Uthinkuknowsports

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  • Bowling Green vs. Nebraska preview: Can Huskers take care of business?

    Bowling Green vs. Nebraska preview: Can Huskers take care of business?

    Saturday, 2026-09-12 | 6:00 PM CT | Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, NE), Lincoln, NE | FS1
    DraftKings snapshot: NEB -25.5 | Over/under: 48.5 [S1]

    What’s at stake

    Nebraska opened with 523 yards and a 49-21 win over Ohio, a much sharper offensive start than last season’s 28.7-point average. Bowling Green now has to recover from a 20-13 home loss to FCS power Tarleton State before making the program’s first trip to Nebraska. [S2/S3/S8/S10]

    The matchup is the first between the programs. Nebraska is trying to turn an experienced roster and a clean opener into a 2-0 start; Bowling Green needs evidence that its promising passing debut can translate into points against a defense that was elite against the pass last season. [S6/S8/S9/S10]

    Three things to know

    1. The run matchup is the biggest warning sign for Bowling Green: Tarleton State rushed for 258 yards at 7.8 per carry, with Tylan Hines accounting for 250. Nebraska immediately produced 248 rushing yards at 5.9 per carry against Ohio. If Bowling Green cannot close those lanes, Nebraska will not need to put the game on its quarterback. [S2/S3]
    2. Bowling Green found a passer, but not enough points: Division II transfer Jay Kastantin completed 24 of 30 passes for 283 yards without an interception, and Jeremiah Scoby caught 10 passes for 103. The Falcons still scored only 13 points and did not throw a touchdown pass. Nebraska allowed just 164 passing yards in its opener after ranking third nationally in passing yards allowed last season. [S2/S3/S4/S5/S10]
    3. One offense finished drives; the other left openings: Bowling Green had 21 first downs, 386 yards and nearly 35 minutes of possession but lost two fumbles and scored 13 points. Nebraska converted 9 of 14 third downs, committed no turnover and scored 49. That gap in finishing is more meaningful than the raw yardage totals. [S2/S3]

    Stat comparison

    MetricBowling Green 2026Nebraska 2026Bowling Green 2025 rankNebraska 2025 rank
    Points per game13.0 (No. 109*)49.0 (No. 30*)No. 121No. 68
    Points allowed per game20.0 (No. 79*)21.0 (No. 85*)No. 74No. 76
    Yards per game366.0 (No. 88*)523.0 (No. 31*)No. 124No. 82
    Yards allowed per game464.0 (No. 113*)303.0 (No. 63*)No. 42No. 30
    Passing yards per game262.0 (No. 52*)275.0 (No. 43*)No. 126No. 68
    Passing yards allowed per game206.0 (No. 79*)164.0 (No. 56*)No. 40No. 3
    Turnover margin-1 (No. 86*)+1 (No. 30*)No. 57No. 57

    *The 2026 ranking is based on the 131 teams who had played by Saturday night. We did not wait on the Sunday and Monday college football games to publish the majority of our previews. [S10]

    Players to watch

    • Bowling Green — Jeremiah Scoby: The sophomore tight end caught 10 passes for 103 yards in the opener. He gives the Falcons a reliable target against Nebraska’s experienced secondary. [S2/S5]
    • Nebraska — Jamal Rule: The freshman produced 122 rushing yards and two scores on 15 carries, then added 47 receiving yards and another touchdown. That is 169 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in his college debut. [S3/S7]

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

  • Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech preview: Vols face road test in Atlanta

    Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech preview: Vols face road test in Atlanta

    Saturday, 2026-09-12 | 6:00 PM CT | Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA | ESPN
    DraftKings snapshot: TENN -13.5 | Over/under: 55.5 [S1]

    What’s at stake

    Tennessee looked explosive in a 56-9 opener, while Georgia Tech lost 14-13 when its potential game-winning field goal was blocked as time expired. The Vols now get a Power Four road test; the Yellow Jackets get one week to turn a painful finish into a résumé-changing home win. [S2/S3/S5]

    These former SEC rivals have played only once since 1987. Tennessee won that 2017 meeting 42-41 in double overtime and leads the series 25-17-2. [S4]

