College Football Predictions for "Week 0" and Week 1 of the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS Season

College Football Predictions for "Week 0" and Week 1 of the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS Season
 
Will the Cornhuskers go undefeated in 2019?
THEY COULD! We say that as a University of Nebraska alum.
Will the Stanford Cardinal go undefeated in 2019?
NO CHANCE! We say that as a Stanford Law School alum.
Will UCF go undefeated again in the regular season?
POSSIBLE. It all depends on finding the right quarterback.
Will the Michigan Wolverines Josh Gattis' Speed in Space offense work?
BLUETIFUL! We say that on behalf of our better half, a graduate of Michigan.
Will Dino Babers' Syracuse Orange defeat Clemson this year?
THEY MIGHT! Gee, we have a close relative who went to Syracuse.
Will Kansas under Les Miles dominate the Big 12 in 2019?
IN THE NEWS, PERHAPS, but we also expect Jayhawk improvement.

So here are our -- mostly unbiased -- predictions to start the 2019 season.
Please drop us a line if you find typos or errors. Thankx!
If possible, we quote the opening odds ("the line", "the spread") as provided by various online services (e.g. Vegas Insider, OddsShark, Sportsline, CFPT) . THE CFPT prediction average is quoted from the College Football Prediction Tracker ("CFPT") on the date we find it (here Friday, August 16, 2019, 10:56 AM). We do this for fun and are not affiliated with any service or institution. Caveat Emptor! Please do not use our predictions for wagering. We disclaim any and all liability for anyone's use of our materials and prognostications. May the best team win.

Saturday, August 24, 2019
Recall, if available, we quote the opening line, not the updated line....
Please note also that CFPT does not include games with FCS opponents.
 
Miami of Florida vs. Florida
The Gators were favored over the Hurricanes by 8.5 points in a game to be featured as ESPNs "College GameDay". ESPN is "going all out". See that link.
The CFPT prediction average favored the Gators by 7.30 points.
The over/under was 50.5 points.
Our Call: 24-23 for Florida. Florida may well have an excellent team this year under 2nd-year head coach Dan Mullen, but the Hurricanes have a new football head coach this season, Manny Diaz, a defensive specialist, so we call it close.
Result: ??

Arizona at Hawaii
The Wildcats were favored over the Warriors by 12 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Arizona by 5.36 points.
The over/under was 70.5 points.
Our Call: 34-33 for Hawaii. The "Live Aloha, Play Warrior" slogan of Hawaii head football coach Nick Rolovich has resonated throughout the community and Rolovich has received a contract extension in addition (his team has now made two bowl games in three years).
Result: ??

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Morgan State (FCS) at Bowling Green
The Falcons were favored over the Bears by 21.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored ?? by ?? points.
The over/under was 49.5 points.
Our Call: 41-13 for Bowling Green. Michigan football is coming to BG. New football head coach Scot Loeffler (who coached Tom Brady) and staff bring in a new system.
Result: ??

Albany (FCS) at Central Michigan
The Chippewas were favored over the Great Danes by 6 points.
The over/under was 45.5 points.
Our Call: 31-10 for Central Michigan. Former Colorado State and Florida head coach Jim McElwain has taken over the reins for the Chippewas, who were 1-11 last year. Did someone say barn time? Nowhere to go but up. This will be a different, surely positive year in Mount Pleasant.
Result: ??

Robert Morris (FCS) at Buffalo
The Bulls were favored over the Colonials by 45.5 points.
The over/under was 65.5 points.
Our Call: 52-14 for Buffalo. Lance Leipold is doing OK at Buffalo. From 10 losses to 10 wins. This year, Buffalo must replace NFL-bound QB Tyree Jackson and Miami-of-Florida-bound WR K.J. Osborn.
Result: ??

Wagner (FCS) at Connecticut
The Huskies were favored over the Seahawks by 17.5 points.
The over/under was 70.5 points.
Our Call: 38-24 for UConn. To quote Dan Murphy, ESPN Staff Writer: "The 2018 UConn defense surrendered more yards per game (617.4) and more points per game (50.4) than any team in FBS history." Lous Spanos has now been brought in from Alabama by head coach Randy Edsall to revamp the Huskies' defense.
Result: ??

