Upset Season is brewing as the 2025 college football season commences this Labor Day weekend, with heightened anticipation for potential Week 1 surprises that could reshape early season narratives. According to numerous expert predictions, two of college football’s most storied programs, the No. 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide, find themselves on upset alert as they head into their season openers.
Week 1: Marquee Matchups and Potential Pitfalls
The spotlight shines on two pivotal games: No. 8 Alabama travels to Tallahassee to face the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday, August 30, at 3:30 p.m. ET, while No. 6 Notre Dame heads to Miami Gardens to take on the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes on Sunday, August 31, at 7:30 p.m. ET. College football analysts across various platforms are actively discussing the potential for these highly-ranked teams to stumble in their season openers. Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports, and SportsGrid are among the platforms highlighting the possibility of early losses for these football powerhouses.
Alabama vs. Florida State: A Clash in Tallahassee
Challenges for the Crimson Tide
For Alabama, the matchup against Florida State presents several challenges. The Crimson Tide, in their second year under head coach Kalen DeBoer, are facing a Florida State team described as a “proud program” under Mike Norvell. A significant factor is Alabama’s new starting quarterback, Ty Simpson, who is largely unproven at this level. Adding to their challenges, Alabama will be without starting running back Jam Miller due to a collarbone injury.
Seminoles’ Strengths
Florida State’s dual-threat quarterback, Tommy Castellanos, a transfer from Boston College, combined with the offensive play-calling of veteran coach Gus Malzahn, could exploit any early-season vulnerabilities in Alabama’s defense. The game being played in Tallahassee, where Alabama experienced road losses last season, further adds to the Seminoles’ home-field advantage. Analysts suggest that if Alabama struggles to establish its run game and Simpson cannot find a rhythm, Florida State’s pass rush could significantly impact the game.
Notre Dame vs. Miami: A Renewed Rivalry
Irish on the Road
Notre Dame faces a formidable challenge on the road against a highly-ranked Miami squad. The Hurricanes are expected to be a playoff contender this season, led by Georgia transfer quarterback Carson Beck, who brings “SEC pedigree” and operates behind an experienced offensive line. The Fighting Irish, who were national title runner-ups last season, will be breaking in redshirt freshman CJ Carr at quarterback in a hostile road environment.
Miami’s Potential
Miami’s strong front seven is seen as a potential counter to Notre Dame’s potent running back duo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. The historical “Catholics vs. Convicts” rivalry between these two programs also adds an intense layer to the contest, making it a highly anticipated and potentially unpredictable affair. According to 247 Sports, this rivalry game could set the tone for both teams’ seasons.
Impact of Potential Upsets
The implications of these potential upsets are significant. For Alabama, a loss to Florida State in Week 1 could lead to immense pressure on Coach DeBoer, especially in a season where playoff contention is expected. According to Josh Pate’s College Football Show on YouTube, such a loss could drastically alter Alabama’s trajectory. For Florida State, an upset victory would provide a “massive start to a bounce back season” after a difficult 2024 campaign, as noted by Sportsnaut. Similarly, if Miami can upset Notre Dame, it would immediately bolster their playoff aspirations and signal their strength early in the season.
Upset Factors: Why Week 1 is Unpredictable
Generally, Week 1 is notoriously unpredictable due to numerous factors, including player departures to the NFL, extensive use of the transfer portal, and coaching changes, all of which contribute to uncertainty about how teams will perform. These early-season contests serve as crucial benchmarks for the College Football Playoff selection committee, placing considerable pressure on top programs to perform well from the outset. NBC Sports highlights the transfer portal as a major source of unpredictability.
Conclusion
As the college football season kicks off, the potential for upsets in Week 1 adds an exciting layer of unpredictability. With No. 6 Notre Dame and No. 8 Alabama facing tough opponents on the road, the stage is set for thrilling contests that could significantly impact their seasons and the broader college football landscape. The outcomes of these games will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of these top programs, setting the tone for the journey ahead.
