Lowell's Locks: Week One

It’s finally that time of the year. The temperatures are high, the teeth are gnashing, and everyone in training camp is ready to hit someone else.

Football is back, and we have some heat to rival the temperatures in some of these week one matchups. 

Saturday, August 30th: 

Syracuse vs. #24 Tennessee (-13.5) (Aflac Kick-Off, Atlanta):

Syracuse was a surprising 10-3 last season, but they have a lot of work to do to replicate those results. The Orange made their living off the arm of Kyle McCord, who is now calling Philadelphia his home. Tennessee has its own questions at quarterback after Nico Iamaleav shockingly transferred in the offseason, but the Tennessee defense should control this one in the second half as the Syracuse offense struggles to find its footing.

Lowell’s Lock: Tennessee covers -13.5

#8 Alabama (-12.5) at Florida State:

There’s been a lot of talk coming from the Florida State camp this offseason, but I think that the Noles are writing checks that they won’t be able to cash. Alabama is breaking in a new quarterback, but they have proven players at nearly every position, while Florida State is once again relying on a bevy of transfers to boost them. Florida State should be better this season, but they’re going to have to show me first.

Lowell’s Lock: Alabama covers -12.5

#1 Texas at #3 Ohio State (-1.5):

Arch Manning has the most hype for a Texas quarterback since Vince Young, and the Longhorns are going to need that to turn into production quickly. The issue is an Ohio State secondary that should be among the best in the country, and a Texas offensive line that is breaking in four new starters in Columbus. Ohio State is going to be playing Julian Sayin for the first time at quarterback, but I don’t expect them to ask him to do too much. The crowd and defense take this one for the Buckeyes in a slugfest.

Lowell’s Lock: Ohio State covers -1.5

Sunday, August 31st:

#6 Notre Dame (-2.5) at #10 Miami:

It’s the return of Catholics vs. Convicts. Notre Dame is coming off a national title appearance, while the Canes had their first 10-win season since 2017. Mario Cristobal is still looking to get over the hump after blowing a chance at an ACC title appearance late last season, and they brought in Carson Beck from Georgia to replace Cam Ward at quarterback. Notre Dame is also starting a new quarterback, but I expect the Irish to do what they do: lean on Jeremiyah Love and use a smothering defensive front to control a low-scoring affair.

Lowell’s Lock: Notre Dame covers -2.5

Virginia Tech vs. #13 South Carolina (-7.5):

This is one game that I think can get out of hand. Virginia Tech’s defense is good, but it has a lot to prove on offense against what should be a good South Carolina defense. LaNorris Sellers should be able to generate enough offense for an early lead, before the Gamecocks finally break through and take control in the second half.

Lowell’s Locks: South Carolina covers -7.5

GAME OF THE WEEK (Saturday, 7:30 PM):

#9 LSU at #4 Clemson (-4.5):

The Battle of Death Valley. The Bayou Bengals enter this one with a sense of desperation, as they have lost five straight season openers, three of them under the direction of head coach Brian Kelly.

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is among the favorites to win the Heisman, and there is no shortage of talent across the board for LSU. However, they are breaking in essentially an entirely new offensive line. Against the likes of Peter Woods, TJ Parker, DeMonte Capehart, and Will Heldt on the Clemson defensive line, it could be a long night, especially on the road. Clemson returns their own Heisman-contending quarterback in Cade Klubnik, and they have a bevy of weapons available for him to toss the ball around to. Clemson opens with a big win, but it’s possible this isn’t the only game we see between these two.

Score Prediction: 38-24 Clemson

Lowell’s Lock: Clemson covers -4.5