numbers in FBS.
Junior quarterback Jared Goff has thrived in Cal's Air Raid attack, throwing for more than 7,400 yards with 53 touchdowns in his two seasons. He's going to be the school's all-time passing leader before 2015 is over, and he'll get a big chunk of that necessary yardage in this blowout victory.
Prediction: California 55, Grambling State 21
FINAL: California 73, Grambling State 14
Bethune-Cookman at Miami (Florida)
35 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 6 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Duke Johnson rushed for two touchdowns and scored another on a reception in Miami's 38-10 home win over Bethune-Cookman in September 2012.
What to watch for
Bethune-Cookman went 9-3 last season, including a 14-12 win at Florida International to start the year. That was the Wildcats' second win over FIU in the past two years and their only victories ever against FBS opponents.
Miami is playing for coach Al Golden's job in his fifth season. With a 28-22 record (the same one that predecessor Randy Shannon had when he was fired) and no bowl victories, the Hurricanes must win now, or changes are likely. They were 6-7 last year, losing to South Carolina in the Independence Bowl.
Quarterback Brad Kaaya started all 13 games as a true freshman, throwing for 3,198 yards and 26 touchdowns. With Johnson in the NFL and Gus Edwards down for the year with an injury, Miami won't have much of a run game at the start, and Kaaya will have to pick up the slack.
That won't be much of an issue in this game, as Miami is 19-1 against FCS teams and hasn't lost to one since 1979.
Prediction: Miami 45, Bethune-Cookman 17
FINAL: Miami 45, Bethune-Cookman 0
Troy at North Carolina State
36 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 6 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Troy was 3-9 last year in the final season of Larry Blakeney's long tenure. Replacing him is former assistant (and 2014 Kentucky offensive coordinator) Neal Brown, who should ramp up the offense for a team that ranked 102nd in yardage a year ago. Quarterback Brandon Silvers completed 70.5 percent of his passes as a freshman and could have a big season.
North Carolina State went 8-5 in Dave Doeren's second season, up from 3-9 the year before that, and that included a 4-0 start against rather light nonconference competition. The Wolfpack can get off to the same start this year with a slate that features an FCS team and three FBS foes that won a combined 15 games.
Senior quarterback Jacoby Brissett is an underrated dual-threat passer who was hot and cold last year but almost single-handedly beat Florida State with his mobility and elusiveness. NC State will be without leading rusher Shadrach Thornton, suspended for two games because of a team rules violation, so look for Brissett to run wild.
Prediction: North Carolina State 37, Troy 23
FINAL: North Carolina State 49, Troy 21
Towson at East Carolina
37 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 6 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Towson was 4-8 last season, including a 54-0 loss at West Virginia. The Tigers are 1-7 against FBS competition, that victory coming against Connecticut in 2013.
East Carolina won 26 games the past three seasons, going 8-5 in 2014, but that was all with Lincoln Riley calling plays and Shane Carden slinging the ball to a veteran receiving corps that included all-time FBS receptions leader Justin Hardy. They're all gone now, so coach Ruffin McNeill is ushering in a new era with the Pirates.
That was supposed to start with sophomore quarterback Kurt Benkert, but right after earning the starting job, he tore his ACL and was lost for the year. There are only 11 starters back from last season, making for a potentially challenging year, but the Pirates are plenty capable of taking down this first game.
Prediction: East Carolina 30, Towson 14
FINAL: East Carolina 28, Towson 20
Gardner-Webb at South Alabama
38 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 6 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Gardner-Webb was 4-8 last season, losing 23-7 at Wake Forest in September. That dropped the Bulldogs' record against FBS teams to 1-10, with their lone victory coming in 2010 over Akron.
South Alabama was 6-7 a year ago but made its first bowl appearance, losing to Bowling Green in a wild Camellia Bowl. Gone from that team are 17 starters, including effective quarterback Brandon Bridge and nine starters on defense.
The Jaguars picked up several notable transfers from UAB after that program was shut down, with many expected to contribute this year. That includes quarterback Cody Clements, who threw for more than 2,200 yards last year with UAB.
Prediction: South Alabama 30, Gardner-Webb 20
FINAL: South Alabama 33, Gardner-Webb 23
Mississippi Valley State at New Mexico
39 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Mississippi Valley State went 2-9 last season and will be playing just its fourth game against an FBS opponent. The Delta Devils have lost all three previous tries by wide margins.
New Mexico went 4-8 last season despite averaging 310.4 rushing yards per game, fifth best in the country, out of a triple-option attack. The Lobos were 127th out of 128 schools in total defense and allowed at least 28 points in 10 of 12 games.
The Lobos will get a nice, easy win to start off former Notre Dame coach Bob Davie's fourth season.
Prediction: New Mexico 53, Mississippi Valley State 24
FINAL: New Mexico 66, Mississippi Valley State 0
Akron at No. 19 Oklahoma
40 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Akron has gone 5-7 the last two seasons, but in the four years before that, the Zips had a combined six victories. Tommy Bowden has had this team close to a bowl bid, and last year, it won at Pittsburgh but then lost five of six down the stretch.
Oklahoma will try to look like teams from the recent past, the ones that threw the ball for big numbers and not like the ones of the last two seasons, including the 8-5 version from 2014. Bob Stoops brought Lincoln Riley over from East Carolina to reinstall the Air Raid, and the Sooners have picked Texas Tech transfer Baker Mayfield to be the quarterback in that system.
The Sooners also have a beast in the backfield in sophomore Samaje Perine, who had 1,713 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in 2014 as a freshman and along the way set the national single-game record with 427 yards against Kansas.
Expect both the air attack and Perine's ground game to be on full display in this relatively easy opener.
Prediction: Oklahoma 45, Akron 17
FINAL: Oklahoma 41, Akron 3
Missouri State at Memphis
41 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Missouri State went 4-8 last season and enters this fall on a five-game losing streak. The Bears lost at Oklahoma State last September, making them 1-31 all-time against FBS competition.
Memphis went 10-3 in 2014 and claimed a share of the American Athletic Conference title, its first championship since the 1970s. It was a superb turnaround for Justin Fuente's Tigers, who were 3-9 the season before, but now only eight starters return from a defense that ranked 11th in points allowed.
The offense has a lot of key returners, such as quarterback Paxton Lynch, coming off a 3,031-yard, 22-touchdown season as a sophomore.
Prediction: Memphis 34, Missouri State 18
FINAL: Memphis 63, Missouri State 7
Florida A&M at South Florida
42 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: B.J. Daniels threw four touchdown passes and ran for another while Darrell Scott scored three times on the ground in South Florida's 70-17 home win over Florida A&M in September 2011.
What to watch for
Florida A&M was 3-9 last season, which included a 41-7 loss at Miami (Florida). That dropped the Rattlers' mark against FBS competition to 2-24, with their last win coming in 1986 against Temple.
South Florida was 4-8 in 2014 and is 6-18 in Willie Taggart's two seasons, with sluggish offense the most to blame. Last year, the Bulls averaged 17.2 points per game, scoring only 37 points in their final four contests. Quarterback Quinton Flowers saw limited action a year ago but now has the offense in his hands.
The Bulls have struggled with FCS teams the last two years, surviving a 36-31 game with Western Carolina in 2014 and getting run over at home the year before by McNeese State. This one should go a little smoother.
Prediction: South Florida 35, Florida A&M 20
FINAL: South Florida 51, Florida A&M 3
Alabama A&M at Cincinnati
43 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Alabama A&M was 4-8 a year ago, with a 41-14 loss at UAB included in the results. The Bulldogs are winless in four tries against FBS competition.