UCLA at Cincinnati
The Bearcats were favored over the Bruins by 4 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Cincinnati by 6.13 points.
The over/under was 54.5 points.
Our Call: 30-27 for UCLA. Cincy beat UCLA 26-17 last year. Can they do it again in view of Bruin head coach Chip Kelly promoting Justin Frye to offensive coordinator? We doubt it.
Result: ??

Central Arkansas (FCS) at Western Kentucky
The Hilltoppers were favored over the Bears by 9.5 points
The over/under was 54.5 points.
Our Call: 38-24 for Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers were 3-9 last year and have hired former Tennessee offensive coordinator Tyson Helton as their new head coach. Helton was previously quite successful as the Western Kentucky OC in 2015 in their 12-2 Conference USA championship season under Jeff Brohm.
Result: ??

Florida A&M (FCS) at UCF   
The Knights were favored over the Rattlers by 45.5 points.
The over/under was 64.5 points.
Our Call: 61-14 for UCF. UCF seats are sold out for 2019. Another undefeated regular season for UCF is not unthinkable.  Notre Dame transfer QB Brandon Wimbush may be the starting quarterback for UCF, which has lost its leading quarterbacks McKenzie Milton and Darriel Mack Jr. to injury. What a legacy Scott Frost and staff left behind at UCF ... in order to form a new one at Nebraska (or so we hope, as an NU alumnus).
Result: ??

Gardner-Webb (FCS) at Charlotte
The 49ers were favored over the Runnin' Bulldogs by 32.5 points.
The over/under was 52.5 points.
Our Call: 48-14 for Charlotte. Charlotte has a new head coach in Will Healy, FCS National Coach of the Year at Austin Peay in 2017. A big change?
Result: ??

Florida International FIU at Tulane
The Green Wave were favored over the Golden Panthers by 2 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Tulane by 2.58 points.
The over/under was 55.5 points.
Our Call: 30-27 for Florida International, Butch Davis and the transfers.
Result: ??

Georgia Tech at Clemson
The Tigers were favored over the Yellow Jackets by 33 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Clemson by 30.90 points.
The over/under was 59.5 points.
Our Call: 38-24 for Clemson. Clemson prevailed last season 49-21. This year Clemson has a lot of defense to replace. Georgia Tech has a new head coach in the person of Geoff Collins, a defensive expert.
Result: ??

Alabama State (FCS) at UAB
The Blazers were favored over the Hornets by 43.5 points.
The over/under was 51.5 points.
Our Call: 52-7 for UAB. The outdated UAB football facility was recently demolished and a new era thus begun with the rebuilding.
Result: ??

Texas State at Texas A&M
The Aggies were favored over the Bobcats by 33.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Texas A&M by 32.93 points.
The over/under was 57 points.
Our Call: 49-14 for Texas A&M. Jimbo Fisher heads into his 2nd year as football head coach for the Aggies. See the SEC Outlook by Bruce Marshall.
Result: ??

South Dakota State (FCS) at Minnesota
The Golden Gophers were favored over the Jackrabbits by 12.5 points.
The over/under was 56.5 points.
Our Call: 34-17 for Minnesota. The Golden Gophers offensive line features Daniel Faalele, a 6'9" 400-pound behemoth from Australia. Minnesota was unpredictable last season, as game outcomes diverged by points from Vegas odds more than for any other FBS team.
Result: ??

Kent State at Arizona State
The Sun Devils were favored over the Golden Flashes by 25.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Arizona State by 23.5 points.
The over/under was 60.5 points.
Our Call: 37-27 for Arizona State. Sean Lewis enters his second season as Kent State head coach. Lewis was the youngest ever FBS head coach when hired for the 2018 season.
Result: ??

Northern Colorado (FCS) at San Jose State
The Spartans were favored over the Bears by 10.5 points.
The over/under was 59.5 points.
Our Call: 34-24 for San Jose State. SJS head coach Brent Brennan wears signature blue and gold "lucky" loafers. Can the Spartans "luck forward" out of last year's 1-11 record and 2-11 record in 2017? The yards per play stats on defense have remained the same both years, and the yards per play stats on offense have improved only marginally. Last year Northern Colorado was 2-9.
Result: ??

Utah at BYU
The Utes were favored over the Cougars by 7 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Utah by 4.34 points.
The over/under was 57.5 points.
Our Call: 31-17 for Utah. Utah is seen by some as a favorite to win the Pac 12 Championship this season. BYU has not beaten Utah the last eight years.
Result: ??

