Notre Dame has a real shot to jump into the top three after Week 1, and that is before anyone even takes the field this weekend. This opening week of college football is finally here, and while there is only one top-25 clash on the schedule, we are about to see which teams are legit contenders and who is just playing pretend. It is time to get a good idea of how real these squads are!
Don’t Blink or the Top 5 Will Be Shaking Up
Look, the preseason top five are all supposed to handle business easily. No. 1 Ohio State is going up against Ball State, and honestly, their second-string unit should be in by halftime. No. 2 Oregon has Boise State, a slightly tougher game, but they are still gonna coast. No. 3 Georgia will trounce Tennessee State, and No. 5 Texas will make light work of Texas State. Standard stuff, right? But here is the kicker: No. 4 Notre Dame is heading to Lambeau Field to face Wisconsin, a team that should at least make a bowl game this year. The Fighting Irish are expected to leave with a massive win, convincing enough for voters to bump them all the way up to No. 3. And if Oregon stumbles even a little bit against Boise State? It would not be a shock to see Notre Dame jump the Ducks, and Georgia too. That is a wild leap for Week 1.
Heisman Hopefuls and Trojan Trouble
Elsewhere, the action is gonna be heating up. Sunday’s matchup between No. 9 Ole Miss and No. 24 Louisville is hands down the most intriguing game. Both teams are gunning to establish themselves as College Football Playoff teams right out of the gate. Ole Miss is starting the Pete Golding era against a ranked opponent in Nashville. Louisville has a first-year starter at quarterback, while Ole Miss is rolling with Trinidad Chambliss, arguably the best returning quarterback in the nation and a serious Heisman Trophy candidate. The Rebels are set to pick up a double-digit victory and climb a few spots in the rankings.
Over in Baton Rouge, Lane Kiffin kicks off his time at No. 11 LSU with a battle against Dabo Swinney’s Clemson team. Clemson had a dreadful season and is looking to bounce back, but Kiffin’s Tigers are expected to notch a convincing win. That victory will be enough for voters to push LSU ahead of other top-10 teams who did not have tough Week 1 matchups. Meanwhile, USC already played, but giving up 26 points against San Jose State probably has voters ready to drop them. Even if they handle Fresno State, the Bulldogs are gonna put up enough of a fight that USC is likely dropping to No. 18.
Week 1 is not just about getting started, it is about setting the tone for the entire season. Can Notre Dame make that big jump? Will Chambliss start his Heisman campaign strong? We are about to find out, and it is going to be epic.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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