B&S week 1 game by game previews
Many storylines to look forward to today. Let’s go game by game and lock in some picks
By: Bossman Slim, The Hammer, The Waco Kid
The Dawgs and Tigers renew their rivalry today in what should be a clash of the titans. (Photo: AJC)
We’re fired up for week one. We’ve got a top-heavy slate in the SEC, with Georgia and Clemson tangling in Charlotte and Alabama and Miami tussling in Hotlanta. The Bayou Bengals head out west to sunny California to take on UCLA, while Ole Miss and Louisville are the nightcap in ATL. The rest of the slate is so-so, filled with a lot of cupcakes, but it’s going to be good to see these teams in action. FOOTBALL IS BACK.
Just as we did for the 2020 season, we’re going to go game by game and make our picks. But unlike last season, we’ll all write up a little bit about each game and what we’re thinking. We’ll also keep track of our records each week to see who knows their stuff.
Let’s ride.
Early Game
UL Monroe at Kentucky - 12:00 PM ET on SEC Network ( UK -31)
the line. Rich Rod is the UL Monroe offensive coordinator, but that doesn’t matter. Bowden completely overhauled the roster, as the WarHawks have 62 new players. We know UK can run, so I’m watching the Kentucky passing game in this one - how does Penn State transfer Will Levis look in the new Liam Coen offense?
Kentucky 42 - UL Monroe 10
The Hammer: The Will Levis experiment begins in Lexington. There is considerable hype about the new-look offense with Liam Coen. I’m not sure what to expect from Levis and company, but I know that UL Monroe stinks. Even if Levis and Nebraska transfer Wan’Dale Robinson have trouble finding a groove, Chris Rodriguez can carry this offense against the Warhawks. Kentucky wins big.
Kentucky 35 - UL Monroe 7
The Waco Kid: Kentucky is a dark horse in the East. Will they best Georgia? No. Florida? Maybe if Emory Jones can’t live up to the hype. This year is the Wildcats’ year to surprise viewers around the south. UL Monroe will put up a decent first half, let’s say 17-10 Cats, but Penn State transfer Will Levis will find his groove in the SECond half and UK will win this one by 24. And if Levis struggles they have a backup by the name of Terry Wilson that can change the game. Just kidding - I wanted to see a Kentucky fan or two turn ghost white with PTSD.
Kentucky 41 - UL Monroe 17
Midday Games
Rice at Arkansas 2:00 ET on SEC Network+ (Arkansas -19)
Bossman Slim: I like the looks of KJ Jefferson. I don’t know anything about Rice, but they’ve been terrible for years. Doubt this year is much different. Give me the Hogs and that experienced defense to shut down the Owls.
Arkansas 41 - Rice 14
The Hammer: Big game for KJ Jefferson. The Arkansas defense returns a lot so all eyes and anticipation will be focused on the new quarterback, especially with Razorback legend and Jerry Jones grandson John Stephen Jones breathing down his neck. Kidding, of course. Look for Jefferson to target Treylon Burks a lot as the Hogs cruise to an easy win.
Arkansas 31 - Rice 10
The Waco Kid: This should be one of three uncontested games for Arkansas. Sam Pittman has the Hogs on an upward trajectory and I don’t see the night birds from Houston interrupting that climb. It will be a coming-out party for KJ Jefferson who has Treylon Burks as an outlet on every play. This will be a great practice game to get ready for a Texas team that might put up less of a fight. Arkansas dominates on both sides of the ball and sends the Owls back into hibernation for the rest of the day.
Arkansas 41 - Rice 24
**#14 Miami vs. #1 Alabama 3:30 ET on ABC (Alabama -19.5)
Bryce Young is the latest 5-star QB to take the reins for Nick Saban (Photo: Getty Images)
Bossman Slim: Miami will be a solid top 20-25 team when it’s all said and done in my opinion. I think Manny Diaz is recruiting well there and has them on the right track, but they’re still far from the Miami of old. D’Eriq King is a star, but he’s operating on a bum wheel (we’ll see how the leg looks in that first quarter). It’s close early due to Alabama’s inexperience, but like Ohio State on Thursday, the Tide find their stride and roll.
Alabama 45 - Miami 28
The Hammer: This one won’t be close and I hate saying that. The Hurricanes are a good team and will compete in the ACC, but this is Nick Saban and Alabama. They dominate season openers. In Miami’s one big game last year, Clemson shut down D’Eriq King and the Miami offense easily and I think Bama does the same thing here, especially considering King is coming off an ACL injury. Moreover, Miami lost some key pass rushers so I question their ability to get pressure on young Alabama QB Bryce Young. Tide Roll here.
