TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Top-ranked Alabama faces No. 3 Florida State in the first-ever opening matchup of preseason top-3 teams since the Associated Press started selecting them in 1950. The teams will square off in the fully loaded new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta under the bright lights of the national spotlight. Quarterback Jalen Hurts and Alabama are accustomed to these kinds of games _ and so are the Seminoles.
UNDATED (AP) — The BYU-LSU game will be played Saturday night at the Superdome in New Orleans after massive flooding in Houston from Hurricane Harvey forced it to be relocated from NRG Stadium. The game is still scheduled to kick off at 9:30 p.m. Eastern.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina State coach Dave Doeren says the Wolfpack will use all three of its top running backs for the opener against South Carolina in Charlotte. The Wolfpack relied on Matt Dayes in a workhorse role last season, but Doeren says Nyheim Hines, Reggie Gallaspy II and Dakwa Nichols will all play against the Gamecocks. The team also has senior Jaylen Samuels, who has played running back, receiver and tight end in his career.
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Quarterback Jacob Eason and tailback Nick Chubb will be key starters for a Georgia offense that must improve to meet the team’s preseason expectations. Georgia finished only 8-5 in Smart’s first season but was picked by media to win the Southeastern Conference’s Eastern Division this year.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee center Mercedes Russell has no regrets about opting to return to school rather than turn pro. But the makeup of her team has changed since her decision. Russell and Diamond DeShields announced shortly after the 2016-17 season that they planned to come back to the Lady Volunteers this year. DeShields later changed her mind and two other Lady Vols transferred.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina State won’t have starting cornerback Mike Stevens for its opener against South Carolina due to a lower-leg injury. Coach Dave Doeren says he isn’t sure how long the senior will be out, but doesn’t expect it to be an extended absence. The coach says Stevens won’t need surgery.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee safety Todd Kelly Jr. says he often played video highlights of his dad’s college career while growing up in Knoxville. Kelly is one of several Volunteers with family members who also played for Tennessee. The fraternity includes safeties Evan Berry and Nigel Warrior, linebackers Dillon Bates and Elliott Berry and defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — No. 17 Florida has an eighth player suspended for its season opener against 11th-ranked Michigan. Coach Jim McElwain says receiver James Robinson won’t play against the Wolverines. Robinson and linebacker Ventrell Miller were cited for misdemeanor marijuana possession last week. McElwain said “of course not” when asked whether Robinson would be available in Arlington, Texas. Miller is one of seven players under indefinite suspension for misusing university funds.
