2025 College Football Predictions: Backing Georgia Tech and Utah in Week 1
Is anyone else eagerly counting down the days until the college football season begins? I know I’m not the only one! We all started marking our calendars right after Ohio State secured their championship victory back in January. With just over a month to go, I decided to take a closer look at some games where we could place a little wager.
There are two matchups that have particularly caught my attention for Week 1. Let’s dive into my betting picks for Georgia Tech-Colorado and Utah-UCLA.
Georgia Tech vs. Colorado (+3 kk jili slot. betso88win com login5)
As we approach the 2025 season, I am optimistic about Georgia Tech and sceptical about Colorado. The betting line doesn’t accurately reflect the difference in talent and execution between these two teams, even with the game being played in Colorado.
Starting with Georgia Tech, they finished the regular season with a 7-5 record under head coach Brent Key in his second full year. Coach Key, a former offensive lineman, has instilled a physical style of play on both sides of the ball, aiming to impose their will on opponents. This was evident in their impressive win against Miami last season and their thrilling 44-42 loss to Georgia in the final game of the regular season. legit online sabong 2023 The Yellow Jackets are capable of competing with top-tier teams.
Quarterback Haynes King returns this season, having led the ACC in completion percentage and adding nearly 600 rushing yards. Running back Jamal Haynes is back as well after rushing for 1,000 yards last season. Although Georgia Tech will need to replace a few offensive linemen, I have faith in Coach Key’s ability to develop that position effectively.
On the defensive side, Georgia Tech is under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Blake Gibson, who previously coached at Texas. While the Jackets will have to fill several spots on the defensive line, they have brought in transfer players with the hope of a quick integration. The returning veteran secondary and the team’s top 40 ranking in returning defensive production give me confidence they will be ready for Colorado.
Meanwhile, Colorado coach Deion Sanders is entering his first season without his son, Shedeur Sanders, at quarterback. The Buffaloes are undergoing significant roster changes once again, needing to replace their quarterback, top four receiving targets, and four offensive linemen. Although upgrades on the offensive line have been made, many concerns remain about their offensive capabilities.
The talent level at quarterback and receiver is not on par with what they had last season, and they’ve heavily relied on the contributions of Shedeur Sanders and his receiving corps. Moreover, Colorado has struggled to establish a running game over the last two seasons.
While Colorado’s defense saw improvement last season under first-time defensive coordinator Rob Livingston, they have lost significant production similar to their offense. The Buffaloes are missing their best pass rusher, both linebackers, both safeties, and a Heisman-winning cornerback. Replacing that level of talent without a strong foundation of high school recruits is daunting.
With so many new players, I don’t believe Colorado will be prepared to match Georgia Tech’s style of play in Week 1. The new defensive players will be challenged by a highly effective quarterback and the Yellow Jackets’ potent running game. betso88 casino com ph On offense, Colorado is also integrating multiple new players against a seasoned Georgia Tech secondary. I simply don’t see them being able to catch up quickly enough to make impactful plays.
I predict Georgia Tech will not only win but cover the spread as well.
PICK: Georgia Tech (-3.5) to win by 3.5 points or more
Utah vs. UCLA (+5.5)
I’m equally optimistic about the Utes this season, starting with a wager on them in Week 1. Although this will be a road game at the Rose Bowl during Labor Day Weekend, Utah has faced considerable injury challenges over the past two seasons. Quarterback Cam Rising has only played three games in that span due to a knee injury suffered in the 2023 Rose Bowl. Consequently, Utah had to play at least five different quarterbacks over the last two seasons, leading to disappointing results.
To address this issue, Utah has recruited New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier, a first-team All-Mountain West selection, through the transfer portal. They also brought in New Mexico’s offensive coordinator, who had previously led the Lobos to rank first in the nation in yards per carry. This partnership aligns perfectly with Utah’s excellent offensive line.
New Mexico transfer Devon Dampier will be stepping in as the starting quarterback for the Utes this upcoming season, and both offensive tackles are expected to be first-round draft picks. Utah’s rushing attack is primed to challenge a UCLA defense that is replacing nine starters. While the Bruins have added some players through the transfer portal, they have not recruited at a level that allows for quick reloading.
Though there are questions surrounding Utah’s passing game, I believe it won’t be a significant factor in this matchup. The Utes will dominate the line of scrimmage and score effectively against UCLA.
UCLA made waves in the spring by acquiring former five-star Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a talented yet inconsistent player. As he competes for the starting spot, the Bruins have decent receiving options and some transfer talent at running back. However, their offensive line struggled immensely last season and will have to replace three starters with roster holes being filled by transfers. jili77
Utah’s defense has been their strong suit, and I have no reason to believe that will change this season. They are replacing their defensive line but have consistently shown the ability to rebuild that position. With experience returning at linebacker and in the secondary, their defense should effectively counter UCLA’s offense. Utah is more talented overall and has a more cohesive strategy than UCLA.
I see Utah winning convincingly in this game.
PICK: Utah (-5.5) to win by more than 5.5 points
Geoff Schwartz is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He played eight seasons in the NFL for five different teams and was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection during his senior year at the University of Oregon. Follow him on Twitter @GeoffSchwartz.
What are your thoughts on these predictions and picks for the college football season?
