One traditionally anticipates a degree of sputtering offenses in openers. The biggest reason relates to the offensive line. Lines operate as a unit. Usually, you cannot plunk a group of talented individuals on the line and expect instant success. So, to the extent the O Line has new faces, instant success is the exception not the norm. Teamwork takes time, a cliche but true.
As evidence of this, usually there is a bump up in scoring from week 1 to week 2.
HOWEVER, “The times are a-changin'” as Bob Dylan once croaked. There are SEVEN games in week 1 where Las Vegas’ predicted total points is at least 64:
Navy-FAU
Louisville-Purdue
New Mexico State – Arizona State
Louisiana Monroe – Memphis
Akron – Penn State
Colorado State – Colorado
Oklahoma State – Tulsa
The ODYSSEY predicts that the total points in the New Mexico State – Arizona State will be the highest of the week. With 2 poorish defenses, it is hard to see them not wilting in the 2nd half of the Phoenix heat. Yes, the heat remains in the desert after sundown!
So, if you like lots of scoring, you no longer have to wait for week 2.
If you believe in the concept that massive losses on the offensive line will result in lower-than-anticipated scoring, check out Arkansas State and Michigan this weekend as both teams lost heavily on their OLine. This may be one reason the total predicted points of 45 in the Michigan-Florida is the lowest of the week. For Michigan fans, the only factor that might be mitigating is that last year’s offensive line was far from the strength of the team.
The week 1 OLine factor may be the main reason if Alabama triumphs over Florida State as most experts feel that Alabama’s DLine is far superior to the FSU’s OLine. However, keep posted, if more Alabama defensive linemen get shot between now and game time!