Alabama 38 - Miami 17
The Waco Kid: What a way to start the season…for Bama, not Miami. The Tide gets a high-profile team with a lower-caliber roster. D’Eriq King will be the highlight for the Canes, but the Houston transfer will not be able to match up against the Crimson defense. The U will score three times but will be unable to match Bryce Young and the receiving corp. I mean c’mon the kid is getting paid nearly seven figures to ball, if he can’t beat down a sub-par Miami team then he will lose out on some of that cash money. The U is the Texas of the ACC, historically great, presently irrelevant.
Alabama 45 - Miami 27
Louisiana Tech at Mississippi State 4:00 ET on ESPNU (Mississippi State -23)
Bossman Slim: On the Positively Ole Miss Week 1 preview, I said WR Jayden Walley may be a name to watch. He’s listed as an “or” on the depth chart, so maybe I don’t know a darn thing. But I think Will Rogers will be looking for Walley and I think he’ll break out against LA Tech. If I’m wrong, sue me. LA Tech is not good, but neither is Mississippi State. State is in the SEC, with much more talent than the other Bulldogs from Louisiana. Hail State.
Mississippi State 48 - Louisiana Tech 17
The Hammer: Don’t know much about Louisiana Tech but based on this line they must be pretty bad. I’m interested to see how this Mississippi State team progresses in year two under Mike Leach, but this game won’t be much of a barometer. The Bulldogs will out talent LA Tech on their way to an easy win.
Mississippi State 42 - Louisiana Tech 14
The Waco Kid: Louisiana Tech could sneak up on Hail State in this one. The Bulldogs (of Louisiana) have always been a team that is overlooked and underrated. Add in the motivation that Hurricane Ida has left the state with and you may have the perfect storm. The Pirate and QB1 Will Rogers will have their hands full in this contest. It typically takes Leach 3-4 years to get a program to a winning level and because of that, I take LA Tech with the upset. At the very least bet the under on the line.
Louisiana Tech 38 - Mississippi State 35
Central Michigan at Missouri 4:00 ET on SEC Network (Mizzou -14)
Bossman Slim: Mizzou has to replace their top running back (Larry Rountree III) and top linebacker (Nick Bolton) from last year, the anchors of the offense and defense respectively. I like Bazelak and want to see if he can take the next step this year. Central Michigan doesn’t scare me after a quick read-up on the Chippewas. Tigers all day.
Mizzou 38 - Central Michigan 17
The Hammer: This game actually intrigues me. Mizzou lost some key pieces on both offense and defense but returns promising QB Connor Bazelak. Drinkwitz will have his team ready to play but don’t sleep on Jim McElwain and the Chippewas. I don’t expect them to win but could see them keeping it close.
Mizzou 31 - Central Michigan 17
The Waco Kid: Eli Drinkwitz has this team in a good position. Mizzou, lately, has been the whipping boy of the East. The Tigers proved last year that those days could be coming to an end. With Connor Bazelek back, Missouri could see a winning season and a bowl game berth. I do not think Central Michigan will stand in the way of this dream. With a -14 point line, take the over.
Mizzou 35 - Central Michigan 10
Late Games
Akron at Auburn 7:00 ET on SEC Network+ (Auburn -37.5)
Bossman Slim: What Bo Nix will we get this year? It’s his third OC in as many years and second head coach in three years. How does he look in the new Mike Bobo offense? Who steps up at wideout after the Tigers lose their top three weapons on the outside? We know who Tank Bigsby is - a tank. I’ll also be keeping an eye on this transfer-portal sponsored defense. Akron won’t put up a fight, this one is the first of two tune-ups for the Tigers head to Penn State in week 3.
Auburn 48 - Arkon 16
The Hammer: This is a big-time mismatch and brand new head coach Bryan “Hard Ass” Harsin will be looking to send a message. I don’t trust Bo Nix but Tank Bigsby should be able to run wild on the Zips defense. On the other side, Auburn’s defense should be solid and I can’t imagine Akron finding much open space. Auburn big.
Auburn 42 - Akron 7
The Waco Kid: I cannot believe I have to write about this game. Bo Nix sucks but not as bad as Akron. Akron will only be known as the birthplace of LeBron, never as a competitive football team. Throw James on the Zips and you might win a game due to penalties called against Auburn. Anything outside of that would be a miracle to see a Tiger loss. Bryan Harsin should love this win because once he gets into the SEC gauntlet I don’t see too many Ws in his future.
