College Football is on the horizon and everyone is getting hyped for the official return. Every year there are games that were extremely entertaining and you would be surprised how many people end up watching the highlights. This guide was created to avoid that and give everyone a weekly list of the best games on paper for this year. Just maybe it will also end up being the College Gameday schedule this year, but who knows at this point in the year. What we do know is this is going to be a great year for football.
Week 1 Oregon vs Georgia
Although Ohio State vs Notre Dame appears to be a better game on the schedule I see that going easily OSU’s way. Oregon vs Georgia is going to be a much better game with the storyline being Oregon’s Head Coach, Georgia’s former Defensive Coordinator having his first game against his former team. While I still see this going Georgia’s way, don’t count out Bo Nix, if he starts, from making an early impact to keep this game close.
Week 2 Alabama at Texas
The Longhorns head into the season with high hopes once again hoping to prove to everyone that they are back. The Crimson Tide are the best team in the nation, probably overlooking a hungry Texas team. Maybe Texas can bring some SEC magic like when they almost knocked off the eventual national championship LSU Tigers in 2020. The first meeting between the two since the 2009 national championship should be plenty to be the most anticipated game of the weekend.
Week 3 Miami at Texas A&M
Texas A&M vs Miami are extremely overrated in my book but, between them and an 11 AM Georgia at South Carolina game, it is College Station. Both teams have solids defenses and decent offenses and this should be a good game. I expect a more defensive game and turnovers are going to be the difference between and win and loss despite the turnover chain being nonexistent.
Week 4 Clemson at Wake Forest
This is set to at least be a top 20 matchup in the ACC and a rematch of last years ACC Championship. Clemson may be the hungriest team this year after having a rough campaign last year. Wake Forest will be looking to make another ACC run after surprising everyone last year. Big game for both teams who will be looking to bolster their resumes.
Week 5 Oklahoma State at Baylor
The Big 12 enters the picture with a rematch of last year’s Big 12 championship. Both teams could be undefeated which could lead to a top 10 matchup between both the sides. This could be a lockdown defensive battle which would be extremely ironic considering its the high powered offensive big 12.
Week 6 Texas vs Oklahoma
Back to Back Big 12 games with OU and Texas being in the top 15. OU is going to be hot and so is Texas leading to a great game for the third year in a row. I would be surprised to see a better game this year than the debut of OU’s Brent Venebles and Texas’s Quinn Ewers. Should be interesting to see what happens in this matchup at the Cotton Bowl.
Week 7 USC at Utah
Gameday will 100% make Lincoln Riley a part of one of their matchups and why not an early visit to Utah. Both teams will be tested but this could easily be a top 20 matchup in the cold. Will Riley’s high powered offense be able to keep up Utah’s. This will be very interesting and will finally give the audience a Pac 12 matchup.
Week 8 Texas A&M vs South Carolina
I have high expectations for the South Carolina offense which hopefully gets them a rebound season. Likely facing a one loss A&M could easily make it the best game on the weekend. Rattler faced yet another important game in his career vs the tried and tested A&M squad. This should be a high powered game and will be important in the SEC title race.
Week 9 Michigan State at Michigan
A matchup in Ann Arbor is a must see in an ultimate guide. This rivalry will set the stage for the Big 10 race for the rest of the year. Can Michigan defend their title? The defense starts against one of their biggest rivals who will be looking to build on their big season last year. MSU will be battle tested facing OSU and Wisconsin before they have to head to the Big House.
Week 10 Clemson at Notre Dame
I would think Notre Dame has one loss at this point, but this is still a big game for the ACC. The CFP will be on the line as both of these teams will be fighting for the conference championship, therefore the ACC. The latest duels all have been extremely entertaining and I would expect this game to be no different. This is ultimately an elimination game between the two which should be some good football.
Week 11 Alabama at Ole Miss
This should be a huge game for both sides with SEC West implications on the line. A trip to Ole Miss will be a must for Gameday as well. With all the hype surrounding this game it will be a fight between the Ole Miss offense and the Bama Defense. If Ole Miss can score this game will be full of fireworks and be the best on the week.
Week 12 Oklahoma State at Oklahoma
I haven’t seen Gameday in Norman in a very long time. I could see this being the return if both these teams are undefeated. OU and OSU have improved defenses and this could be a fantastic game in the cold. This should still have plenty of offense and anticipation as both sides are going to be geared up for a potential knockout punch for the Playoff. With this rivalry, it’s Bedlam, anything can happen.
Week 13 Michigan at Ohio State
Another late rivalry, elimination game between both sides. Not to mention these games have been plenty entertaining during the past few years. Either side can make the playoffs with a win here and in the following week in the Big 10 title game. This should be one the most entertaining ones yet as both teams are ready to make a big run in the playoffs. It’s OSU’s to lose but Michigan will make noise like always. This will be one of the best ones on the year for sure.
Top Image: Sean Meagher/The Oregonian