Author: uthinkuknowsports

Location: Delaware Stadium — Newark, Delaware
Kickoff: Thursday, September 3 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+
DraftKings line (Aug. 30): Delaware -28.5
Over/under: 55.5

The Setup

Delaware enters Year 2 as an FBS program after becoming only the second team ever to win a bowl in its first FBS season. Merrimack arrives 0-1 after a 34-7 Week 0 loss, so one side already has a new-level trophy and the other has a four-quarter repair list.

What I’m Watching

The question is how long Merrimack can keep this from becoming a depth game. Delaware averaged 29.0 points and 411.6 yards per game last season and returns seven offensive starters. A couple of first-half stops would matter much more for Merrimack than matching Delaware play for play.

Personnel Snapshot

Merrimack: Mike Gennetti enters Year 3 as head coach. Quarterback AJ Hairston Jr. transferred from UMass after throwing for 952 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions last season.

Delaware: Ryan Carty enters Year 5 with 12 returning starters—seven on offense and five on defense.

Delaware quarterback: Nick Minicucci returns after throwing for more than 3,500 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also ran for 10 scores, becoming only the second Delaware quarterback with a 20-pass-touchdown, 10-rush-touchdown season.

Three Quick Analysis Points

1. The home-opener trend: Carty is 23-1 in home openers across his college life as a player and coach. His only loss came in 2004.

2. The quarterback advantage: Minicucci’s production and experience give Delaware a major head start against a Merrimack team already trying to repair its Week 0 offense.

3. The pressure point: Delaware’s three returning offensive linemen allowed only four sacks combined last season. Steven Demboski has not allowed one in his college career.

How the Game Is Decided

Merrimack needs a short game: long possessions, no giveaways and one special-teams break. Delaware needs to stay patient, control the line and avoid the early mistake that gives an underdog belief.

Prediction

I make my final predictions on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook at @uthinkuknowsports.

Full disclosure: I use AI tools to format my research into an article encompassing all of the information.

Location: Broadview Stadium — Amherst, New York
Kickoff: Thursday, September 3 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+
DraftKings line (Aug. 30): Buffalo -24.5
Over/under: 48.5

The Setup

Tom Perkovich’s first game at UAlbany comes as a 24.5-point underdog. These teams are tied 1-1 since 2004, and UAlbany won the most recent meeting 22-16 in 2016.

What I’m Watching

Buffalo returns only one offensive starter after averaging 24.0 points per game last season. UAlbany does not need to match the Bulls’ depth; it needs to force a few early punts while the rebuilt offense is still settling in.

Personnel Snapshot

UAlbany: Perkovich enters Year 1 as head coach. Aidan Semo is the most experienced returning passer but threw for only 78 yards last season.

Buffalo: Pete Lembo enters Year 3 with five returning starters—one on offense and four on defense. The defense allowed 343.6 yards and 23.5 points per game.

Buffalo quarterback: The job remains open, with Mason Cumbie the most experienced candidate. That uncertainty puts extra pressure on the running game and protection to create manageable downs.

Three Quick Analysis Points

1. The protection problem: Buffalo allowed a disruptive play on 16.5% of its offensive snaps, No. 126 nationally. A heavily rebuilt offense must show that weakness has been repaired.

2. The pass-rush edge: Buffalo ranked No. 6 nationally with 3.0 sacks per game and finished with 36. UAlbany returns no listed starting offensive linemen.

3. The upset formula: UAlbany needs one repeatable way to move the ball. Isolated big plays will not be enough if most possessions end quickly against Buffalo’s experienced defenders.

How the Game Is Decided

Buffalo’s first job is avoiding three-and-outs while its new offensive pieces settle in. UAlbany must turn every early stop into field position or points before the Bulls’ depth takes over.

Prediction

I make my final predictions on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook at @uthinkuknowsports.

Full disclosure: I use AI tools to format my research into an article encompassing all of the information.

Location: Acrisure Bounce House — Orlando, Florida
Kickoff: Thursday, September 3 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+
DraftKings line (Aug. 30): UCF -42.5
Over/under: 59.5

The Setup

UCF is 29-1 against FCS teams since joining the FBS. The only loss was a 16-15 stumble during its 0-12 season in 2015, and the Knights have won nine straight since.

What I’m Watching

The question is how quickly UCF’s rebuilt offense settles in. The Knights averaged 36.2 points per game last season but return only four offensive starters. Bethune-Cookman allowed 33.2 points per game and must force early punts to keep the number of possessions down.

Personnel Snapshot

Bethune-Cookman: Raymond Woodie Jr. enters Year 4 as head coach. Amari Jones is the Wildcats’ most experienced returning passer, but he had no meaningful passing sample last season.

