The first weekend of college football is finally upon us. Week 0 brings us an intriguing slate of games, including one big-time Big 12 matchup in Dublin, Ireland. Despite only one top-25 team in action, college football is back in our lives, and we will enjoy every second of it.
The headliner this week features a Big 12 team in Ireland, with Bill Belichick's North Carolina Tar Heels facing Sonny Dykes' TCU Horned Frogs. The two teams met last year to open the season, and the Tar Heels will be looking for some payback.
Other intriguing games include NC State vs. Virginia, Hawaii vs. Stanford, and the lone top-25 team in action, No. 14 UCS hosting San Jose State.
Here is a look at this week's staff picks for the lone Big 12 game on the Week 0 schedule and a few other matchups.
All times are listed in Mountain Time and are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29.
TCU vs. North Carolina (Dublin, Ireland)10 a.m., ESPN/Disney+
James: TCU
I am excited to see TCU's new quarterback, Jaden Craig. I think he is in for a really good debut.
Charlie: TCU
I agree that I am excited to see Jaden Craig, but I am equally interested in seeing how Belichick's team has improved over the offseason. Last year's opener against the Horned Frogs started well with a beautiful touchdown drive, but went downhill from there. I am always a fan of the Dublin kickoff game, so sign me up.
No. 14 USC vs. San Jose State1 p.m., NBC
James: USC
Charlie: USC
Yes, USC is nearly a 40-point favorite, but I am excited for this game. San Jose State is a feisty Group of Six program, and with many top-tier Mountain West programs moving to the Pac-12, I think the Spartans could challenge for the conference title. That title challenge, however, likely begins with a tough loss against the Trojans.
Virginia vs. NC State1:30 p.m., ESPN
James: Virginia
Charlie: Virginia
Honestly, this is my favorite matchup of the weekend. I love the two quarterbacks in this game: Virginia's Beau Pribula and NC State's C.J. Bailey. I expect a tight, well-played game, but the Cavaliers' home-field advantage is enough to put them over the edge.
Stanford vs. Hawaii5 p.m., ACC Network
James: Stanford
Charlie: Stanford
Hawaii actually beat Stanford last season at home, but the Cardinal are much improved under second-year general manager Andrew Luck and first-year head coach Tavita Pritchard. Former Michigan quarterback Davis Warren leads Stanford to a win to open up Pritchard's head coaching career.
Florida State vs. New Mexico State5 p.m., CW
James: Florida State
Charlie: Florida State
Make no mistake about it, FSU could lose this game, but I think they are past their previous early-season woes.
UNLV vs. Memphis8 p.m., Fox
James: UNLV
Charlie: UNLV
A great Group of Six matchup, but UNLV, in my mind, is a step above Memphis.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Expert picks and predictions for college football's Week 0 slate
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