Category: Featured

Kickoff: Friday, September 4 at 7:00 PM CT
Location: Spartan Stadium
TV: FS1
DraftKings line (Aug. 30): MSU -10
Over/under: 49.5

The setup

This is a rematch 101 years in the making. Michigan State won the only meeting 58-0 on Nov. 8, 1925 – so long ago that this series skipped the other 99 seasons in between.

What I’m watching

The biggest test is whether Michigan State can move the ball without living in third-and-long. That offense ranked No. 106 nationally at 5.4 yards each time it snapped the ball; Toledo's defense ranked No. 3 and allowed only 4.6. Only 2 starters from that offensive unit return, so the old ranking may not carry cleanly into 2026. Only 0 starters from that defensive unit return, so the old ranking may not carry cleanly into 2026. That is the matchup most likely to tilt field position.

Personnel snapshot

• Toledo: Mike Jacobs enters Year 1 as head coach. 1 starter returns—1 on offense and 0 on defense. A key offensive lineman back is Stephen Gales. That offense averaged 415.2 yards and 33.2 points per game last season.
• Toledo quarterback: John Alan Richter is projected to start for Toledo. Last season, he threw for 153 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT.
• Michigan State: Pat Fitzgerald enters Year 1 as head coach. 5 starters return—2 on offense and 3 on defense. Key defenders back include Ben Roberts, Isaac Smith, and Jordan Hall. That defense allowed 378.7 yards and 29.9 points per game last season.
• Michigan State quarterback: Alessio Milivojevic is projected to start for Michigan State. Last season, he threw for 1,267 yards, 10 TD and 3 INT.

Three quick analysis points

• The location wrinkle: Friday openers have become Michigan State's cheat code: 13-0 in Friday season openers since 2011, including 11-0 in Spartan Stadium. The Spartans have also won 25 straight nonconference home openers dating to 1999.
• The recent trend: Both sidelines are making a debut. Pat Fitzgerald coaches his first Michigan State game, while Mike Jacobs opens at Toledo after going 15-1 in the Southern Conference and winning two straight league titles at Mercer.
• A first real test at quarterback: John Alan Richter is expected to start for Toledo. Last year he threw for 153 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT; 4.0% of his throws were picked off. Michigan State returns 3 defensive starters and ranked No. 103 nationally at creating sacks and other disruptive plays, so this was not an overwhelming pressure mismatch last year. Toledo returns only one starting offensive lineman, raising the degree of difficulty.

How the game is decided

Michigan State needs easy offense: a short field, a quarterback run or a quick pass that breaks a tackle. If Toledo makes every drive travel the full field, its advantage should grow with each obvious passing down.

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.

Kickoff: Friday, September 4 at 7:00 PM CT
Location: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium
TV: ESPNU
DraftKings line (Aug. 30): KU -38.5
Over/under: 53.5

The setup

Kansas and LIU have never met. Lance Leipold is 5-0 in Kansas season openers and can become the school’s first coach since A.R. Kennedy from 1904-10 to start 6-0 in them.

What I’m watching

The thing to watch is how quickly Kansas’s rebuilt offense settles in. Kansas averaged 28.1 points per game last season and returns 2 offensive starters. Long Island allowed 18.8 points per game.

Personnel snapshot

• Long Island: Ron Cooper enters Year 5 as head coach.
• Long Island quarterback: Luca Stanzani is Long Island’s most experienced returning passer. Last season, he threw for 562 yards, 3 TD and 3 INT.
• Kansas: Lance Leipold enters Year 6 as head coach. 6 starters return—2 on offense and 4 on defense. Key defenders back include Trey Lathan, Austin Alexander, and Taylor Davis. That defense allowed 387.2 yards and 29.4 points per game last season.
• Kansas quarterback: Isaiah Marshall, who took 32 snaps at quarterback last year, will start for the Jayhawks. He was used mostly as a runner in 2025.

Three quick analysis points

• The opener trend: LIU already played on Aug. 27, losing 42-21 at North Dakota, while Kansas is opening fresh. The Sharks own live reps; the Jayhawks own eight extra recovery days.
• The roster reset: Kansas added 32 transfers who logged nearly 10,000 snaps last year, plus 27 high-school recruits. It also returns 54 players with more than 8,500 snaps, creating a roster that is new without being inexperienced.
• A first real test at quarterback: Long Island finished last season with 19 sacks. Can the Sharks get any pressure on Marshall in his first career start?

