College Football Week 1

College football is finally back! Since my Hawkeyes didn't make a bowl game last year, it's been a long off-season. I already did my predictions for the year, but here are my week 1 big game predictions.

North Carolina at South Carolina North Carolina could be a contender for their division in the ACC, while South Carolina could be a contender for a national title. The Gamecocks have some questions on offense, but their defense will be one of the toughest in the nation. South Carolina 27 North Carolina 14

Ole Miss at Vanderbilt Good early season conference battle here for two teams that will be fighting for recognition in the SEC. The winner of this game will be off to a good start and have a little momentum for the season. Vanderbilt 31 Ole Miss 21

Rutgers at Fresno State This could be a really good game. I think the Mountain West is a much better conference than the AAC and I think Fresno will help prove that. Fresno should be tough this year, I've seen some people predicting them into a BCS Bowl Game. I don't think I would go that far they have to compete with some tough teams, but I could see them getting double-digit victories. Fresno State 38 Rutgers 27

Mississippi State vs Oklahoma State This is a big game for Oklahoma State, if they win this they could start a nice run towards the top ten with a pretty favorable schedule. I don't think they're great, but they have a great shot at a BCS Bowl Game thanks to the schedule and the Big 12 not having a clear-cut favorite. Oklahoma State 34 Miss St 31

Northern Illinois at Iowa Northern Illinois is coming off a big season where they played in the Orange Bowl, but were over-matched by Florida State. Iowa is coming off a horrific season where they started 4-2, including an 18-17 victory over Northern Illinois, but lost their final six games. The Huskies should have a good shot at winning the MAC and competing for another BCS Bowl Game, but I think Iowa knocks them off in the opener. Iowa 27 Northern Illinois 21

Alabama vs Virginia Tech Va Tech had a rough year last year, but I look for them to bounce back and have a solid year. Unfortunately, they start the season with Alabama and won't win that one. Alabama 28 Virginia Tech 13

Georgia at Clemson One of the biggest games of the year! Georgia, I think, will be in the running for a national title. Clemson will, too, if they win this game. I really like Aaron Murray and think he will win the Heisman this year. Georgia 38 Clemson 34

UTSA at New Mexico This game isn't one of the top games of the week, but it is for me since I live right down the street from University Stadium and might make an appearance at the game Saturday. I think Bob Davie's Lobos will be pretty solid this year, they've added some great recruits and a passing game to go with their amazing ground attack from a year ago. They also return nine all-conference players from a year ago. They won't win the Mountain West, but they will compete for a bowl game. They came up just short in so many games last year. New Mexico 42 UTSA 17

LSU vs TCU Another big early game here. Neither team is expected to win their respective conference, but this game could be a statement game for the winner. LSU 31 TCU 23

Boise State at Washington Boise State is going to have their hands full this season with the new Mountain West, being in the same division as Utah State. Washington won't be a bad team this year and this will be a good early test for both teams. I think Washington pulls it off. Washington 31 Boise State 21