UCF: Scott Frost enters Year 2 with 10 returning starters—four on offense and six on defense. The defense allowed 335.8 yards and 23.6 points per game.

UCF quarterback: Alonza Barnett III has been named the starter after throwing for 2,533 yards and 21 touchdowns at James Madison. He enters with 72 career touchdowns—49 passing and 23 rushing—and College Football Playoff experience.

Three Quick Analysis Points

1. The Thursday trend: UCF has won 11 straight Thursday games and 10 consecutive season openers. Opening night in Orlando has become a program habit.

2. The rebuilt backfield: Only 95 rushing yards return from last year’s roster, but transfers Duke Watson and Landen Chambers combined for 2,204 yards and 19 touchdowns.

3. The settled secondary: UCF finished No. 22 nationally in passing defense at 185.1 yards allowed per game and returns four starters in the secondary.

How the Game Is Decided

UCF’s first job is avoiding three-and-outs while the new offensive pieces settle in. Bethune-Cookman must turn every early stop into field position or points; empty possessions will eventually let the Knights’ size and depth take over.

Prediction

I make my final predictions on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook at @uthinkuknowsports.

Full disclosure: I use AI tools to format my research into an article encompassing all of the information.

Location: Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium — Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Kickoff: Thursday, September 3 at 7 p.m. ET on ACC Network
DraftKings line (Aug. 30): Wake Forest -24.5
Over/under: 48.5

The Setup

Wake Forest and Akron have never met, and this is the Demon Deacons’ first game against a MAC opponent since Northern Illinois in 2002. The new series arrives after a 24-year conference gap.

What I’m Watching

The biggest test is whether Akron can move the ball without living in third-and-long. The Zips ranked No. 123 nationally at 5.1 yards per play last season, while Wake Forest’s defense ranked No. 4 and allowed only 4.9. Akron returns six offensive starters; Wake brings back eight defensive starters, so the more familiar unit owns the early advantage.

Personnel Snapshot

Akron: Joe Moorhead enters Year 5 with nine returning starters—six on offense and three on defense. The offense averaged 353.5 yards and 22.3 points per game last season.

Akron quarterback: North Texas transfer Reese Poffenbarger is expected to start after throwing only 10 passes last season.

Wake Forest: Jake Dickert enters Year 2 after winning nine games, the most ever by a first-year Wake Forest coach. Ten starters return, including eight from a defense that allowed 328.5 yards and 21.9 points per game.

Wake Forest quarterback: Gio Lopez is projected to start after throwing for 1,747 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions at North Carolina.

Three Quick Analysis Points

1. The opener trend: Wake Forest is 10-1 in season openers since 2015 and has won six straight. Akron is fighting both a heavy favorite and an opening-day routine that has failed once in 11 tries.

2. The defensive continuity: Wake returns eight defensive starters. That matters against an Akron quarterback entering with almost no recent passing sample.

3. The field-position test: Akron needs easy offense—a short field, a quarterback run or a quick pass that breaks a tackle. Full-field drives favor Wake’s experienced defense.

How the Game Is Decided

If Wake Forest forces obvious passing downs, its advantage should grow throughout the night. Akron’s upset path begins with first-down efficiency, no giveaways and at least one short-field opportunity.

Prediction

I make my final predictions on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook at @uthinkuknowsports.

 

Full disclosure: I use AI tools to format my research into an article encompassing all of the information.

Location: SHI Stadium — Piscataway, New Jersey
Kickoff: Thursday, September 3 at 6 p.m. ET on BTN
DraftKings line (Aug. 30): Rutgers -29.5
Over/under: 52.5

The Setup

UMass lists 56 newcomers, including 30 transfers, while Rutgers returns eight starters. One sideline is learning names; the other is trying to turn familiarity into an opening-night head start.

What I’m Watching

Something has to give when UMass has the ball. Its offense ranked No. 136 nationally last season, but Rutgers’ defense also finished No. 136. One struggling unit gets a chance to look much better in Week 1.

The old rankings may not carry cleanly into 2026. UMass returns only two starters from that offense, while Rutgers brings back four starters from its defense.

Personnel Snapshot

UMass: Joe Harasymiak enters Year 2 as head coach. Six starters return—two on offense and four on defense. Key defenders back include Timmy Hinspeter, Tyler Martin and Kendall Bournes. The Minutemen allowed 433.8 yards and 38.6 points per game last season.

UMass quarterback: Logan Inagawa is the team’s most experienced option. Last season, he threw for 1,393 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions.

Rutgers: Greg Schiano enters Year 7 as head coach. Eight starters return—four on offense and four on defense. Key defenders back include Zaire Angoy and Keshon Griffin. The Scarlet Knights allowed 432.8 yards and 31.8 points per game last season.