    Three things to know

    1. Tennessee’s run game meets Georgia Tech’s biggest Week 1 weakness: The Vols rushed for 329 yards at 7.0 per carry. Georgia Tech managed only 51 rushing yards of its own and allowed Colorado to run for 183. If those lines of scrimmage look similar, Tennessee can keep its true freshman quarterback out of obvious passing downs. [S2/S3]
    2. Both young quarterbacks gave their teams reasons to believe: Tennessee true freshman Faizon Brandon completed 13 of 17 passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns. Georgia Tech’s Alberto Mendoza went 17 of 23 for 237 yards in his first college start without an interception. Week 2 adds pressure neither saw for most of the opener. [S2/S3/S6]
    3. Georgia Tech has to finish drives: The Yellow Jackets gained 288 yards but scored only one offensive touchdown. They settled for two field goals, then had the final kick blocked. Tennessee turned 638 yards into eight touchdowns, so trading threes for sevens is not a workable upset plan. [S2/S3/S5]

    Stat comparison

    MetricTennessee 2026Georgia Tech 2026Tennessee 2025 rankGeorgia Tech 2025 rank
    Points per game56.0 (No. 19*)13.0 (No. 109*)No. 9No. 42
    Points allowed per game9.0 (No. 35*)14.0 (No. 54*)No. 104No. 63
    Yards per game638.0 (No. 12*)288.0 (No. 111*)No. 7No. 11
    Yards allowed per game221.0 (No. 36*)307.0 (No. 66*)No. 92No. 93
    Passing yards per game309.0 (No. 31*)237.0 (No. 61*)No. 6No. 31
    Passing yards allowed per game43.0 (No. 5*)124.0 (No. 35*)No. 113No. 98
    Turnover margin-2 (No. 107*)-1 (No. 86*)No. 44No. 110

    *The 2026 ranking is based on the 131 teams who had played by Saturday night. We did not wait on the Sunday and Monday college football games to publish the majority of our previews. [S8]

    Players to watch

    • Tennessee — Mike Matthews: Four catches became 132 yards and two touchdowns, including a 57-yard gain. He gave Brandon a downfield answer immediately. [S2/S7]
    • Georgia Tech — Jordan Allen: He set career highs with eight catches and 113 receiving yards in the one-point loss to Colorado. [S3/S5]

    HE SAID IT

    • Tennessee coach Josh Heupel: “For a young player, he managed and stayed within himself extremely well, which is the expectation as a whole.” Brandon now makes his first road start and first start against a Power Four defense, so Georgia Tech will test the poise Heupel praised. Source
    • Georgia Tech coach Brent Key: “We did not play a good football game. Whether that ball goes in at the end, that makes zero difference.” The ending was painful, but Key’s point is the real warning before Tennessee: Georgia Tech rushed for only 51 yards and repeatedly lost situational downs. Source

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

  • Georgia State vs. Kennesaw State preview: Hot starts collide

    Georgia State vs. Kennesaw State preview: Hot starts collide

    Saturday, 2026-09-12 | 6:00 PM CT | Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium, Kennesaw, GA | ESPN+
    DraftKings snapshot: not yet posted in the ESPN/DraftKings feed | Over/under: not yet posted [S1]

    What’s at stake

    Georgia State just turned the page on a 1-11 season by setting program records for points and victory margin in a 59-10 opener. Kennesaw State followed a 10-win Conference USA championship season with a 47-0 shutout. Both looked overwhelming against FCS opponents; this in-state matchup is the first useful test of how much carries over. [S2/S3/S4/S5]

    For Georgia State, a road win would make the opener feel like the start of a real turnaround. For Kennesaw State, it is a chance to protect an eight-game home winning streak and show that last year’s breakthrough was not a one-season spike. [S5]

    Three things to know

    1. Both teams just ran over somebody: Georgia State rushed for 284 yards and six touchdowns; Kennesaw State ran for 297 and six. That is 581 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns combined, so the first defense forced to bring extra bodies into the box may also be the first one exposed through the air. [S2/S3/S4]
    2. The opener defenses were just as dominant: Georgia State allowed 209 yards and recorded five sacks. Kennesaw State allowed 160 yards, held West Georgia to 0 of 12 on third down and never allowed a red-zone trip. The opponent level rises, but both defenses enter with proof they can wreck a drive. [S2/S3/S4]
    3. Georgia State was cleaner with the ball: Cameran Brown completed 15 of 20 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns without an interception, and Georgia State had no turnover. Rickie Collins was efficient and added two rushing scores for Kennesaw State, but the Owls lost two turnovers. In a much tighter game, that difference can decide it. [S2/S3/S4]