Cincinnati went 9-4 last season, contending most of the year for the American Athletic Conference title and will enter 2015 as one of the favorites in the newly formed East Division. Big-armed quarterback Gunner Kiel, a former Notre Dame prospect, threw for 3,254 yards and 31 touchdowns last season.
A shoddy defense that ranked 98th in yards allowed only brings back four starters, but not much defense will be needed to handily win this opener.
Prediction: Cincinnati 56, Alabama A&M 17
FINAL: Cincinnati 52, Alabama A&M 10
Southern at Louisiana Tech
44 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Southern was 9-4 last season, falling to Alcorn State in the SWAC title game. The Jaguars began the year with a blowout loss at Louisiana-Lafayette, making them 0-10 against FBS programs.
Louisiana Tech went 9-5 and played in the Conference USA title game, then beat Illinois in the Heart of Dallas Bowl, all in the same season that the Bulldogs lost to FCS Northwestern State. The Bulldogs should again be a contender for the C-USA West title thanks to the addition of Florida graduate transfer Jeff Driskel at quarterback.
Driskel and senior running back Kenneth Dixon, who has scored 53 rushing touchdowns in his career, will make for a potent offensive combo in 2015.
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 53, Southern 17
FINAL: Louisiana Tech 62, Southern 15
Jackson State at Middle Tennessee
45 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Jackson State was 5-7 in 2014 but heads into this year on a two-game winning streak. The Tigers will be looking for their third win in nine tries against an FBS team, the last coming in 1979.
Middle Tennessee was 6-6 a year ago but was shut out of the bowl season because of a lack of bids for Conference USA. The Blue Raiders have won 22 games over the past three years and bring back a good number of players from 2014, but the most notable starter for this fall is a new one at quarterback. Coach Rick Stockstill has named his son, freshman Brent Stockstill, over 2014 starter Austin Grammer.
"If Son can live up to the pressure and validates Dad’s faith in him, the Blue Raiders will be right back in the hunt for a bowl bid," Kyle Kensing of CFBHuddle.com wrote.
Thankfully, the Stockstill family has a walkover game to test out whether they can work together on the sidelines.
Prediction: Middle Tennessee 31, Jackson State 17
FINAL: Middle Tennessee 70, Jackson State 14
No. 15 Arizona State vs. Texas A&M (in Houston)
46 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Arizona State is coming off a 10-3 season that made the Sun Devils 28-12 in Todd Graham's three years in the desert. They head into this pseudo-neutral-site game with 15 returners starters, including nine on defense, but the most important pieces to this team are the ones who are installed in new roles on offense.
Mike Bercovici was Taylor Kelly's backup the last few years, opting to wait out his chance to play rather than transfer. That paid off midway through 2014 when Kelly hurt his leg and Bercovici got to make three starts, winning two (over USC on a Hail Mary and against Stanford) and putting up great numbers. Now the senior has the job all to himself and is poised to have a big year.
So, too, should senior D.J. Foster, a 1,000-yard rusher from 2014 who has been shifted to a slot receiver both to enhance his pro prospects and fill the void left by Jaelen Strong's departure to the NFL. Foster has more than 160 career receptions and, despite being a running back his first three years, could become ASU's all-time catch leader with a strong 2015.
Texas A&M was 8-5 last year but was all over the place with consistency. A 5-0 start, spearheaded by a blowout win at South Carolina to open the year, had the Aggies talking national title. Then the bottom fell out in the middle of the year, and it wasn't until freshman Kyle Allen replaced Kenny Hill at quarterback and got comfortable that the ship was righted.
Allen has a superstar lineup of receivers to work with this season, yet A&M's chances of competing in the SEC West lie in its defensive performance. It was far from good last year, ranking 104th, and that motivated coach Kevin Sumlin to steal defensive coordinator John Chavis from LSU.
Chavis will make a significant impact, but A&M is still going to be hard-pressed to slow down ASU. Despite being the unofficial road team in this clash, the Sun Devils will escape Houston with a win in the only scheduled matchup this year between the Pac-12 and SEC.
Prediction: Arizona State 36, Texas A&M 31
FINAL: Texas A&M 38, Arizona State 17
Louisiana-Lafayette at Kentucky
47 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Louisiana-Lafayette posted its fourth straight nine-win season (and fourth consecutive New Orleans Bowl victory) under coach Mark Hudspeth in 2014, making the Ragin' Cajuns one of the most consistent programs outside of the power leagues. But the one thing ULL has lacked in that span is a signature win, going 0-7 against big-name opponents.
Kentucky was 5-7 a year ago, losing its last six after a 5-1 start that had Big Blue Nation thinking Mark Stoops' second season was when the program would get over the hump. The Wildcats have 14 starters back, including quarterback Patrick Towles, who must do better than 2,718 yards and 14 touchdowns to produce a winning season.
This might be ULL's best chance to win against a power team since falling to a bad Arizona team at the end of the 2011 season. But Kentucky is christening a remodeled Commonwealth Stadium and should emerge with a narrow victory.
Prediction: Kentucky 30, Louisiana-Lafayette 24
FINAL: Kentucky 40, Louisiana-Lafayette 33
South Dakota at Kansas State
48 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 7:10 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
South Dakota was 2-10 last year, losing its final eight games. The Coyotes were crushed at Oregon to open the season and overall are 1-6 against FBS teams.
Kansas State was 9-4 in 2014 but lost most of the top players from that squad, including quarterback Jake Waters, 1,000-yard receivers Tyler Lockett and Curry Sexton and defensive end Ryan Mueller. What remains is a good group of Wildcats, but there aren't any stars or big names, making this yet another team that Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder will need to coach into a winner.
Jesse Ertz, a sophomore, has been named the starting quarterback. According to Kellis Robinett of the Wichita Eagle, he's Snyder's first non-junior/senior passer since 2004.
Other games will provide much more of a test for Ertz and K-State, but this opener will be a nice way to settle into the season.
Prediction: Kansas State 41, South Dakota 20
FINAL: Kansas State 34, South Dakota 0
Texas at No. 11 Notre Dame
49 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 7:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Notre Dame posted a 27-24 win over Texas in September 1996.
What to watch for
Year two of the Charlie Strong era begins with the kind of game that could either set the tone for a second season or create concern about whether he's the right choice for what Texas hopes to accomplish. One game shouldn't be enough to do that, but such is the value of playing Notre Dame on the road.
The Longhorns will again turn to junior quarterback Tyrone Swoopes, who beat out redshirt freshman Jerrod Heard to helm the updated spread offense despite unimpressive numbers in 2014. Swoopes must show the ability to make good decisions and move the ball both through the air and on the ground to keep the job, though, as Heard is expected to get snaps as well in South Bend.
Texas will lean heavily on its defense while the offense develops, but that's going to be a tough thing to accomplish against a stacked Notre Dame attack. Malik Zaire has assumed the quarterback job over Everett Golson, who in turn transferred to Florida State for his senior year. Zaire's mobility and flash were on display in the Music City Bowl victory over LSU, and he brings a very dynamic element to an Irish offense that has a dependable running back (Tarean Folston) and some big-play receivers.
Notre Dame's defense is stacked thanks to the likes of lineman Sheldon Day and linebacker Jaylon Smith, a very likely first-round NFL pick if he leaves after this junior season. Losing tackle Jarron Jones to a knee injury hurts, but there's depth to take his place.
