The new season is upon us, and that means it’s time to get this show underway. CFSL Opening Night gives us the National Championship rematch, and the battle of the newcomers. Let’s discuss each.
AUBURN vs. TEXAS
The Tigers and the Longhorns, and Auburn is still searching for a win against this team. The good news is, Griffin Jelkic remains at quarterback while he gets halfback Robert Davis in the backfield. Safety Digger Graves joins this Auburn defense, one that has become vaunted between linebacker Mark Calloway and safety Ollie P. Peters. The real challenge for Auburn is avoiding the late turnover as in the National Title game.
Their work won’t be easy though, as Texas welcomes in quarterback Walker Mills, who will still find service in receivers Ray Conley and Scooby Lewis. It’s a new era of Texas offense, while this defense remains under the leadership of safety Jimbo Smithers and linebacker Howard Cook. But with the change in coaching, and a different type of quarterback, how do they fare in a game this crucial, right out of the gate? Odds are, it’ll be close and exciting but….
Auburn 31, Texas 28
USC vs. ALABAMA
Onto the newcomers. And the USC Trojans are looking for quarterback Kingston Fox to guide them to the playoffs, something Fox could not do with Florida last season. Joining Fox in the move from Florida is linebacker Xavier Halle, who will look to continue his impressive level of play as a Trojan. Halle is joined by veteran safety Aiden Berry, the sophomore from Penn State a season ago. It also gives us a second look at some of the new talent, guys like halfback Cain Robinson and receiver Mason Winters. They’re in for a difficult test against a talented secondary.
Speaking of Alabama, an offense catered to the quarterback Balion Siege should be deadly, and we’ll see firsthand what kind of tone Siege will set for his freshman campaign. Accompanying Siege in the backfield is halfback Joe Pantoja, the former Notre Dame standout, who looks to work in tandem with Siege for an impressive 1-2 punch. Their work will be made easy, with a defense that is anchored by highly talented secondary in safeties Zachrey Carter, Lamar Fant, and Thomas Cole. They’ll be helped by a solid pass rush in the form of defensive ends Richard Bradley and Jackson Adok.
Two talented teams should lead to a thrilling performance to watch with the score being:
USC 42, Alabama 45