    Stat comparison

    MetricGeorgia St 2026Kennesaw St 2026Georgia St 2025 rankKennesaw St 2025 rank
    Points per game59.0 (No. 13*)47.0 (No. 34*)No. 123No. 47
    Points allowed per game10.0 (No. 38*)0.0 (No. 1*)No. 130No. 65
    Yards per game563.0 (No. 17*)508.0 (No. 37*)No. 77No. 50
    Yards allowed per game209.0 (No. 31*)219.0 (No. 34*)No. 133No. 102
    Passing yards per game279.0 (No. 41*)211.0 (No. 78*)No. 38No. 53
    Passing yards allowed per game125.0 (No. 36*)181.0 (No. 60*)No. 109No. 67
    Turnover margin0 (No. 60*)-2 (No. 107*)No. 128No. 99

    *The 2026 ranking is based on the 131 teams who had played by Saturday night. We did not wait on the Sunday and Monday college football games to publish the majority of our previews. [S8]

    Players to watch

    • Georgia State — Dennis Murray Jr.: He scored twice in two different ways—a 30-yard reception and a 14-yard run—while seven different Panthers reached the end zone. [S2/S3]
    • Kennesaw State — Rickie Collins: He completed 18 of 23 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown, then rushed seven times for 51 yards and two more scores. His legs are the extra problem Georgia State did not see from most of NC A&T’s offense. [S4/S7]

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    Sources

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  • Georgia Southern vs. Clemson preview: How do Tigers respond after being embarrassed?

    Georgia Southern vs. Clemson preview: How do Tigers respond after being embarrassed?

    Saturday, 2026-09-12 | 6:30 PM CT | Memorial Stadium (Clemson, SC), Clemson, SC | ACC Network, ACCNX
    DraftKings snapshot: CLEM -26.5 | Over/under: 57.5 [S1]

    What’s at stake

    Clemson’s home opener suddenly feels like a response game. The Tigers were overwhelmed 51-10 at LSU, gaining only 145 yards and allowing 644. Georgia Southern arrives after a 31-0 win, but that shutout came against an 0-2 FCS opponent that managed only 35 total yards. This matchup is less about comparing the final scores than seeing which opening-night performance was closer to the truth. [S2/S3/S4]

    Clemson can earn the 100th home-opener win in program history. Georgia Southern gets a rare chance to attack a brand-name opponent that is trying to steady itself after a humiliating loss, but the Eagles also have to prove their clean opener travels from Charleston Southern to Death Valley. [S1/S5]

    Three things to know

    1. Clemson has to prove it can sustain a drive: The Tigers converted only 1 of 13 third downs, punted 10 times and finished with 145 yards against LSU. Georgia Southern held Charleston Southern to five first downs and 2 of 12 on third down. The opponent changes dramatically, but Clemson cannot treat those numbers as automatic fixes. [S2/S3/S4]
    2. Georgia Southern’s defense goes from the easiest test to a wounded giant: The Eagles allowed 35 yards—zero rushing—and protected their first shutout since 2023 with a late interception. Clemson managed only 40 rushing yards at LSU after averaging 124.4 last season. If Georgia Southern can make Clemson’s run game work for every yard, the pressure inside Death Valley will grow quickly. [S2/S3/S4/S8]
    3. Max Johnson gives the Eagles a grown-up answer at quarterback: Johnson completed 28 of 39 passes for 281 yards and found Ashton Hollins for a 59-yard touchdown. Clemson starter Christopher Vizzina went 10 of 16 for only 83 yards with an interception at LSU. Johnson has played at LSU, Texas A&M and North Carolina, so the atmosphere will not be new; the question is whether Georgia Southern can protect him against Power Four speed. [S2/S3/S4/S6/S7]

    Stat comparison

    MetricGA Southern 2026Clemson 2026GA Southern 2025 rankClemson 2025 rank
    Points per game31.0 (No. 69*)10.0 (No. 116*)No. 74No. 83
    Points allowed per game0.0 (No. 1*)51.0 (No. 123*)No. 113No. 29
    Yards per game424.0 (No. 57*)145.0 (No. 128*)No. 54No. 64
    Yards allowed per game35.0 (No. 1*)644.0 (No. 127*)No. 134No. 55
    Passing yards per game281.0 (No. 39*)105.0 (No. 117*)No. 47No. 24
    Passing yards allowed per game35.0 (No. 4*)335.0 (No. 118*)No. 108No. 120
    Turnover margin0 (No. 60*)0 (No. 60*)No. 30No. 57

    *The 2026 ranking is based on the 131 teams who had played by Saturday night. We did not wait on the Sunday and Monday college football games to publish the majority of our previews. [S8]

    Players to watch

    • Georgia Southern — Ashton Hollins: The Illinois transfer caught eight passes for 106 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown. His 6-foot-5 frame gives Max Johnson a large target against Clemson’s secondary. [S2/S3/S6]
    • Clemson — Sammy Brown: He tied for the team lead with 10 total tackles against LSU. After Clemson allowed 644 yards, its returning leading tackler becomes central to whether the defense can settle down at home. [S4/S7]

    Looking for a prediction?

