Now that the NFL draft is over, college and professional football fans begin the long stretch of the off-season. Until training camp begins in early August, everything is pure conjecture. With that in mind, here's the week 1 games we're looking forward to the most.
5. William and Mary vs Bucknell
In 2015, William & Mary had a solid season which led them to a 9-4 record and the second round of the FCS playoffs. Yet, since then the Tribe are 7 and 15. Last year, they won just 2 games and went winless in conference play. Jimmye Laycock is in his 39th season as head coach of the Tribe, and fans are eager to get back to winning. Meanwhile, the Bison haven't fared much better recently with three straight losing seasons. Needless to say, both teams desperately need this win.
Tribe running back, Nate Evans, rushed for nearly 500 yards and 3 TD's in six starts as a true freshman in 2017. If he is indeed the starter this season, he could be in for a big opening game. Bucknell's defense allowed 146 rushing yards per game. That mismatch should provide the Tribe with a boost and hopefully propel them to a week 1 win.
4. UVA vs Richmond
Kyle Lauletta is gone. Kurt Benkart is gone. Both teams will be starting new quarterbacks this season and both need to improve on their 2017 seasons. The last time the Spiders visited the suits and sundresses, it was an embarrassment for the Hoos'. Richmond won the 2016 contest 37-20, and racked up over 500 yards.
For Spiders' coach, Russ Huesman, a win against a FBS opponent to start off the season would pay huge dividends. On the flip side, Bronco Mendenhall's squad made real progress last year and if history means anything, the Cavs should be in for a much improved year. Now throw in new quarterback, Bryce Perkins, a transfer from Arizona State. Throughout the spring practices, Bryce has created quite the buzz in Charlottesville. He's a dual threat quarterback and very capable of running the RPO (run-pass option). Olamide Zaccheus and Joe Reed add in deadly triple-threat attack.
The new Hoos' offense should be a dandy to watch in the opening week of 2018.
3. JMU vs NC State
Circle this game. JMU is fresh off back-to-back National Championship appearances and head coach, Mike Houston has gone from a division 2 coordinator to a nationally respected head coach in just 10 years. Last year, the Dukes traveled to East Carolina for their FBS game, and JMU dominated on their way to a 34-14 win. As good as they have been recently, this FBS matchup looks much more difficult than last year's contest.
Meanwhile NC State head coach, Dave Doeren enters his sixth season with the Wolfpack, and is fresh off his best year with the program. Despite opening the 2017 season with a loss to South Carolina, they reeled off 6 unanswered wins and rose to as high as 14th in national polls. The Wolfpack ended the year with a 9-4 overall record after beating Arizona State 52-31 in the Sun Bowl.
The biggest obstacle for the Dukes will be winning this game on the road. Believe it or not, NC State has one of the best homefield advantages in the country. Statistically, their home-field advantage was worth 4 points in 2017. That tacked on with a team that averaged over 30 points last season in a defensive ACC, will make things incredibly difficult for a potentially under-matched JMU defense. Nevertheless, the Dukes have been so good the past two seasons under Mike Houston, an upset here is a very legitimate outcome.
2. Virginia Tech vs Florida State
Considering the improvement in the ACC over the past several seasons, this is likely the Hokies' most workable schedule for the foreseeable future. Their two toughest games, Miami and Notre Dame are both at home. While many believe new FSU head coach, Willie Taggart will bring some much needed changes to the Seminoles' program, they will be most vulnerable in week 1. Point being, this is an excellent opportunity for Virginia Tech to pickup a quality win.
Essentially everyone believes that Josh Jackson will be the Hokies' starting QB in the opening week contest. However, there is growing talk about transfer, Ryan Willis. If things with Jackson get dicey early, does Fuente take a big risk and make a switch? This doesn't seem very likely, but Jackson struggled in the spring practices and saw a dip in production during their major games in the 2017 season.
We all know the history between these two teams. This is a rivalry that got heated back in the 90's and exploded during the 2000 National Championship, where FSU won 46-29 after being down by a point at the end of the 3rd quarter. The last time they met in 2012, the Seminoles went into Lane Stadium and won 28-22 on a last minute touchdown drive by EJ Manuel. Winning this game would be a hallmark win for Justin Fuente's resume and position Tech for what could be a special season.
1. Old Dominion vs Liberty
When this series was first scheduled several years ago, many felt it could be the beginning of new in-state rivalry. They last played in 2013, ODU's inaugural FBS season. The Flames led a good portion of the game but ODU scored a touchdown with just 28 seconds remaining and won 21-17.
The Monarchs are coming off a disappointing 2017 season that ended with a 41-10 loss to Middle Tennessee and no bowl invitation. QB Steven Williams was the youngest starter last year, starting his first game just a mere month after his 18th birthday. Many ODU fans are excited about his return and to see the progress he made during the off-season. However, he limped off the field during the Spring game and now has injury concerns.
Likewise, the Liberty Flames are looking improve on their disappointing 2017 season. Given all that Liberty invests into their facilities, you would expect better than three straight 6-5 seasons at the FCS level. If this move to FBS is going to be successful, ultimately it will come via wins. Flames' QB, Buckshot Calvert exploded in the opening game against Baylor last year, throwing for over 400 yards and 3 TD's leading Liberty to the upset win.
Fans of each school view this match as very winnable, and it's likely to have major implications on each team's respective season. Not to mention, this will be the opening of the renovated, Williams Stadium. ODU fans travel well and Liberty has sold out games before. Expect this to be a packed house and a close game.
