By Chris Marler and Rivers Hughey
LSU at Clemson
As Louisiana’s newest resident, I have to start by saying a few things: I love this state, I love Baton Rouge and I love this LSU team.
However, I love what I think this LSU team will be in November and December much more than what it is right now. Don’t get me wrong, they are still an elite team and have one of the best rosters in America. Going on the road to Clemson and TEMU Death Valley isn’t what scares me. It’s going on the road to Clemson and TEMU Death Valley to face their front seven.
If there’s a weak spot, it’s the offensive line. They’ll settle in over time, but for now they’re staring down what may be the best defensive line in college football.
A lot has been made about how great this LSU offense can be, and with good reason. The defense, however, is what I’m most excited about. Year two of Blake Baker should be a huge step forward. I expect this to be a defensive battle and instant classic.
The Winning
Clemson 23, LSU 20
The Boozing
Corpse Reviver.
Why? Because someone will lose in fake Death Valley this weekend. The season for either team, though, will be defined by how that team rises back up the following week and the rest of the year. A loss isn’t a deathblow to playoff hopes, either way. So, grab this delicious, albeit strong, cocktail and start getting the sour taste out your mouth for next week.
The Recipe
- .75 ounces of Hendrick’s Gin
- .75 ounces of Lillet Blanc
- .75 ounces of Cointreau
- .75 ounces of Lemon Juice
Auburn at Baylor
Of all the Week 1 narratives, the idea that Baylor can run with Auburn might be the most far-fetched. Sure, the Bears will be well-coached and energized at home, but talent is another matter.
This is the most talented team Hugh Freeze has ever coached and it’s not particularly close. The team talent rankings came out earlier this week from 247Sports and the disparity and talent gap between the two schools can’t be more obvious.
Total Blue Chip Recruits
- Auburn – 46
- Baylor – 14
Team Talent Ranking
- Auburn – 12
- Baylor – 35
Blue Chip Ratio
- Auburn – 54.1 percent
- Baylor – 16.7 percent
The Winning
Auburn 31, Baylor 17
The Boozing
Fireball.
Let’s start the season off with a bang and cinnamon themed hangover for Saturday, I guess. Fireball is the clear and easy choice of tailgate drink in Waco this week. Not just because of what happened in the 90s, either. It’s because whichever coach loses this game will immediately be on the hot seat. Take it one step further and make sure the Fireball is only consumed from the mini airplane bottles. Why? Ask Dave Aranda. Or don’t. It’ll get very weird.
Dave Aranda explains the midget tossing scene in Wolf of Wall Street…
and how it’s just like recruiting high school players pic.twitter.com/KRo4hdCagC
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) July 26, 2025
Alabama at Florida State
Alabama is down three starters as they head to Florida State for a Week 1 showdown between the haves and have nots.
Alabama has had their backs patted and egos stroked. Florida State couldn’t be in a more different place as a program. The Seminoles are coming off a 2-10 season and went to the portal yet again for a complete overhaul of their roster. That starts with Thomas Castellanos at quarterback. Their new Lilliputian leader has been very loud this offseason about what he will do to Alabama on Saturday.
That’s why they’ll lose. Don’t poke the bear. Or this Alabama defense, which is absolutely loaded this season.
The Winning
Alabama 24, Florida State 13
The Boozing
Mudslide.
It’s going to be a monsoon in Tallahassee on Saturday. That seems to be the norm for Alabama whenever they travel to the Sunshine state. There was a torrential downpour at South Florida back in 2023, and it was the same thing in last year’s Reliaquest Bowl loss to Michigan. Fittingly, this drink makes its debut as the team heads to Florida for their first trip of the year to face Florida State.
Plus, if Alabama somehow loses this game it’s going to be a real “slide” from where things were under Saban.
Toledo at Kentucky
Kentucky is the worst team in the conference. Not Mississippi State, not Arkansas and definitely not Vanderbilt. It’s Kentucky. Toledo beat an SEC team last year by 24, and this year’s team received more votes in the initial AP Poll than teams like Auburn and Baylor. I’m going with the Rockets.
The Winning
Toledo 28, Kentucky 27
The Boozing
Red White and Blue shots.
Equal parts raspberry vodka and sour mix shaken and then layered with grenadine and blue curaçao. It tastes like a bomb pop from when you were a kid. It’s delicious. It’s sweet. And, it’s a perfect metaphor for the fireworks that are going to go off for Kentucky fans when they lose this game.
Mississippi State at Southern Miss
Saturday marks the 32nd meeting between these in-state rivals. Mississippi State leads the series 18-12-1 and has won six straight. Southern Miss hasn’t beaten the Bulldogs since 1988, but you can bet the Golden Eagles will treat this as their Super Bowl with State coming to Hattiesburg. Plus, they have nothing to lose, and that makes them dangerous.
For the Bulldogs, it’s about avoiding an emotional trap. If they can do that, their depth and SEC size should take over for a win.
The Winning
Mississippi State 34, Southern Miss 20
The Boozing
Irish Coffee.
There’s nothing Mississippi State fans know how to do better than tailgate before an 11 a.m. game. They’ve had plenty of practice with Jefferson Pilot kickoffs and quality time with The 3 Dave’s. What better way to wake up and get the energy going than coffee and whiskey? And, if and when necessary, you can always hold the coffee.
It’s simple: Irish whiskey, hot coffee (ideally Strange Brew’s Blueberry Cobbler on your way out of Starkville), and a whipped cream float if you’re feeling fancy.
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