Hey guys, here are my official 2021 weekly College GameDay predictions. Keep in mind that College GameDay will likely choose an ESPN or ABC game over a CBS or FOX game because it is on an ESPN show. I will also list a potential runner-up for each week, that GameDay might choose.
August 28
MEAC/SWAC Challenge (Atlanta)
College GameDay has already announced its intentions to head to Atlanta for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge.
Runner-Up: Nebraska at. Illinois
September 4
Clemson vs. Georgia (Charlotte)
College GameDay has also already announced it will head to Charlotte for a potential College Football Playoff match up (and in the 7:30 PM ET, ABC timeslot. This game’s result will be dependent on the play of talented QBs DJ Uiagalelei (Clemson) and JT Daniels (Georgia).
Runner-Up: Alabama vs. Miami (Arlington)
September 11
Oregon at. Ohio State
Despite it being on FOX’s main showing at 11 PM CT, this is the best game in the country during week 2 and it should be viewed as such.
Runner-Up: Washington at. Michigan, Iowa at. Iowa State
September 18
Auburn at. Penn State
If both Auburn and Penn State open the season successfully, the primetime ABC game, should be the pick. It is very close between this and Alabama-Florida, the SEC Championship rematch. I chose Auburn-Penn State because of it being on ABC.
Runner-Up:Alabama at. Florida
September 25
Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin (Chicago,IL)
Despite this game being a FOX game, there is no chance GameDay passes up going to Soldier Field.
Runner-Up:
October 2
Boston College at. Clemson
Because Clemson has not hosted GameDay yet in this projected timeline, and it likely being on ABC or ESPN, I expect them to head to Death Valley.
Runner-Up:Cincinnati at. Notre Dame
October 9
Alabama at. Texas A&M
The likely battle for the SEC West should be the easy pick over Texas-Oklahoma at the Texas State fair.
Runner-Up:Oklahoma vs. Texas (Dallas,TX)
October 16
Miami at. North Carolina
Another likely de facto division title’s hopes for GameDay hosting only helps with the fact that this is likely an ESPN or ABC game.
Runner-Up:Arizona State at. Utah
October 23
Ohio State at. Indiana
With USC-Notre Dame on NBC, the pick should be Ohio State-Indiana. Both teams are expected to be at the top of the Big Ten with a chance at the CFP.
Runner-Up:USC at. Notre Dame
October 30
Georgia vs. Florida (Jacksonville)
Despite the game likely being on CBS, I don’t think GameDay will miss this one. North Carolina-Notre Dame will be on NBC, so that is unlikely as well.
Runner-Up:North Carolina at. Notre Dame
November 6
LSU at. Alabama
This will be GameDay’s chance at heading to Tuscaloosa. LSU will likely be much improved from its 5-5 standing in 2020, giving this game a lot of hype.
Runner-Up:Texas at. Iowa State
November 13
Minnesota at. Iowa
PJ Fleck’s Minnesota team is going to be underrated and I can see Iowa’s team being underrated as well. This is sort of a wildcard pick but I think it could come true.
Runner-Up:Michigan at. Penn State
November 20
Iowa State at. Oklahoma
A likely preview of the Big 12 championship, will be the easy pick this week.
Runner-Up:Oregon at. Utah
November 27
Texas A&M at. LSU
While I could go with the obvious (The Iron Bowl or The Game), GameDay should head to College Station.Texas A&M is considered the second best team in the SEC West and could still have a chance at the College Football Playoff with a win. After a down season for LSU in 2020, they could be in the same sentence as Texas A&M and Alabama; in the mix for playoff conversation.
Runner-Up:Alabama at. Auburn
December 4
TBD vs. TBD (ACC Championship Game; Charlotte)
Whoever faces Clemson likely in the ACC Championship game, no matter what, the ACC Championship will host College GameDay.
Runner-Up:Big 12 Championship Game (Arlington)
December 11
Navy at. Army
This is the only pick for GameDay this week.
Runner-Up:N/A