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    Sources

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

  • Memphis vs. Boise State preview: Group of Six showdown

    Memphis vs. Boise State preview: Group of Six showdown

    Saturday, 2026-09-12 | 5:00 PM CT | Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID | USA Net
    DraftKings snapshot: BOIS -7.5 | Over/under: 52.5 [S1]

    What’s at stake

    Memphis arrives 2-0 after winning at UNLV and then rushing for 335 yards in a 42-24 victory over Arkansas State. Boise State is 0-1, but that record needs context: the Broncos led No. 2 Oregon by 10 and were still tied in the fourth quarter before losing 34-27. This is an early test of which Group of Six contender has the more repeatable formula—Memphis’ balance or Boise State’s ability to trade punches with elite competition. [S2/S3/S4/S7]

    The history is short but useful. Memphis won the only previous meeting 35-32 in 2023, and current Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen completed 11 of 14 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns that day. Now the Tigers make their first trip to The Blue, where a Boise win would quickly change the conversation after the Oregon loss and a Memphis win would give the Tigers two quality road victories before mid-September. [S5/S6/S8/S11]

    Three things to know

    1. Memphis’ ground game meets the part of Boise State’s defense that held up: Jaylin Carter rushed for 183 yards and four touchdowns while Manny Covey added 103 as Memphis averaged 7.0 yards per carry against Arkansas State. Boise State allowed Oregon to run for only 119 yards at 4.8 per carry, so this is strength against strength. If the Broncos can make Marcus Stokes carry the offense, his two-interception Week 1 game becomes much more relevant. [S2/S3/S9]
    2. Boise State needs more than Maddux Madsen: Madsen threw three touchdown passes without an interception at Oregon, but Boise State rushed for only 93 yards on 36 attempts—2.6 per carry. Memphis just held Arkansas State to 109 rushing yards at 3.8 per carry. If the Broncos cannot create a dependable run game, Memphis can focus its pressure and coverage on a quarterback who completed barely half his passes in Eugene. [S2/S3/S10]
    3. The explosive-pass matchup could decide it: Oregon threw for 378 yards and averaged 9.9 yards per pass against Boise State. Memphis did not throw often against Arkansas State, but its 15 attempts produced 188 yards—12.5 per pass. Boise State has to decide whether to crowd the line against Carter and Covey or protect a secondary that just allowed four Oregon receivers to gain at least 57 yards. [S2/S3]

    Stat comparison

    MetricMemphis 2026Boise St 2026Memphis 2025 rankBoise St 2025 rank
    Points per game34.5 (No. 58*)27.0 (No. 77*)No. 36No. 61
    Points allowed per game22.5 (No. 90*)34.0 (No. 104*)No. 45No. 111
    Yards per game470.5 (No. 50*)274.0 (No. 115*)No. 35No. 24
    Yards allowed per game447.0 (No. 111*)497.0 (No. 117*)No. 60No. 39
    Passing yards per game205.5 (No. 80*)181.0 (No. 95*)No. 65No. 51
    Passing yards allowed per game308.0 (No. 113*)378.0 (No. 127*)No. 84No. 15
    Turnover margin+1 (No. 30*)+1 (No. 30*)No. 23No. 57

    *The 2026 ranking is based on the 131 teams who had played by Saturday night. We did not wait on the Sunday and Monday college football games to publish the majority of our previews. [S12]

    Players to watch

    • Memphis — Jaylin Carter: He turned 19 carries into 183 yards and four touchdowns against Arkansas State, including a 74-yard run. The Southern Miss transfer has already rushed for 280 yards in two games. [S2/S7/S9]
    • Boise State — Maddux Madsen: He kept Boise State within one score of No. 2 Oregon by throwing for 181 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. He also played in the only prior Memphis meeting, completing 11 of 14 passes for 175 yards and two scores in 2023. [S3/S10/S11]

    Looking for a prediction?

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    Sources

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  • Robert Morris vs. Akron preview: Can the Zips bounce back after opening loss?

    Robert Morris vs. Akron preview: Can the Zips bounce back after opening loss?

