College football: Week one predictions

It’s here—college football is back! That sport rife with scandal and off-field posturing about conference alignments is finally back to playing games. Thank, thank goodness.

Here’s a look at week one matchups:

TCU over Baylor (Friday night). Even though this game is in Waco, this is a really difficult way for Art Briles’ Bears to open up a season where they have high hopes of returning to a bowl game. TCU is not the team which went to the Rose Bowl last year but Gary Patterson has another formidable, top 20 squad which will be playing its last season in the Mountain West. TCU by a touchdown.

Kansas over McNeese State. McNeese State will be a tougher opponent for the Jayhawks than last year’s home opener when Kansas lost to North Dakota State. It’s hard to imagine KU laying a second consecutive opener egg. KU by 13.

Missouri over Miami (Ohio.) The James Franklin era begins at MU but a stout defense could be the key to this year’s squad. Missouri by 20 in their home opener.

Kansas State over Eastern Kentucky. The Brown brothers make their debut in Manhattan and the Wildcats roll. KSU by 18.

Texas over Rice. Mack Brown has a sour taste in his mouth from last year’s season and the Owls are, unfortunately for them, the first to bear the brunt of a rejuvenated Longhorn team. Texas by 21.

Oklahoma over Tulsa. OU has its sights set on a national championship. Oklahoma by 24 over the Golden Hurricanes.

Oklahoma State over Louisiana-Lafayette. OSU will light up the scoreboard in Stillwater. The Cowboys will roll Saturday by 35.

Georgia over Boise State. Boise State once again ventures away from home to take on a name opponent in the season opener. This will be one of the best matchups of the day--a game which Georgia will win at home by a field goal.

BYU over Mississippi. A school who some feel could end up in the Big 12 after Texas A&M’s departure will win by a touchdown in Oxford.

Hawaii over Colorado. Colorado’s football struggles will continue even before playing a Pac 12 foe. Hawaii by 9.

Notre Dame over South Florida. Defense is the word of the day in South Bend and they will stymie South Florida’s “O.” ND by 14 at home.

Boston College over Northwestern. Boston College opens at home and will eke out a win against Northwestern. BC by 3.

Game of the Day: LSU over Oregon. These two national contenders open up the season with a match-up in Death Valley. It’ll be the second consecutive loss by Oregon to an SEC squad. Look for the Tigers to win by four.