College football is officially back, and the action-packed Thursday slate already set the tone with drama, close finishes, and plenty of talking points. But fans won’t have to wait long for more fireworks. Friday night features two nationally intriguing matchups: Auburn at Baylor and Georgia Tech at Colorado.
Let’s break down what’s at stake in both contests.
Auburn Tigers vs. Baylor Bears (8 p.m. ET, Fox)
Point Spread: Auburn -2.5
Auburn enters 2025 as one of the biggest boom-or-bust teams in the SEC. With second-year head coach Hugh Freeze still trying to rebuild the program’s identity, expectations are split. Some believe the Tigers could push for 9 wins, while others see a possible collapse that could leave them struggling at 3-9.
Why Auburn Could Win
- Quarterback play: The Tigers need stability under center, and Freeze’s offensive creativity could give Auburn an edge.
- Defensive talent: Auburn has a defensive front capable of rattling opposing quarterbacks.
Why Baylor Could Win
- Big 12 contenders: Baylor is widely considered a dark horse to reach the Big 12 title game. Starting the season as a home underdog may give the Bears extra motivation.
- Balanced offense: Baylor’s ability to control the tempo could frustrate Auburn’s defense.
👉 This game might come down to whether Auburn can limit mistakes and finish drives, or if Baylor’s home-field edge and experience will prove too much.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Colorado Buffaloes (8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Point Spread: Georgia Tech -4.5
If Auburn-Baylor brings SEC vs. Big 12 intrigue, then Georgia Tech vs. Colorado is the Deion Sanders Show — back for another season in Boulder.
Colorado announced that Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter will start at quarterback, edging out five-star freshman JuJu Lewis. That decision brings both excitement and questions: Can Salter handle the pressure of leading Sanders’ high-profile program, or will fans soon be clamoring for Lewis?
Why Georgia Tech Could Win
- Clutch experience: The Yellow Jackets played in seven one-possession games last season, going 4-3. They know how to battle late in tight contests.
- Defensive consistency: Georgia Tech’s defense could be the difference-maker against Colorado’s uncertain offense.
Why Colorado Could Win
- Prime Effect: Deion Sanders has transformed Colorado into must-watch TV, and a raucous Boulder crowd will give the Buffaloes an emotional lift.
- Kaidon Salter’s dual-threat ability: If he gets rolling early, the Buffs’ offense could surprise the Jackets.
👉 The question here: Will Colorado’s new-look squad show immediate progress, or will Georgia Tech’s steadiness spoil the Buffaloes’ season opener?
Final Word
Friday night in college football offers two completely different storylines:
- Auburn vs. Baylor is a test of perception — is Auburn ready to bounce back, or will Baylor prove they belong in the Big 12 elite?
- Georgia Tech vs. Colorado is pure spectacle — can Deion Sanders deliver another headline-grabbing performance, or will Georgia Tech’s discipline silence the hype?
Either way, fans are in for back-to-back primetime thrillers that could set the tone for the rest of the 2025 season.
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