The Irish are playing nine power-conference teams and eight squads that were bowl-bound a year ago. Win enough of those contests, and they'll be in the hunt for a playoff spot. That starts with taking down Texas under the lights.
Prediction: Notre Dame 27, Texas 17
FINAL: Notre Dame 38, Texas 3
Georgia Southern at West Virginia
50 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 7:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Georgia Southern had about as strong a debut at the FBS level as any team could have hoped for. The Eagles went 9-3 in 2014, winning all eight of their Sun Belt Conference games, but NCAA rules made them ineligible for the postseason or the league title, so it was all about moral victories.
The Eagles led the nation in rushing, averaging 379.9 yards per game, with Matt Breida going for 1,485 yards and 17 touchdowns and quarterback Kevin Ellison adding 1,082 yards with 12 scores. Ellison, however, isn't eligible for this game because of academics, though backup Favian Upshaw is also adept at running the option.
West Virginia will be decidedly young on offense, which will make the veteran defense the driving force at least early on in the season. Safety Karl Joseph is one of eight starters back, including the entire secondary, but the Mountaineers were only middle-of-the-road against the run last season.
Ellison's absence takes some shine off what should still be a good clash between diverging styles. West Virginia was going to probably win no matter what, but now it won't be as tight a finish.
Prediction: West Virginia 34, Georgia Southern 23
FINAL: West Virginia 44, Georgia Southern 0
McNeese State at No. 14 LSU
51 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 7:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: LSU posted a 32-10 home win over McNeese State in October 2010, moving to 7-0 on the season.
What to watch for
McNeese State is ranked 23rd in the FCS preseason coaches poll, coming off a 6-5 season in which it was tied at Nebraska in the final minutes before losing on a late touchdown. The Cowboys have done well against FBS opposition, going 8-20-1 including a 2013 win at South Florida.
LSU was 8-5 in 2014, its worst performance since a similar mark in 2008. Les Miles couldn't get much of anything out of either Brandon Harris or Anthony Jennings at quarterback, resulting in the worst passing attack in the SEC, and that reduced the impact that star freshman running back Leonard Fournette was able to have.
Harris has won the starting job for 2015, but Fournette remains the go-to player. LSU's defense will also be a strength, though the loss of Jalen Mills for an indefinite time span because of ankle surgery will have an effect on how the Tigers perform on that side of the ball.
Not in this game, however. LSU is 11-0 against FCS teams, and the results are rarely ever in doubt.
Prediction: LSU 44, McNeese State 16
UPDATE: The game was canceled after lengthy lightning delays prevented play from ever starting.
New Mexico State at Florida
52 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 7:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Florida romped to a 70-21 win over New Mexico State in September 1994.
What to watch for
New Mexico State was 2-10 last season and is 5-31 over the past three years. That includes a season in which the Aggies were an independent after the Western Athletic Conference folded, but now they're in the Sun Belt Conference. The trip to Gainesville will be one of five to the South this season, including four in league play.
Florida opens the Jim McElwain era with plenty of questions, most of them coming on offense. The Gators were lethargic with the ball last year in Will Muschamp's final season, and how McElwain hopes to fix that depends on whom he will use on the field.
Sophomore Treon Harris will start at quarterback, though redshirt freshman Will Grier will also play, each operating behind a patchwork offensive line that has very little experience. The defense will be the Gators' strength again and could win this game without any offensive contributions.
Prediction: Florida 43, New Mexico State 14
FINAL: Florida 61, New Mexico State 13
UNLV at Northern Illinois
53 of 87
When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 7:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Drew Hare threw three touchdown passes and ran for another in Northern Illinois' 48-34 win last September at UNLV.
What to watch for
UNLV went 2-11 last season, prompting Bobby Hauck to step down as coach after failing to build off a bowl trip the year before. The Runnin' Rebels then went to the local high school ranks for their next leader, bringing in Tony Sanchez after a wildly successful run at Las Vegas' Bishop Gorman High School.
Northern Illinois has won at least 11 games in five straight seasons, going 11-3 last year with another Mid-American Conference title. Despite three head coaches in that span, the Huskies remain the class of the MAC and have also shown the ability to beat non-league teams on the road.
At home they're also quite good, and with Hare back at quarterback, the Huskies should easily cruise to a big opening win and spoil Sanchez's collegiate debut.
Prediction: Northern Illinois 44, UNLV 21
FINAL: Northern Illinois 38, UNLV 30
San Diego at San Diego State
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When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
San Diego went 9-3 last season, losing to Montana in the first round of the FCS playoffs after winning the Pioneer League. The Torreros have never played a school from the FBS level, despite having one in the same city.
San Diego State was 7-6 in 2014, its worst record in the past five years but still a fifth straight season that included a bowl bid. The Aztecs were very one-dimensional on offense last year because of a lack of an effective pass attack, but thanks to Donnel Pumphrey's 1,873 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, they were competent on that side of the ball.
The Aztecs have tabbed Maxwell Smith, a Kentucky transfer, as their quarterback for this year. He'll get his feet wet in this fun battle for San Diego supremacy that the home team should take without much struggle.
Prediction: San Diego State 33, San Diego 17
FINAL: San Diego State 37, San Diego 3
No. 20 Wisconsin vs. No. 3 Alabama (at Arlington, Texas)
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When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Wisconsin blanked Alabama, 15-0, in a November 1928 contest that is the only previous meeting between the programs.
What to watch for
Wisconsin opens in Texas against an SEC team for the second year in a row, hoping not to blow a second-half lead like in the 2014 loss to LSU. The Badgers went away from running back Melvin Gordon (who finished the year with more than 2,500 rushing yards) down the stretch, and that cost them.
Don't expect new coach Paul Chryst to stop handing off to Corey Clement, Gordon's backup the past two years, if that's what is working. Clement nearly hit 1,000 yards in 2014 and is more than capable of handling the No. 1 back role, though he has his work cut out for him against Alabama's stacked front seven.
The Crimson Tide struggled stopping spread teams last year and were run over by Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl semifinal game, but defense still remains a strength for Nick Saban's teams. It might need to be the driving force in this contest, since Alabama still hasn't settled on which of three potential starters (senior Jake Coker, junior Alec Morris or sophomore David Cornwell) will be playing quarterback.
There's no uncertainty about 'Bama's run game, with Derrick Henry ready to rumble as the featured back after splitting carries in 2014 with T.J. Yeldon.
Alabama's love for facing power teams in neutral sites has resulted in valuable resume-building wins, beating West Virginia last year and also downing Virginia Tech and Michigan in the past. This might be the toughest challenge in that run, though, and the Tide may trail at some point in the second half before pulling away.
Prediction: Alabama 31, Wisconsin 21
FINAL: Alabama 35, Wisconsin 17
Texas State at No. 10 Florida State
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When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Texas State went 7-5 last season, its third year at the FBS level and first in which it was eligible for the postseason, but the Bobcats fell victim to the Sun Belt Conference's lack of bowl bids. Former Alabama/Texas A&M/TCU coach Dennis Franchione is winding down his long career hoping to get this program to a winning level, but for now, that still means having to play sacrificial lamb to power teams on the road.
Florida State won 28 games over the previous two years, going 14-1 last season and losing its 28-game winning streak at the hands of Oregon in the Rose Bowl semifinal. Since then, the Seminoles have been dealing with massive attrition, as 11 players were drafted, and plenty of talented newcomers have had to step in.
