Welcome back to Saturday Selections. As Week 0 begins, we’ll look at the conferences (and crown our champions), as well as the best games leading up to next Saturday (including two on Thursday). Week 0 may not be loaded, but it’s worth watching. Anyways, I missed college football season too much. Let’s look at my conference champion picks and dark horse picks.
American Athletic Conference: Houston beats Cincinnati
Cincinnati lost a lot after making the College Football Playoff with a 13-0 record. Their defense could make them one of the best in the conference, but I find Houston’s offense more appealing with Clayton Tune at quarterback.
Dark Horse: SMU
Tune into the American Athletic Conference Championship Game on December 3 at 4 PM ET on ABC.
Pac-12: USC beats Utah
This is an unpopular pick, but Lincoln Riley’s Trojans have enough to win the conference, despite many newcomers. Caleb Williams is a legit quarterback, with Jordan Addison and Mario Williams being his top receivers, and they return a lot of experienced players on defense. Utah is projected as the conference’s best team, with Cameron Rising leading the way and many players returning to Salt Lake City. It’ll be close, but USC is all in.
Dark Horse: Oregon State
Tune into the Pac-12 Championship Game on December 2 at 8 PM ET on FOX.
ACC: Clemson beats Miami (FL)
It may be the most common pick, but it’s also the safest. Taking Clemson to win the ACC does come with risk this year. The offense looked its weakest in years last year and D.J. Uiagalelei is back as the starting quarterback. However, the Tigers looked great down the stretch, winning six straight with a bowl win over Iowa State. A major part of their success was their outstanding defense. With Andrew Booth Jr. the only notable defensive player gone, the defense may be one of the best in college football this season. Top receiver Justyn Ross left too, making the offense even more questionable. I did consider taking NC State to win the division, but I felt Clemson was a safe bet. Miami, on the other hand, is trending in the right direction. Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke could end up as the ACC’s best quarterback, while new head coach Mario Cristobal looks to find more success than he found at Oregon. It’s between the Hurricanes and Pittsburgh for the Atlantic division.
Dark Horse: Virginia
Tune into the Subway ACC Championship Game on December 3 at 8 PM ET on ABC.
Big 12: Oklahoma State beats Texas
Oklahoma State was just one yard away from potentially winning last season’s Big 12 Championship Game, as Baylor stopped them on all four downs at the goal line. With Spencer Sanders back, I think the Cowboys seek to avenge last year’s team. They did lose a few players, including running back Jaylen Warren, but I think they’ll be just fine. Texas is unranked but has enough talent to even win the Big 12. This season is as wide open as it gets, with so many contenders for the Big 12 Championship.
Dark Horse: Kansas State
Tune into the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship Game on December 3 at 12 PM ET on ABC.
Big Ten: Ohio State beats Purdue
Ohio State has arguably the best offense in college football, with C.J. Stroud returning as a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate. Jaxon Smith-Njigba could be college football’s top wide receiver, especially with increased production. He’s coming off of a historic performance at the Rose Bowl Game, helping the Buckeyes pull off the thrilling victory against Utah. I think the Big Ten West could go to anyone, but Aidan O’Connell leading the Purdue Boilermakers gives me more confidence in picking them than any other Big Ten West team.
Dark Horse: Nebraska
Tune into the Big Ten Championship Game on December 3 at 8 PM ET on FOX.
SEC: Alabama beats Georgia
Super predictable, but Alabama and Georgia have legit shots at returning to the College Football Playoff this upcoming season. Alabama has reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young returning at quarterback, with linebacker Will Anderson Jr. being considered one of the top defensive players in college football. Georgia loses a lot of their defense, including Nakobe Dean and Jordan Davis. Stetson Bennett is back at quarterback but loses top receiver, George Pickens. Expect the SEC to be predictable, but very entertaining this season as college football’s top conference.
Dark Horse: Mississippi State
Tune into the SEC Championship Game on December 3 on CBS.
Now that we got our conference champion picks out of the way, let’s make some picks for today and Thursday’s games.
Penn State (-3) at Purdue
I’m surprised Penn State is the favorite considering Purdue’s potential and the home-field advantage in West Lafayette. Aidan O’Connell is one of the Big Ten’s best quarterbacks, and I’m not buying into what Penn State is showing so far.
Tune into Penn State at Purdue on Thursday at 8 PM ET on FOX.
West Virginia at #17 Pittsburgh (-7)
I love the Backyard Brawl being back. West Virginia won’t be as good as Pitt this season, however. It’s not the dream season for the Panthers with Kenny Pickett and Jordan Addison. However, the defense looks great and they picked up a solid transfer quarterback in Kedon Slovis from USC.
Tune into West Virginia at Pittsburgh on Thursday at 7 PM ET on ESPN.
Nebraska (-11) vs. Northwestern
I’m shocked that Nebraska is such a big favorite to win this neutral site battle considering not much success in Lincoln. Scott Frost is on the hot seat now more than ever, and he needs to begin this season with a bang against Northwestern. I’ll take the Cornhuskers in this game. Even though they don’t have Adrian Martinez anymore. Remember last year when Jim Harbaugh was on the hot seat and he brought Michigan to the College Football Playoff? I would love to see a turnaround story for Nebraska.
Tune into the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at 12:30 PM on FOX.
Calhoun's Corner 