Friday, August 30, 2019

Rice at Army
The Black Knights were favored over the Owls by 23.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Army by 26.43 points.
The over/under was 51.5 points.
Our Call: 49-14 for Army. Mike Bloomgren enters his 2nd season as the Owls head coach after a 2-11 record last year. Army was 11-2 unter Jeff Monken, the most wins ever in a single season for Army. Monken has 29 wins in three seasons. The Black Knights finished last season by blowing out Houston 70-14 in the Armed Forces bowl. Without a good rushing defense, teams will likely lose against Army. The Rice rushing defense was 69th in the nation last season.
Result: ??

Tulsa at Michigan State
The Spartans were favored over the Golden Hurricane by 20 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Michigan State by 20.67 points.
The over/under was 47 points.
Our Call: 34-7 for Michigan State. Is the Michigan State mojo back for the Spartan offense? The defense is almost always top.
Result: ??

Wisconsin at South Florida
The Badgers were favored over the Bulls by 11 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Wisconsin by 10.45 points.
The over/under was 57 points.
Our Call: 34-24 for Wisconsin. The Bulls won their first seven games last season and then lost the next six, in part largely due to injuries to starting quarterback Blake Barnett, formerly of Alabama and Arizona State. If Barnett can stay healthy, South Florida could be stronger, but Wisconsin's always potent rushing offense will likely test the Bulls' rushing defense.
Result: ??

Massachusetts at Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights were favored over the Minutemen by 10 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Rutgers by 8.06 points.
The over/under was 56 points.
Our Call: 34-23 for Rutgers. Based on yards per play stats, Rutgers has improved somewhat on defense but not at all on offense in the Chris Ash head coaching era. UMass lost their offensive coordinator Mark Whipple to Pittsburgh this season.
Result: ??

Utah State at Wake Forest
The Demon Deacons were favored over the Aggies by 3 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Wake Forest by 0.07 points.
The over/under was 62.5 points.
Our Call: 31-27 for Wake Forest.  Massey Ratings ranks Utah State 40th and Wake Forest 41st preseason. The Aggies were 11-2 last season and Wake Forest 7-6. Matt Wells has moved on to Texas Tech, while former Aggie head coach Gary Andersen returns to once again lead Utah State.
Result: ??

Purdue at Nevada
The Boilermakers were favored over the Wolf Pack by 6.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Purdue by 5.10 points.
The over/under was 58.5 points.
Our Call: 34-27 for Purdue. Nevada is scheduled to start redshirt freshman Carson Strong at quarterback. The Boilermakers' Rondale Moore was named the Most Exciting Player for the upcoming season by ESPN.
Result: ??

Colorado State vs. Colorado
The Buffaloes were favored over the Rams by 10.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Colorado by 10.84 points.
The over/under was 64.5 points.
Our Call: 36-24 for Colorado. New Buffaloes head coach Mel Tucker has been on the recruiting trail. The Rams are coming off a 3-9 season.
Result: ??

Oklahoma State at Oregon State    
The Cowboys were favored over the Beavers by 16.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Oklahoma State by 15.70 points.
The over/under was 72 points.
Our Call: 45-24 for Oklahoma State. The Cowboys are looking back at a disappointing 7-6 season while the Beavers finished 2-10 in 2018. Jonathan Smith is now in his 2nd year as head coach for Oregon State.
Result: ??

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Howard (FCS) at Maryland
The Terrapins were favored over the Bison by 31 points.
The over/under was 65.5 points.
Our Call: 45-13 for Maryland. New head football coach Ron Prince will be at the helm for Howard this season, replacing Mike London, who moved on to become head coach at William & Mary.

Indiana vs. Ball State
The Hoosiers were favored over the Cardinals by 16.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Indiana by 14.82 points.
The over/under was 61 points.
Our Call: 41-17 for Indiana. Kalen DeBoer from Fresno State is the new offensive coordinator for the Hoosiers. The Hoosiers won last year 38-10.
Result: ??

