Anthony Weeks – Sports Director (3-2)
Texas @ Alabama – Last year’s game was a close one, and for a moment, it seemed like Texas was going to win. I can’t count Nick Saban out, especially when playing at home in Tuscaloosa.
Texas 28 Alabama 35
Texas A&M @ Miami – On paper, I believe this is one of the most talented rosters Jimbo has had. However, recent history suggests that talent alone hasn’t necessarily translated to success. Still, I personally don’t think Miami is prepared to compete on the big stage against an SEC opponent.
Texas A&M 31 Miami 21
Ole Miss @ Tulane – To me personally, I don’t have a strong preference for either team. I do think Lane Kiffin is a great coach, but I’m not entirely sold on the play style of Dart. Nevertheless, since I have to pick a winner…
Ole Miss 38 Tulane 31
Furman @ South Carolina – Last week’s performance in Charlotte for South Carolina was absolutely horrendous. The offensive line play stood out as one of the worst performances of the weekend, and they couldn’t establish a reliable running game. Rattler was constantly scrambling for his life. But with that being said…
Furman 21 South Carolina 41
Charleston Southern @ Clemson – I believe Clemson had a multitude of miscues and poor execution last Monday night, which resulted in a slice of humble pie for a team that had high expectations of competing for the ACC title and a potential playoff spot. However, I still think all those goals are within reach. In my opinion, these next two weeks are crucial for cleaning up the mistakes and boosting confidence in the passing game.
Charleston Southern 9 Clemson 49
Clifton Canady – Associate Sports Director (4-1)
Texas @ Alabama – When it comes to college football, few match-ups are as highly anticipated as Texas versus Alabama. Last year’s game was proof of that, with both teams going head to head in a nail-biting match that ended with a 20-19 victory for the Crimson Tide. Despite an impressive showing by Texas, Nick Saban and his team managed to come out on top, even though the game was at Texas. As the two teams prepare to face off once again, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top, but one thing is for sure – both sides will be bringing their A-game to the field.
Texas 21, Alabama 28
Texas A&M @ Miami – Get ready for a showdown that is sure to be a nail-biter. Texas A&M is facing off against Miami in a game that has fans on the edge of their seats. With Jimbo Fisher leading the Aggies and something to prove after last season, the pressure is on to deliver a statement win. Miami, on the other hand, is a bit of a mystery. No one quite knows what to expect from this team, making it a wild-card matchup. But when these two teams collide in Coral Gables, it’s clear that anything can happen. And while the game may be close, my money is on Miami to come out on top in this thrilling contest.
Texas A&M 24, Miami 28
Ole Miss @ Tulane – While Ole Miss and Tulane may not be getting a ton of attention on a national scale, this matchup is one that absolutely warrants more love. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s tough to know who might come out on top. Tulane is undoubtedly one of the most respected groups of 5 teams out there, even after losing a few key players from last year’s Cotton Bowl champs. And while Ole Miss may have had an easy time in their season opener against an inferior opponent, they certainly have the potential to put up some big numbers against tougher competition.
Ole Miss 21, Tulane 31
Furman @ South Carolina – South Carolina is looking for redemption in their “get-right game” after facing a tough loss to a team from North Carolina, much like their in-state rival Clemson. While some suggest that quarterback Spencer Rattler played well last week, it’s worth noting that statistics don’t always tell the whole story. Nevertheless, the Midlands-based Feathered Friends are poised to take home a comfortable win this week, and fans are excited to see the team come out on top. Despite any bumps in the road, South Carolina remains a competitive team that could surprise fans and naysayers alike.
South Carolina 41, Furman 21
Charleston Southern @ Clemson Clemson is facing a must-win situation after a disappointing game that has left many fans and pundits questioning everything about the team. Despite the outcome of this game, the narrative will point to the fact that Charleston Southern is an FCS team and not a good one at that. With the importance of this game and the need for a strong victory. The Tigers have to come out with a strong passing game, looking to find some continuity with their receivers. This is the game where they need to air it out and become more comfortable with that aspect of their offense. In the end, Clemson needs to put up a lot of points to prove they’re still a team to be reckoned with.
Clemson 63, Charleston Southern 3
Griffin Barfield – Staff Writer (2-3)
Texas @ Alabama – Quinn Ewers and Texas did not blow me in away in a game last week where I thought he would begin his Heisman campaign. He can very much do so on Saturday, but going against Nick Saban at home is something I am not going to do. The Tide win.
Texas 24 Alabama 35
Texas A&M @ Miami – I’ll be watching this one. Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies have a lot to prove after last season, and I think they give a statement against a Miami team where, frankly, I do not know where to put them on my boards. The game is close, but A&M pull one out in Coral Gables.
Texas A&M 27 Miami 24
Ole Miss @ Tulane
Another fun one. I was very impressed with Lane Kiffin and his team last week, and despite Tulane’s recent success, I think the Rebels pull this one out in the Big Easy. I was impressed with Jaxson Dart last week, and whether him or Spencer Sanders plays more, the SEC team will get it done.
Ole Miss 38 Tulane 28
Furman @ South Carolina
Just what the Gamecocks need. Another team from South Carolina, which we will get to in a second, I don’t expect Shane Beamer to start the season 0-2. Gamecocks win big in a game where they need to bounce back.