    Saturday, 2026-09-12 | 2:30 PM CT | InfoCision Stadium, Akron, OH | ESPN+
    DraftKings snapshot: not yet posted in the ESPN/DraftKings feed | Over/under: not yet posted [S1]

    What’s at stake

    Akron’s opener was essentially over by halftime: Wake Forest led 28-3 on the way to a 38-16 win. The Zips now get their home opener against a Robert Morris team that is 2-0 and has allowed only 16 points, but the Colonials’ latest win came against Division II West Virginia State. Akron needs more than a win; it needs evidence that the explosive plays allowed at Wake will not define the season. [S2/S3/S4/S5]

    Robert Morris has already won a conference road game and a home game. Now the Colonials make their first jump to FBS competition in 2026 with a receiver who has scored five touchdowns in two weeks. That makes this a dangerous confidence game for Akron, not an automatic reset. [S2/S4/S9]

    Three things to know

    1. Akron has an interesting quarterback decision: First-time starter Cibastian Broughton completed 21 of 26 passes, but they produced only 111 yards and no touchdowns; he did lead Akron with 82 rushing yards. Brayden Roggow entered in the fourth quarter, completed all seven passes and threw two touchdowns. The box score does not settle the job, but it gives Robert Morris two very different styles to prepare for. [S3/S5/S8]
    2. The explosive-pass matchup should worry Akron: Wake Forest hit touchdown passes of 72 and 78 yards while throwing for 356 against the Zips. Robert Morris receiver Galen Combs answered with two catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns against West Virginia State. The opponent is changing, but Akron has to prove it can keep another vertical threat in front of the defense. [S2/S3/S5/S7]
    3. Robert Morris has been much cleaner with the ball: The Colonials gained 427 yards without a turnover in their latest win. Akron produced 305 yards and one turnover at Wake Forest, while 28 completions became only 156 passing yards. Akron’s path to a comfortable home opener starts with turning all of those short completions into drives that actually reach the end zone. [S2/S3/S5]

    Stat comparison

    MetricRobert Morris 2026Akron 2026Robert Morris 2025 rankAkron 2025 rank
    Points per game28.5 (FCS; no FBS rank)16.0 (No. 101*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 114
    Points allowed per game8.0 (FCS; no FBS rank)38.0 (No. 110*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 78
    Yards per game356.0 (FCS; no FBS rank)305.0 (No. 106*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 94
    Yards allowed per game203.5 (FCS; no FBS rank)559.0 (No. 125*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 81
    Passing yards per game228.5 (FCS; no FBS rank)156.0 (No. 104*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 79
    Passing yards allowed per game111.5 (FCS; no FBS rank)356.0 (No. 122*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 86
    Turnover margin0 (FCS; no FBS rank)-1 (No. 86*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 49

    *The 2026 ranking is based on the 131 teams who had played by Saturday night. We did not wait on the Sunday and Monday college football games to publish the majority of our previews. [S10]

    Players to watch

    • Robert Morris — Galen Combs: He turned two catches into 84 yards and two touchdowns against West Virginia State. Combined with his three-score opener, he has five receiving touchdowns in two games. [S2/S7/S9]
    • Akron — Cibastian Broughton: In his first college start he completed 21 of 26 passes without an interception and led Akron with 82 rushing yards. His legs produced more explosiveness than the passing game. [S3/S5/S8]

    Looking for a prediction?

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    Sources

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

  • UTSA vs. Texas State preview: Expect a ton of points in I-35 showdown

    UTSA vs. Texas State preview: Expect a ton of points in I-35 showdown

    Saturday, 2026-09-12 | 2:30 PM CT | UFCU Stadium, San Marcos, TX | CW
    DraftKings snapshot: TXST -1.5 | Over/under: 64.5 [S1]

    What’s at stake

    The I-35 Showdown has flipped: UTSA won the first five meetings, but Texas State has won the last two. UTSA arrives after a 45-16 win over UTRGV; Texas State comes home after a 59-7 loss at Texas. Week 2 will show whether the Bobcats’ rivalry edge survives two very different opening tests. [S2/S3/S4]

    Texas State is favored by only 1.5 points in the current DraftKings snapshot. That fits a rivalry that produced 79 points, six lead changes and 951 yards last season. [S1/S5]

