The official start of the 2014 NCAA College football season is on Saturday, August 30, kicking off the beginning of the four team playoff system. Fans are excited about this new system, because it means more deserving teams will have a shot at competing for the national championship.
There are a lot of teams hoping to earn a spot in the final four, one of which is #6 Auburn. The Tigers made it to the championship game last season by beating their instate rivals and heavily favored Alabama in the SEC Championship game, but eventually lost to Florida State in the National Championship game. This season, they are hoping to get another chance to win their second championship in four years.
The Oklahoma Sooners, ranked #4 in the country also have championship aspirations this year, after a successful season last year. Which included a Sugar Bowl victory against Alabama. The Sooners lost their running backs from last season, but have two capable runners that are expected to have a lot of success this season. With redshirt sophomore quarterback Trevor knight leading the way, the Sooners think they have what it takes to be one of the four teams in the playoffs.
The best games on Saturday are between four of the top 20 teams in the country, and the games could play a big role in determining if they make it into the playoffs or not at the end of the season.
#16 Clemson takes on #12 Georgia at 5:30 PM. ET. On ESPN
The Tigers won this matchup last year in a very close and exciting shootout between the two teams. They lost their two biggest stars on offense, and will likely rely more on their running game and defense in this game, to protect their new quarterback.
Georgia lost their all-time leading passer when Aaron Murray graduated after last season, fortunately for them, his replacement, Hutson Mason, got some experience when he had to fill in for Murray when he got hurt last year, which should be valuable for him this year. If their defense is as improved as it is expected to be, they will be a tough team to beat this season.
Game Line: Georgia is favored to win by 7 1/2 points.
Personal Pick: The Bulldogs defense should be able to take advantage of the inexperienced Tigers quarterback, and win the game impressively.
#13 LSU will play #14 Wisconsin at 9 PM. ET. On ESPN.
This game has the potential to be very exciting, but the fact that both teams are essentially breaking in new quarterbacks, makes it more likely to be a defensive slugfest.
The Tigers are going to use a two quarterback system, which has worked well for them in the past, and might do so again this year. Their defense wasn’t as dominant as they were in the past last year, but is expected to be improved this year.
The Badgers have converted safety Tanner McEvoy into a quarterback, and he has been given the starting position over Joel Stave, who started for the team last year. Despite the change, the Badgers don’t expect any drop-off in their offense, because they are primarily a running team, and they intend to continue running the ball down their opponents? throats, with Melvin Gordon, who finished with 1,609 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
Game Line: LSU is favored by 5 points.
Personal Pick: LSU’s defense will stop the run, forcing Wisconsin to pass, and cause some turnovers to win the game.
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