Finally, after seven months, college football returns to our lives this weekend. Sure, the slate of games in week 0 is not necessarily packed with marquee matchups. However, these are actual games that count in the standings and some could begin to shape the race to the College Football Playoff.
While there are only four games on the schedule, the die-hard college fan will enjoy the simple fact that there is college football to be consumed. What's more, each game is a stand-alone affair meaning fans can take in all four without having to have multiple screens running or without having to channel surf.
So let's prepare for the first week of college football by taking a look at all four games this weekend. We will start with the highlight game of the week, one that won't even take place in North America.
The only two Power 4 teams meeting this week are Florida State and Georgia Tech who will square off in Dublin, Ireland. The Seminoles enter the season ranked No. 10 in the polls while the Yellojackets are unranked. But don't let that fool you. This could be an interesting game.
Florida State, the defending ACC champions, are tasked with replacing 2023 QB Jordan Travis, leading rusher Trey Benson, their two top wide receivers (Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson) and their best tight end (Jaheim Bell). That's a lot of productivity to make up for.
Fortunately for them, Georgia Tech is rebuilding on defense. The Jackets were atrocious on that side of the ball a season ago and as a result, they hired a new defensive coordinator and three new defensive assistants.
To stay in this game, QB Haynes King and the Yellowjacket offense will have to make some plays in the passing game against a very good Florida State secondary. That's because FSU is likely to try to key on the potent Tech ground game and make King beat them through the air.
If Georgia Tech can run the ball and protect its defense and if King can make timely throws, especially on third down, then this game could be interesting. Still, most expect the 'Noles to prevail and begin their march toward a College Football Playoff birth.
If you like to see FCS teams pulling out wins over FBS programs, then the Montana State vs. New Mexico matchup could be your cup of tea. In fact, many think that the Bobcats should take down the Lobos.
Montana State comes in at No. 4 in the initial FCS top 25. Meanwhile, the Lobos are in a transition year with head coach Bronco Mendenhall, a former Lobo defensive coordinator, now in charge in Albuquerque.
Last year, the Bobcats ran for 293 yards per game and racked up 41 scores on the ground. They return most of that productivity in 2024.
Meanwhile, UNM is looking to rebuild a defense that was a liability in 2023. That's been Mendenhall's specialty, rebuilding programs using the defense as his strong suit, but to try to have everything corrected in the first game will be a stretch.
This game could go either way. UNM should have more talent, especially after hitting the transfer portal hard in the offseason. What's more, Montana State has struggled against FBS programs in recent years. Still, don't be shocked if the Bobcats leave the Land of Enchantment with a win.
SMU opens its inaugural season as an ACC member by going on the road to face a Nevada program that is always tough in Reno. That's why this Saturday night contest could be worth checking out.
The Mustangs are a popular sleeper pick in the ACC this year. Coming off of an 11-win season and returning plenty of talent, the Ponies could make some noise thanks to a schedule that sees them play only one team, Florida State, ranked in the preseason top 25.
Meanwhile, Nevada is in a completely different situation after winning only two games last season. New head coach, Jeff Choate will have his work cut out for him trying to get the Wolfpack back to being one of the better Group of 5 programs in the country as they have been in the past.
Last season, Nevada averaged just over 17 points per game on offense. What's more, returning QB Brendon Lewis threw for only 2 TDs in 12 games played.
Meanwhile, SMU features senior Preston Stone at QB who broke out last season with nearly 3,200 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. He's expected to be one of the better QBs in the ACC and that's another reason why many are high on the Mustangs in 2024.
It is hard to envision the Wolfpack being able to pull off this upset. However, Reno can be a tough place to play, especially at night, so this game could be closer than the numbers suggest it should be.
Hawaii is a great place to visit. However, this week, Delaware State didn't seem too anxious to get to the Aloha State as the Hornets missed their initial flight to Oahu due to issues with the busses that were to take the team to the airport in New York City. That's not a great way to start your season.
Perhaps the Hornets should just skip the 10.5-hour flight being as they are nearly 40-point underdogs to the Rainbow Warriors. Thus, it looks like this game will be no day at the beach for the visitors.
If you are able to stay up late enough to catch any of this game, pay attention to Hawaii senior QB Brayden Schager. Last year, he threw for over 3,500 yards and 26 TDs while putting up 300 yards or more in six games. He's one of the best QBs in the country that no one knows about and he could lead a potent Hawaii offense in 2024.