How the game is decided

Kansas’s first job is avoiding three-and-outs while the new offensive pieces settle in. Long Island must turn every early stop into field position or points; empty possessions will eventually let the home team’s 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.

Kickoff: Friday, September 4 at 6:00 PM CT
Location: Center Parc Stadium
TV: ESPN+
DraftKings line (Aug. 30): GAST -28.5
Over/under: 63.5

The setup

Georgia State is expected to win comfortably as a 28.5-point favorite. A win is expected; how quickly it takes control may tell us more about what comes next. North Carolina A&T has lost 7 straight season openers.

What I’m watching

The thing to watch is how quickly Georgia State's rebuilt offense settles in. Georgia State averaged 19.8 points per game last season and returns 3 offensive starters. North Carolina A&T allowed 43.6 points per game. North Carolina A&T does not need to match the home team's depth; it needs to force a few early punts and keep the number of possessions down.

Personnel snapshot

• North Carolina A&T: Shawn Gibbs enters Year 2 as head coach.
• North Carolina A&T quarterback: Champ Long is North Carolina A&T's most experienced returning passer. Last season, he threw for 67 yards, 0 TD and 1 INT.
• Georgia State: Dell McGee enters Year 3 as head coach. 5 starters return—3 on offense and 2 on defense. Key offensive linemen back include Deandre Duffus and Donovan Funsch. That offense averaged 378.2 yards and 19.8 points per game last season.
• Georgia State quarterback: Cameran Brown is projected to start for Georgia State. Last season, he threw for 1,296 yards, 13 TD and 1 INT.

Three quick analysis points

• The easiest path for Georgia State's offense: Georgia State allowed a disruptive play on 11.1% of its snaps, No. 34 nationally. North Carolina A&T allowed 43.6 points per game at the FCS level last season. That is the part of the offense Georgia State can use to establish control before depth becomes the larger advantage. Georgia State kept the same head coach and OC, with 3 offensive starters returning.
• The underdog's opening against Georgia State: Georgia State's defense allowed 8.42 yards per pass play, No. 129 nationally. North Carolina A&T scored 20.5 points per game at the FCS level last season. This is the one area North Carolina A&T should test immediately. One successful early drive could turn a depth mismatch into a pressure game for a quarter or two. Georgia State changed its defensive leadership and returns 2 starters on that side, so last year's number is a warning or opportunity—not a guarantee.
• A first real test at quarterback: Champ Long is North Carolina A&T's most experienced returning passer. Last year he threw for 67 yards, 0 TD and 1 INT; 6.2% of his throws were picked off. Georgia State returns 2 defensive starters and ranked only No. 127 nationally at creating sacks and other disruptive plays, giving Champ Long a chance to settle in. North Carolina A&T returns no listed starting offensive linemen, making protection the immediate question.

How the game is decided

Georgia State's first job is avoiding three-and-outs while the new offensive pieces settle in. North Carolina A&T must turn every early stop into field position or points; empty possessions will eventually let the home team's 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.

Kickoff: Friday, September 4 at 6:00 PM CT
Location: Ross-Ade Stadium
TV: BTN
DraftKings line (Aug. 30): PUR -35.5
Over/under: 56.5

The setup

Purdue is 7-0 against Indiana State and has outscored the Sycamores 302-76. The last two meetings were 56-0 and 49-0 – this series has recently looked more like a software update than a rivalry.

What I’m watching

The thing to watch is how quickly Purdue's rebuilt offense settles in. Purdue averaged 18.8 points per game last season and returns 3 offensive starters. Indiana State allowed 40.3 points per game. Indiana State does not need to match the home team's depth; it needs to force a few early punts and keep the number of possessions down.

Personnel snapshot

• Indiana State: Curt Mallory enters Year 10 as head coach.
• Indiana State quarterback: Brock Riddle is Indiana State's most experienced returning passer. Last season, he threw for 320 yards, 3 TD and 3 INT.
• Purdue: Barry Odom enters Year 2 as head coach. 7 starters return—3 on offense and 4 on defense. Key defenders back include Ian Jeffries, CJ Madden, and Charles Correa. That defense allowed 423.5 yards and 31.8 points per game last season.
• Purdue quarterback: Ryan Browne returns as Purdue's starting quarterback. Last season, he threw for 2,153 yards, 9 TD and 10 INT.