The 'Noles added a big piece of experience and performance in the form of graduate transfer quarterback Everett Golson, who started for two seasons at Notre Dame and has been named starter over junior Sean Maguire. He'll navigate a very young offense that should still be very good thanks to him and sophomore running back Dalvin Cook, who ran for more than 1,000 yards in 2014.
FSU will have bumps in the road this season, but those won't start until after this blowout is in the books.
Prediction: Florida State 50, Texas State 20
FINAL: Florida State 59, Texas State 16
Eastern Washington at No. 7 Oregon
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When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Eastern Washington is ranked sixth in the preseason FCS coaches poll, going 11-3 last season and reaching the FCS quarterfinals. The Eagles are 8-23 against FBS competition, losing 59-52 at Washington in 2014 and upsetting Oregon State the season before, though both of those performances were spearheaded by a quarterback they'll now be trying to stop.
Oregon reached the national title game last year, falling to Ohio State to finish 13-2, and have since said goodbye to Heisman-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota. He's been replaced by Vernon Adams Jr., a graduate transfer from Eastern Washington who didn't arrive until mid-August because of some extra classwork he needed to finish.
Adams excelled so well in his brief time training with the Ducks that he beat out junior Jeff Lockie for the job, and now he's getting to make his first start at the upper level against many of his old teammates.
"I think it'll be really hard because I know how good he is," Eastern Washington coach Beau Baldwin told the Seattle Times' Stefanie Loh. "He is so good in so many ways."
Adams put up huge numbers with the Eagles, accounting for 13 touchdowns in two games against FBS teams, and Oregon is expecting similar production from him this year. He's far from the Ducks' only weapon, though, thanks to prolific sophomore running back Royce Freeman and several notable wideouts, but he's going to be the center of attention in this game.
Look for Adams to show some of his best moves against his old teammates, piling up yards and scores in a big debut win.
Prediction: Oregon 47, Eastern Washington 22
FINAL: Oregon 61, Eastern Washington 42
Northern Iowa at Iowa State
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When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Northern Iowa went into Ames and escaped with a 28-20 win over Iowa State in August 2013.
What to watch for
Northern Iowa was 9-5 last season, losing in the second round of the FCS playoffs. The Panthers opened the year with losses at Iowa and Hawaii by a total of 11 points, dropping their record against FBS teams to 10-26. Perennially one of the strongest teams at the lower division, UNI graduated prolific running back David Johnson.
Iowa State was 2-10 last season, going winless in the Big 12 and ending the year on a six-game losing streak. The Cyclones managed to beat two bowl teams, Iowa and Toledo, but fell to FCS powerhouse North Dakota State as well as Kansas.
Paul Rhoads is on the hot seat and needs to show some improvement after going 5-19 the last two years. Veteran quarterback Sam B. Richardson and a deep and talented receiving corps will be his best weapons.
Iowa State continues to schedule some of the toughest FCS teams rather than find someone to destroy, and the last two years, it backfired. This time, however, the Cyclones will manage to win and get off to a good start for once.
Prediction: Iowa State 29, Northern Iowa 24
FINAL: Iowa State 31, Northern Iowa 7
Tennessee Tech at Houston
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When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Tennessee Tech was 5-7 last season but went into the winter with momentum thanks to a 2-1 finish. The Golden Eagles are 2-32 all-time against FBS teams but haven't beaten one since 1980.
Houston went 8-5 last season but decided to make a change at the top, firing Tony Levine and bringing in Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman. Herman did double-duty in January, getting the ball rolling with the Cougars while still coaching with the Buckeyes in the national championship game, but then he was 100 percent dedicated to getting Houston back to the level it was when Kevin Sumlin was in charge.
"Herman believes that the offense you watched power past Alabama and Oregon late last year will be similar to the one he runs in Houston," Bleacher Report's Adam Kramer wrote.
Greg Ward moved from receiver to quarterback midway through last year and threw for 2,010 yards with 12 touchdowns and added 573 rushing yards with six scores. Herman hasn't announced his starter yet, though.
Herman is primed for big success in Houston, and this opener will be the start of that rise.
Prediction: Houston 57, Tennessee Tech 13
FINAL: Houston 52, Tennessee Tech 24
Mississippi State at Southern Miss
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When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 10 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Dak Prescott threw four touchdown passes in a 49-0 home romp over Southern Miss last August.
What to watch for
Mississippi State isn't facing a nonconference power-league opponent for the second year in a row, instead playing a non-power team on the road for the second consecutive season. Last year, the Bulldogs went to South Alabama, and this time, they head to Hattiesburg for what's more of a recruiting trip than a true challenge.
The Bulldogs are rebuilding after a breakthrough 2014 season when they went 10-3 but fizzled after a 9-0 start. Prescott returned for his senior year and will be in the Heisman discussion because of his all-around play, but MSU was picked to finish last in the SEC West, and that will probably keep him from seriously contending for the award.
Southern Miss was 3-9 last season, tripling its win total from the previous two years combined. The Golden Eagles used to be a mid-major force, going 12-2 in 2011, but since then, there have been plenty of struggles.
Kickoff for this game is at 9 p.m. local time, to accommodate the TV folks. That's yet another odd thing about this meeting, along with the locale, and MSU could be ripe for an upset bid if not for the fact its opponent really isn't any good.
Prediction: Mississippi State 37, Southern Miss 16
FINAL: Mississippi State 34, Southern Miss 16
Arkansas State at No. 8 USC
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When: Saturday, Sept. 5; 11 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Arkansas State has been a rather successful mid-major program the last four years despite several coaching changes. The Red Wolves have won 35 games in that span, going 7-6 last season, with Blake Anderson the first man to stick around for more than one season. Before him were Hugh Freeze (now at Ole Miss), Gus Malzhan (Auburn) and Bryan Harsin (Boise State).
The Red Wolves have a sneaky-good dual-threat passer in senior Fredi Knighten, who had 4,056 yards of total offense last season.
USC was 9-4 a year ago, losing games at Boston College and Utah and home to Arizona State that all should have been wins if not for poor execution. The Trojans no longer have scholarship restrictions, and the talent is endless, but they've not been able to put it all together and make a serious push for a national title in nearly a decade.
Steve Sarkisian has a fifth-year senior quarterback in Cody Kessler, stars at nearly every position and an uptempo game plan that's hard to stop. The Trojans should win this one without any struggles, though stranger things have happened with this program of late.
Prediction: USC 46, Arkansas State 21
FINAL: USC 55, Arkansas State 6
Charlotte at Georgia State
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When: Friday, Sept. 4; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Charlotte is entering its first season at the FBS level in just its third year of football. The 49ers went 5-6 in both 2013 and 2014, playing a mix of FCS, Division II and Division III opponents. They are a member of Conference USA, playing in the East Division, but are not eligible for postseason play this year. Head coach Brad Lambert has been with the program since it was formed in 2011, having spent the previous 10 seasons on Wake Forest's staff.
This is Georgia State's third year of FBS play, and so far it hasn't gone very well. The Panthers have gone 1-23, with their only win coming at the start of last season when they narrowly edged transitioning FCS school Abilene Christian by one point. There are 17 starters back from that team, though, including senior quarterback Nick Arbuckle, who threw for 3,283 yards a year ago.
Neither team has ever beaten an FBS opponent before, so history will be made. Edge goes to the more experienced squad.
