College football Week 1 schedule and predictions
No. 11 Michigan Wolverines vs. No. 17 Florida Gators (in Arlington, TX)
Kickoff: Saturday, Sept. 2, 3:30 p.m., ABC
They may be two blueblood college football programs, both ranked in the Top 25, but there are more unknowns than knowns ahead of the Michigan-Florida matchup in Texas – and not just because Jim Harbaugh didn’t want to release his roster.
Michigan vs. Florida: Three Things to Watch
1. Florida QB Situation
Florida head coach Jim McElwain refused to name a starter at quarterback during fall camp, and returning starter Luke Del Rio, redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks and Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire are all still in the mix to take the first snap of the season for the Gators.
Del Rio completed 56.7 percent of his passes for 1,358 yards and eight touchdowns with eight interceptions last season. The junior made six starts, but was hampered by injuries and missed spring practice. As a result, the 6-foot-6, 219-pound Franks entered fall camp with the edge in the competition, and has a strong arm and huge potential. Nevertheless, the dual threat Zaire started the first two games of the 2015 season for the Fighting Irish and joined the Gators with 816 career passing yards and six touchdowns.
UPDATE: McElwain has since named Franks the starter for Saturday
2. Inexperience on Defense
Both Florida and Michigan have been outstanding on defense under their current head coaches. Last season, the Wolverines led the nation in total defense (261.8 yards allowed per game) and pass defense (142.5 yards allowed per game), ranked second in scoring defense (14.1 points allowed per game) and ranked No. 15 in the country in rushing defense (119.2 yards allowed per game). The Gators boasted a Top 10 unit in scoring (16.8), pass defense (148.5) and total defense (293.0), and ranked 38th nationally in rush defense (144.5).
The problem? The two teams return a combined four starters from last season’s squads defensively. Nevertheless, both defenses are packed with talent. Florida cornerback Duke Dawson is an All-American candidate and defensive linemen Cece Jefferson and Jabari Zuniga are playmakers off the edge. Michigan linebacker Mike McCray was very active in 2016, racking up 76 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions, and pass rusher Rashan Gary came to Ann Arbor as one of the most highly recruited players in the nation.
3. Offensive Playmakers Wanted
Florida receiver Antonio Callaway and running back Jordan Scarlett are two of 10 Gators suspended for the season opener, and the team’s leading receiver and rusher from last season, respectively, will be sorely missed. Michigan must replace its top three receivers from a year ago, as well as leading rusher De’Veon Smith. Needless to say, new names will have an opportunity to make plays for both squads.
Prediction:
Arguably the toughest game to handicap of the Week 1 slate, Michigan is a field goal favorite according to most odds makers. Expect a low-scoring matchup likely decided by the leg of Florida kicker Eddie Pineiro or Michigan redshirt freshman Quinn Nordin.
Michigan 20, Florida 17