The 2024 college football season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with a lineup of must-watch nonconference matchups that will kick off the season in style. These games have the potential to set the tone for the rest of the season, with teams vying for berths in the new, expanded College Football Playoff and local bragging rights on the line.
Week 1 of the season features some highly anticipated matchups that are sure to draw in fans from across the country. The Aflac Kickoff Game between Clemson and Georgia promises to be a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse programs. Notre Dame at Texas A&M and LSU vs. Southern California are also games to watch, as they pit top teams against each other in early-season tests. Additionally, the Penn State-West Virginia, Miami (Fla.)-Florida, and Georgia State-Georgia Tech games will see neighboring schools battle it out for regional supremacy.
In Week 2, the Texas at Michigan matchup stands out as a marquee game that will capture the attention of college football fans everywhere. The rest of the slate is filled with intriguing storylines, including Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon potentially making a Heisman campaign and Tulane looking to make a statement against a Big 12 opponent. Rivalry games like Pitt vs. Cincinnati and Colorado vs. Nebraska add to the excitement of the week, while NC State vs. Tennessee and Boise State vs. Oregon promise to deliver exciting matchups under the lights.
Week 3 sees Alabama facing off against Wisconsin in a high-stakes showdown that will test new head coach Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide. Rivalries like West Virginia vs. Pitt, Washington vs. Washington State, and Oregon vs. Oregon State add to the drama of the week, as teams look to assert their dominance in regional matchups.
In Week 4, LSU takes on UCLA in a nonconference clash that could have playoff implications later in the season. The game will be a crucial test for both teams as they look to establish themselves as contenders in their respective conferences.
Week 6 features a matchup between UCF and Florida, with the Gators facing another tough test in their challenging schedule. UCF will be looking to make a statement with a win over an SEC opponent, potentially shifting the balance of power in Florida college football.
Finally, Week 11 closes out the list with a highly anticipated matchup between Florida State and Notre Dame. Both teams are expected to be ranked and could be in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff, making this game a must-watch for fans of both programs.
Overall, the 2024 college football season is set to be a thrilling ride from start to finish, with a lineup of nonconference games that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Whether it’s powerhouse programs facing off or regional rivalries being renewed, these matchups are sure to captivate audiences and set the stage for an unforgettable season of college football.