Auburn 38 - Akron 3
Eastern Illinois at South Carolina 7:00 ET on SEC Network+ (South Carolina X*)
Former Iowa State and North Dakota State QB turned USC grad assistant…is now the starting QB for the Gamecocks (Photo: CBS Sports)
Bossman Slim: South Carolina is not a good football team right now. Eastern Illinois is worse, having just dropped their opener to Indiana...State. I’m very excited to see player-turned coach-turned starting QB Zeb Noland under center. That’s the only reason Eastern Illinois could hang around. That, or Noland could smoke these fools. Also interested in seeing the new faces South Carolina will be breaking in.
South Carolina 38 - Eastern Illinois 20
The Hammer: This has to be the worst game of the weekend. Zeb Nolan starting is hilarious and peak college football, but it’s not going to make for a good game. I hope he plays well for his sake but I’m not holding my breath. Luckily for the Gamecocks, Eastern Illinois is horrendous. This one will be hard to watch but Shane “Good Guy” Beamer will get a win in his first game.
South Carolina 27 - Eastern Illinois 10
The Waco Kid: ZEB MFin Noland. That guy is going to lead the Gamecocks into the playoffs. Coach turned player, it is like a present-day Vince Papale. He is the heir apparent to an SC throne that has not seen the likes of a good season since Ned Stark took the Iron Throne in 2011. South Carolina takes this and continues winning with King Noland.
South Carolina 34 - Eastern Illinois 10
Kent State at #6 Texas A&M 7:00 ET on ESPNU (A&M -29.5)
Bossman Slim: We keep hearing that Kent State has a high-powered offense. Yeah, yeah, whatever. A&M returns 9 starters from the top SEC defense in 2020. The Aggies also have weapons all over the field on offense and can easily match the point production of the Flashes. A&M is notorious for coming out flat in opening games like this, as they did against Vandy last year. Close early, then the Aggies turn on the jets in the second half after Jimbo gives them a tongue lashing at halftime.
Texas A&M 52 - Kent State 28
The Hammer: Let the Haynes King era begin in College Station. Expectations are sky-high for Jimbo and the Aggies and they will get off to a good start. Kent State has a good offense, against MAC teams, but their defense stinks. They gave up over 400 yards and 8 touchdowns to the Buffalo running back last fall. Isaiah Spiller, Devon Achane and Haynes King will rack up a ton of rushing yards on these guys and A&M will bully them in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Haynes King could probably not throw a forward pass all game and A&M would still win.
Texas A&M 48 - Kent State 21
The Waco Kid: Kent State is best known for one and only one player: QB Julian Edelman. That’s right I said quarterback. Unfortunately for the Golden Flashes, known by their street name as Vegas strippers, their quarterback is irrelevant because a new QB is in town for the Aggies. Haynes King is looking to lead Texas A&M to the promised land and leave the what-ifs of the last 90 years in the past. Add in that nasty defense and you have a recipe for disaster. College Station is buzzing with excitement and when those 100,000 are rocking in Kyle Field you don't want to come a-knocking. Kent State will get paid well to get screwed just like the mascot that portrays them.
Texas A&M 54 - Kent State 17
ETSU at Vanderbilt 7:00 ET on SEC Network+ (Vanderbilt X*)
Bossman Slim: Ken Seals can play some ball while ETSU plays in the FCS. ‘Dores in a drubbing.
Vanderbilt 41 - ETSU 14
The Hammer: I don’t really know what to say on this one. Clark Lea should get a win in his first game but no one will be watching. Ken Seals showed something last year so maybe he’ll come out firing but other than that it’s hard to get excited for this one.
Vanderbilt 31 - ETSU 10
The Waco Kid: Good start to the season for Clark Lea. But no one cares...except for my boy Smokin’ Jay Cutler. Do better Vanderbilt.
Vandy 42 - ETSU 24
~#5 Georgia vs. #3 Clemson 7:30 ET on ABC (Georgia +3)
JT Daniels leads UGA into Charlotte to face a stout Clemson team at the beginning of a season with HIGH expectations in Athens (Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Bossman Slim: Ohhhhhhhh baby. I am giddy for this game. This is Georgia’s year, right? We’ll find out real quick as they take on Clemson. The Tigers are loaded but break in a ton of new faces, including hyped QB DJ Uiagalelei. We’re in on JT Daniels, but he needs to o-line to mesh, fast. I’m also watching to see how this experienced Georgia defense tries to affect Uiagalelei. This is going to be a slugfest and may come down to the last possession. I’ll take the Dawgs based on JT Daniels and the experience on defense.
Georgia 38 - Clemson 35
The Hammer: Can’t wait for this one. Two heavyweights going toe to toe. The injuries and Arik Gilbert’s absence give me pause but I’m sticking with my gut. I think Georgia pulls this one out. If this isn’t the year in Athens, then when will it be? They are loaded and finally have their QB. Don’t mess this up, Kirby. Clemson is damn good too though and I expect this one to come down to the wire. My biggest question is who replaces Travis Etienne? He did so much for Clemson over the years and will be sorely missed.