Florida Atlantic FAU at Ohio State
The Buckeyes were favored over the Owls by 24 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Ohio State by 26.51 points.
The over/under was 63.5 points.
Our Call: 45-17 for Ohio State. Justin Fields has been named the starting quarterback for OSU. Ryan Day is the new Buckeye head coach. In 2018 the yards per play allowed on defense skyrocketed to 5.77 ypp, a dismal figure for Ohio State, as compared 4.44 ypp on defense in 2017, 4.36 in 2016, 4.50 in 2015, 4.98 in 2014, 5.28 in 2013 and 5.08 in 2012.  Ohio State for 2019 has hired Greg Mattison from Michigan as co-defensive coordinator, joining Jeff Hafley, with Greg Schiano departing. Lane Kiffin as FAU head coach was 11-3 in 2017 and 5-7 in 2018, including a season-opening 63-14 loss at Oklahoma.
Result: ??

East Carolina at North Carolina State
The Wolfpack were favored over the Pirates by 20.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored NC State by 23.36 points.
The over/under was 56.5 points.
Our Call: 35-24 for NC State. Last year the Wolfpack beat the Pirates 58-3. East Carolina has a new head coach in Mike Houston, coming from James Madison, where the Dukes won the FCS National Championship in Houston's 1st year and were 2nd the next, so we expect the Pirates to improve this year.
Result: ??

Akron at Illinois
The Illini were favored over the Zips by 15.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Illinois by 9.33 points.
The over/under was 56 points.
Our Call: 31-30 for Akron. For lack of an offense, the Zips went from 7-7 in 2017 to 4-8 in 2018. Akron is not retaining Terry Bowden, and has hired a new head coach in the person of Tom Arth, arriving from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Arth has a strong mentor-like contact to Peyton Manning. Not to forget, Akron last year beat Northwestern in their 2nd game of the season.
Result: ??

Indiana State (FCS) at Kansas
The Jayhawks were favored over the Sycamores by 3.5 points.
The over/under was 53.5 points.
Our Call: 37-27 for Kansas. The Sycamores were 7-4 last season. The Jayhawks have added instant interest in their football team with the hire of media popular Les Miles (formerly LSU) as the new head football coach. Last year KU was 3-9. We are prognosticating immediate team improvement.
Result: ??

Mississippi at Memphis
The Tigers were favored over Ole Miss by 7.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Memphis by 6.38 points.
The over/under was 68.5 points.
Our Call: 45-31 for Memphis. Ole Miss head coach Matt Luke is 6-6 and 5-7 going into his 3rd year. Memphis is led by Mike Norvell, 8-5, 10-3 and 8-6 for the Tigers going into his 4th season.
Result: ??

South Alabama at Nebraska
The Cornhuskers were favored over the Jaguars by 32 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored the Huskers by 26.79 points.
The over/under was 64.5 points.
Our Call: 52-14 for Nebraska. It is difficult to know at this point how much better the Big Red will be this year than last. If they are ca. one TD better, we would go with about 35 points, if not, then we would prognosticate only a 24 to 27 point margin.  As a biased Nebraska alum, we go with an optimistic 38 points. If the Huskers can win their first four games and then beat Ohio State in the fifth, the sky is the limit. We shall see. It may be a year or two early yet to expect fantastic results from Scott Frost and crew, but hope springs eternal, given their success at UCF. Ultimately, they will also prevail in Lincoln.
Result: ??

Northern Iowa (FCS) at Iowa State
The Cyclones were favored over the Panthers by 18.5 points.
The over/under was 41.5 points.
Our Call: 38-14 for Iowa State. Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell came to Iowa State from Toledo and has gone 3-9, 8-5, 8-5 the last three seasons. The preseason AP poll ranks Iowa State 21st. Northern Iowa has at times proven to be a tough opponent, so that first game of the season is always uncertain.
Result: ??

Toledo at Kentucky
The Wildcats were favored over the Rockets by 13.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Kentucky by 12.52 points.
The over/under was 62 points.
Our Call: 37-30 for Kentucky. For a good take on Kentucky see the SEC Outlook by Bruce Marshall. Mark Stoops' Kentucky Wildcats had wins over Florida and Penn State last season on their way to a 10-3 record. Toledo has a 28-13 record under head coach Jason Candle.
Result: ??

Mississippi State vs. Louisiana Lafayette (ULL)
The Bulldogs were favored over the Ragin' Cajuns by 22.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Mississippi State by 19.17 points.
The over/under was 56.5 points.
Our Call: 41-17 for Mississippi State. The Bulldogs won last season 56-10 at home. Mississippi State went 8-5 last season, losing 27-22 to Iowa in the Outback Bowl. LA Lafayette, which is increasingly being handled as "Louisiana" in the media, was 7-7 in its first season under Billy Napier.
Result: ??

