2013 CFB Season: Breakdown of the AP Top 25 games of Week 1

The best time of the year is finally here. The start of college football is better than Christmas to a die hard fan, and we are now less than a week away. Each week I will breakdown every top 25 team and their upcoming game. These top 25 rankings will be based on the Associated Press poll until the BCS rankings are released. These predictions will give keys for each team to win the game and also a final score.

Eastern Washington at #25 Oregon State

Line: Oregon State by 28

Score Prediction: Oregon State wins 49-10

Week 1 is usually filled with games like this. Oregon State is looking to make a run in the PAC 12 and should win big. Eastern Washington will need an Appalachian State over Michigan type upset in this one.  The Beavers will start out their season 1-0 with a blowout win over Eastern Washington. The Beavers should cover the line easily.

#24 USC at Hawaii

Line: USC by 21.5

Score Prediction: USC wins 45-20

The USC Trojans traveling to face Hawaii will not give any edge to the Warriors. Hawaii is still trying to rebuild with head coach Norm Chow and opening up with USC is not ideal. USC should cover the spread easily, but Lane Kiffin is playing both Cody Kessler and Max Wittek at quarterback which may cause the Trojan offense not to score as many points. Hawaii will need to take advantage of the two quarterback system and force turnovers. The Warriors will also need to have smart clock management and not turn the ball over in order to upset. An upset of USC is not likely. Although I believe USC will struggle some throughout the season, they should win this game comfortably.

Massachusetts at #23 Wisconsin

Line: Wisconsin by 45

Score Prediction: Wisconsin wins 56-6

This is another one of the weaker opening games. Sadly, it is very likely that Wisconsin will cover the spread. It all depends on how much mercy new Wisconsin head coach Gary Anderson shows. It actually would not surprise me to see the Badgers score more than 56 points. Massachusetts is yet another team that will need to play an amazing game in order to pull an upset over a team like Wisconsin. Gary Anderson will win his first game as head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers.

#22 Northwestern at California

Line: Northwestern by 6

Score Prediction: Northwestern wins 27-17

This is actually a very interesting game. California is not projected to do much this year, but expect them to keep this game close. I predict Northwestern will cover the spread by scoring a touchdown or two late in the game. California will need to step up on defense and keep Northwestern’s offense off the field in order to win this game. The Golden Bears will also need to establish a solid passing game. New California head coach Sonny Dykes will do everything possible to win his first game. His efforts will come up just short as I believe the Wildcats will run away with it in the second half. This game could be an interesting one though.

Nevada at #21 UCLA 

Line: UCLA by 19

Score Prediction: UCLA wins 34-17

UCLA is favored to win big over Nevada. While Nevada is a weaker team this year, I do not expect the Bruins to cover the spread. They could cover the spread depending on how long this game stays close in the first half. UCLA will still win in nice fashion, but the Bruins are not as strong as they were last year. This matchup will show just how good UCLA will be this year even though the line is by 19. Nevada will need to be physically dominant on both sides of the ball and force turnovers in order to pull the upset. The game will be close in the first quarter, but will quickly start to get out of Nevada's reach.  

#20 TCU vs. #12 LSU

Line: LSU by 4

Score Prediction: LSU wins 20-13

This will be one of the most exciting games of week one. Fans should expect a defensive battle. While I predict LSU to win, the Tigers are on upset alert. The key for LSU to win this game will depend on the play of quarterback Zach Mettenberger and how well the defense performs. TCU will need to take advantage on a young Tiger defense. TCU will also need to find an identity in their offense and find a nice pass/run balance. Turnover margin will be crucial in this game, and LSU head coach Les Miles will have to show his mad hatting skills in this close battle. I believe LSU will hang on and win it.

#19 Boise State at Washington

Line: Washington by 3

Score Prediction: Washington wins 35-31

Although Boise State is ranked and Washington is not, the Huskies are favored in this game. I call for Washington to win which I am considering an upset. Boise State has a young team but a very good quarterback in Joe Southwick. If there is any coach in the country that can win against all odds it is Boise State head coach Chris Peterson. Washington has home field advantage, quarterback Keith Price is healthy, and Washington has 18 returning starters. Boise State will need to perform well on defense and force turnovers and Southwick will need to have a really good game passing in order to win. A game like this could go either way, but I give the edge to Washington.

