MOTOR RACING · 1 month ago

College Football Week 1: Predicting the Outcomes of Every SEC Game

John Canady

Host · Writer

16) Virginia Tech at No. 13 South Carolina (-7.5)
Sunday, Aug. 31 | 3 PM ET | ESPN

South Carolina has all the tools to be a true contender in the SEC this season, especially behind Heisman candidate LaNorris Sellers. The hype surrounding the Gamecocks is gaining momentum, but it's up to them to prove that the hype is warranted. All eyes will be on Shane Beamer's squad on Sunday against Virginia Tech.

Prediction: South Carolina 31, Virginia Tech 20

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1) Central Arkansas at Missouri (-39.5)
Thursday, Aug. 28 | 7:30 PM ET | SECN

Missouri begins its season against one of the easiest opponents it'll face all season. Not only will the matchup against Central Arkansas allow them to hit the ground running, but it will also help the Tigers get one step closer to ending their quarterback battle and choosing one player to roll with under center the rest of the year.

Prediction: Missouri 45, Central Arkansas 10

Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.
2) Auburn (-2.5) at Baylor
Friday, Aug. 29 | 8:00 PM ET | FOX

Auburn and head coach Hugh Freeze opened up the checkbook this offseason, hoping that a strong transfer portal class could get the program one step closer to contention in 2025. They'll have a long way to go to get to that point in a loaded SEC conference, but their first actual test will come in Week 1 against Baylor, and the Tigers have a chance to make a statement.

Prediction: Baylor 27, Auburn 23
3) No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State (-1.5)
Saturday, Aug. 30 | Noon ET | FOX

This heavyweight bout is not only the marquee matchup of the opening weekend of college football, but it has the potential to be the best game of the entire season. Both programs are heading into the year with a new starting quarterback under center, a stout defense, and a coaching staff with championship expectations. In this SEC vs. Big Ten battle, I'll give the nod to the SEC and its more experienced QB.

Prediction: Texas 23, Ohio State 17
4) Syracuse at No. 24 Tennessee (-13.5)
Saturday, Aug. 30 | Noon ET | ABC

Syracuse impressed last season, but after losing their starting quarterback, they truly may have to start the season off strong to remind people just how good they can be. The Orange will have its chance against the Tennessee Volunteers, who are in a similar situation to them in terms of roster turnover. However, defeating the Vols on their home turf will be a tall task in Week 1.

Prediction: Tennessee 31, Syracuse 17
5) Mississippi State (-13.5) at Southern Miss
Saturday, Aug. 30 | Noon ET | ESPN

Mississippi State isn't expected to win a lot of games this season, but it'll have a prime opportunity to open the season with a win in Week 1. Getting ahead of the eight ball and starting the season out with a win could be essential for a team not expected to finish the season over .500.

Prediction: Mississippi State 27, Southern Miss 13
6) Toledo at Kentucky (-10.5)
Saturday, Aug. 30 | 12:45 PM ET | SECN

Kentucky and Mark Stoops have developed a somewhat tarnished reputation over the last few seasons. Fans have been calling for his firing, but the program's Athletic Department continues to remain optimistic that the head coach will turn things around for the team. With yet another starting QB under center, it will be essential for the Wildcats to start the season off with a win if they have any hope of competing in a loaded SEC conference.

Prediction: Kentucky 30, Toledo 24
7) Marshall at No. 5 Georgia (-38.5)
Saturday, Aug. 30 | 3:30 PM ET | ESPN

This won't take long to pick a winner in this matchup, especially with the talent on Georgia's defense heading into the year. The Bulldogs are considered a championship contender for a reason, and they'll look to make a statement in Week 1 on their home field.

Prediction: Georgia 48, Marshall 13
8) No. 8 Alabama at Florida State (-13.5)
Saturday, Aug. 30 | 3:30 PM ET | ABC

Alabama had a bit of a down season in year one of the Kalen DeBoer era, which is saying a lot considering the Crimson Tide finished the season with a 9-4 record. Nonetheless, with a full offseason to build a roster to his liking, Bama enters 2025 with high expectations, and they'll have the chance to prove why against a Florida State team that could be back in the mix this season.