James Madison (FCS) at West Virginia
The Mountaineers were favored over the Dukes by 5.5 points.
The over/under was 54.5 points.
Our Call: 34-27 for West Virginia. The Mountaineers have a new head coach, Neal Brown, who went 4-8, 10-3, 11-2 and 10-3 as head coach of Troy. Former Mountaineer head coach Dana Holgorsen is now the head coach at Houston.
Result: ??

Rhode Island (FCS) at Ohio
The Bobcats were favored over the Rams by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 41-27 for Ohio. The Bobcats head coach, Frank Solich, has a cumulative head coaching record at Nebraska and Ohio of 106-75.
Result: ??

Bucknell (FCS) at Temple
The Owls were favored over the Bison by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 38-7 for Temple. The Owls' new head coach, Rod Carey, had a 52-30 record at Northern Illinois.
Result: ??

Eastern Washington (FCS) at Washington
The Huskies were favored over the Eagles by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 41-24 for Washington. Chris Petersen has a 47-21 record for the Huskies. Aaron Best is 19-7 at Eastern Washington, FCS runners-up for the FCS National Championship in 2018/2019.
Result: ??

South Carolina vs. North Carolina
The Gamecocks were favored over the Tar Heels by 7.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored South Carolina by 10 points.
The over/under was 63 points.
Our Call: 34-27 for North Carolina. Former Texas head coach, Mack Brown, has taken over the reins for the Tar Heels, emphasizing that he wants to make football fun again, and that he wants to fill the stadium. North Carolina was 2-9 last season. Can Mack win this one to give his new tenure a boost?
Result: ??.

Idaho (FCS) at Penn State
The Nittany Lions were favored over the Vandals by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 45-14 for Penn State. Head football coach James Franklin is 45-21 at Penn State for his six seasons with the Nittany Lions, who still have not announced Who will be the starting quarterback?
Result: ??

Duke vs. Alabama
The Crimson Tide were favored over the Blue Devils by 30.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored 'Bama by 24.56 points.
The over/under was 61.5 points.
Our Call: 48-17 for Alabama. Nick Saban is 141-21 at Alabama. By Crimson Tide standards, the 'Bama defense was substantially weaker last season at 4.89 yards per play. In 2017 and 2016 that stat was 3.99 ypp. That's a mile of difference. As far as the offense is concerned, just how good is Tua? Take a look at these stats. At Duke, David Cutcliffe, highly respected by Alabama, inherited a team 1-11 in 2007, and has turned the Duke Blue Devils from perennial loser to being a regular bowl participant. His Duke record is 4-8, 5-7, 3-9, 3-9, 6-7, 10-4, 9-4, 8-5, 4-8, 7-6 and 8-5.
Result: ??

Colgate (FCS) at Air Force
The Falcons were favored over the Red Raiders by 15 points.
The over/under was 43.5 points.
Our Call: 21-17 for Air Force. Colgate thrives on defense.
Result: ??

Eastern Michigan at Coastal Carolina
The Eagles were favored over the Chanticleers by 5.5 points.
The over/under was 55 points.
Our Call: 34-24 for Eastern Michigan. Chris Creighton has turned the Eagles into a winner.
Result: ??

East Tennessee State (FCS) at Appalachian State
The Mountaineers were favored over the Buccaneers by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 45-13 for Appalachian State. Eliah Drinkwitz has replaced Scott Satterfield as the head coach for Appalachian State. Satterfield has moved on to become the head coach at Louisville.
Result: ??

Holy Cross (FCS) at Navy
The Midshipmen were favored over the Crusaders by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 31-17 for Navy. Ken Niumatalolo is 87-58 as head coach of Navy.
Result: ??

Georgia State at Tennessee
The Volunteers were favored over the Panthers by 25.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored the Vols by 21.76 points.
The over/under was 57.5 points.
Our Call: 41-14 for Tennessee. Jeremy Pruitt was 5-7 in his first year as Vols head coach. There is hope in Knoxville that this season could be better. Georgia State was 2-10 last year under head coach Shawn Elliott, now in his 3rd year.
Result: ??

Montana State (FCS) at Texas Tech
The Red Raiders were favored over the Bobcats by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 44-17 for Texas Tech. Matt Wells from Utah State has taken over as the new head coach of the Red Raiders. Montana State was 8-5 last season.
Result: ??

