Week 1 of the 2022 college football season packs a lot of action, but there are a few games that stand out as vitally important. 247Sports’ Josh Pate has identified some of the biggest plays on “The Late Kick.” Pate started with a marquee game between Notre Dame and Ohio State. While no one would be surprised if the Fighting Irish lost that game in Columbus, it would be shocking to see the Buckeyes lose that one. Should Notre Dame pull off this upset, more than a few people would have to re-evaluate their preseason expectations.
“You could go Notre Dame-Ohio State, but I think this one is bigger for Ohio State,” Pate said. “If Ohio State were to fall in this game, think what that would mean. It would mean that a lot of what you expected probably didn’t happen, because Ohio State has the advantage almost everywhere in this game. They’ve got the home court. They’ve got a stable of wide receiver racehorses. They could end up having the best running back in the country in Tre Veyon Henderson. Possibly the best quarterback in the country in CJ Stroud. They’re loaded, and they have every reason in the world to go out with their hair on fire.
“If they were to lose this game it probably means the defense is not at the caliber we thought it would be under. Jim Knowles. However it happened, it happened. It would be a crippling blow for Ohio State to lose that one in Game 1. Notre Dame can afford to lose this game and still be fine. It would be a much bigger loss for the State of Ohio.
As for games with less buzz, the trip from Cincinnati to Arkansas caught Pate’s eye. The Razorbacks have high expectations this year, and beating the Bearcats would be a big confidence booster.
“I’m also thinking about off-the-radar domestic games,” Pate said. “Did you know Cincinnati is going to Arkansas in Week 1? Cincinnati, most recently seen in the college football playoffs, yes. Then most recently seen sending nine guys to the NFL Draft. They open in Arkansas. The “Arkansas is a preseason favorite for a lot of people. They also have the opportunity to do a few things. If Cincinnati lost this game, you still have the assumption that a G5 must be undefeated to make the playoffs. “That would be a blow for Cincinnati, but for Arkansas there’s a lot at stake there. That line is 7.5. That’s not a huge spread. Arkansas has all the hope and the confidence of the world right now. They need this game. With what they have to face in conference, they have to win this game. That’s another big deal.
Pate also discussed the matchup between Florida State and LSU in New Orleans. Although the Tigers are the favorites in this game, it will be a great opportunity for mike norvel and the Seminoles to make a statement.
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“There’s this little Sunday night game in New Orleans between FSU and LSU,” Pate said. “I’m not going in any particular order here, obviously. It’s a big blow for both teams. LSU, they’re having a super tough half of the season. If they want to bowl or better, they have to start. 4-0 You can’t start 4-0 if you start 0-1 I did the math on that For Florida State they come in here as a 2.5 or three point dog It’s in LSU’s backyard, but it’s a game where you’ve been in your coaching staff for several years and your way of doing things. You’re facing new personnel. Get out of it. a. Pull off a surprise. If you want to signal that the program is moving in the right direction, you have an opportunity to create an upset.
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