Wyoming at #18 Nebraska

Line: Nebraska by 28

Score Prediction: Nebraska wins 56-14

Nebraska has a very powerful offense behind quarterback Taylor Martinez and I expect a blowout victory. Wyoming will need to perform with an amazing defense to slow down this Cornhusker offense and pull this monster upset. Nebraska will begin 1-0 on the season in dominant fashion over the Wyoming Cowboys. I also believe the spread will be covered unless Bo Pelini shows mercy.

Central Michigan at #17 Michigan

Line: Michigan by 31

Score Prediction: Michigan wins 41-17

Michigan should dominate this game, but I do not see them covering the spread. Central Michigan is capable of keeping this game from getting out of hand. This is another example of something big having to happen in order for an upset to happen. I am not saying it is not possible, but highly unlikely. This will be Michigan's first year without Denard Robinson so it will be interesting to see what head coach Brady Hoke has in store. Central Michigan will have to play flawlessly so it is safe to say Michigan starts 1-0.

ULM at #16 Oklahoma

Line: Oklahoma by 23

Score Prediction: Oklahoma wins 31-21

Oklahoma is favored in this game by 23, which I believe will not be covered. I am also going out on a long limb and putting Oklahoma on upset alert. ULM returns roughly 17 starters including quarterback Kolton Browning. Bob Stoops also surprised the country by naming Trevor Knight as the starting quarterback over Blake Bell. ULM also upset Arkansas last season which is impressive regardless of how badly the Razorbacks were last year. I predict the Sooners win this in a close matchup. In order for the Warhawks to pull the upset, the defense will need to put plenty of pressure on Trevor Knight. Kolton Browning needs to play like he did against Arkansas last year and take advantage of a young Oklahoma defense.

New Mexico State at #15 Texas

Line: Texas by 42

Score Prediction: Texas wins 63-6

This is yet another game that will end with the spread probably being covered. New Mexico State ultimately has no remote chance of beating the Longhorns now that they have an identity on both their offense and defense. Texas will make a strong push for the Big 12 title and they will start their season with an easy victory. New Mexico State will have to do everything perfect in order to pull this big upset.

Temple at #14 Notre Dame

Line: Notre Dame by 24

Score Prediction: Notre Dame wins 41-9

This will not be the biggest blowout of week one, but Notre Dame fans do not have much to worry about. Notre Dame's only concern is not having Everett Golson, which will be what Temple needs to consider in order to have a remote chance of winning. The Fighting Irish have a phenomenal defense and will probably keep Temple in low scoring numbers. This is just another example of a simple first game in order to ensure a victory. The spread will more than likely be covered, and give Notre Dame a 1-0 start.

#13 Oklahoma State vs. Mississippi State

Line: Oklahoma State by 13

Score Prediction: Oklahoma State wins 38-21

While this is one of the more exciting games of week one, the Cowboys should win this with one without much worry. Mississippi State will keep it close early maybe even through the third quarter, but the Cowboys offense is to explosive for Mississippi State to slow down for four quarters. There is one huge factor for Dan Mullen and the Bulldogs to remember in order to upset Oklahoma State: play defense. This will not be the best year for Mississippi State, but they are capable of pulling this upset unlike other week one games.

#11 Florida State at Pittsburgh

Line: Florida State by 10

Score Prediction: Florida State wins 42-10

This may seem like one of the more interesting games of week one, but I expect a blowout in this one. FSU quarterback Jameis Winston will put on a show against this defense. Pittsburgh has enough talent to upset the Seminoles, but I do not see where they have enough experience on both sides of the ball to do it. The Panthers are going to have to slow down this offense and find weaknesses in the defense. Florida State should have this game under control from beginning to end and dominate on their way to a 1-0 start.

Toledo at #10 Florida

Line:  Florida by 21

Score Prediction: Florida wins 38-13

I actually do not believe this game will be as big of a blowout as one might expect. Florida tends to get a little big headed against opponents like this and while they always pull out a victory, I believe it will stay close in the first quarter. The Gators can cover the spread although it is not guaranteed in this matchup. Toledo will need to put pressure on quarterback Jeff Driskel and attempt a few trick/big plays down the stretch. The chances of an upset in this game are slim, but unlike most games in week one there is at least a chance.

Ohio at #9 Louisville

Line: Louisville by 20

Score Prediction: Louisville wins 34-6

Louisville will win big in this one. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and the Louisville offense may put up more points than I predicted. Just like most of the games in week one, Ohio will need to pull out all the stops and play flawlessly on both sides of the ball in order to win. The only reason I give Ohio a slight chance is because Louisville tends to play weaker opponents too close. This should still be an easy victory and help start the road for a national title berth.