Prediction: Alabama 34, Florida State 24
9) Alabama A&M at Arkansas (-46.5)
Saturday, Aug. 30 | 4:15 PM ET | SECN

Arkansas is another team that should take any easy win they can get. The talent on the Razorbacks' roster is not nearly as good as it needs to be to compete in the SEC, but if they're playing for bowl eligibility in 2025, they'll need to start the season off strong before their in-conference stretch begins.

Prediction: Arkansas 44, Alabama A&M 6
10) Illinois State at No. 18 Oklahoma (-36.5)
Saturday, Aug. 30 | 6:00 PM ET | SECN/ESPN+

Oklahoma desperately needs to redeem itself after a horrendous season last year. The Sooners are another team that attacked the transfer portal hard this offseason, and with a stud quarterback under center, Brent Venables' squad has high expectations to live up to this season. Fortunately for them, their season starts with what should be a guaranteed win.

Prediction: Oklahoma 58, Illinois State 10
11) Long Island at No. 15 Florida (-45.5)
Saturday, Aug. 30 | 7:00 PM ET | SECN/ESPN+

The Gators have all eyes on them heading into this season, mainly because former five-star recruit DJ Lagway is expected to be the next big thing at Florida. Billy Napier has done a great job of stacking talent on the roster, and if the team is ever going to get back in the mix of the SEC, this season is the time to do it.

Prediction: Florida 51, Long Island 3
12) UTSA at No. 19 Texas A&M (-23.5)
Saturday, Aug. 30 | 7:00 PM ET | ESPN

Texas A&M looked to be one of the hottest teams in the nation last season, poised for a run to the College Football Playoff before a late-season collapse ended any hope they had. However, with a healthy roster heading into 2025, the Aggies are seeking redemption, and it begins in Week 1.

Prediction: Texas A&M 44, UTSA 20
13) CSU at Vanderbilt (-38.5)
Saturday, Aug. 30 | 7:00 PM ET | SECN/ESPN+

Vanderbilt heads into 2025 still flying high on the impressive run from last season, which included an upset win over Alabama. The Commodores may not live up to the expectations they've set for themselves internally, but they'll still be a fun watch heading into this season. They should start the season off strong with a win over Charleston Southern.

Prediction: Vanderbilt 41, CSU 6
14) No. 9 LSU at No. 4 Clemson (-3.5)
Saturday, Aug. 30 | 7:3o PM ET | ABC

LSU may have one of the toughest matchups of any SEC team in Week 1 (outside of Texas) in what many are calling the Battle of Death Valley against the Clemson Tigers. Both teams have championship aspirations and the talent to turn those aspirations into reality, but following their Week 1 showdown, one team will face an uphill battle.

Prediction: Clemson 30, LSU 28
15) Georgia State at No. 21 Ole Miss (34.5)
Saturday, Aug. 30 | 7:45 PM ET | SEC Network

Ole Miss may be the one SEC team that is being closely examined heading into next season, mainly due to the loss of Jaxson Dart. Despite that, head coach Lane Kiffin had a solid succession plan in place at QB, and the Rebels could be a dark horse team to watch in the SEC this season. They'll get the chance to show that with a home opener against Georgia State.

Prediction: Ole Miss 48, Georgia State 16
16) Virginia Tech at No. 13 South Carolina (-7.5)
Sunday, Aug. 31 | 3 PM ET | ESPN

South Carolina has all the tools to be a true contender in the SEC this season, especially behind Heisman candidate LaNorris Sellers. The hype surrounding the Gamecocks is gaining momentum, but it's up to them to prove that the hype is warranted. All eyes will be on Shane Beamer's squad on Sunday against Virginia Tech.

Prediction: South Carolina 31, Virginia Tech 20

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1) Central Arkansas at Missouri (-39.5)
Thursday, Aug. 28 | 7:30 PM ET | SECN

Missouri begins its season against one of the easiest opponents it'll face all season. Not only will the matchup against Central Arkansas allow them to hit the ground running, but it will also help the Tigers get one step closer to ending their quarterback battle and choosing one player to roll with under center the rest of the year.

Prediction: Missouri 45, Central Arkansas 10

Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

College Football Week 1: Predicting the Outcomes of Every SEC Game

Sports Betting

Sportsbook Promos

Social Casinos