Welcome Back, College Football. We’ve missed you. Week Zero has officially wrapped up and now week one kicks off this Thursday.
Top Thursday Games
#12 Oklahoma State vs Central Michigan
Last season Oklahoma State was an inch away from a potential playoff berth. The Cowboys are looking for a similar journey, but a different result. The Cowboys have a game-changer at the quarterback position in Spencer Sanders. Sanders is the most experienced signal-caller returning to the Big 12 in 2022 and will start as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback in his fourth season opener. Last season, Sanders threw for 2,839 with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The biggest question for Oklahoma State will be the running back position. They’ll look to Dominic Richardson to carry the load, with little depth behind him. I believe Oklahoma State will win the battle of the line. Speaking of the battle of the line, one of the bright spots for the Chippewas is running back Lew Nichols III. Lew Nichols III led all of college football last season with 1,848 yards and 16 touchdowns on 341 carries. He will continue to get the load as the Chippewa offense will roll through Nichols in 2022 and if they can get the running game going against the Pokes early, it could lead to some issues. Shut down Nichols, and Oklahoma State runs away with this game. Unlike six years ago, I think the Cowboys’ nightmare with Central Michigan is over.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 56, Central Michigan 31
#17 Pittsburgh vs West Virginia
The backward brawl is back and it’s the battle of former USC quarterbacks. Pittsburgh had one of its most successful seasons last year. Pittsburgh loses a Heisman candidate quarterback in Kenny Pickett and Bilinetkioff winner Jordan Addison. A huge acquisition for Pittsburgh this offseason was former USC quarterback Kedon Slovis. Slovis brings a similar aspect that Kenny Pickett brought to the Panthers’ offense with a new offensive coordinator in Frank Cignetti Jr. JT Daniels is the leader of the West Virginia offense and though in recent years the Mountaineers have been a run-oriented team that should change this year. Pittsburgh’s defensive line has always been impressive and that doesn’t change this year and the room is led by Calijah Kancey In an old-fashioned rivalry game, I’m giving the edge to Pitt. With 15 returning starters and a home crown will lift the Panthers to a victory.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 31, West Virginia 20
Penn State vs Purdue
Penn State returns quarterback Sean Clifford, who was hurt for most of the 2nd half of the season, but the team must also replace an NFL receiver in Jahan Dotson. So while both offenses have returning quarterbacks, there are question marks. The Penn State Nittany Lions are getting all the hype in this game because of their returning starters and their name brand. Many believe this is going to be a big year for the Nittany Lions. However, the Purdue Boilermakers have been an improved program over the last few years and the talent level has improved. O’Connell is far from a pushover, and the Boilermakers’ defense could surprise some folks. With all that being said I think Penn State’s defense holds its own and the offense makes big enough plays to get this win in a close game.
Prediction: Penn State 23, Purdue 17
Tennessee vs Ball State
This isn’t the most exciting and hard-fought game you’re gonna see on Thursday night, but I highlighted this game because I’m very interested to see how the 2nd year of the Josh Heupel era goes. The Tennessee offense is led by in my opinion a top 5 quarterback in the country (Hendon Hooker). Hooker totaled 31 TDs and only 3 INTs. Tennessee’s defense is gonna fly to the ball this is a whole new culture with Heupel at the helm. I’m not gonna say much about this game and I think the Vols will execute and win this game.
Prediction: Tennessee 52, Ball State 3
Missouri vs Louisiana Tech
This is another game that should be a steamroll. The Tigers will look to take a step forward under head coach Eliah Drinkwitz, who is in his third season with the program. The team hosts Louisiana Tech in their opening game as a double-digit favorite. Missouri will be starting Brady Cook at quarterback this season, who finished last year as the signal caller after a 6-7 campaign. The team must replace their leading rusher Tyler Badie, who rushed for 1,604 yards last season, but it does bring back four of five starters on the offensive line. The Missouri offense will come out great and the defense will look up and down but in the end, the Tigers will take care of business.
Prediction: Missouri 41, Louisiana Tech 10
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