#5 Georgia at #8 Clemson

Line: Georgia by 2

Score Prediction: Clemson wins 28-27

This was by far the hardest game this week for me to pick. I give Clemson the slight edge because Georgia lost so many leaders on defense. I will say right now that this is one of those games that can go either way depending on who shows up. Clemson also has home field advantage. In order for Georgia to win, quarterback Aaron Murray will need to dominate passing and running back Todd Gurley needs to have solid game rushing. Defensively, the Bulldogs will need to slow down quarterback Tahj Boyd and his strong group of receivers. Winner of this game automatically becomes a strong national title contender. This game gets my vote for best of game of the week.

Rice at #7 Texas A&M

Line: Texas A&M by 28

Score Prediction: Texas A&M wins 35-10

While A&M will win this game, I do not believe they will cover the spread with at least a 28 point victory. All the controversy surrounding Johnny Manziel may very well affect his play. Also Rice has roughly 19 returning starters. No matter what kind of team you have experience is crucial. The Rice Owls are going into this game as big underdogs and will keep this game close possibly through halftime. The Owls will need to slow down Manziel which I am not convinced they can do. It is for that reason that I am giving A&M a dominant victory, but an upset is possible in this game as hard as that is to believe.

North Carolina at #6 South Carolina

Line: South Carolina by 11

Score Prediction: South Carolina wins 27-10

There is no question South Carolina will be lead by defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. This is one of the more intriguing games of week one, but the Gamecocks should cover the spread. There is a possibility they will not cover the spread because South Carolina needs to establish a rushing attack. North Carolina will need to find a way to stop Clowney and the passing game. Pulling an upset over South Carolina is not likely but is possible.

#4 Stanford does not play in week 1

Nicholls State at #3 Oregon

Line: Oregon by 58

Score Prediction: Oregon wins 70-7

Oregon is a 58 point favorite and I honestly believe they will cover that spread with ease. Oregon does not let up on their opponents and their offense is just too lethal. This is pretty much a warm up game for first year head coach Mark Helfrich and the Oregon Ducks. There is no chance for Nicholls State to pull out the upset.

Buffalo at #2 Ohio State 

Line: Ohio State by 35

Score Prediction: Ohio State wins 56-3

Buffalo ultimately has no chance of pulling this monster upset. Quarterback Braxton Miller is a dual threat quarterback that should pick apart this Buffalo defense. If the Buckeyes do not cover this spread, then Urban Meyer decided to show mercy. This will be a blowout from beginning to end and Ohio State will start 1-0.

#1 Alabama vs. Virginia Tech

Line: Alabama by 19

Score Prediction: Alabama wins 38-13

Virginia Tech has honestly not received their due credit this offseason. Quarterback Logan Thomas is a dual threat quarterback and an upset is possible. This Crimson Tide offense will be too much for the Hokies defense to handle. Alabama has its weak points in the secondary, but the defense should still keep Virginia Tech's offense off the field most of the game. The spread should be covered but it would not surprise me to see Nick Saban show mercy if it gets to that point. Virginia Tech will need to dominate on offense and slow down Alabama's balanced passing/rushing attack in order to pull off this massive upset.

2013 SEC Game Preview: Top 10 SEC Games to Watch For This Season

The SEC has proven their dominance over the last decade with an SEC team winning 8 out of the last 10 BCS national championships. SEC conference games are very important as they can make or break a team's season. Six out of the eight national title teams lost at least one game, and all losses were at the hands of another SEC team.

The 2003 LSU team's only loss came at the hands of Florida. The 2006 Florida team lost to Auburn. The 2007 LSU team lost to both Kentucky and Arkansas. The 2008 Florida team lost to Ole Miss. The 2011 Alabama team lost to LSU and the 2012 team lost to Texas A&M. This only proves just how important conference games can be. The top 10 SEC games made the list based on either importance, rivalry, or "revenge".

10. Ole Miss at Vanderbilt- August 29th
Ole Miss and Vanderbilt open things up with the first conference game of the year on this Thursday night game. Head Coaches James Franklin and Hugh Freeze are both young and overlooked coaches in the SEC. Both teams are looking to make strides in their divisions in the near future. Because it is one of the first games of the college football season, expect mistakes to be made and this game to be a close one.