Rutgers quarterback: Dylan Lonergan has been named the starter. Last season at Boston College, he threw for 2,025 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Three Quick Analysis Points

1. The turnover test: Rutgers is 20-3 since 2020 when it avoids a turnover. UMass’ cleanest upset recipe is brutally simple: steal a possession or watch the favorite play on schedule all night.

2. The special-teams swing: Rutgers leads the nation with 13 blocked punts since 2022 and scored three special-teams touchdowns last year, all on blocked punts. UMass cannot treat fourth down like a commercial break.

3. The quarterback angle: Lonergan arrives with 2,025 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions from Boston College. He is new to the Scarlet Knights, not new to Big Ten-sized pressure.

How the Game Is Decided

The winner is probably the team that makes fewer bad situations worse. A modest run game and a quarterback willing to take the easy throw may matter more than highlight plays because both sides enter with something to prove.

Prediction

I make my final predictions on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook at @uthinkuknowsports.

Location: Allegiant Stadium — Las Vegas, Nevada
Kickoff: Saturday, August 29 at 7 p.m. PT on FOX
DraftKings line: UNLV -6
Over/under: 56.5

The Setup

The final game of Week 0 is also the first meeting between Memphis and UNLV—and the first Week 0 appearance in Memphis history.

Both offenses are changing quarterbacks. UNLV added Auburn transfer Jackson Arnold, while first-year Memphis coach Charles Huff must choose between Marcus Stokes and Air Noland. At the time of this post, it’s unclear who will start, though Stokes seemed to have the upper hand.

What I’m Watching

Can Dan Mullen turn Arnold’s running ability into a complete offense?

Arnold is an exceptional runner, but the passing game never completely developed at Oklahoma or Auburn. Memphis’ best path is to force him into obvious passing downs and make UNLV prove it can protect him.

On the other side, Memphis must determine whether Stokes’ Division II production translates immediately or whether Noland’s talent outweighs his lack of college experience.

Three Stats to Know

1. UNLV has scored 20 points in 34 straight regular-season games.
That is the longest active streak in the FBS. Memphis previously held the longest streak before Navy ended it last season.

2. Arnold protected the football.
He threw only two interceptions in 215 attempts at Auburn and once went 324 consecutive passes without a pick.

3. His legs produced more touchdowns than his arm.
Arnold ran for 311 yards and eight touchdowns while throwing six touchdown passes. UNLV also returns Jai’Den Thomas, who owns 2,457 career rushing yards and 31 touchdowns.

How the Game Is Decided

Memphis must contain Arnold and Thomas without exposing a rebuilt secondary. UNLV must protect Arnold well enough to avoid the sacks that disrupted him against stronger defenses. The game could swing on which new quarterback handles third down and pressure situations more comfortably.

Prediction

I expect points in this one, and I think Arnold is much more suited in Mullen’s system than the other offenses he’s played in. His legs are dangerous, and I think that will likely be the difference here as Mullen (in year 2) outduels Huff’s rebuilding Tigers. Memphis will get better as the year goes on. UNLV may catch them at the right time here.

Location: Doak Campbell Stadium — Tallahassee, Florida
Kickoff: Saturday, August 29 at 7 p.m. ET on The CW
DraftKings line: Florida State -31.5
Over/under: 53.5

The Setup

Few coaches enter this season under more pressure than Florida State’s Mike Norvell. This is a game the Seminoles are expected to win comfortably, but the performance will matter almost as much as the result.

Both teams imported experienced quarterbacks: Trey Hedden from Furman for New Mexico State and Ashton Daniels from Auburn for Florida State.

What I’m Watching

Can Florida State establish a complete offense instead of depending on quarterback improvisation?

Tommy Castellanos led the Seminoles with only 557 rushing yards last season. Daniels is another dangerous runner, but FSU needs its backs and offensive line to prevent the quarterback from becoming the entire ground game again.

Three Stats to Know

1. Daniels has produced 6,180 career yards.
He accumulated 4,783 passing yards and 1,397 rushing yards across Stanford and Auburn.

2. Duce Robinson is a legitimate No. 1 target.
Robinson caught 56 passes for 1,081 yards and six touchdowns. His five 120-yard games were second-most nationally.

3. Hedden’s interceptions came in clusters.
He completed 68.3% of his passes for 2,967 yards, but threw 13 interceptions. Six came in just two games.

How the Game Is Decided

New Mexico State was good at preventing explosive plays last season, so Florida State may have to stay patient. Daniels must avoid the mistakes and short fields that allow a massive underdog to linger. If FSU runs effectively and creates one-on-one opportunities for Robinson, the talent difference should eventually take over.