    Three things to know

    1. UTSA’s offense was explosive—and sloppy: The Roadrunners averaged 8.6 yards per rush and gained 525 yards, but committed 11 penalties for 115 yards. Those free yards are more dangerous against a rival than they were against an FCS opponent. [S2]
    2. Texas State’s rushing total deserves context: The Bobcats lost by 52 at Texas but still rushed for 161 yards on 41 carries. UTSA allowed UTRGV to rush for 177, so Texas State has a realistic path to keep the ball away from Owen McCown even after an ugly final score. [S2/S3]
    3. One team protected the ball; one did not: McCown threw three touchdowns without an interception and UTSA had no turnovers. Texas State threw one interception and lost two fumbles. In a series where five of seven games were decided by eight points or fewer, that difference can decide the rivalry. [S2/S3/S4]

    Stat comparison

    MetricUTSA 2026Texas St 2026UTSA 2025 rankTexas St 2025 rank
    Points per game45.0 (No. 35*)7.0 (No. 122*)No. 5No. 13
    Points allowed per game16.0 (No. 67*)59.0 (No. 128*)No. 104No. 132
    Yards per game525.0 (No. 30*)349.0 (No. 93*)No. 28No. 5
    Yards allowed per game422.0 (No. 104*)516.0 (No. 120*)No. 65No. 79
    Passing yards per game275.0 (No. 43*)188.0 (No. 92*)No. 46No. 43
    Passing yards allowed per game245.0 (No. 96*)360.0 (No. 123*)No. 75No. 61
    Turnover margin+2 (No. 12*)-2 (No. 107*)No. 30No. 99

    *The 2026 ranking is based on the 131 teams who had played by Saturday night. We did not wait on the Sunday and Monday college football games to publish the majority of our previews. [S9]

    Players to watch

    • UTSA — Owen McCown: He completed 22 of 27 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. He directed a 525-yard opener without giving UTRGV a short field. [S2/S7]
    • Texas State — Tucker Cusano: He caught three passes for 58 yards at Texas, averaging 19.3 yards per catch in a game where explosive chances were rare. [S3/S8]

    Looking for a prediction?

    I make final predictions on my TikTok/YouTube/Instagram/Facebook pages @uthinkuknowsports.

    Sources

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

  • Jacksonville State vs. Ohio preview: Cure Bowl rematch

    Jacksonville State vs. Ohio preview: Cure Bowl rematch

    Saturday, 2026-09-12 | 5:00 PM CT | Peden Stadium, Athens, OH | ESPN+
    DraftKings snapshot: OHIO -2.5 | Over/under: 48.5 [S1]

    What’s at stake

    This is not a random nonconference game. Ohio beat Jacksonville State 30-27 in the 2024 Cure Bowl, completing the first 11-win season in Bobcats history after building a 27-7 halftime lead and surviving a late Gamecocks rally. The rematch moves from a neutral field to Athens, where Ohio owns a program-record 13-game home winning streak and has won four straight home openers. [S8/S9/S10]

    Both teams arrive with a result that needs context. Ohio led Nebraska 13-7, trailed by only one at halftime and was within 28-21 in the fourth quarter before losing 49-21. Jacksonville State answered a 33-7 loss at North Dakota State by beating Eastern Kentucky 49-7 and gaining 526 yards. Week 2 should tell us whether the Gamecocks actually fixed their offense and whether Ohio’s good first 36 minutes at Nebraska can last for a full game. [S2/S3/S4/S5/S6/S7]

    Three things to know

    1. Caden Creel looked like two different quarterbacks: Creel completed 12 of 23 passes for 85 yards, no touchdowns and one interception at North Dakota State. One week later, he went 21 of 28 for 327 yards and five touchdowns against Eastern Kentucky. Ohio just allowed Nebraska to gain 523 yards and score 35 second-half points, so the Bobcats have to prove that the second Creel does not follow them home. [S2/S3/S4/S5/S6/S7/S11]
    2. Ohio needs more than one lightning strike: Nick Poulos hit Riley Neer for 68 yards on Ohio’s first snap at Nebraska, then finished with 164 passing yards on 31 attempts. Neer had 104 receiving yards; every other Bobcat combined for 60. Jacksonville State held Eastern Kentucky to 90 passing yards and intercepted two passes, so Ohio needs another dependable answer when the first read or first big play is gone. [S2/S3/S6/S7/S12]
    3. Jacksonville State is still replacing the nation’s rushing leader: Cam Cook led the FBS with 1,659 rushing yards for Jacksonville State last season and is now at West Virginia. The new-look Gamecocks rushed for only 85 yards at North Dakota State, then improved to 174 against Eastern Kentucky behind a committee led by Jalen Likely’s 73 yards. Ohio allowed Nebraska to rush for 248 yards, so this is Jacksonville State’s best chance yet to show it can run consistently without Cook. [S2/S4/S5/S7/S13]