Prediction: Georgia State 34, Charlotte 30
FINAL: Charlotte 23, Georgia State 20
No. 5 Michigan State at Western Michigan
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When: Friday, Sept. 4; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Michigan State used two defensive touchdowns to overcome a sluggish offensive performance in a 26-13 home win over Western Michigan to open the 2013 season.
What to watch for
Unlike most of the other teams in the Big Ten, which like to prey on Mid-American teams early in the season, Michigan State is actually willing to play those teams on the road. The Spartans also played at (and beat) Central Michigan in 2012, and the chance for other fans in the Great Lakes State to get to see a big game is sure to provide an economic boost.
According to Western Michigan coach P.J. Fleck, MSU's visit to Kalamazoo could be the city's biggest event since Simon and Garfunkel played there in the 1970s (h/t Nick Piotrowicz of the Toledo Blade).
But this isn't just a barnstorming tour for the talented and senior-heavy Spartans, who have won 24 games the past two seasons and figure to be a playoff contender. This will be a difficult challenge against a rising Western Michigan program that went from 1-11 in Fleck's first season in 2013 to 8-5 last year.
The Broncos return a potent skill quartet of junior quarterback Zach Terrell (3,443 passing yards, 26 TDs), sophomore running back Jarvion Franklin (1,551 rushing yards, 24 TDs) and junior receivers Daniel Braverman and Corey Davis, who combined for 164 catches, 2,405 yards and 21 scores in 2014.
What WMU doesn't have are the defensive players to be able to pressure MSU quarterback Connor Cook, who could be the first passer taken in next year's NFL draft and will guide the Spartans to a harder-than-you'd-think opening win.
Prediction: Michigan State 27, Western Michigan 24
FINAL: Michigan State 37, Western Michigan 24
No. 4 Baylor at SMU
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When: Friday, Sept. 4; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Baylor held visiting SMU to 67 yards of total offense, including minus-24 on the ground, in a 45-0 win to open the 2014 season last August.
What to watch for
Baylor has claimed at least a share of the past two Big 12 titles, but an unimpressive resume (thanks to no noteworthy nonconference opponents) has kept the Bears out of the national championship picture despite only one regular-season loss each year. The same formula could be in place in 2015, as this road game against a 1-11 team is considered Baylor's "toughest" early test.
The Bears will once again be among the highest-scoring teams in the country, with the only notable change on offense being junior Seth Russell at quarterback in place of the graduated Bryce Petty. He'll have underrated junior running back Shock Linwood (1,252 yards, 16 touchdowns in 2014) and 1,000-yard receivers KD Cannon and Corey Coleman to help him ease into the job, while Baylor's defense—led by 6'9" senior defensive end Shawn Oakman—will be primed to tee off on SMU's young team.
SMU needed a season-ending 27-20 win over Connecticut to avoid a winless 2014, a year in which coach June Jones resigned after two games and the Mustangs averaged just 11.1 points per contest. Former Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris has taken over the program, hoping to transfer his play-calling success in South Carolina to Dallas.
The Mustangs are at least a year away from having any real expectations to compete over a full season, but expect Morris to have some wrinkles that will lead to big plays. Just not nearly enough to match what Baylor is going to produce.
Prediction: Baylor 44, SMU 21
FINAL: Baylor 56, SMU 21
Fordham at Army
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When: Friday, Sept. 4; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Larry Dixon ran for 158 yards and three touchdowns in Army's 42-31 home win over Fordham last November.
What to watch for
Fordham is ranked 21st in the FCS preseason coaches poll, coming off of an 11-3 season in which it reached the second round of the playoffs. The Rams are 1-4 all-time against FBS teams, but that win came in 2013 when they beat Temple.
Army is in its second year under Jeff Monken, going 4-8 last season to mark a fourth straight losing record. The Black Knights' option run game averaged 296.5 yards per game, sixth best in the nation, but Monken is hoping for more from the passing attack and has turned to sophomore Ahmad Bradshaw.
The Knights lost to Yale in overtime last season, their 13th overall loss against FCS opponents and second in three seasons. A third is very possible, but expect Army to have a good plan in place to take this one.
Prediction: Army 34, Fordham 24
FINAL: Fordham 37, Army 35
Rhode Island at Syracuse
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When: Friday, Sept. 4; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Syracuse earned a 21-14 win over Rhode Island in September 2011.
What to watch for
Rhode Island went 1-11 last season, winning its finale against Towson to snap a 15-game losing streak. The Rams opened 2014 with a 48-7 loss at Marshall, dropping them to 2-17 against FBS competition.
Syracuse is coming off of a 3-9 season in 2014, its worst mark since 2008. Scott Shafer's defensive-minded team couldn't produce anything on offense after dual-threat quarterback Terrel Hunt broke his leg in October. Despite only playing five games, Hunt led the Orange in total offense by more than 300 yards.
Hunt's return this season is huge for Syracuse, though he won't be able to single-handedly carry the team. He will be able to do enough on his own for an opening win, though, one that should be far easier than last August's double-overtime triumph over FCS Villanova.
Prediction: Syracuse 33, Rhode Island 14
FINAL: Syracuse 47, Rhode Island 0
Weber State at Oregon State
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When: Friday, Sept. 4; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Weber State went 2-10 last season, including an August loss at Arizona State. The Wildcats are 3-46 all-time against FBS teams and haven't pulled out a victory since downing Nevada in 1993.
Oregon State went through a surprising leadership change in the winter, with longtime coach Mike Riley leaving to take over Nebraska's program and the Beavers quickly replacing him with Wisconsin's Gary Andersen. Andersen, who also coached at Utah State, inherits a team that went 5-7 a year ago and, according to Weber State's sports information department, is the only FBS program that doesn't have a quarterback on the roster with any playing experience.
Seth Collins and Marcus McMaryion, both freshmen, are expected to play for OSU. They're replacing Pac-12 career passing leader Sean Mannion, who threw for 13,600 yards from 2011-14.
OSU will struggle to get to six wins in Andersen's first season, but the Beavers' past history of struggling against FCS teams—they fell to a Vernon Adams-led Eastern Washington in 2013 and to Sacramento State in 2011—won't pop up here.
Prediction: Oregon State 42, Weber State 20
FINAL: Oregon State 26, Weber State 7
Washington at No. 23 Boise State
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When: Friday, Sept. 4; 10:15 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Bishop Sankey ran for 161 yards and two touchdowns in host Washington's 38-6 win over Boise State to open the 2013 season.
What to watch for
Washington coach Chris Petersen returns to the blue turf he helped turn from a novelty into the surface that FBS' top non-power program dominated on. He went 92-12 with Boise State from 2006-13, winning at least 10 games in all but his final season before moving on to coach the Huskies.
Petersen helped schedule this game, the second half of a rare home-and-home series the Broncos have started to be able to secure against power opponents. Now it serves as a homecoming where he'll likely be applauded by the fans but then booed for the rest of the night.
"It's not just another game," Petersen told Christian Caple of the Tacoma News Tribune. "Because a lot of those guys we recruited, and I went there, and I have a lot of friends that went there."
Petersen's Huskies are coming off of an 8-6 season but bring back very little experience, either because of graduation, the NFL draft, dismissals or offseason injuries. They also don't have an announced quarterback, with junior Jeff Lindquist, redshirt freshman K.J. Carta-Samuels and true freshman Jake Browning all options.
Boise won't have its quarterback or running back from last year's 12-2 team (which beat Arizona in the Fiesta Bowl), but Bryan Harsin has almost everyone else back. The Broncos are one of the favorites to get the non-power spot in a major bowl again this year, and wins like these will help that cause.
