While I did like the hire of former Illinois DC Ryan Walters as the Boilermakers’ new head coach, I expect it to be a tough first year for a team making the transition.įresno State is one of the better Group of Five teams in the country and has an experienced head coach in Jeff Tedford, who is known for developing quarterbacks. Brohm is a brilliant offensive schemer, who got the most out of his teams in West Lafayette. I believe it’s going to be a tough year for Purdue after losing head coach Jeff Brohm to his alma mater in Louisville. Nate Jacobson: Fresno State +4 over Purdue. With a veteran squad of receivers and a defense that’s on the upswing, Kentucky SHOULD win this game by 30+ points, especially with Mark Stoops eying a strong start. New Kentucky QB Devin Leary comes over from NC State with plenty of tools to be as good - if not better - than now-NFL QB Will Levis. Lots of flaws on a team that faces a Wildcat squad looking to bounce back from what they considered a down season. New quarterback, new receivers, weak defense. Yet, you look at this Ball State team and you see an FCS-level football squad. Normally I don’t love putting money on a heavy favorite in Week 1. Ben Wittenstein: Kentucky -26.5 over Ball State.