Furman 13 South Carolina 35
Charleston Southern @ Clemson
Clemson’s bounce back game. I think a lot more of the offense will be seen, which is needed, and some freshmen can get some key minutes. With two weeks before their test of the year against Florida State, the Tigers pour it on in Death Valley’s season opener. A much needed confidence booster for Dabo and his team. Let’s see if they work out some kinks in this offense.
Charleston Southern 6 Clemson 42
Drew Watts – Senior Staff Writer (2-3)
Texas @ Alabama – I’ve been extremely high on Texas this offseason and I am not changing that now. I know they had a less than stellar week 1, and winning at Alabama is no easy task. But I am going to stick with my summer prediction and take the Longhorns over Alabama in week 2 with a stunner!
Texas 31 Alabama 23
Texas A&M @ Miami – Just like every other offseason, we heard again that this is the year that Miami is “back”. Texas A&M is also looking to have a bounce back year. With this game being at Miami, I expect this to be a pretty tight game. I do give the nod to Texas A&M because I think they are a better team than Miami at this point.
Texas A&M 31 Miami 28
Ole Miss @ Tulane
This has all the potential to be one of the best games of the weekend that isn’t getting the credit that it deserves. Tulane is one of the best G5 teams for sure. It is a home game for Tulane, and they have nothing to lose with this one.. They could be dangerous. I still like Ole Miss to take this one in a close game.
Ole Miss 38 Tulane 31
Furman @ South Carolina
From what we saw from South Carolina last week, Furman will be a welcomed foe this weekend. Furman shouldn’t be slept on too much, and I do expect them to put up some points. the biggest problem for South Carolina is definitely the offensive line and I just dont think Furman can take advantage of that. Give me South Carolina comfortably.
Furman 24 South Carolina 42
Charleston Southern @ Clemson
Clemson is still licking their wounds from the loss in Durham. This has to be a game where Clemson makes the effort to click with the passing game. Cade Klubnik, and his receivers have to find some continuity in this game. They have got to air it out, and become more comfortable with that aspect of the offense. I need to see a lot of points from the Tigers in this one.
Charleston Southern 3 Clemson 63
Casey Cregan – Staff Writer (3-2)
Texas @ Alabama – Enough talk about this one, I’m ready to get the ball spotted for this early season match-up. Last season proved that Texas can play with the Tide. With Quinn Ewers healthy and dynamic receiver Xavier Worthy still around, I think Texas has a legitimate chance. With that being said…
Alabama 31 Texas 21
Texas A&M @ Miami
Yet more teams that have all the hype in the world and yet have whimpered into the off-season. Two of the most underachieving programs in the country. Miami sees an opening with the Clemson loss to take a spot in the upper echelon of the ACC. This is a big test for them. I think they pass.
Miami 27 Texas A&M 24
Ole Miss @ Tulane
This game needs more love nationally. This is arguably the best G5 team in Tulane, even after losing some significant talent from the Cotton Bowl Champs from 2022. Ole Miss put up a 70-burger on directional whomever a week ago. I think Tulane gives Ole Miss a little more of a game, but still think Ole Miss pulls out the win late.
Ole Miss 38 Tulane 27
Furman @ South Carolina
South Carolina’s “get-right game” comes, like Clemson’s, after a difficult loss to a team from North Carolina. The narrative is that Spencer Rattler played well enough to win last week, but I think too many people are just looking at numbers rather than actual play. He’ll throw a pick this week, but the Feathered Friends from the Midlands will win comfortably.
South Carolina 45 Furman 10
Charleston Southern @ Clemson
After a disappointing result and fans and pundits questioning everything about Clemson, they need this game. Regardless of the outcome, the narrative will point to the fact that Charleston Southern is an FCS team, and not a good one at that. Pouring over the stats, Clemson needs this game and needs it to be in the 60’s or 70’s to stop the murmurs. Charleston Southern is not good…at all.
Clemson 59 Charleston Southern 3
Garrett Mitchell- Staff Writer (3-2)
Texas @ Alabama
One of the huge early season games of the 2023 season, this one has been marked on the calendars of Longhorn and Tide fans for a while. While Alabama is plenty good, the Crimson Tide have a few more concerns than usual and upstart Texas has a lot of confidence. Give me the upset in Tuscaloosa.
Texas 31 Alabama 24
Texas A&M @ Miami
An intriguing matchup between two of last season’s most disappointing teams. Both teams have ample talent, when applied properly, and this game will come down to who makes the fewest mistakes. That, and nobody should be sold on Jimbo Fisher’s coaching abilities. Give me Miami in a tight one.
Miami 24 Texas A&M 17
Ole Miss @ Tulane
How can you not love Tulane? One of the darlings of the 2022 season, Tulane capped one of the great surprise success stories the college football world has seen in a while. The Green Waves again find themselves ranked in the top-25 and riding a high tide of momentum. A vastly underrated game this week.
Tulane 34 Ole Miss 24
Furman @ South Carolina
South Carolina could not run the ball an inch against UNC. Literally. The Gamecocks were held to minus two yards on the ground by the Tar Heels’ defense. They will rush for a few more than that this week, but expect the Paladins to give Shane Beamer and Company their best shot. The Gamecocks win, but it isn’t a blowout.
South Carolina 27 Furman 13
Charleston Southern @ Clemson
Clemson is ticked off. That is all. Poor Buccaneers.
Clemson 59 Charleston Southern 3
