Week 1: Hurricane Harvey Brings the Nation Together, Big Slate of Games Ahead
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Normally, I would present a Flashback Friday moment in college football, and get you excited for the upcoming season. While I will do the latter, I have decided to forgo the former due to events in Houston. Today, we focus on a town that needs our help. As you may know, Hurricane Harvey has destroyed much of Houston and the city looks more like a lake than anything else. The Houston Texans and Houston Cougars have both canceled games so they can be home with their families and try to repair the city now that the flood waters are beginning to drain.
Many celebrities are using their social status to help, and you can too. Texans defensive end JJ Watt has already reached $13 million with his fundraiser.
Comedian Kevin Hart has also challenged other celebrities like the Rock and Beyonce to donate to the Red Cross through his campaign which you can find here.
Even players outside of Houston are contributing, like Marshall University tight end Ryan Yuracheck, who is the son of University of Houston athletic director Hunter Yuracheck. You can find Ryan's GoFundMe page here.
And if you don't want to donate to any of those three, you can go to the Red Cross page to donate directly. Anything you can contribute helps, and it's great to see a nation come together to help those in need. Hurricane Harvey has caused unimaginable damage to Houston, and the nation's response has been inspiring.
Now, to football. College Football is back! And there isn't a better time in sports than college football season.
GROUP OF 5 TOP 4
USF started slow, but solved San Jose State's defense last week. Colorado State blitzed Oregon state with points and offense last week to get the #2 ranking. Toledo relied on the ground game surprisingly last night, and Memphis survived sloppy conditions by also running the ball more.
CFB PLAYOFF TEAMS
Yes, the Buckeyes were tied with Indiana at halftime last night, but they did pull away and still have the talent to be #1. Yes, Alabama is third because they lost numerous starters, and right now they need to prove they can reload. Does Nick Saban's track record tell me it probably will happen? Of course, but you can't assume things in college football, even with the Tide. Remember when people assumed they would beat Clemson last year? They're probably going to get to the top spot at some point this year, so I'm not going to be boring and put them up there right away.
GOPHERS UPDATE
Last week: W, 17-7 vs Buffalo
Next: at Oregon State
Let's just chalk this up to nerves, the first game, and a new regime finding their way. A win's a win, and there needs to be time for transition. The quarterback battle looked like it was going to be decided quickly, as Demry Croft looked uncomfortable most of the game. Conor Rhoda was the better quarterback, but also had moments that made you scratch your head. The run game was solid, but also needs work. Shannon Brooks, Rodney Smith, and Tyler Johnson look ready to go for the season. Everyone else needs to get on their level.
Defensively, some work needs to be done as well. Inside runs went nowhere thanks largely in part to defensive tackle Steven Richardson, but outside runs and passes gave the Gophers trouble at times. Again, this team showed flashes but has a few things to work on. Bottom line is: 1-0 looks a lot better than 0-1 and, just like every team after the first week, there are things to work on. It seemed like the energy in the stadium was unlike anything we experienced in the previous regime, so at least people are excited about the future.
GAMES OF THE WEEK
OVERALL RECORD: 78-40
SEASON RECORD: 0-0
LAST WEEK: 0-0
Jim McElwain must have felt bad that Jim Harbaugh wasn't returning enough starters, otherwise why would he suspend half of his team for this game? All jokes aside, Florida has issues, and now 10 players have been suspended for the Michigan game. It was going to be hard enough to name players from each team, and now it's worse. Felipe Franks was named Florida's starting quarterback this week over Luke del Rio and Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire, but is he ready for the spotlight? Michigan may not return many starters, but they do return their starter in Wilton Speight. It's a toss up between these two teams.
My pick: Michigan 28 Florida 24
Is Georgia finally back to relevancy? Many people seem to think so, but only time will tell. Their first game in Kirby Smart's second season as head coach comes against a team that is favored to win the Sun Belt. While that may not seem like much competition, this is the same Appalachian State that beat Michigan in the Big House, so don't take them lightly. The Mountaineers return plenty of talent to be aware of, but there's also no reason why Georgia shouldn't dominate. With running backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, the Bulldogs have two go-to options. Simply put, don't sleep but don't stay up all night worrying about this game either.
My pick: Georgia 42 Appalachian State 17
As long as Lamar Jackson was playing in Week 1, his team was going to be featured. Fans are going to tune in to this game simply because he is playing, and those who don't are missing out. Jackson can do things that we haven't seen in a long time, and he just needs to find playmakers around him so he doesn't have to do all of the work. Purdue just hired Jeff Brohm from Western Kentucky, and that hire has fans thrilled about the direction of the program. Brohm's work with quarterback David Blough will tell us where they're headed, but he needs to be careful to avoid the Cardinals defensive star, Jaire Alexander. With plenty of turnover on that side of the ball, Alexander is the leader, and Blough should take a mental not every play of where he is. Buckle up, we could be in for a barn burner whether two teams participate or it's just Louisville.
My pick: Louisville 55 Purdue 35
Is anyone not watching this game? If you like college football, you will be. No one should have to justify watching this game to you. No hype should be needed. Alabama head coach Nick Saban is 10-0 against former assistants, and Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher is the next up to try and add a 1 to that L column. Florida State returns a ton of experience, and they get do-it-all safety Derwin James back from injury as well. Alabama has the taste of blood in their mouths after losing to Clemson in last year's national championship, and they will be motivated. My biggest concern with the Tide is their experience, surprisingly. Saban has multiple holes to fill on both sides of the ball, and this first game doesn't exactly give him the luxury of being able to figure that out. Florida State has the experience edge, but will it be enough? I think so.
My pick: UPSET SPECIAL: Florida State 31 Alabama 28