9. Auburn at Arkansas- November 2nd
This game became heated following SEC media days. Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema and Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn disagreed on the injury risk on a fast paced, no huddle offense. Gus Malzahn called the idea of increased injury risk a "joke". When asked about Malzahn's comment, Bret Bielema responded by saying that he is not a comedian. Bielema and Malzahn are both first year SEC coaches and with these additional jabs being taken, expect an interesting game.

8. LSU at Georgia- September 28th
Georgia is projected to win the SEC East behind quarterback Aaron Murray. LSU is one of the top teams in the West and will more than likely go into Athens as an underdog. LSU may have a tough time battling Georgia's experienced offense, but the Tigers tend to play their best football against the toughest opponents. Georgia has a very tough start with games against Clemson and South Carolina to start the season. The Bulldog's fourth game being against LSU will be hard, but Georgia benefits from a bye week in week 3. This should be a great battle between two of the top schools in the SEC.

7. Alabama at Auburn- November 30th
The Iron Bowl is one of the greatest rivalries in all of college football. This is a game that is always to close for comfort for both teams. Auburn almost upset Alabama in 2009 on the road to Alabama's national title season. Alabama blew a large halftime in a 2010 Iron bowl victory for Auburn. Auburn has a bye week prior to the Iron Bowl so expect new Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn to have his team fired up for this game.

6. Georgia vs. Florida (Neutral Field-Jacksonville, Florida)- November 2nd
Georgia and Florida are great rivals and always provide a great game. Last year's game decided the SEC East champion. Florida turned the ball over six times which all but helped Georgia win the game. This game may help decide the East champion again depending on the outcome of the Georgia vs. South Carolina game. This should be a close game and Georgia's offense vs. Florida's defense will be a great battle.

5. Texas A&M at LSU- November 23rd
Texas A&M and LSU are the two elite teams in the West that will make a strong push to win their division and make it to Atlanta. If Alabama loses in the regular season, this late season game may help decide the West division champion. LSU beat Texas A&M last year in College Station and will attempt to do it again in Death Valley. A young LSU defense will have to put together a good game plan to slow this up tempo Aggie offense led by Johnny Manziel. LSU head coach Les Miles will have to pull some of his magic in order to pull out the victory. Expect a close game from start to finish.

4. Florida at South Carolina- November 16th
Florida and South Carolina have built a rivalry since Steve Spurrier took over for the Gamecocks in 2005. Steve Spurrier is well known for coaching the Florida Gators to a national championship and six conference titles before leaving to be the head coach of the Washington Redskins. Florida and South Carolina are two top teams in the SEC East and the game may help decide the East champion. This will be a battle in the trenches. Both teams have great defenses which should provide a low scoring game. The rising rivalry in this game makes it intense every year and stakes will be high.

3. LSU at Alabama- November 9th
Two years ago, this game was labeled the game of century. This has become one of the most heated rivalries in the SEC since Nick Saban accepted the head coaching job at Alabama in 2007. To make the rivalry even better, Alabama and LSU faced off in the 2011 national championship game. Last year's game was one of the most exciting in all of college football after running back TJ Yeldon caught a screen pass and scored a winning touchdown late in the game. This year should be no different and should be close one as usual. Both teams also have bye weeks prior to the game which will provide even more hype. This may not be another game of the century, but will be one of the best games of the year.

2.  South Carolina at Georgia- September 7th
Last year, South Carolina beat down Georgia in Columbia. This all but guaranteed South Carolina a spot in the SEC Championship until Florida beat the Gamecocks in Gainesville. The Gators lost to Georgia in Jacksonville a week later. Although the Bulldogs are a favorite in the East, Steve Spurrier and South Carolina will look to beat the Bulldogs again and make it to Atlanta. Georgia maybe trying to get a little revenge due to last year's embarrassing loss. This game is especially important because it is the early part of the season and every game is crucial. The winner of this game will have an early advantage to win the SEC East and make it to Atlanta.

1. Alabama at Texas A&M-  September 14th
Last year, the Texas A&M Aggies shocked all of college football by upsetting top ranked Alabama in Tuscaloosa. If you watched Texas A&M play last season, it was very clear the team played like a veteran SEC squad despite it being the Aggies first year in the SEC. Alabama does not take losses lightly and you better believe Nick Saban will be prepared for the Aggies. Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin will also have his players prepared and this will be a game not to miss. Alabama has a bye week prior and all eyes will watching on September 14th. This may be the best game of the year in college football and the winner is an immediate favorite to win the West.