Three quick analysis points

• The scoring trend: Purdue is the only FBS team that shut out its season-opening opponent in both 2024 and 2025. One of those blanks was Indiana State, so the Sycamores are trying to end two streaks with one touchdown.
• The roster reset: The Boilermakers went from 82 newcomers last season to 32 portal additions this offseason. The name-tag budget dropped by 50 players, a quiet continuity win for a team still rebuilding.
• The quarterback angle: Ryan Browne was one of only 20 players nationally – and 10 quarterbacks – with a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown last year. Purdue's quarterback has already completed football's weirdest hat trick.

How the game is decided

Purdue's first job is avoiding three-and-outs while the new offensive pieces settle in. Indiana State must turn every early stop into field position or points; empty possessions will eventually let the home team's 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.

Kickoff: Friday, September 4 at 5:30 PM CT
Location: Rynearson Stadium
TV: ESPN+
DraftKings line (Aug. 30): EMU -3.5
Over/under: 54.5

The setup

Eastern Michigan held Sacramento State to 34 total yards in the first half of its opener. San José State is not guessing whether the Eagles can start fast; it just watched them erase an offense before halftime.

What I’m watching

The clearest matchup edge belongs to San José State’s offense. It ranked No. 26 nationally at 6.5 yards each time it snapped the ball, while Eastern Michigan ranked No. 104 defensively and allowed 6.4. Only 2 starters from that offensive unit return, so the old ranking may not carry cleanly into 2026. Four starters from that defensive unit return. If San José State is getting easy yards on first down, Eastern Michigan will spend the game reacting.

Personnel snapshot

• San José State: Ken Niumatalolo enters Year 3 as head coach. 2 starters return—2 on offense and 0 on defense. Key offensive linemen back include Tyler Chen and Joseph Harbert. That offense averaged 402.3 yards and 21.4 points per game last season.
• San José State quarterback: Luke Weaver is projected to start for San José State. Last season at Hawai’i, he threw for 600 yards, 5 TD and 3 INT.
• Eastern Michigan: Chris Creighton enters Year 13 as head coach. 9 starters return—5 on offense and 4 on defense. That offense averaged 377.3 yards and 24.1 points per game last season.
• Eastern Michigan quarterback: Noah Kim returns as Eastern Michigan’s starting quarterback. Last season, he threw for 2,817 yards, 18 TD and 11 INT.

Three quick analysis points

• The running-game test: EMU back Braydon Bennett needs 11 rushing yards for 2,000 in his career. The milestone is almost a rounding error, which makes his first touch count feel unusually loud.
• The roster reset: San José State returns only two players who started six games on offense and one on defense, with 48 newcomers. Eastern already played and won; the Spartans are still handing out introductions on their second road trip.
• New quarterback, immediate test: Luke Weaver transferred from Hawai’i and is expected to make his second start for San José State. Last year he threw for 600 yards, 5 TD and 3 INT; 2.9% of his throws were picked off. Eastern Michigan returns 4 defensive starters and ranked only No. 132 nationally at creating sacks and other disruptive plays, giving Weaver a chance to settle in. Getting the ball out before obvious passing downs will be central to the game plan.

How the game is decided

Eastern Michigan has to win first down and force San José State to earn its yards in longer situations. If San José State can run its normal offense without facing third-and-long, the statistical edge should keep showing up. A turnover or special-teams mistake is the defense’s best way to flip it.

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: Rice-Eccles Stadium — Salt Lake City, Utah
Kickoff: Thursday, September 3 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPNU
DraftKings line (Aug. 30): Utah -33.5
Over/under: 56.5

The Setup

Utah leads the series 14-12-2, but it has not beaten Idaho since 1964. The Vandals won the last meeting in 1993, so a 33-point underdog is technically defending a 33-year streak.

What I’m Watching

The central question is how quickly Utah’s rebuilt offense settles in. The Utes averaged 43.6 points per game last season but return only two offensive starters. Idaho does not need to match Utah’s depth; it needs to force early punts and keep the number of possessions down.

Personnel Snapshot

Idaho: Thomas Ford enters Year 2 as head coach.

Idaho quarterback: Norfolk State transfer Israel Carter is the most experienced option after throwing for 132 yards and one interception last season.

Utah: Morgan Scalley enters Year 1 with five returning starters—two on offense and three on defense. The defense allowed 359.0 yards and 18.9 points per game.

