Spring is a wonderful time of year. The snow melts (then falls again) and darty szn is in full force. Fake jerseys from China will find their way all over college campuses as winter gives way to Spring football games. College football is rife with overreaction material this time of year. Position battles, coaching changes, early enrollees, transfer decisions and a myriad of minor headlines dominate this time of year. But one thing is certain, guys are out on the field in pads hitting each other again. Football season is here.

This is the perfect time of year. It is good that spring football comes around the same time that Major League Baseball opens up. Opening day in the MLB represents optimism. It is the collective feeling that screams, “we are in this and I am allowed to feel good about my team!” Spring football quickly turns into fall camp and after fall camp comes the most wonderful time of year.

College football is a gift. It is a tradition and to many, a right of passage. One of the things that makes college football so special is that although it is a tradition, it is one that comes with many other traditions. Like many great traditions, it happens at the same time every year. The first full Saturday of college football is something of a holiday. People from all across the country recognize that it is the beginning of something that has been here long before they were here and will be here long after they are gone. That first Saturday is the true start of football season. It is a tradition that their parents taught them, it is a tradition that they will teach their children.

From the first weekend up until the national championship, ESPN’s College Gameday will visit the campuses that will be home to the biggest games of the season. This is where these games will be.

Week 1 Prediction

South Bend, Indiana: Michigan @ Notre Dame

One of the fiercest rivalries in the Midwest will be renewed the first week of the season. Michigan could have huge expectations if stud quarterback Shea Patterson is deemed eligible for the season. Brian Kelly needs to start the Irish off on the right foot. A win here is a kickstarter for either team to have a great season. The game is currently scheduled to kick off at 7:30 which would put it in primetime. It’s almost written in pen that Gameday will be in South Bend.

Honorable Mentions

Tennessee @ West Virginia (neutral site)

WVU by 30. Get that Will Grier Heisman train out of the station. Hide your girlfriends. 

Alabama @ Louisville (neutral site)

Bama by a million. Life without Lamar is going to be tough in year one.

Auburn @ Washington (neutral site)

Why is this in Atlanta?

This would give ND-Michigan a run for its money. It’s on Monday though. Swing and a miss by the ACC. I’ll take Tech in a close game, 34-24. Willie Taggart’s home opener will be a tough test against a Hokie team that could contend for the ACC crown.

Week 2

College Station, Texas: Clemson @ Texas A&M

One of the best stadiums in college football will be the venue for yet another Dabo Swinney-Jimbo Fisher matchup. The rivalry between the two coaches will have a new look as Fisher is now roaming the sideline at aTm. Texas A&M has had no shortage of talent the last few years. Kevin Sumlin always had a plethora of talent to work with but could not win the big game. Fisher could be a couple years away from bringing aTm to the national stage. However, there is no doubt that all eyes will be on this game.

 

Honorable Mentions

Cincinnati @ Miami (OH)

Game is at Paul Brown Stadium, Miami is gonna take this one. Victory Bell goes back to Oxvegas.

Kentucky @ Florida

It’s gotta happen sometime, right?

Georgia @ South Carolina

Georgia is better, but has that ever mattered? South Carolina has talent and weird things happen in this game.

Kansas @ Central Michigan

get KU a new athletic director already.