Week 1 Helmet Games and the Future of Non-Con (B1G Scared?)

From Split Zone Duo: College Football Podcast Richard Johnson and Alex Kirshner

In one of Steven Godfrey’s favorite early-offseason traditions, the SZD crew glances ahead at the Week 1 schedule many months from now. Not just so there’s something to look forward to as the long offseason gets going, but because the story of Week 1 matchups is increasingly the story of how athletic directors are approaching scheduling. Let’s dive into:

* Why 2025’s season-opening schedule will give you more to look forward to than the equivalent slate in 2024

* The most obvious Anxiety Bowl in the history of Week 1

* Sonny Dykes’ latest season opener against a celebrity head coach

* Is USC a canary in the coal mine for the Big Ten’s retreat from marquee non-con spots? And if so …

* Could an SEC/Big Ten scheduling partnership reverse that tide?

* News analysis: Georgia Southern extends Clay Helton, for some reason

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Hosts: Richard Johnson, Alex Kirshner, Steven Godfrey

Producer: Anthony Vito

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