    Stat comparison

    MetricJax State 2026Ohio 2026Jax State 2025 rankOhio 2025 rank
    Points per game28.0 (No. 75*)21.0 (No. 87*)No. 72No. 75
    Points allowed per game20.0 (No. 79*)49.0 (No. 120*)No. 82No. 58
    Yards per game348.0 (No. 95*)303.0 (No. 107*)No. 41No. 37
    Yards allowed per game329.0 (No. 71*)523.0 (No. 121*)No. 74No. 51
    Passing yards per game218.5 (No. 74*)164.0 (No. 99*)No. 122No. 109
    Passing yards allowed per game127.0 (No. 37*)275.0 (No. 105*)No. 96No. 48
    Turnover margin0 (No. 60*)-1 (No. 86*)No. 12No. 87

    *The 2026 ranking is based on the 131 teams who had played by Saturday night. We did not wait on the Sunday and Monday college football games to publish the majority of our previews. [S16]

    Players to watch

    • Jacksonville State — Jamill Williams: The Albany State transfer caught seven passes for 144 yards and four touchdowns against Eastern Kentucky. His touchdown catches covered 13, 55, 30 and four yards, giving Caden Creel both a deep target and a red-zone answer. [S2/S3/S11]
    • Ohio — Riley Neer: He caught six passes for 104 yards and a touchdown at Nebraska. His 68-yard catch on Ohio’s first snap immediately created the game’s opening touchdown and accounted for nearly two-thirds of the Bobcats’ passing yards. [S6/S7/S12]

    Looking for a prediction?

    I make final predictions on my TikTok/YouTube/Instagram/Facebook pages @uthinkuknowsports.

    Sources

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

  • Duke vs. Illinois preview: Blue Devils get rematch opportunity against Illini

    Duke vs. Illinois preview: Blue Devils get rematch opportunity against Illini

    Saturday, 2026-09-12 | 2:30 PM CT | Gies Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL | FS1
    DraftKings snapshot: ILL -7.5 | Over/under: 54.5 [S1]

    What’s at stake

    Defending ACC champion Duke opened with a defense-first 17-3 win over Tulane. Illinois scored 42 in its opener, but UAB outgained the Illini and held the ball for more than 41 minutes. Week 2 will show whether Illinois’ explosive scoring or Duke’s control of the line of scrimmage travels better against a Power Four opponent. [S2/S3/S4/S5]

    This is also a rematch of Illinois’ 45-19 win at Duke last season. The Illini lead the series 2-1 and are trying to extend a 10-game nonconference winning streak; Duke gets an immediate chance to show how much its offense has changed. [S4/S5/S9]

    Three things to know

    1. Nate Sheppard meets the soft spot UAB found: Sheppard rushed for 227 of Duke’s 250 rushing yards against Tulane. UAB ran for 194 yards at Illinois and kept the ball for 41:03, so Duke has a clear way to shorten the game and keep Katin Houser on the sideline. [S2/S3]
    2. Illinois scored much faster than it moved the ball: The Illini scored 42 points on 332 yards and only 18:57 of possession. A 65-yard punt return set up one touchdown and a 59-yard interception return produced another. Duke must make Illinois drive the field instead of handing it sudden points. [S3/S4]
    3. The passing-game contrast is hard to miss: Katin Houser completed 13 of 17 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns, then ran for another score. Walker Eget went 13 of 26 for 131 yards without a touchdown. Duke won because its defense and run game controlled Tulane, but Illinois can force the Blue Devils to throw if it gets ahead. [S2/S3/S4]

    Stat comparison

    MetricDuke 2026Illinois 2026Duke 2025 rankIllinois 2025 rank
    Points per game17.0 (No. 97*)42.0 (No. 41*)No. 20No. 64
    Points allowed per game3.0 (No. 10*)23.0 (No. 91*)No. 87No. 53
    Yards per game381.0 (No. 80*)332.0 (No. 99*)No. 25No. 80
    Yards allowed per game258.0 (No. 49*)413.0 (No. 101*)No. 121No. 46
    Passing yards per game131.0 (No. 111*)182.0 (No. 94*)No. 11No. 59
    Passing yards allowed per game204.0 (No. 77*)219.0 (No. 84*)No. 134No. 63
    Turnover margin0 (No. 60*)+1 (No. 30*)No. 12No. 38

    *The 2026 ranking is based on the 131 teams who had played by Saturday night. We did not wait on the Sunday and Monday college football games to publish the majority of our previews. [S10]

    Players to watch

    • Duke — Nate Sheppard: He carried 35 times for 227 yards and both Duke touchdowns against Tulane. His rushing total alone accounted for nearly 60% of Duke’s 381 yards. [S2/S7]
    • Illinois — Katin Houser: In his Illinois debut, he completed 13 of 17 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns, then added a rushing score. It was the sixth four-touchdown game of his college career. [S3/S4/S8]

    Looking for a prediction?

