We are entering the home stretch of summer, which means we are that much closer to wall-to-wall football. Not only is the NFL gearing up for what will no doubt be another stellar season, but the college football as well.
The all-too-short college football season kicks off on September 3rd and sets off a frenzy of action each week from coast to coast. Whether you’re heading out to see the game live after a round of tailgating, hitting a favorite watering hole to kick back with some friends, or simply couching it up, there are not too many things better than Saturdays in the fall.
What better way to cool off and beat the heat than visions of marathon pigskin Saturdays dancing in your head? Here are 10 games to keep on your radar for the upcoming season:
LSU at Mississippi State, 9/12
This early season battle in the SEC West will pit standout Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott versus the usually ferocious D of LSU. Last year’s affair saw a memorable 34-29 win for Mississippi State.
South Carolina at Georgia, 9/19
The Gamecocks put a blemish on the Bulldogs early last season with a thrilling 38-35 victory. Can Georgia return the favor this year?
USC at Notre Dame, 10/17
This will be the 87th meeting in this storied rivalry, and it’s a must-watch game every season. Notre Dame leads the all-time series 45-35-5.
Michigan State at Michigan, 10/17
Jim Harbaugh gets his first taste of the heated in-state rivalry as a head coach of Michigan. Michigan State is ranked at number six in preseason polls.
Ohio State at Rutgers, 10/24
Preseason number one Ohio State hits the East Coast. Piscataway is not quite NYC, but it’s close enough to give it a big event feel.
Mississippi at Texas A&M, 10/24
Stellar SEC West matchup featuring A&M’s expected potent offense squaring up with what should be the solid D of Ole Miss. Both teams surprised last year for different reasons, A&M looks to bounce back while Ole Miss aims to prove they’re ready to keep hanging with the big boys.
Oregon at Arizona State, 10/29
Thursday night Pac-12 affair features two of the most electric RBs in the nation, Oregon’s Royce Freeman and ASU’s D.J. Foster. Expect some offensive fireworks in this one.
Florida State at Clemson, 11/7
This could be a battle to settle the ACC’s Atlantic Division. Nice matchup of QBs between FSU’s Everett Golson and Clemson’s Deshaun Watson.
Baylor at TCU, 11/27
Monster game on the Friday after Thanksgiving, I have already reserved space on my couch. TCU’s loss to Baylor last year likely kept them out of the CFB playoff, this game could very well decide the Big 12 title.
Alabama at Auburn, 11/28
Not much needs to be said about ‘The Iron Bowl.’ The best rivalry in college football is annual must-see TV and has produced some absolute classics in recent years.
Just a small sampling of what shapes up to be an awesome season of college football. Last year’s playoffs helped interest jump to an all-time high across the nation and it’s safe to assume that will only continue to grow.
Get some tickets, reserve some bar space, or just make sure your couch is reinforced for marathon viewing sessions. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, keep the above games on your radar while planning out your fall.