Portland State (FCS) at Arkansas
The Razorbacks were favored over the Vikings by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 41-17 for Arkansas. Chad Morris is in his 2nd year as head coach and the team could make a leap forward this season.
Result: ??

Northwestern at Stanford
The Cardinal were favored over the Wildcats by 6.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Stanford by 5.56 points.
The over/under was 49 points.
Our Call: 31-24 for Stanford. We call that as a biased Stanford Law School grad. Both of these top schools have competitive teams, in spite of similarly small undergraduate student bodies and exceptionally high academic admission standards. Nevertheless, Stanford has an incredibly successful athletic program. As we headlined recently: Stanford U Wins 25th Straight Directors’ Cup as the Most Successful Athletic Department in the Country By Team Performance Rankings.
Result: ??

Virginia Tech at Boston College
The Hokies were favored over the Eagles by 2.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Boston College by 2.48 points.
The over/under was 57 points.
Our Call: 31-27 for Boston College. The Eagles beat the Hokies on the road last year 31-21. Virginia Tech last season gave up 6.39 yards per play on defense, 115th in FBS. Boston College by comparison gave up 5.17 ypp, 35th in FBS. Stats via cfbstats.com.
Result: ??

Syracuse at Liberty
The Orange were favored over the Flames by 17.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Syracuse by 18.35 points.
The over/under was 66 points.
Our Call: 38-24 for Syracuse. Liberty has a new football head coach in the person of Hugh Freeze, who is, however, currently recovering from emergency surgery for a potentially life-endangering staph infection. He may or may not be on the sidelines coaching in a golf cart for this game. Last season Dino Babers at Syracuse won 10 games and lost by only four points early in the season to eventual national champion Clemson. Syracuse plays Clemson on September 14 and we will be rooting for the Orange. We are admittedly biased, having a close relative who went to school at Syracuse. The former Liberty football head coach, Turner Gill, has been added to staff by Chad Morris at Arkansas, where Gill is Executive Director of Student-Athlete and Staff Development.
Result: ??

Sam Houston State (FCS) at New Mexico
The Lobos were favored over the BearKats by 10 points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 38-24 for New Mexico. The Lobos under Bob Davie were 3-9 last season. The Bearkats were 6-5.
Result: ??

Campbell (FCS) at Troy
The Trojans were favored over the Fighting Camels by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 49-7 for Troy. Chip Lindsey is the new head coach at Troy, replacing departed Neal Brown, now head coach at West Virginia. Campbell is led by head coach Mike Minter, a 9-year NFL veteran, and member of the Nebraska Cornhusker national championship teams of 1994 and 1995. Campbell has been 6-5 the last two seasons.
Result: ??

Incarnate Word (FCS) at UTSA (Texas San Antonio)
The Roadrunners were favored over the Cardinals by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 23-7 for UTSA. The Roadrunners averaged a subpar 3.91 yards per play on offense in 2018.
Result: ??

Virginia Military VMI (FCS) at Marshall
The Thundering Herd were favored over the Keydets by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 66-7 for Marshall. Marshall head football coach Doc Holliday is 70-46 at Marshall including a 6-0 bowl record.
Result: ??

UC Davis (FCS) at California
The Golden Bears were favored over the Aggies by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 20-7 for Cal. UC Davis was 10-3 in 2018, losing to Stanford 30-10 and twice to Eastern Washington. Cal last season was 7-6 in the second year under Justin Wilcox, with 3 losses by 1 TD or less, as the Cal defense held opponents to only 4.59 yards per play. However, the Cal offense managed only 4.91 yards play, as opposed to a mean FBS average of ca. 5.7 ypp on offense. The defense by that ypp stat ranked 9th in FBS, while the offense ranked 121st in FBS. It is very clear at Cal where work needs to be done.
Result: ??

Illinois State (FCS) at Northern Illinois (NIU)
The Huskies were favored over the RedBirds by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 24-17 for Northern Illinois. The RedBirds were 6-5 in 2018, while the Huskies were 8-6 with a weak offense that managed only 4.52 yards per play. Thomas Hammock is the new head coach at Northern Illinois, replacing Rod Carey, who became the head coach at Temple.
Result: ??