Utah quarterback: Devon Dampier returns after throwing for 2,180 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Three Quick Analysis Points

1. The rushing test: Utah averaged 266.3 rushing yards per game, second nationally, and allowed only 1.08 sacks per game, ninth. Idaho arrives four days after allowing 38 points in a loss to Cal Poly.

2. The quarterback run threat: Dampier produced 34 touchdowns in 12 games, including 10 on the ground. Backup Byrd Ficklin also ran for 10 scores, so Idaho must account for the quarterback before worrying about the running backs.

3. The scoring trend: Utah scored 41.2 points per game, fourth nationally, and won six times by at least 30. Idaho has already seen a game get away from it this season; now it must prevent another avalanche at altitude.

How the Game Is Decided

Utah’s first job is avoiding three-and-outs while its new offensive pieces settle in. Idaho must turn every early stop into field position or points; empty possessions will eventually let the Utes’ 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: Gies Memorial Stadium — Champaign, Illinois
Kickoff: Thursday, September 3 at 9 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network
DraftKings line (Aug. 30): Illinois -28.5
Over/under: 55.5

The Setup

Illinois and UAB have never met, but both arrive with opening-day streaks: Illinois has won nine straight nonconference games, while UAB has won 10 consecutive season openers since 2014. One habit ends Thursday.

What I’m Watching

The clearest matchup edge belongs to Illinois’ offense. It ranked No. 56 nationally at 6.0 yards per play, while UAB ranked No. 123 defensively and allowed 6.7. If the Illini are getting easy yards on first down, the Blazers will spend the night reacting.

Personnel Snapshot

UAB: Alex Mortensen enters Year 2 with three returning starters—two on offense and one on defense. The offense averaged 404.3 yards and 26.6 points per game.

UAB quarterback: Ryder Burton is listed first on the Week 1 depth chart after throwing for 708 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions.

Illinois: Bret Bielema enters Year 6 with seven returning starters—four on offense and three on defense.

Illinois quarterback: East Carolina transfer Katin Houser is projected to start after throwing for 3,300 yards, 19 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Three Quick Analysis Points

1. The recent surge: Illinois won 19 games over the last two seasons, a school record, and posted back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time.

2. The home-field edge: Illinois went 12-2 at home over those two seasons, also a program record for a two-year span. UAB’s first Big Ten trip since 2012 lands in a stadium producing its best run of results ever.

3. The quarterback gap: Burton threw for 708 yards last season. Houser arrives with 3,300 yards from East Carolina, giving the favorite far more recent quarterback production.

How the Game Is Decided

UAB has to win first down and force Illinois into longer situations. If the Illini can run their normal offense without facing third-and-long, the statistical edge should keep showing up. A turnover or special-teams mistake is UAB’s best way to flip it.

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: Bobby Dodd Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
Kickoff: Thursday, September 3 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN
DraftKings line (Aug. 30): Georgia Tech -6.5
Over/under: 50.5

The Setup

Georgia Tech turned the ball over on each of its first three possessions at Colorado last year and still won 27-20. The rematch begins with an unusual lesson: the Yellow Jackets already survived the mistake pattern that usually ends a game.

What I’m Watching

The clearest matchup edge belongs to Georgia Tech’s offense. It ranked No. 9 nationally at 7.1 yards per play, while Colorado ranked No. 105 defensively and allowed 6.4. Both units have been heavily rebuilt, so the question is whether the same system can recreate last year’s advantage with new personnel.

Personnel Snapshot

Colorado: Deion Sanders enters Year 4 with five returning starters—four on offense and one on defense. The offense averaged 328.4 yards and 23.6 points per game.

Colorado quarterback: Julian Lewis is projected to start after throwing for 589 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions last season.

Georgia Tech: Brent Key enters Year 5 with seven returning starters—two on offense and five on defense.

Georgia Tech quarterback: Indiana transfer Alberto Mendoza is projected to start after throwing for 286 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. He will be handing off to star running backs Justice Haynes and Malachi Hosley a lot.

Three Quick Analysis Points

1. The shared history: This is only meeting No. 2 and Colorado’s first trip to Georgia Tech, but the schools share the 1990 national title. The series is young; the argument connecting them is 36 years old.

2. The defensive challenge: Georgia Tech averaged 460 yards per game, 11th nationally, while Colorado allowed 425.7, No. 121. The Jackets’ rebuilt offense gets a clean question: can its system still punish the same weakness?