    I make final predictions on my TikTok/YouTube/Instagram/Facebook pages @uthinkuknowsports.

    Sources

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

  • Eastern Michigan vs. Michigan State preview: 0-10 history

    Eastern Michigan vs. Michigan State preview: 0-10 history

    Saturday, 2026-09-12 | 2:30 PM CT | Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI | BTN
    DraftKings snapshot: MSU -16.5 | Over/under: 51.5 [S1]

    What’s at stake

    Michigan State’s opener delivered Pat Fitzgerald’s first win as the Spartans’ coach, but it also exposed work to do: five field goals were needed to beat Toledo 30-20. Eastern Michigan arrives 1-1 after turning two San José State takeaways into 14 points but producing only 281 yards in a 27-21 loss. [S2/S3/S4/S6]

    This is also an in-state series Eastern has never won. The Eagles are 0-10 against Michigan State, so a competitive fourth quarter would already look different from most of the history. [S5]

    Three things to know

    1. Michigan State can make Eastern’s third-down problem exhausting: The Spartans ran 83 plays and held the ball for 43:16 against Toledo. Eastern converted only 3 of 16 third downs against San José State. If those numbers repeat, the Eagles’ defense will spend most of the afternoon trying to survive long drives. [S2/S3/S4/S6]
    2. The Spartans moved the ball but kept settling: Michigan State had 26 first downs and 397 yards, but scored only two touchdowns and needed five Liam Boyd field goals. Eastern already showed it can create turnovers and steal points, so red-zone execution matters more here than the final opener score suggests. [S2/S3/S4/S6]
    3. Noah Kim returns to East Lansing: Eastern quarterback Noah Kim previously played at Michigan State and now faces his old program after completing 24 of 43 passes for 174 yards, one touchdown and one interception against San José State. The personal story is obvious; the football question is whether he can improve on four yards per attempt against a defense that just controlled the clock. [S3/S6]

    Stat comparison

    MetricE Michigan 2026Michigan St 2026E Michigan 2025 rankMichigan St 2025 rank
    Points per game24.5 (No. 79*)30.0 (No. 74*)No. 100No. 82
    Points allowed per game22.0 (No. 89*)20.0 (No. 79*)No. 114No. 95
    Yards per game314.5 (No. 103*)397.0 (No. 68*)No. 78No. 99
    Yards allowed per game360.5 (No. 79*)273.0 (No. 50*)No. 113No. 72
    Passing yards per game226.5 (No. 69*)247.0 (No. 56*)No. 61No. 70
    Passing yards allowed per game267.5 (No. 102*)196.0 (No. 70*)No. 20No. 93
    Turnover margin+2 (No. 12*)+1 (No. 30*)No. 106No. 87

    *The 2026 ranking is based on the 131 teams who had played by Saturday night. We did not wait on the Sunday and Monday college football games to publish the majority of our previews. [S7]

    Players to watch

    • Eastern Michigan — Amareon Blue: He rushed 11 times for 81 yards, including a 50-yard touchdown on fourth-and-1. Eastern needs that kind of burst because the rest of its offense averaged only 3.7 yards per play. [S3/S6]
    • Michigan State — Liam Boyd: The Charlotte transfer made five field goals—32, 42, 48, 35 and a career-best 51 yards. He turned stalled drives into 15 points and gave Michigan State a second way to win. [S2/S4]

    HE SAID IT

    • Eastern Michigan coach Chris Creighton: “We have to run the ball better. Everything comes off of that.” Michigan State allowed Toledo only 77 rushing yards in its opener, and 71 came on one play. Eastern needs a dependable running game, not just another isolated burst. Source
    • Michigan State coach Pat Fitzgerald: “I talked to them early in this process about learning the difference between reacting and responding.” Eastern Michigan just lost after carrying a 21-17 lead into the fourth quarter, so each team’s response to late-game pressure is already a live Week 2 storyline. Source

    Looking for a prediction?

    I make final predictions on my TikTok/YouTube/Instagram/Facebook pages @uthinkuknowsports.

    Sources

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