College Football Predictions: Which New Coach Will Have Best Opening Week
When Brian Kelly was named head coach of Notre Dame, expectations for a quick turnaround in South Bend immediately followed.
Kelly will have to begin working miracles when his team takes on an improved Purdue squad Saturday.
Elsewhere, two new head coaches should enjoy their debut in the Sunshine State.
Skip Holtz brings a strong pedigree to South Florida, and Jimbo Fisher leads his strong offense onto the field for the first time.
Here's a look at how Brian Kelly and the 11 new coaches in BCS Conferences might fare in their Week 1 debut.
No. 12: Mike London, Virginia Vs. Richmond
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Mike London takes over a Virginia program in need of some major improvements after being gutted during the final years of the Al Groh era.
London's first game as head coach of Virginia comes against the Richmond Spiders, a program he helped build and led to 2008 FCS National Championship.
Richmond reached the quarterfinals of the FCS Playoffs last year and figures to give London's Virginia team a huge run for its money.
Better things are likely to come, but an opening week loss for London at the hands of his former team is a grim possibility.
No. 11: Robbie Caldwell, Vanderbilt Vs. Northwestern
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Robbie Caldwell was thrown into the fire just weeks ago, and opens his run as interim head coach Saturday against Northwestern.
The Commodores were one of the worst offensive teams in all of College Football last season, and don't have much to be excited about in 2010. Making matters worse, star sophomore running back Warren Norman is questionable for the season opener because of a knee injury.
A loss to Northwestern could be foreshadowing of what is to come for Caldwell.
No. 10: Charlie Strong, Louisville Vs. Kentucky
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There's plenty to like about Charlie Strong, who made a name for himself as the defensive coordinator at Florida under Urban Meyer before coming to Louisville.
The Cardinals are a sleeping giant in the Big East, but the program is currently mired in the beginning stages of rebuilding mode.
A loss to rival Kentucky in Louisville would provide a bad start for Strong's run. Brighter days are certainly ahead.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
No. 9: Tommy Tuberville, Texas Tech Vs. SMU
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There's nothing quite like preparing to play against June Jones' run-and-shoot offense, and that task befalls new Texas Tech head man Tommy Tumberville Sunday afternoon.
The Red Raiders are an experienced unit with talent on both sides of the ball, but there is no reason to think a win over Jones' SMU squad will come easily.
Mustangs' quarterback Kyle Padron will put points on the board, meaning Tuberville's team might have to channel the offensive-minded ghost of Mike Leach to escape with the victory.
No. 8: Butch Jones, Cincinnati at Fresno State
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Butch Jones has ridden the coattails of Brian Kelly to two head coaching jobs, inheriting two programs in good shape.
That should be enough to make his job easier.
The Bearcats open the season with an interesting match-up against Fresno State. Although the Pat Hill's feisty bunch is 9-4 in season openers during his reign, they will clearly have their hands full with Cincinnati's powerful offense.
Quarterback Zach Collaras could help Jones ride into the BCS in his first year on the job, beginning with a close win in Fresno.
No. 7: Joker Phillips, Kentucky at Louisville
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The Bluegrass battle is always entertaining, and that should be the case again this year when two teams with first-year head coaches battle.
Kentucky has won three of the last four meetings and still has an edge in the talent department, with Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb providing a dynamic duo for Joker Phillips.
Anything can happen when Kentucky and Louisville meet, but the Cardinals appear headed for a difficult loss in the opener.
No. 6: Turner Gill, Kansas Vs. North Dakota State
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The former Nebraska Cornhusker was became one of the hottest names in College Coaching in recent years and found a new home in Kansas.
The Jayhawks are in rebuilding mode, seeking to replace three offensive stalwarts including quarterback Todd Reesing.
The 2010 season will be up and down for Gill, but it's difficult to imagine a early bump in the road against North Dakota State.
No. 5: Derek Dooley, Tennessee Vs. Tennessee-Martin
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The season opener on Saturday is one of the few games Derek Dooley's team will be able to chalk off as a victory before opening kickoff.
The Vols aren't exactly in great shape and have questions on both sides of the ball, but it's difficult to imagine a loss to the Skyhawks.
Tennessee fans should get the chance to enjoy an offensive explosion Saturday, something they might not be lucky enough to see again until 2011.
No. 4: Skip Holtz, South Florida Vs. Stony Brook
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Skip Holtz has some big shoes to fill, but the going shouldn't be very tough on Saturday against mighty Stony Brook.
The only question will be just how many points the South Florida's offense will put up on the scoreboard.
Holtz is certain to endure some growing pains in his move to a BCS Conference school, especially if star quarterback B.J. Daniels gets bruised and battered as the season unfolds.
No. 3: Jimbo Fisher, Florida State Vs. Samford
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What better way to start off a new era than by feasting on a big cupcake?
That's what will happen Saturday when Jimbo Fisher makes his debut as Florida State's head coach will a glorified scrimmage against Samford.
Christian Ponder and the Florida State wide receivers have a chance to put up some ridiculous numbers in preparation for the trip to Norman on September 11 to battle the Sooners.
It won't always be this easy for Fisher.
No. 2: Lane Kiffin, USC At. Hawaii
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Hawaii likes nothing more than being visited by BCS teams from the mainland and should be fired up to face USC Thursday night.
Thankfully for Lane Kiffin, the advantage in talent is still clearly on his side.
Kiffin's depleted USC squad will almost certainly be tested, but Hawaii isn't good enough to sustain an early surge. Not this year at least.
Matt Barkley should have a field day, helping his Trojans pull out a high-scoring victory against the Rainbow Warriors.
No. 1: Brian Kelly, Notre Dame Vs. Purdue
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Brian Kelly's Notre Dame looks like the favorite to beat Purdue on paper and in the media, but the games are decided on the field.
If it happens, it won't be without a struggle.
Notre Dame quarterback Dayne Crist begins an era of his own Saturday, when he finally gets the chance to show what he really can do.
The Boilermakers have a talented offense and will put points on the board, meaning Crist will have to move the ball and beginning living up to his lofty expectations.
A close win over Purdue would greatly appease the masses in South Bend.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
