Featured Game: Texas at Michigan
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Game Time: Noon Eastern; 9:00 a.m. Pacific
Television: Fox
Game Preview
In a highly anticipated early-season matchup, the No. 10 Michigan Wolverines (1-0) host the No. 3 Texas Longhorns (1-0) at Michigan Stadium on Saturday. This clash between two of college football’s winningest programs marks only the second-ever meeting between these storied teams.
Key Storylines
Michigan’s First Real Test: After facing weak non-conference schedules in recent years, Michigan faces its first ranked non-conference opponent since 2019. The Wolverines are underdogs at home for the first time since 2021.
Texas Riding High: The Longhorns are coming off an impressive 52-0 shutout win over Colorado State and look to build on last year’s College Football Playoff appearance.
Quarterback Contrast: Texas has the edge with experienced QB Quinn Ewers, while Michigan turns to former walk-on Davis Warren in just his second start.
Strength vs. Strength: Michigan’s run-heavy offense will try to establish dominance against Texas’ stout defensive front.
Big Play Potential: Texas’ explosive offense, led by coach Steve Sarkisian, will test Michigan’s aggressive defense under new coordinator Wink Martindale.
Players To Watch
Michigan
QB Davis Warren
RB Donovan Edwards
TE Colston Loveland
LB Jaishawn Barham
CB Will Johnson
Texas
QB Quinn Ewers
WR Isaiah Bond
RB Jaydon Blue
LB Anthony Hill Jr.
Edge Trey Moore
Keys to the Game
Michigan’s Ground Game: The Wolverines must establish their running attack early to control the clock and keep Texas’ offense off the field.
Quarterback Play: Can Davis Warren keep pace with Quinn Ewers and make enough plays to keep Michigan competitive?
Limiting Big Plays: Michigan’s defense needs to contain Texas’ explosive receivers and prevent chunk plays.
Trenches Battle: The matchup between Michigan’s offensive line and Texas’ defensive front could decide the game.
Special Teams: In a potentially close game, kickers Dominic Zvada (Michigan) and Bert Auburn (Texas) could play crucial roles.
Prediction
While Michigan has a home-field advantage and a solid recent track record, Texas has the edge in talent and quarterback play. The Longhorns’ experience in big games, including last year’s win at Alabama, gives them a slight advantage.
Texas 27, Michigan 24
This game has the potential to be an instant classic and could significantly impact both teams’ College Football Playoff aspirations.
Other early games we’re watching:
Arkansas at Oklahoma State
Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Time: Noon Eastern; 9:00 am Pacific
Television: ABC
Kansas State at Tulane
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Time: Noon Eastern; 9:00 am Pacific
Television: ESPN
Afternoon Featured Game: Baylor at Utah
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Game Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern; 12:30 p.m. Pacific
Television: Fox
In a unique non-conference matchup between two Big 12 teams, the Baylor Bears (1-0) travel to Salt Lake City to face the No. 11 Utah Utes (1-0) at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. MT on FOX.
Key Storylines
Big 12 Homecoming: Although both teams are now in the Big 12, this game counts as non-conference because it was scheduled years ago when Utah was still in the Pac-12.
Return of the Stars: Utah’s quarterback Cam Rising and tight end Brant Kuithe made impressive returns from injury in week one, connecting for three touchdowns.
Baylor’s Revenge: The Bears look to avenge last year’s close 20-13 loss to Utah in Waco.
Defensive Shift: Baylor head coach Dave Aranda has taken over defensive coordinator duties, which could lead to schematic changes.
Home Field Advantage: Utah has won 32 of their last 34 home games and boasts an 84-game sellout streak at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Players to Watch
Baylor
QB Dequan Finn
WR Ketron Jackson Jr.
RB Richard Reese
LB Matt Jones
DL Garmon Randolph
Utah
QB Cameron Rising
TE Brant Kuithe
RB Dijon Stanley
DT Junior Tafuna
CB Smith Snowden
Keys to the Game
Quarterback Play: Can Baylor’s Dequan Finn match the efficiency and production of Utah’s Cam Rising?
Establishing the Run: Both teams will look to improve their ground games after somewhat lackluster performances in week one.
Defensive Adjustments: How will Baylor’s defense, now led by Dave Aranda, contain Utah’s potent offense?
Special Teams Impact: Kickers Bert Auburn (Baylor) and Dominic Zvada (Utah) could play crucial roles in a potentially close game.
