Week 0(?) Preview

FINALLY! At long last, football season is back! Well, sorta.

Although Week 0 only contains five games, it is actual football that you get to watch on TV. Even though there is a small event occurring in Vegas tonight, let's focus on football for a moment. Here is what we are keeping our eyes on today.

#19 South Florida (-22) at San Jose State  (7:30 PM)

 

 

When Charlie Strong left Texas, it was hard to believe that he could have gotten a better gig without taking some time off. Well, think again! Strong inherits a team that won 11 games a year ago, and also returns 18 starters from said team. South Florida also finished in the Top 15 nationally in total offense, and returns one of the most dangerous dual threat quarterbacks in Quinton Flowers. Strong mans a team that has high expectations this year, not only in their conference, but nationally.

 

San Jose State will be the host for the opening of the Charlie Strong Era in South Florida. Playing at home does have it's advantages, but don't expect the upset. The Spartans have too many question marks at nearly all of the skill positions to keep up in this one.

 

 

 

#14 Stanford (-30) VS Rice (Sydney, Australia, 10:00 PM)

 

 

 

The final game for the first half day of football will take place on an entirely different continent. The second edition of the Sydney Cup will feature the Stanford Cardinal playing the equivalent of a neutral site scrimmage with the Rice Owls. One of the major voids that Stanford must fill is the one left by Christian McCaffery. Junior tailback Bryce Love, who averaged 7.2 yards per touch a year ago, hopes to follow in his predecessor's steps. Another concern is starting quarterback Keller Chryst. Chryst was 6-0 last year as the starter, but suffered an ACL tear in the team's bowl game.

 

The atmosphere is expected to be bowl-like when the two teams face off. It might be the best that Rice can hope for as it will be a long trip to kick off a long season. The Owls have lost eight straight season openers dating back to the 2009 campaign. The last time they knocked off a Power 5 team was back in 2013 when they defeated Kansas. That was also the last time they had a winning record.

 

 

We hope you enjoy the first teaser weekend of college football. Check back later today when I tell you how I plan to bet today's action.