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College Football Week 1 Predictions, Thursday Edition

Zack Garrison

by Zack Garrison in News

Updated Jan 17, 2018 · 9:40 AM PST

There are two good games this Thursday that opens the College Football Week 1, and both games are a great opportunity to start the season with good a couple of good bets.

(21) Texas A&M Aggies vs (9) South Carolina Gamecocks

  • Betting Lines: South Carolina -10
  • Game Total: 60
  • Time: 6 PM ET
  • Stadium: Williams-Brice

These two football programs will have to overcome the loss of their two most pulverizing players over the last decade; QB Johnny Manziel for Texas A&M and Jadeveon Clowney for South Carolina, now both in the NFL.

“They are probably a little bit like us that they haven’t had a bunch of superstars to talk about this preseason,” said Steve Spurrier, the Gamecocks’ 10th-year coach. “Their players are anxious to earn their way, just like our guys.”

The Aggies will have sophomore Kenny Hill replacing Johnny Football in the quarterback position; offensive coordinator Jake Spavital thinks he’s more than ready.

“The experience of being here and watching how we do (things) offensively and seeing Johnny play has helped him,” Spavital said. “He’s seen more than Kyle has right now and that was important. He’s our guy, and we’re putting all our eggs in that basket.”

Texas A&M is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games, but 1-4 ATS in its last five games and 1-4 ATS in its last five games on the road.

There are not games between two schools, but South Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last five games at home.

Prediction: South Carolina.

Boise State Broncos vs (18) Ole Miss Rebels

  • Betting Odds: Mississippi -10
  • Game Total: 53
  • Time: 8 PM ET
  • Stadium: Georgia Dome

This will be Ole Miss’ first game at the Georgia Dome, and they are ranked 18th starting the season in the AP Poll, which makes them favorites to beat Boise State. The Rebels will be led by QB Bo Wallace, who threw 3346 yards, 18 TDs & 10 INTs last season, but needs to improve his numbers if Ole Miss wants to be one those surprising teams this season.

“I’m thrilled that we have him,” coach Hugh Freeze said. “I like the demeanor he has right now. I like the leadership he’s trying to show, the way he’s studying film. It’s his last chance, and he could do something special.”

Boise State First-year coach Bryan Harsin has the difficult task to maintain the Broncos relevant after they spent their era with Chris Petersen in the top positions.

“The thing about it is I understand that expectation level that was set here because I happened to be part of it for a number of years,” said Harsin. “So to me, every time I’m asked it, and to be honest with you I don’t think about it because that’s just the expectations we have of ourselves anyway to go out there and play and coach and work to be at that level.”

Boise State is 6-2 versus ranked opponents since 2009, but the program is looking for another path and doesn’t come overnight.

Prediction: Ole Miss.

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