College Gameday 2013: Week 1 Schedule, Location, Predictions and More

ESPN College Gameday's coverage of the college football season begins in Clemson, S.C. on Saturday. The location of the year's first show almost had to be the site of the unquestionable game of the week between the No. 5-ranked Georgia Bulldogs and No. 8 Clemson Tigers.

This game will be the focus, but the entire opening week of college football will be up for discussion with Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard and of course, Lee Corso.

Here's how you can watch:

Week 1 Predictions

Clemson Will Thrive at Home, ABC at 8 p.m. ET

Queue the early and legitimate national championship talk for the Tigers. Playing at home against a top-five team, Tajh Boyd, Sammy Watkins and Co. will deliver a huge season-opening win.

The Tigers have a way of letting down late in the season, but over the last three years, the Tigers are 3-0 at home against ranked opponents not named South Carolina. Their Palmetto state neighbors have gotten the best of them in Death Valley two times in a row as the home-field advantage isn't quite as slanted in favor of the Tigers in that matchup.

The Bulldogs aren't from around those parts, and the Tigers' faithful will play a major role in pushing Clemson to a victory.

The Tigers will win 35-28 in an exciting matchup.

Aside from the Clemson-Georgia game, there is only one other game featuring two ranked opponents. Here's a prediction for the Big 12-SEC "neutral" site clash.

An Underrated LSU defense Will Slow Down TCU, ESPN and Watch ESPN at 9 p.m. ET

Technically, the No. 20 Texas Christian-No. 12 Louisiana State University game is a neutral-site contest. Since the game is being played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Tex., there is no question which team should have the largest fanbase on hand.

There could be thoughts that LSU's defense won't be as stout as it has been in recent years due to youth. While that may be the case, don't underestimate the Tigers' defense in 2013.

The Jalens at cornerback (Jalen Mills and Jalen Collins) are ready to step up big time. Craig Loston and Ronald Martin are even more seasoned at safety. This secondary is ready to play better than many may expect.

The Horned Frogs will return seven starters to compete within their 4-2-5 scheme on defense. The unit was ranked 16th in the nation on defense in 2012, per CFBStats, so this game won't be high scoring. Tigers quarterback Zach Mettenberger was less than stellar in 2012 (12 touchdowns and seven interceptions), but a year of experience and a full complement of returning receivers will help his cause.

In the end, the SEC will reign supreme and validate having seven teams ranked ahead of TCU in the preseason poll, per ESPN.

Here is a look at the entire Saturday schedule with viewing information and predictions.

Follow me and witness my passion for sports and video games.