Greg McElroy Predicts ‘Stressful’ Season Opener For Top-10 College Football Team

ESPN analyst Greg McElroy weighed in on one of the top-ranked teams in the country.

While some top-10 teams begin the year against other ranked teams in Week 1, like No. 1 Georgia facing off against No. 14 Clemson and No. 7 Notre Dame playing on the road at No. 20 Texas A&M, McElroy predicted that a different team would struggle in Week Zero.

On McElroy's podcast "Always College Football," he previewed the Florida State versus Georgia Tech game , which is being held in Dublin, Ireland on August 24, a week before most teams will play.

He didn't seem too high on Florida State, which ranks No. 10 in the preseason top-25.

Despite its strong 13-0 start to the 2023 season and winning the ACC Championship title, the 2024 Seminoles will look drastically different due to the departure of several key players to the NFL.

“ I think Florida State handles their business, but I think it will be a very competitive game,” McElroy said. “Florida State ultimately starts the season 1-0, but don’t be surprised if this is a four-quarter contest, and at some point, it’s a little stressful for the Seminoles.”

Notable offensive departures include quarterback Jordan Travis, running back Trey Benson, wide receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson, and tight end Jaheim Bell.

The team has also lost important members of its defensive line, such as edge rusher Jared Verse and defensive tackle Braden Fiske.

Head coach Mike Norvell recruited the experienced starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who had previous stints at Clemson and Oregon State before joining FSU.

Uiagalelei has thrown for 8,319 yards, 57 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions during his college career.

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