We have successfully reached the first full Saturday of college football, bringing a mix of feelings. On one side, the return of college football is a welcome event. On the other, three of my picks turned out poorly. The reads were solid, yet the outcomes were disappointing. Fortunately, Sunday also offers football games, marking the last weekend absent of NFL action for a while. Let’s explore the games I have in focus today.
Louisville vs Ole Miss
This matchup stands out as the prime game of the day and possibly the entire weekend. It involves the only meeting between two ranked teams, presenting many exciting elements to watch. Louisville seeks to build on their previous 9-4 season, concluded with a victory over Toledo in the Bush’s Boca Raton Bowl.
Louisville’s lineup features eight offensive transfers added to the starting roles. This can bring talented players, but might also result in confusion from integrating new teammates. Their defense similarly includes five transfers.
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For Ole Miss, last year’s storyline continues to influence them. Previously led by Lane Kiffin, who has since moved to LSU, the team is now directed by Pete Golding. Moving beyond Kiffin swiftly is key for them. The team saw several players join via the transfer portal, yet they have more consistency with Trinidad Chambliss returning as quarterback. Offensively, only three starters arrived through transfers. Defensively, the situation differs, with only four returning starters from last year. Expect confusion and initial defensive struggles for the team.
The game promises to be enjoyable. Louisville presents a new offense facing an altered defense. Meanwhile, Ole Miss has a seasoned quarterback up against a defense predominantly featuring last-year starters. Although both teams navigate new systems, expect a defensive match. Predicted under 55.5 points.
Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame
While this game may not match the previous one’s closeness, it still provides intrigue. Given Wisconsin’s decline, they are no longer dominant but house respectable talent. Last season saw the Badgers achieve a modest 4-8 record against a challenging schedule. Their current offense features five transfer starters, including crucial positions like quarterback and running back.
Notre Dame is predicted to be among the leading teams nationwide. Not being locked into a conference allows them flexibility in arranging games. Returning as quarterback is CJ Carr, following a 10-2 season the previous year. Their current schedule appears less demanding, with Miami being the notable tough opponent, which they will host. Aneyas Williams steps up in the backfield, aiming to improve upon last year’s performance.
For this match, my bet lies with Wisconsin. Although I do not view the Badgers as on par with Notre Dame, the game location at Lambeau Field in Wisconsin plays to their advantage, despite Notre Dame being technically at home. Under Marcus Freeman’s leadership, Notre Dame stands at 3-5 during the early season weeks over four years. They have experienced losses in initial games twice during Freeman’s term. Therefore, I’m supporting Wisconsin with +20.5.
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