Prediction

Florida State should win going away. The meaningful question is whether the Seminoles can play cleanly enough to cover more than four touchdowns. My official picks will be released on my social channels.

Location: Rynearson Stadium — Ypsilanti, Michigan
Kickoff: Saturday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+
DraftKings line: Eastern Michigan -8.5
Over/under: 52.5

The Setup

Sacramento State’s first game as an FBS member is immediately a MAC conference game. The Hornets enter with first-year head coach Alonzo Carter and a signing class containing 44 newcomers.

Eastern Michigan offers far more offensive continuity, beginning with returning quarterback Noah Kim.

What I’m Watching

Can Sacramento State make Eastern Michigan respect the pass?

The Hornets have a proven running back in Rodney Curtis, but expected quarterback Carson Conklin struggled to push the ball downfield last season. EMU’s defensive plan should begin with loading the box and making Conklin prove he can beat single coverage.

Three Stats to Know

1. Curtis enters with 3,214 career rushing yards.
That is the second-highest total among active Division I players. He also owns 17 career 100-yard games.

2. The deep ball disappeared for Conklin.
According to the PFF charting referenced in the video, he completed none of his 14 deep attempts last season.

3. EMU finally returns its primary quarterback.
Kim started every game in 2025, making this the first time in a decade that Eastern Michigan enters a season with the same primary starting quarterback. He threw for 2,817 yards and 18 touchdowns.

How the Game Is Decided

Eastern Michigan can control the game by taking away Curtis and forcing Sacramento State’s rebuilt offense into obvious passing situations. The Hornets need to create room for Curtis without becoming completely predictable. If Conklin cannot connect downfield, EMU will be able to commit more defenders to the run.

Prediction

This will not receive much national attention, but it is a real conference game with immediate standings implications. North Dakota State will get a lot of the moving-into-FBS attention, but don’t forget the Hornets. Still, this seems like a tough opener for a team new to FBS. EMU has Kim back and continuity on offense. I don’t love -8.5, but I could see Eastern winning by 10. Full picks will be on my social channels this week.

Scott Stadium — Charlottesville, Virginia
Saturday, August 29 | 3:30 p.m. ET | ESPN
DraftKings: Virginia -5.5 | Over/Under 53.5
Coaches: Dave Doeren, NC State Year 14 | Tony Elliott, Virginia Year 5

The Setup

NC State won last year’s meeting 35-31 in Raleigh, sealing the game with an end-zone interception in the final minute. That matchup was considered a nonconference game. This relocated rematch will be played in Charlottesville and count in the ACC standings.

What I’m Watching

Can NC State protect CJ Bailey and find a replacement for the production Hollywood Smothers carried to Texas?

Bailey gives NC State legitimate quarterback continuity, but Virginia returns the more experienced defensive core. The Cavaliers also added Missouri transfer Beau Pribula, whose running ability changes the numbers a defense must account for.

Personnel Snapshot

NC State returns eight starters: five offense and three defense. Three offensive linemen—Teague Andersen, Kamen Smith and Spike Sowells Jr.—return alongside Bailey and receiver Keenan Jackson.

All three defensive returners are defensive backs: Asaad Brown Jr., Jackson Vick and Ronnie Royal III. That is useful secondary experience, but NC State does not have a returning defensive lineman or linebacker that started half of the games or more last season.

Virginia also returns eight, but its split is three offense and five defense. All three offensive returners are linemen: McKale Boley, Noah Josey and Drake Metcalf.

The Cavaliers return linemen Fisher Camac and Jason Hammond, linebacker Kam Robinson and defensive backs Ethan Minter and Donavon Platt. Virginia’s experience is concentrated exactly where it needs it against Bailey.

Three Stats to Know

• NC State has won four consecutive games against Virginia and eight straight season openers.
• The Wolfpack went 7-2 when Bailey avoided a quarterback turnover and 1-3 when he threw an interception or lost a fumble.
• Virginia allowed opponents to convert only 33.1% of third downs, the fourth-best defensive rate in the FBS.

How the Game Is Decided

NC State must stay ahead of the chains and avoid asking Bailey to repeatedly beat an experienced secondary on third-and-long. Of course, Bailey was also great on third and long last year, completing 68% of his passes on third and six or longer and throwing 4 TDs against 0 interceptions. Virginia’s path is to lean on its veteran line, use Pribula as part of the running game and make the Wolfpack replace Smothers’ production one difficult drive at a time. The home crowd also helps after the game was moved from Brazil.

Prediction

It’s hard not to love Bailey and the Wolfpack, back in place for a third year. Virginia’s schedule gives it some advantages down the road, but it felt like Tony Elliott’s bunch overachieved in 2025, as he got the most out of his roster. My early lean is to get the points on NCST.