Prediction: Boise State 37, Washington 16
FINAL: Boise State 16, Washington 13
North Carolina vs. South Carolina (in Charlotte, North Carolina)
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 6 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Host South Carolina jumped out to a 17-0 lead en route to a 27-10 win over North Carolina to open the 2013 season.
What to watch for
North Carolina went 6-7 in 2014, the third season under Larry Fedora. The Tar Heels' win total has dipped each season with Fedora at the helm, and last year it was a woeful defense that was most responsible for the struggles. UNC ranked 120th nationally in yards allowed, at 497.8 per game, and gave up 40 or more points six times.
Former Auburn and Iowa State coach Gene Chizik was brought in to fix the defense, and even minor improvement will make what senior quarterback Marquise Williams does on offense that much more effective. In 2014, Williams threw for 3,073 yards and 21 touchdowns and was also the Heels' leading rusher with 783 yards and 13 scores.
South Carolina was 7-6 last season, a far fall from the three straight 11-2 teams Steve Spurrier produced from 2011-13. The Gamecocks are again in a transition phase, with a new face at quarterback (sophomore Connor Mitch) and a defense that has turned to new coordinator Jon Hoke to get more pressure up front.
Spurrier, who turned 70 in April and has faced questions about how much longer he'll be a Head Ball Coach, will likely have his offensive game plan revolve around versatile junior Pharoh Cooper. Last year Cooper scored TDs as a receiver, running back and quarterback, including one apiece in a loss to Tennessee.
Not much defense will get played in this game, at least not in terms of making big stops. Expect UNC to come out on top, getting its first win over the Gamecocks since 1991.
Prediction: North Carolina 31, South Carolina 27
FINAL: South Carolina 17, North Carolina 13
Florida International at UCF
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 6 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Blake Bortles threw for 214 yards and a touchdown, and Storm Johnson ran for three scores in UCF's 38-0 win at Florida International in September 2013.
What to watch for
Florida International went 4-8 last season, which was a major improvement from the 1-11 record in coach Ron Turner's first year. The Golden Panthers have a hidden gem in tight end Jonnu Smith, a 6'3", 222-pound junior who led them in receptions (61), yards (710) and touchdowns (eight) and is ranked 224th in Bleacher Report's top 250 college football players.
UCF went 9-4 last season, bringing its win total to 31 in the past three years. This could be the final season for longtime coach George O'Leary, who is also the school's interim athletic director. Dan Wolken of USA Today reported Tuesday that O'Leary is lobbying to be the full-time AD and retire from coaching.
It could be a rough year for O'Leary and the Knights, which lost 13 starters, including top receiver Breshad Perriman. But UCF has enough to take this opener.
Prediction: UCF 24, Florida International 16
Final: Florida International 15, UCF 14
Oklahoma State at Central Michigan
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Oklahoma State won its last two games in 2014-15 to finish at 7-6 with freshman Mason Rudolph at quarterback. Now the full-time starter, Rudolph is at the helm of an offense that returns seven other starters and added junior college transfer Chris Carson at running back.
The Cowboys defense, led by junior defensive lineman Emmanuel Ogbah, should be much better than last year when it allowed more than 430 yards per game.
Central Michigan went 7-6 last year, falling to Western Kentucky in the Bahamas Bowl despite a wild comeback that featured a missed two-point conversion after a crazy lateral-filled final play in regulation. Since then, the man who scored the final TD (receiver Titus Davis) has graduated, and the Chippewas' head coach (Dan Enos) left to be Arkansas' offensive coordinator.
Quarterback Cooper Rush has started 23 games for Central Michigan, but he won't be enough to give the Chippewas their first win ever over a Big 12 school.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 30, Central Michigan 21
FINAL: Oklahoma State 24, Central Michigan 13
Elon at Wake Forest
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Wake Forest posted a 35-7 win over Elon in September 2009.
What to watch for
Elon went 1-11 last season, including a 52-13 loss to Duke and has lost 30 of its last 36 games. The Phoenix are 0-7 against FBS teams in their history.
Wake Forest went 3-9 in Dave Clawson's first season with the program, handcuffed by one of the most lethargic rushing offenses in the country. The Demon Deacons averaged 1.25 yards per carry and 39.9 yards per game on the ground, which negated a decent defense that returns seven starters, including linebacker Brandon Chubb and safety Ryan Janvion.
Wake has lost six times to FCS schools, but not since 2000. Expect the Deacons to grab some early confidence with a relatively easy win.
Prediction: Wake Forest 28, Elon 13
FINAL: Wake Forest 41, Elon 3
VMI at Ball State
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
VMI went 2-10 last season, with two of those losses coming to Bowling Green (48-7) and Navy (51-14). The Keydets are winless in 30 all-time clashes with FBS opponents.
Ball State slipped to 5-7 in 2014 after winning 10 games the year before, but Pete Lembo has a history of turning teams around in his coaching career. The Cardinals graduated 1,200-yard rusher Jahwan Edwards but bring back almost everyone else of substance. Quarterback Jack Milas threw for 1,302 yards and nine touchdowns in six starts last year as a freshman and now is the full-time starter.
The Cardinals have an unimpressive 19-10 record against FCS opponents, including a home loss to Indiana State last year, but VMI doesn't have the talent to be able to pull an upset here.
Prediction: Ball State 34, VMI 14
FINAL: Ball State 48, VMI 36
Stony Brook at Toledo
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Stony Brook went 5-7 in 2014, nearly knocking off Connecticut along the way. The Seawolves lost, 19-16, dropping their mark against FBS opponents to 1-6 with their lone win coming in 2012 against Army.
Toledo went 9-4 last year, capped by a runaway win over Arkansas State in the GoDaddy Bowl in which Kareem Hunt ran for 271 yards and five touchdowns. It was his 11th consecutive 100-yard game, a streak that will be on hold for a few weeks since the 6'0", 225-pound junior has been suspended for the first two games (along with defensive end Allen Covington) for a violation of team rules.
Hunt's absence won't matter as much this time around as it will for the Sept. 12 game against Arkansas. The Rockets have plenty of other weapons to get past Stony Brook without much concern, including senior quarterback Phillip Ely, an Alabama transfer who started Toledo's first two games last year before suffering a knee injury.
Prediction: Toledo 44, Stony Brook 21
UPDATE: The game was suspended at halftime, with Toledo holding a 16-7 lead, because of inclement weather. The game was eventually ruled a no contest, and the statistics do not count.
Alcorn State at No. 16 Georgia Tech
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 7:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Alcorn State went 10-3 in 2014, beating Southern for the SWAC championship. Along the way, the Braves narrowly fell to Southern Miss, 26-20, which dropped their record to 1-10 against FBS opponents.
Georgia Tech ranked second in FBS in rushing last year, at 342.1 yards per game, running the triple option to near perfection as it paced an 11-3 season that included a trip to the ACC championship and a win over Mississippi State in the Orange Bowl. Only junior quarterback Justin Thomas remains from the top skill players, but he was the leading rusher at 1,086 yards and eight touchdowns along with 18 passing TDs.
Tech rarely has problems with its FCS opponents, having lost just once against a lower-division team (to Furman in 1983 during a 3-8 season). Alcorn State is a solid team, but despite having a balanced offense of its own, it won't be able to slow down the Yellow Jackets' run game.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 40, Alcorn State 17
FINAL: Georgia Tech 69, Alcorn State 6
Villanova at Connecticut
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 7:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Villanova beat Connecticut, 48-45, in triple overtime in 1999, the last season before UConn moved up to the FBS level. The teams have met 11 times.
