UTEP at Jacksonville State, 5:30 p.m. ET
In its first-ever contest as an FBS program, Jacksonville State—coached by former West Virginia and Michigan boss Rich Rodriguez—has a good opportunity to land a conference win. Seventh-year quarterback Zion Webb is more dynamic as a runner than a thrower, but that mobility will be key to neutralizing a quality UTEP defensive line.
Prediction: Jacksonville State 27, UTEP 24
UMass at New Mexico State, 7 p.m. ET
Quick shoutout to Jerry Kill, who propelled NMSU from 2-10 in the season prior to his arrival to 7-6 last year. The veteran coach should open the 2023 campaign with a victory, too. UMass is hoping Taisun Phommachanh—a one-time blue-chip signee at Clemson and recent Georgia Tech transfer—will elevate what finished as the lowest-scoring offense in the country last season. But we'll have to see that to believe it.
Prediction: NMSU 26, UMass 17
Hawaii at Vanderbilt, 7:30 p.m. ET
On the other hand, Hawaii ended the 2022 season as one of the nation's worst defenses. Vanderbilt technically did as well, but giving up 50-plus points to Alabama, Ole Miss, Georgia and Tennessee isn't as much of a concern, particularly when you consider Vandy cruised to a 63-10 victory in Hawaii last year.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 38, Hawaii 14
Florida International at Louisiana Tech, 9 p.m. ET
The second Conference USA contest of the weekend might not be as competitive. Louisiana Tech brought in former Boise State starter Hank Bachmeier to settle the offense. Florida International swiped last season's matchup as a double-digit underdog, but Louisiana Tech should win on its home field.
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 31, FIU 20
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