Limiting Turnovers: Both teams had turnover issues in their openers and will need to protect the ball better in this matchup.
Coaches’ Perspectives
Baylor’s Dave Aranda: “We’ve got something to prove. I think that we got a bunch of guys that want to win and want to achieve and want to be that team, and we know that the team we’re playing is kind of that team. And so we have to be able to show up with our best.”
Utah’s Kyle Whittingham: “We were fortunate to get out of there with a win last year. We haven’t forgotten that. It was a right down to the wire game. We have to prepare the right way all week long, just like we do every single week and be ready for a fight because that’s what it’s going to be.”
Prediction
While Baylor showed promise in their opener, Utah’s experience, home-field advantage, and the return of key players give them the edge. Expect a closer game than the odds suggest, but Utah should come out on top.
Utah 31, Baylor 24
This game will be a critical early-season test for both teams and could have significant implications for their respective Big 12 and national title aspirations.
Other Mid-Day Games We’re Watching
Iowa State at Iowa
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Game Time: 3:30 Eastern; 12:30 Pacific
Television: CBS
Michigan State at Maryland
Location: College Park, Maryland
Game Time: 3:30 Eastern; 12:30 Pacific
Television: BTN – Big Ten Network
Night Game: Boise State at Oregon
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Time: 10:00 PM Eastern; 7:00 pm Pacific
Television: Peacock
In a compelling non-conference matchup, the Boise State Broncos (1-0) travel to Eugene to face the No. 7 Oregon Ducks (1-0) at Autzen Stadium on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Kickoff is set for 7 PM PT and will be broadcast on Peacock.
Key Storylines
Oregon’s Offensive Struggles: The Ducks look to bounce back from a lackluster offensive performance in their 24-14 win over Idaho.
Boise State’s Upset Bid: The Broncos aim to continue their historical success against Oregon, having won all three previous meetings.
Ashton Jeanty’s Momentum: Boise State’s running back comes off a record-breaking 267-yard, six-touchdown performance against Georgia Southern.
Ducks’ National Championship Aspirations: Oregon enters the season with high expectations as it prepares for its inaugural Big Ten season.
Coaching Chess Match: Dan Lanning’s defense vs. Dirk Koetter’s offense could be the key tactical battle of the game.
Players to Watch
Boise State
RB Ashton Jeanty
QB Maddux Madsen
WR Prince Strachan
DT Braxton Fely
Oregon
QB Dillon Gabriel
RB Jordan James
WRs Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart
CB Jabbar Muhammad
Keys to the Game
Oregon’s Offensive Line Performance: The Ducks’ O-line struggled against Idaho and faces a tough test against Boise State’s front seven.
Explosive Plays: Oregon’s offense lacked big plays in week one, and limiting explosive plays will be crucial for Boise State’s defense.
Boise State’s Passing Game: The Broncos need to use their size advantage at receiver against Oregon’s smaller secondary.
Containing Ashton Jeanty: Oregon’s front seven will be tested by Boise State’s star running back.
Special Teams and Trick Plays: Boise State may need to steal points through special teams or trick plays in a potential upset bid.
Coaches’ Perspectives
Oregon’s Dan Lanning on fixing offensive issues: “Don’t get off schedule. Don’t end up with third and longs. Don’t shoot ourselves in the foot with penalties. If we do that, we can move the ball.”
Boise State: The Broncos will likely aim to create chaos on defense and find ways to unlock an Oregon defense that looked formidable in week one.
Injury Report
Boise State:
HB Jambres Dubar – Dealing with a nagging injury from fall camp
C Mason Randolph – Left last game with a potential arm injury. Status uncertain
Oregon:
OL Matthew Bedford – May make his Duck debut after missing the opener.
Prediction
While Boise State has the potential to keep this game competitive, especially with Ashton Jeanty’s running ability, Oregon’s talent advantage and motivation to improve from last week’s performance should prove too much for the Broncos.
Oregon 38, Boise State 24
This game will be a crucial test for both teams—Oregon will need to prove its national championship credentials, and Boise State will need to show it can compete with top-tier programs. Expect a closer game than the odds suggest, but the Ducks should pull away in the second half.
Other Late Games We’re Watching:
Texas Tech vs Washington State
Location: Pullman, Washington
Time: 7:00 pm
Television: Fox
Mississippi State vs Arizona State
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Time: 10:30 pm Eastern, 7:30 pm Pacific
Television: ESPN