What to watch for
Villanova is ranked third in the preseason FCS coaches poll, coming off an 11-3 season in which the Wildcats reached the FCS quarterfinals. Senior quarterback John Robertson is the reigning Walter Payton Award winner, making him the FCS equivalent of a Heisman Trophy winner, with more than 10,000 yards of total offense and 107 total touchdowns in his career.
Connecticut went 2-10 last season, its first under former Notre Dame assistant Bob Diaco. The Huskies ranked 126th out of 128 FBS teams in total offense, at 276.3 yards per game, though they somehow managed to score 37 points to beat UCF for their only win over an FBS opponent. Sophomore Bryant Shirreffs, a transfer from North Carolina State, has been tabbed as the starting quarterback.
UConn barely made it past a weak Stony Brook team last season, and Villanova is a far tougher opponent. A few FCS teams pull upsets on FBS bottom-feeders each year, and this is a prime opportunity for the little guy to snatch a victory.
Prediction: Villanova 31, Connecticut 27
FINAL: Connecticut 20, Villanova 15
Western Kentucky at Vanderbilt
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Vanderbilt earned a 12-0 win over Western Kentucky in 1938. The Commodores have blanked the Hilltoppers in all three meetings.
What to watch for
Western Kentucky went 8-5 last year in coach Jeff Brohm's first season, and he succeeded by opening up the playbook and letting quarterback Brandon Doughty go wild. Doughty responded by throwing for 4,830 yards and 49 touchdowns, both tops in FBS, and because of two knee injuries that wiped out a pair of seasons, he was granted a sixth year of eligibility.
Vanderbilt had a disastrous first season under Derek Mason, going 3-9 and winless in the SEC. Things started bad right from the outset, when after a lengthy weather delay the Commodores were blown out at home by Temple in their season opener.
Mason installed himself as Vandy's defensive coordinator, but his biggest issue for 2015 remains quarterback play. The 'Dores used four quarterbacks in 2014, and they combined for 19 interceptions and 50.4 percent passing. Mason has yet to announce whether he'll go with one of two sophomores, Wade Freebeck or Johnny McCrary.
This is a loss waiting to happen for Vandy, so unless it can pressure Doughty—the 'Dores had only 20 sacks in 2014—there will be at least one SEC team starting 0-1 again this year.
Prediction: Western Kentucky 38, Vanderbilt 28
FINAL: Western Kentucky 14, Vanderbilt 12
Michigan at Utah
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 8:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Utah forced four Michigan turnovers and got a punt-return touchdown from Kaelin Clay to pull out a 26-10 upset win at Michigan last September.
What to watch for
Michigan's home loss to Utah last year was one of the many nails in Brady Hoke's coffin, and even then the rumblings had already started about Jim Harbaugh being the answer for all that ails the Wolverines. The former Michigan quarterback took over the program after the season, and his barnstorming PR tour across the country has brought the team plenty of attention.
Now we get to see what Harbaugh has to work with in this first year. He could be starting a transfer at quarterback in ex-Iowa passer Jake Rudock (who has battled junior Shane Morris in training camp) and will be looking to get better results than the 2014 offense that averaged 333 yards per game.
Utah won nine games last season, but not many people noticed what the Utes accomplished because most of the praise in the Pac-12 went to other teams. The Utes are starting to feel like the opening act for Harbaugh's debut in this game, according to Kareem Copeland of the Associated Press.
"For me, really, it's getting annoying," Utah running back Devontae Booker told Copeland. "They can have all the hype. We love being underdogs and proving teams wrong. Honestly, I feel like it's overhyped."
Booker had only 34 of his 1,512 rushing yards last year against Michigan, but after that he blew up and topped 100 yards on seven occasions. A big result in this high-profile game could push Booker into the Heisman discussion and also give Utah some much-deserved credit.
Prediction: Utah 26, Michigan 20
FINAL: Utah 24, Michigan 17
No. 2 TCU at Minnesota
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 9 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Trevone Boykin had 350 yards of total offense and threw two touchdown passes in TCU's 30-7 home win over Minnesota last September.
What to watch for
TCU was the biggest surprise of the 2014 season, winning 12 games and a share of the Big 12 title and destroying Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl. The Horned Frogs missed out on a playoff bid and have used that snub as offseason motivation, and with most of last year's team back for another go-around, there are plenty of driven players for coach Gary Patterson to turn to.
Boykin, a senior, is the Heisman co-favorite, according to Odds Shark, and is coming off a breakthrough year when he tallied more than 4,600 yards of total offense and was responsible for 42 touchdowns. He has plenty of weapons to work with, though his receiving depth isn't what it was a month ago after Cameron Echols-Luper transferred to Arkansas State and a few other wideouts hobbled through training camp.
Patterson has said two TCU defenders won't play against Minnesota, per Chuck Carlton of the Dallas Morning News, but he hasn't said which ones.
Minnesota is coming off a second straight 8-5 season, but both have featured strong performances for the first two months of the year and then struggles down the stretch. The Golden Gophers lost four of six after a 6-1 start, including a loss to Missouri in the Citrus Bowl.
Top offensive stars David Cobb (1,629 rushing yards, 13 TDs) and Maxx Williams (team-high 36 receptions, 569 yards and eight TDs) are gone, leaving Minnesota's fate in the hands of mobile junior quarterback Mitch Leidner and a defense that returns seven starters.
TCU will get tested but also earn valuable credit for escaping with a road win over a power-conference opponent.
Prediction: TCU 29, Minnesota 20
FINAL: TCU 23, Minnesota 17
Ohio at Idaho
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 9 p.m. ET
Last meeting: A.J. Ouellette ran for 132 yards and two touchdowns in a 36-24 home win over Idaho last September.
What to watch for
Ohio went 6-6 last season, its sixth straight year with a .500 or better record under former Nebraska coach Frank Solich, but the Bobcats weren't invited to a bowl game. Ouellette ran for 785 yards and seven TDs as a freshman, while quarterback Derrius Vick threw for 1,156 yards and eight TDs while splitting time with JD Sprague.
Idaho was 1-10 in 2014, its only win coming against New Mexico State. Coach Paul Petrino didn't help his cause by getting into a confrontation with a local reporter in August.
The Vandals' warehouse-like Kibbie Dome is a unique place to play a football game and could give Idaho just enough of an edge to win its first season opener since 2010.
Prediction: Idaho 27, Ohio 23
FINAL: Ohio 45, Idaho 28
Southern Utah at Utah State
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 9 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Utah State opened the 2012 season with a 34-3 win over visiting Southern Utah, going on to post an 11-2 record with its two losses by a combined five points.
What to watch for
Southern Utah went 3-9 last season, losing to FBS schools Nevada (28-19) and Fresno State (56-16) along the way. The Thunderbirds are 3-20 against FBS competition in their history, but in 2013 they pulled out a 22-21 victory at South Alabama.
Injuries forced Utah State to play four different quarterbacks last season, and the Aggies still managed to win 10 games thanks to a defense that forced 30 turnovers. Oft-injured Chuckie Keeton is back (and hopefully healthy) for another year of mobile quarterback play, and when he's able to stay on the field, he's quite a sight. The fifth-year senior has more than 7,600 yards of total offense and has accounted for 73 total touchdowns.
Utah State is one of four strong teams in the Mountain West's Mountain Division and could be in the running for the "Group of Five" New Year's bowl bid with a strong season. This will be a tuneup for much bigger games the next two weeks at Utah and Washington.
