ACC Football Preview: #1 Clemson vs. Georgia Tech

Pick: Clemson -37

The No. 1 team in the country will kick things off Thursday night with an easy conference matchup to start its season. Clemson's 2018 roster featured arguably the most talented defensive line in college football history and there is no doubt that it will be missed. While there are players waiting in the wings ready to step up and contribute, there will definitely be a drop-off.

On the other side of the ball, however, Clemson is poised to steamroll everyone in its path. On the offensive line, tackle Tremayne Anchrum, guards John Simpson and Gage Cervenka, and center Sean Pollard have been named to the preaseason All-ACC team. This is unheard of positional dominance at the major-conference level. Running back Travis Etienne, wide receiver Tee Higgins and wideout Justyn Ross are also preseason All-ACC selections. As if that's not enough, quarterback Trevor Lawrence is not only expected to be the best player in the conference but very likely the best in the country.

The Clemson offense, especially in comparison to its ACC opponents, is head and shoulders above the competition. When it takes the field Thursdat against Georgia Tech, it will face a team going through major changeover. After 11 years with Paul Johnson, the entire scheme and look of the program, both on offense and defense, has changed under new head coach Geoff Collins. With 55 freshmen on the roster and question marks at all levels, this Georgia Tech team is due for a long season of transitional growing pains. The spread initially opened at -33 and has climbed to -37, with the public realization Clemson will name the score. Clemson -37 is still the bet.

Here are a few extra college football picks this week.

UCLA at Cincinnati (-3), Thursday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN

Pick: UCLA +3

Various reports have more bettors on Cincinnati in this game. UCLA has 17 returning starters and Chip Kelly needs this game.

Texas State at Texas A&M (-33.5), Thursday, 8:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network

Pick: Texas A&M (-33.5)

Jimbo Fisher has a brutal schedule this year, so he will want to make sure his offense is clicking on all cylinders right off the bat.

Kent State at Arizona State (-24.5), Thursday, 10 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network

Pick: Kent State +24.5

When it comes to Pac-12 after dark, I'll take the points.

Utah (-6) at BYU, Thursday, 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN

Pick: BYU +6

Utah is likely the most overrated team heading into the 2019 season. The Utes defense will be tough, they have offensive weapons and they've dominated BYU historically, but this very much feels like a one-possession game against a rival with offensive firepower.

Wisconsin (-12.5) at South Florida, Friday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN

Pick: Wisconsin -12.5

Wisconsin had a disappointing 2018 season relative to expectations, but I expect a bounce back in 2019. Defense and running game travels, and those are Wisconsin's strengths. Running back Jonathan Taylor has both power and speed, and I expect USF defenders to wear down in the fourth quarter.

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