Boise State vs. Florida State
The Seminoles were favored over the Broncos by 3.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Boise State by 1.91 points.
The over/under was 53.5 points.
Our Call: The Broncos were 10-3 last season under Bryan Harsin, who is 52-15 with the Broncos, while Florida State was 5-7 in Willie Taggart's 1st year as head football coach of the Seminoles.
Result: ??

Alcorn State (FCS) at Southern Mississippi
The Eagles were favored over the Braves by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 45-17 for Southern Miss. Jay Hopson, the Eagles head coach, came to Southern Miss from Alcorn State and is 21-16 after three years.
Result: ??

Monmouth (FCS) at Western Michigan
The Broncos were favored over the Hawks by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 41-14 for Western Michigan. Tim Lester enters his 3rd year at the helm of Western Michigan after a 7-6 record last season.
Result: ??

Nicholls State (FCS) at Kansas State
The Wildcats were favored over the Colonels by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 49-7 for K-State. Chris Klieman from perennial FCS champion North Dakota State has taken over the reins this season from the legendary Bill Snyder at K-State.
Result: ??

Stephen F. Austin (FCS) at Baylor
The Bears were favored over the Lumberjacks by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 45-7 for Baylor. Matt Rhule has taken the Bears from 1-11 in 2017 to 7-6 in 2018, his second year as Baylor football head coach.
Result: ??

SMU at Arkansas State
The Red Wolves were favored over the Mustangs by 5.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Arkansas State by 6.70 points.
The over/under was 58.5 points.
Our Call: 34-27 for Arkansas State. Sonny Dykes is in his 2nd year at SMU, after a 5-7 season last year. Red Wolves head coach Blake Anderson has a 39-25 record since 2014 and has reached a bowl every year.
Result: ??

Norfolk State (FCS) at Old Dominion
The Monarchs were favored over the Spartans by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 41-14 for Old Dominion. Norfolk State was 4-7 last season. Football head coach Bobby Wilder has a 76-45 record at Old Dominion.
Result: ??

Missouri at Wyoming
The Tigers were favored over the Cowboys by 14 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Mizzou by 12.63 points.
The over/under was 54 points.
Our Call: 45-14 for Mizzou. Last year Mizzou beat Wyoming 40-13. SEC Outlook by Bruce Marshall emphasizes that former Clemson QB Kelly Bryant, who took the Tigers to the Final Four, is a transfer quarterback at Mizzou. Wyoming may have enough talent to get to a bowl this year.
Result: ??

Miami of Ohio at Iowa
The Hawkeyes were favored over the RedHawks by 21.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Iowa by 19.91 points.
The over/under was 48.5 points.
Our Call: 34-17 for Iowa.
Result: ??

Abilene Christian (FCS) at North Texas
The Mean Green were favored over the Wildcats by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 49-13 for North Texas. Seth Littrell, the Mean Green head coach, inherited a 1-11 team, and has gone 5-8, 9-5 and 9-4 in his 3 years at the helm.
Result: ??

Middle Tennessee at Michigan
The Wolverines were favored over the Blue Raiders by 30 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Michigan by 24.44 points.
The over/under was 54 points.
Our Call: 45-14 for Michigan. The Wolverines' new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis has brought in a fresh playbook and a huddle-free up-tempo offense.
Result: ??

Georgia Southern at LSU
The Tigers were favored over the Eagles by 25.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored LSU by 22.54 points.
The over/under was 53 points.
Our Call: 41-14 for LSU. Georgia Southern was 10-3 last season with its worst loss to Clemson 38-7. Can new passing game coordinator Joe Brady bring added life into the Tigers' offense?
Result: ??

Oregon vs. Auburn
The Tigers were favored over the Ducks by 2.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Auburn by 5.31 points.
The over/under was 58 points.
Our Call: 34-27 for Auburn. Tigers' football head coach Gus Malzahn is back to callling the plays on offense, so we look for Auburn to better last year's 8-5 record.
Result: ??

Georgia at Vanderbilt
The Bulldogs were favored over the Commodores by 20 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Georgia by 15.39 points.
The over/under was 58 points.
Our Call: 38-17 for Georgia. The Dawgs are ranked #3 behind Clemson and Alabama by nearly everyone in the preseason and it remains to be seen how strong they are this year. Vandy won six games in 2018, losing to Georgia on the road 41-13. Football head coach Derek Mason has moved former Husker QB Gerry Gdowski up to offensive coordinator, so one might expect more points from Vanderbilt this year.
Result: ??