Prediction: Utah State 37, Southern Utah 16
FINAL: Utah State 12, Southern Utah 9
Duke at Tulane
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 9:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Joseph Ajeigbe and Bryon Fields both returned interceptions for touchdowns in host Duke's 47-13 home win over Tulane last September.
What to watch for
Duke won nine games in 2014, bringing its total to 25 in the past three seasons. That's the same number of victories the Blue Devils had from 2000 to 2011. David Cutcliffe has turned one of the worst programs in the power conferences into a perennial ACC Coastal Division contender, though this year's team will be thinner that most due to graduation and injuries.
Thomas Sirk goes from being the change-of-pace option at quarterback to the starter, and the junior will look to show off the mobility that saw him score eight rushing touchdowns last year. Duke's stellar secondary took a major hit late in training camp when Fields, a junior cornerback, went down with a season-ending knee injury.
Tulane opened its swanky new on-campus complex (Yulman Stadium) in 2014, and that was about the only positive that came from last year's 3-9 campaign. The Green Wave averaged 16 points per game, fifth worst in FBS, tallying only 16 points during a season-ending three-game skid.
Quarterback Tanner Lee threw 14 interceptions against 12 TDs as a freshman last fall, and he'll again be running the offense. Three of his picks came at Duke, so don't be surprised if he throws a few more.
Prediction: Duke 27, Tulane 17
FINAL: Duke 37, Tulane 7
UTSA at No. 22 Arizona
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 10 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Nick Wilson ran for 174 yards and a touchdown, and Cayleb Jones caught an 85-yard TD pass from Anu Solomon on the first play from scrimmage in Arizona's 26-23 win at UTSA last September.
What to watch for
UTSA was one of the most senior-laden teams in the country last year, but all of that experience didn't translate into success. The Roadrunners went 4-8 and were held to single digits four times, and now they have only six returning starters.
Former Miami (Florida) coach Larry Coker has been with the program since it was started from scratch in 2009, and he's almost starting over this season with so much youth set to play. That includes quarterback Blake Bogenschutz, who appeared in four games as a freshman in 2014 but didn't throw a touchdown.
Arizona went 10-4 in 2014, winning the Pac-12 South but then losing to Oregon in the conference final and to Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. The Wildcats return most of their top skill players, including redshirt sophomore Solomon (3,793 yards, 28 TDs), sophomore Wilson (1,375 yards, 16 TDs) and redshirt junior Jones (1,019 yards, nine TDs). They also have the most decorated defender in FBS from a year ago in junior linebacker Scooby Wright, who won three major awards after leading the nation in tackles (163), tackles for loss (29) and forced fumbles (six).
Rich Rodriguez has won 26 games in his first three seasons with Arizona, including a 9-0 mark in nonconference play. Make that 10-0.
Prediction: Arizona 39, UTSA 16
FINAL: Arizona 42, UTSA 32
UC Davis at Nevada
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 10 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Nevada breezed to a 36-7 win over UC Davis in September 2013, a victory that came in between blowout losses at UCLA and Florida State.
What to watch for
UC Davis went 2-9 last season, dropping games at Stanford (45-0) in August and Colorado State (49-21) in September. The Aggies are 2-12 all-time against FBS opponents, their most recent win coming in 2010 against San Jose State.
Nevada went 7-6 last season but heads into a very uncertain year due to a major void at quarterback. From 2007-14 the Wolf Pack basically had two guys handle that position, Colin Kaepernick and Cody Fajardo, and those two passers each topped 13,000 yards of total offense and accounted for more than 100 touchdowns in their careers. Now comes junior Tyler Stewart, Fajardo's backup the last two seasons, who played in just one game a year ago.
Stewart's first-ever action came as a redshirt freshman in Nevada's 2013 win over UC Davis. He will have a far better performance this time than two years ago, when he was picked off and completed just seven of 15 passes for 49 yards.
Prediction: Nevada 33, UC Davis 17
FINAL: Nevada 31, UC Davis 17
New Hampshire at San Jose State
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 10 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
New Hampshire is ranked seventh in the FCS preseason coaches poll, coming off of a 12-2 season in which the Wildcats reached the semifinals. Their only other loss that year came in August at Toledo, dropping their mark against FBS opponents to 7-8-1.
San Jose State dipped to 3-9 last season, its worst record since going 1-12 in 2010. The Spartans peaked at 11-2 in 2012, which helped Mike MacIntyre land the Colorado job, and Ron Caragher has only won nine games in his two seasons on the job. He's yet to name a quarterback, still undecided between senior Joe Gray (who threw for 2,305 yards and 11 touchdowns last year) and junior college transfer Kenny Potter.
SJSU brings a six-game losing streak into this challenging opener, but the late start might be just enough to hold off the jet-lagged visitors.
Prediction: San Jose State 31, New Hampshire 24
FINAL: San Jose State 43, New Hampshire 13
Abilene Christian at Fresno State
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When: Thursday, Sept. 3; 10 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Abilene Christian is entering its third season at the FCS level, having gone 6-6 a year ago. The Wildcats are 1-2 all-time against FBS opponents, posting a 38-35 win at Troy last September, and their two losses (to New Mexico State in 2013 and last August at Georgia State) have been by a combined six points.
Fresno State went 6-8 last season, but because it won the Mountain West's West Division (before losing to Boise State in the conference final) it was granted a waiver to play in a bowl game despite a losing record. That resulted in a setback to Rice in the Hawaii Bowl, which puts the Bulldogs on a two-game skid heading into 2015.
Sophomore quarterback Zack Greenlee, who played in three games in 2014, has been named the starter, and he'll likely do a lot of handing off to senior Marteze Waller. Waller ran for 1,368 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago.
Prediction: Fresno State 33, Abilene Christian 23
FINAL: Fresno State 34, Abilene Christian 13
Colorado at Hawaii
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When: Friday, Sept. 4; 1 a.m. ET
Last meeting: Sefo Liufau threw two touchdown passes, one of which was among the 13 receptions made by Nelson Spruce, in Colorado's 21-12 home win over Hawaii last September.
What to watch for
Colorado has been one of the worst power-conference teams in FBS the last four seasons, going 7-39 in that span. Mike MacIntyre is 6-18, including last year's 2-10 mark in which the Buffaloes went winless in Pac-12 play.
Despite a solid pass-catching combination between Liufau (3,200 passing yards, 28 TDs) and Spruce (106 catches, 1,198 yards, 12 TDs), Colorado hasn't had the ability to hold leads or win close games. Last year it was 1-4 in games decided by five or fewer points, including losses to California, UCLA and Utah.
Hawaii used to be a perennial mid-major success, parlaying a distinct home-field advantage with high-octane offenses to average 8.4 wins from 2006-10. The Rainbow Warriors have won just 14 games in the past four seasons, going 4-9 last year, though that did include a November win at San Jose State that ended a 17-game road losing streak.
Norm Chow has turned to USC transfer Max Wittek as his quarterback, hoping he can return Hawaii's passing game to the days when Timmy Chang and Colt Brennan were destroying opposing secondaries.
Hawaii came close to beating Pac-12 schools Washington and Oregon State at home last year, but this season it will grab its first win over a power foe since knocking off Colorado in 2011.
Prediction: Hawaii 43, Colorado 36
FINAL: Hawaii 28, Colorado 20
Statistics provided by CFBStats.com. All recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.
Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.
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