As college football season approaches, the landscape of the sport is undergoing significant changes that will have a ripple effect on matchups and the national championship race. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has long been known for its competitive nature and powerhouse programs, but with recent realignment and expansion, the level of competition is set to reach new heights.
The addition of traditional powerhouses like Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC, along with teams like Oregon, Washington, UCLA, and USC joining the Big Ten, and Utah, Arizona, Arizona State, and Colorado moving to the Big 12, has created a more robust and challenging environment for college football. With these changes, schedules are becoming more intriguing, with more big games in conference play and the potential for late-season matchups to impact the national championship race.
One team that will face a particularly tough schedule this season is preseason No. 1 Georgia. The Bulldogs are set to play three games against top six opponents and two more against the top 15 teams in the nation. However, many experts believe that Florida has the toughest schedule of all, with eight ranked games on their slate, including challenging road trips to Florida State, Texas, and Tennessee, in addition to their annual showdown with Georgia.
As the season unfolds, every week will feature must-watch games that will capture the attention of college football fans across the country. Here are seven matchups that stand out as particularly intriguing as the season kicks off.
The first notable game on the list is the clash between No. 4 Texas and No. 9 Michigan on September 7. This non-conference showdown between two powerhouse programs from the SEC and Big Ten could have significant implications for both teams and their respective conferences. A win for Michigan would solidify their status as a contender for the national championship, while a victory for Texas would boost their credibility as they prepare to join the SEC.
Another game to watch is the matchup between No. 12 Utah and No. 17 Oklahoma State on September 21. This early-season clash between two Big 12 title favorites will showcase the talents of both teams and could set the tone for their conference campaigns. Utah’s rugged defense and experienced quarterback, Cam Rising, will face off against Oklahoma State’s dynamic running back, Ollie Gordon II, in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
One of the most anticipated games of the season is the showdown between No. 1 Georgia and No. 5 Alabama on September 28. This early-season matchup will be a test for both teams, with Georgia looking to avenge their loss to Alabama in the SEC title game last season. The outcome of this game could have a significant impact on the national championship race and the seeding for the College Football Playoff.
As the season progresses, the game between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Oregon on October 12 will be a highlight of the newly expanded Big Ten. Both teams feature transfer quarterbacks eager to make their mark, and a win in this game could propel either team towards a conference title and a favorable position in the College Football Playoff race.
The matchup between No. 1 Georgia and No. 4 Texas on October 19 is another game to circle on the calendar. If both teams can navigate their tough schedules and come into this game with strong records, it has the potential to be a high-stakes showdown between two SEC powerhouses vying for conference supremacy.
In November, the game between No. 10 Florida State and No. 7 Notre Dame on November 9 will be a crucial matchup in the ACC race and the battle for CFP berths. Both teams will face tough opponents leading up to this game, but a win here could be a deciding factor in their postseason aspirations.
Lastly, the rivalry game between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 9 Michigan on November 30 will be a must-watch showdown with playoff implications. Ohio State will be looking to end their three-game losing streak against Michigan and secure their spot in the College Football Playoff, while Michigan will aim to continue their recent success against their bitter rivals.
Overall, the upcoming college football season promises to be one of the most exciting and competitive in recent memory, with a plethora of intriguing matchups and storylines to follow. With the new conference alignments and the expanded playoff format, every game will carry added significance, making each week a must-watch for fans of the sport. As the season unfolds, be sure to stay tuned for these seven games and many more that are sure to captivate college football fans across the country.