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Analysts predict potential upset results for Notre Dame and SMU in week 1

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 12:16 PM

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Analysts predict potential upset results for Notre Dame and SMU in week 1

Summary

College football reaches its first full weekend of the season with analysts projecting upsets for several high-profile programs. Florida State faces No. 20 SMU in a contest viewed by some as an opportunity for the Seminoles to secure a victory following early-season struggles. Meanwhile, Notre Dame travels to face Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in a matchup expected to remain competitive into the fourth quarter. Other projections highlight individual performances, including expectations for Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel and Tennessee true-freshman starter Faizon Brandon. Elsewhere, California and UCLA are scheduled for a late-night conference clash in the Pac-12. While some contributors anticipate surprises, others suggest a chalk-heavy opening weekend with ranked teams avoiding early slips.

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By the Numbers

•Florida State hosts No. 20 SMU in a matchup cited as a potential upset.
•Notre Dame prepares for a difficult road game against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field.
•Mason Heintschel starts for Pitt while Faizon Brandon debuts as a true-freshman starter for Tennessee.
•California and UCLA meet in a late-night Pac-12 conference contest.
•Some analysts expect ranked teams to hold their positions throughout the opening week.

Latest Updates

12:16 PMYahoo Sports — College football bold predictions for Week 1 put Notre Dame, SMU on upset alert

What they're saying

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The start of the college football season is difficult to forecast. But that doesn't stop our experts offering their bold predictions for Week 1.
— Yahoo Sports

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