Friday Night: The Calm Before The Storm
Friday offers a bit of a breather in the action, making it the perfect time to recharge for the intense weekend ahead. The most notable game features Michigan State taking on Florida Atlantic. Tune in at 7 p.m. on the Big Ten Network to see if Coach Jonathan Smith can start turning things around for the Spartans.
Saturday: The Main Event
Saturday is packed with heavyweight matchups that should satisfy even the most die-hard fans. Start your day at noon with a blockbuster doubleheader: No. 14 Clemson takes on No. 1 Georgia on ABC, while No. 8 Penn State faces off against West Virginia on Fox. Both games promise high drama and potential playoff implications.
In the afternoon, settle in for a classic rivalry as Florida takes on Miami at 3:30 p.m. on ABC. This Sunshine State showdown is always intense, and this year promises to be no different.
The evening slate features another marquee matchup as No. 5 Alabama begins their post-Saban era against Western Kentucky at 7 p.m. on ESPN. All eyes will be on the Crimson Tide as they navigate this new chapter.
At 7:30 p.m., the focus shifts to an exciting battle between No. 20 Texas A&M and No. 7 Notre Dame on ABC. This showdown could have significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Finally, cap off your Saturday with a late-night game featuring No. 21 Arizona as they take on New Mexico at 10:30 p.m. on ESPN.
USF’s Matchup Against B-CU
Also onn Saturday night, the USF Bulls are set to take on Bethune-Cookman in what should be a promising opener for the Bulls. After an offseason of growth and optimism, this game offers USF a chance to start the season on the right foot. With new talent on the roster and a rejuvenated coaching staff, the Bulls are expected to control the game and set the tone for the season. However, they can’t afford to underestimate B-CU, as early-season upsets are not uncommon. This matchup will be a good indicator of how well the Bulls are prepared for the challenges ahead.
Sunday Showdown
Sunday brings another can’t-miss game as No. 23 USC squares off against No. 13 LSU in Las Vegas. This prime-time matchup at 7:30 p.m. on ABC could be one of the weekend’s most thrilling games.
Monday Night Finale
The first weekend wraps up with a Monday night clash between No. 10 Florida State and Boston College. After a tough season, the Seminoles are looking to bounce back strong. Tune in at 7:30 p.m. on ABC to see how they fare.
Local Hero Spotlight
Keep an eye on Lakewood High alumnus Anthony Colandrea, who has earned the starting quarterback position at Virginia. Colandrea is a high-risk, high-reward player, and his debut against Richmond on ESPN+ is one to watch.
Playoff Watch
With the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, every game is more crucial than ever. Teams like Boise State, UNLV, and Miami (Ohio) are dark horses to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Three Big Questions
- Can Cam Ward Lead Miami?: After some ups and downs at Washington State, all eyes are on Miami’s quarterback Cam Ward to see if he can meet the high expectations set for him.
- Will Michigan Stumble?: Michigan’s post-championship season begins with a matchup against Fresno State. Watch to see if there are any lingering effects from their roster and coaching turnover.
- Is Clemson Still Elite?: Clemson faces a tough test against Georgia. This game could reveal a lot about the Tigers’ status as an elite program, particularly with their receiving corps under scrutiny.
With so much on the line, this first weekend of college football is sure to deliver excitement, drama, and maybe a few surprises. Settle in and enjoy the ride—college football is back!