3. The quarterback sample: Mendoza threw only 24 passes last season. Colorado returns one defensive starter, so both the new quarterback and rebuilt defense enter with far more questions than answers.

How the Game Is Decided

Colorado has to win first down and force Georgia Tech into longer situations. If the Jackets can run their normal offense without facing third-and-long, the statistical edge should keep showing up. A turnover or special-teams mistake is Colorado’s best way to flip it.

Prediction

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

Location: Huntington Bank Stadium — Minneapolis, Minnesota
Kickoff: Thursday, September 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Peacock
DraftKings line (Aug. 30): Minnesota -43.5
Over/under: 51.5

The Setup

Minnesota is 56-2 all-time against current FCS teams and has won eight straight by a combined 377-98—an average score of 47-12. Eastern Illinois is trying to turn a historical speed bump into an actual fourth quarter.

What I’m Watching

The question is how long Eastern Illinois can keep this from becoming a depth game. Minnesota averaged 23.0 points per game last season and returns six offensive starters. A couple of first-half stops would matter much more for the Panthers than trying to match the Gophers play for play.

Personnel Snapshot

Eastern Illinois: Chris Wilkerson enters Year 5 as head coach.

Eastern Illinois quarterback: Cole LaCrue is the most experienced returning passer after throwing for 853 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Minnesota: P.J. Fleck enters Year 10 with 11 returning starters—six on offense and five on defense.

Minnesota quarterback: Drake Lindsey returns after throwing for 2,235 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Three Quick Analysis Points

1. The turnover contrast: Lindsey has thrown 153 straight passes without an interception. LaCrue threw seven picks in 148 attempts last year—roughly one every 21 throws.

2. The pressure point: Minnesota averaged three sacks per game, while Eastern Illinois allowed 3.08. Anthony Smith had 12.5 sacks by himself, giving the Panthers a one-man protection problem before the rest of the front is considered.

3. The receiver mismatch: Eastern Illinois lost its top four receivers, and its leading returning pass-catcher had only 18 receptions. Minnesota safety John Nestor returns after six interceptions.

How the Game Is Decided

Eastern Illinois needs a short game: long possessions, no giveaways and one special-teams break. Minnesota 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: Memorial Stadium — Columbia, Missouri
Kickoff: Thursday, September 3 at 8 p.m. ET on SEC Network
DraftKings line (Aug. 30): Missouri -54.5
Over/under: 60.5

The Setup

Missouri and Arkansas-Pine Bluff have never met. The Golden Lions become the Tigers’ 162nd different opponent, and the first chapter arrives during Memorial Stadium’s centennial celebration.

What I’m Watching

The early question is whether Missouri’s rebuilt defense lets Arkansas-Pine Bluff hang around. The Golden Lions averaged 19.5 points per game last season. Missouri allowed 19.1 but returns only two defensive starters. One long drive or short-field touchdown can create pressure, but only if the underdog avoids giving those points right back.

Personnel Snapshot

Arkansas-Pine Bluff: Alonzo Hampton enters Year 4 as head coach.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff quarterback: Garrison Davis is the most experienced returning passer, although he threw for only 86 yards last season.

Missouri: Eli Drinkwitz enters Year 7 with eight returning starters—six on offense and two on defense. The offense averaged 416.3 yards and 32.8 points per game.

Missouri quarterback: Austin Simmons is projected to start after throwing for 680 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions at Ole Miss.

Three Quick Analysis Points

1. The recent trend: Missouri is 29-10 since 2023, tied for the 12th-best record in the country over that span. The No. 25 ranking comes with a three-year résumé.

2. The night-game streak: The Tigers have won 11 straight home night games and 13 consecutive regular-season night games anywhere. Arkansas-Pine Bluff is opening in Missouri’s most comfortable window.

3. The protection test: Missouri ranked No. 18 nationally at creating sacks and other disruptive plays. Arkansas-Pine Bluff returns no listed starting offensive linemen, making protection the immediate concern.

How the Game Is Decided

Arkansas-Pine Bluff has to test the rebuilt defense immediately and make its first good drive count. Missouri should be fine if it tackles cleanly and avoids short fields, but early mistakes are how a heavy favorite gives an underdog belief. Ahmad Hardy is out and still recovering after suffering a gunshot wound this offseason, but Missouri should be fine without him and needs him healthy for SEC play.

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.