Georgia 34 - Clemson 31
The Waco Kid: Ray Charles put it best, I got Georgia on my mind. JT Daniels returns with a plethora of talent in the receiving corps and backfield. This could be the Dawgs year to finally take that step and become SEC champions and perhaps national championship contenders. DJ Uiagalelei, the next Calvin Harris, is up against one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the South. If he can somehow pull off a win he could be poised for greatness. However, a first-year starter against that Dawgs defensive line and secondary could prove to be difficult. I see multiple sacks and at least two picks from UGA on defense. For this reason, I’ve got Georgia.
Georgia 35 - Clemson 14
FAU at #13 Florida 7:30 ET on SEC Network (Florida -23.5)
Bossman Slim: Miami transfer N’Kosi Perry will start at QB for FAU, but it won’t be enough. I think SEC media has been sleeping on the Gators. This is still an SEC power stacked with talent. I’m watching Emory Jones and how Mullen uses him, as well as the defensive line which needed serious improvement after last year. Gators, big.
Florida 44 - FAU 21
The Hammer: Emory Jones and Dan Mullen are going to come out firing against FAU. They have a ton to prove and will be looking to send a message that they are for real. Florida needs to improve on defense to make waves in 2021, but this game will go a long way in gaining confidence for an inexperienced offense. On the other side, Grantham needs a good performance to set the tone for 2021 and erase bad memories of a porous Gator defense in 2020.
Florida 48 - FAU 14
The Waco Kid: Emory Jones.
Florida 55 - FAU 23
#16 LSU at UCLA 7:30 ET on FOX (LSU -2.5)
Derek Stingley Jr. leads an LSU defense that is expected to be much improved. They’ll be tested against the weapons of UCLA (Photo: Jason Getz, USA TODAY Sports)
Bossman Slim: Dorian Thompson-Robinson gave the Tigers a little bulletin board material this week and made it seem like UCLA might actually have a shot. Kirk Herbstreit also thinks this is the year Chip Kelly turns it around in LA. Not so fast my friend. LSU is revamped and hungry. Max Johnson, Kayshon Boutte and co. go off while the defense shows the Bruins what “SEC defense” means.
LSU 41 - UCLA 31
The Hammer: UCLA got off to a great start against Hawaii last week despite the worst attendance at a power 5 game I have ever seen. Problem is, LSU ain’t no Rainbow Warriors. I like what Chip Kelly has going but that team isn’t ready to match up with a team like LSU. Dorian Thompson-Robinson won’t be able to throw against the Tiger defense. Max Jonhson and Kayshon Boutte should have a good night, leading the Bayou Bengals past the Bruins.
LSU 34 - UCLA 21
The Waco Kid: Chip Kelly is a yesteryear coach. One that lives off of past college accomplishments and ignores the failures at every other turn. Coach O is a players’ coach and inspirer that leaves no doubt in the mind of his team that they are the top Cats in the SEC. UCLA will show up and do some work but LSU is far too talented to fall to a Bruin team that has been lackluster, the past few years, to say the least. The Tigers hit fast with Max Johnson and never take the foot off the pedal.
LSU 42 - UCLA 28
**Louisville vs. Ole Miss 8:00 ET on ESPN
Bossman Slim: The Ole Miss social media team completed a good-natured troll of Louisville this week. They’ll keep that going on Saturday, taking down the Cardinals. Ole Miss loses some production on the outside in Elijah Moore and Kenny Yeboah, so who steps up to be the big-time targets for Matt Corral? And how does this defense look...any better? At all? Ole Miss offense is too much for Louisville.
Ole Miss 45 - Louisville 35
The Hammer: Can Lane Kiffin and Matt Corral continue their incredible scoring pace? In short, yes. I think Louisville and Scott Satterfield will be improved this year but I don’t see them being able to keep pace with the Rebels. Lane Kiffin will have a great scheme coming into the game and put up big-time points.
Ole Miss 52 - Louisville 38
The Waco Kid: The Rebs might be underestimating this one because of the hype (Lane) train that has made its way to Oxford. Ole Miss can score at will but their defense also allows other teams to put up points with ease. This comes down to who has the last possession of the game. I think Mississippi barely wins it in a shootout due to the offensive prowess of Kiffin.
Ole Miss 46 - Louisville 45
X* = This game was is so bad Vegas didn’t even set a line.
** = Neutral site game in Atlanta
~ = Neutral site game in Charlotte