College Football Opening Night Preview

College football is all the way back. Nebraska provided a nice appetizer, but tonight Week One kicks off in a big way with 16 games on the college football schedule. Let’s touch on a few of the big ones to get you prepared for what will be an outstanding night for fans across the country.

The Backyard Brawl: #17 Pitt (-7.5) vs. West Virginia, 7 pm, ESPN

One of the best rivalries in college football is back after an 11-year hiatus. The reigning ACC champs will host the Mountaineers in Don’t-Call-Me Heinz Field without home field advantage. Tons of West Virginia fans have gobbled up seats for the sold out event with ticket prices on the secondary market exceeding $200.

Pat Narduzzi came to Michigan State as a defensive savant, yet his best season as the Panthers’ coach was the result of an explosive offense that is now without its top two weapons, Kenny Pickett and Jordan Addison. In the Steelers’ quarterback’s place will be Kedon Slovis. The former USC quarterback is facing off against the quarterback he replaced at USC, JT Daniels. Now in his third college stop, Daniels is reuniting with the offensive coordinator the made him a star, Graham Harrell. Ahead of a big season for Neal Brown, the former Wildcat is ditching play-calling duties for the first time in 14 seasons.

The highly-charged, emotional atmosphere will likely create some sloppy play. In a close game, whoever wins the turnover margin will likely leave victorious.

Purdue (+3.5) vs. Penn State, 8 pm, Fox

James Franklin was expected to be a top name in the eventful coaching carousel last offseason. Instead, Penn State struggled, but he was able to get a contract extension. The Nittany Lions are now 11-11 over the last two seasons, looking to rebound in a difficult road environment. Sean Clifford has produced so-so results, with many Penn State fans anxiously awaiting for the debut of five-star freshman Drew Allar.

The calls for Allar could be amplified if Purdue punches Penn State in the mouth. Playing in front of a sold out crowd at Ross-Ade Stadium, the Boilermakers are fresh off their first nine-win season since 2003. Purdue lost its top offensive and defensive stars, David Bell and George Karlaftis, but quarterback Aidan O’Connell is back for his sixth season. A great spot for Jeff Brohm, he’s 8-3 ATS as a home underdog since 2018. Those dogs are howling Thursday night.

Tennessee (-35.5) vs. Ball State, 7 pm, SEC Network

Josh Heupel got off to a fast start at Tennessee. Expectations are even higher on Rocky Top with Hendon Hooker back under center. One of the most efficient quarterbacks in all of college football will get to tee off against a defense that ranked 85th or worst in passing and scoring defense last fall. The biggest question mark around the Vols: Will the defense be any better? They can’t win shootouts every Saturday. Tonight we could learn if they’ll get any help from the defense, or if it will be much of the same in 2022.

#12 Oklahoma State (-21.5) vs. Central Michigan, 7 pm, FS1

Oklahoma State was one play away from winning the Big 12 title in 2021. Spencer Sanders is back, starting at quarterback for a fourth straight season. Mike Gundy is seeking his 150th win at Oklahoma State, potentially producing some high-flying fireworks in Stillwater to open the season.

Missouri (-20.5) vs. Louisiana Tech, 8 pm, ESPNU

Eli Drinkwitz enters his third season in a peculiar situation. Connor Bazelak was one of the SEC’s most pleasant surprises as a true freshman. Halfway through his second season, Drinkwitz sent him to the bench. Bazelak transferred to Indiana, but Drinkwitz did not find a replacement in the portal. The Tigers will roll out Brady Cook, who produced ho-hum results in a handful of starts last fall. Coach Drink has recruited well, but he needs to buy time to gain some political capital. A dominant performance tonight could briefly quiet his critics.