Virginia at Pittsburgh
The Panthers were favored over the Cavaliers by 1 point (though the updated line favors Virginia by 3).
The CFPT prediction average favored Pittsburgh by 1.95 points.
The over/under was 47 points.
Our Call: 27-26 for Pittsburgh. This looks like a tough call. Bronco Mendenhall has moved Virginia from 2-10, to 6-7, to 8-5 seasons, and more improvement is possible.  Football head coach Patt Narduzzi came to Pittsburgh from Michigan State, where he was defensive coordinator. He has led the Panthers to three bowls in four years. As its new offensive coordinator for 2019, Pitt has named Mark Whipple, Ben Roethlisberger's first positional coach with the Steelers. Whipple may add that bit of extra offense that Pitt needs to move upward.
Result: ??

Arkansas Pine Bluff (FCS) at TCU
The Horned Frogs were favored over the Golden Lions by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 49-7 for TCU. Gary Patterson is 167-63 as TCU head football coach. Last year the Horned Frogs were 7-6, averaging a sub-par 5.29 ypp on offense but an excellent 4.86 ypp on defense (ca. 5.7ypp is the mean average).
Result: ??

Houston Baptist (FCS) at UTEP (Texas El Paso)

The Miners were favored over the Huskies by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 31-14 for UTEP. Head coach Dana Dimel is in his 2nd year at UTEP.
Result: ??

Grambling (FCS) at Louisiana Monroe ULM
The Warhawks were favored over the Tigers by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 41-10 for UL Monroe. Matt Viator enters his 4th year as head coach of the Warhawks. He was 4-8, 4-8 and 6-6 in previous seasons.
Result: ??

Louisiana Tech at Texas
The Longhorns were favored over the Bulldogs by 18 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Texas by 19.95 points.
The over/under was 55 points.
Our Call: 42-14 for Texas. Interest in Longhorns football is high, as season ticket sales approach a record. Longhorn football head coach Tom Herman went 13-1 and 9-3 at Houston, and is now 7-6, 10-4 at Texas, including an impressive 28-21 win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl last season. The Bulldogs' head coach Skip Holtz has a 46-33 record at Louisiana Tech, including five straight bowl wins, and 134-104 overall.
Result: ??

Weber State (FCS) at San Diego State
The Aztecs were favored over the Wildcats by ?? points.
The over/under was ?? points.
Our Call: 49-7 for San Diego State. Head coach Rocky Long has a 71-35 record for the Aztecs.
Result: ??

New Mexico State at Washington State
The Cougars were favored over the Aggies by 34 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Washington State by 31.50 points.
The over/under was 64.5 points.
Our Call: 51-14 for Washington State. The Cougars were 11-2 last season, the Aggies 3-9. Head coach Mike Leach has a 37-15 won-loss record the last four seasons for the Cougars.
Result: ??

Southern Utah (FCS) at UNLV
The Rebels were favored over the Thunderbirds by 24 points.
The over/under was 70.5 points.
Our Call: 42-24 for UNLV. Tony Sanchez has been the Rebels head coach since the 2015 season, when he went straight from high school to college coaching.
Result: ??

Fresno State at USC
The Trojans were favored over the Bulldogs by 10.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Southern Cal by 2.96 points.
The over/under was 52.5 points.
Our Call: 31-24 for Fresno State. Last season Fresno State under Jeff Tedford in his 2nd year as head coach was 12-2 while USC under Clay Helton in his 5th year was only 5-7.
Result: ??

Houston at Oklahoma
The Sooners were favored over the Cougars by 23.5 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Oklahoma by 24.31 points.
The over/under was 80 points.
Our Call: 56-31 for Oklahoma. Crimson Tide transfer Jalen Hurts may be the quarterback Oklahoma needs to make the college football playoffs again. Former West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen has taken over the helm at Houston. We expect the points to fly.
Result: ??

Monday, September 2, 2019

Notre Dame at Louisville
The Fighting Irish were favored over the Cardinals by 20 points.
The CFPT prediction average favored Notre Dame by 21.08 points.
The over/under was 57.5 points.
Our Call: 42-14 for Notre Dame. At 247Sports.com, Tom Loy talks Notre Dame Football on the ACC Football Show.
Result: ??