39 days. That is all we have left to endure until college football returns for another season. To specify – it is 39 days until Week 0, where there’s only a handful of games taking place on that day. 46 days is the countdown that most college football fans are tracking towards. That is the first Saturday of a full, action-packed slate of games. The offseason in college football is so brutally long, and that is what makes the return of college football so special in my eyes. Lets take an early look at some of the intriguing matchups on on the Week 1 schedule:
Thursday, September 1st:
- Penn State at Purdue (8PM ET): Right away we are thrown into a highly touted conference matchup. Penn State is one of the more intriguing teams in the conference this year, as they’re looking to bounce back from a seven win campaign in 2021. Purdue is looking to build on an impressive nine win season, with quarterback Aiden O’ Connell leading the way. College football fans will enjoy this one. Ross-Ade Stadium will be rocking.
- Honorable Mention: West Virginia at Pittsburgh (7PM ET), Ball State at Tennessee (7PM ET)
Friday, September 2nd:
- TCU at Colorado (10PM ET): There isn’t much to offer on Friday night, but that is okay considering the following day is twelve hours of non-stop action. This matchup intrigues me slightly as Sonny Dykes makes his TCU coaching debut, leaving in-state rival SMU for the opportunity. Colorado doesn’t have much to offer and is trending towards another sub-par season. However, with the Buffs at home on a Friday night, this will be a nice little appetizer heading into the Saturday spread.
- Honorable Mention: Western Michigan at Michigan State (7PM ET)
Saturday, September 3rd:
- North Carolina at Appalachian State (Noon ET): There aren’t any marquee matchups to begin the day on Saturday. However, if you’re a college football nut like I am, you will find appreciation in these types of matchups. Appalachian State has turned into one of the more consistent programs in the country, despite playing in the Sun Belt. This could be a challenge for a Tarheel team who is looking to re-tool their offense and improve on a 6-7 finish in 2021.
- Cincinnati at Arkansas (3:30PM ET): A few years ago, this may not have been a very appealing matchup. Fast forward to 2022, Cincinnati is coming of a CFB playoff berth. Arkansas is coming off a successful year two of Sam Pittman. KJ Jefferson presumes to be one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC this year. Georgia and Oregon will highlight the 3:30 slate, however this is one I will want to keep my eye on.
- Oregon at Georgia (3:30PM ET – Neutral Site): Not much needs to be said about this one. Arguably the best game of the weekend. Two powers. Primetime ABC. Georgia coming off a national title. Oregon looking to jumpstart its own CFB playoff campaign. Can’t wait. Must-see TV.
- Houston at UTSA (3:30PM ET): I had to go off script a bit here. This is one of the ‘under-the-radar’ matchups of Week One. UTSA is coming off an incredible season a year ago, and Houston has aspirations similar to Cincinnati – get into the CFB playoff discussion. Both teams should be tracking toward double digit wins this year. However, the winner of this one will have a slightly easier road the rest of the way.
- Utah at Florida (7PM ET): A matchup that isn’t getting a ton of attention nationally. While it is early, this game is slated to be on ESPN primetime at 7PM. This will be the Billy Napier debut in blue and orange, and it comes with no easy task. Utah is one of the most physical teams in the country and one of the toughest teams Florida will see all year.
- Notre Dame at Ohio State (7:30PM ET): Nothing better than a matchup of two historic programs. Two programs who are both sitting at elite status today, with multiple playoff appearances. This game has monumental implications for both teams, as both Ohio St. and Notre Dame are looking to claw back to the CFB playoff after missing out in 2021. Notre Dame will have a new QB under center, and OSU returns a lot of exciting skill guys, headlined by CJ Stroud. Similar to Georgia-Oregon, you will not want to miss this one.
- Boise State at Oregon State (10:30PM ET): I couldn’t NOT include a Pac-12 after dark contest. These games have been a staple of my college football fandom, as I start winding down watching these games, typically falling asleep mid-third quarter. Oregon State at home, under the lights in Corvallis can play with anyone. They’ve proven that in the last few seasons, taking down bigger programs. While neither team should be great this season, this could still be a fun one to watch to end your evening.
- Honorable Mention: Colorado State at Michigan (Noon ET), Army at Coastal Carolina (7PM ET), Memphis at Mississippi State (7:30PM ET)
Sunday, September 4th:
- Florida State at LSU (7:30PM ET – Neutral Site): Two prestigious programs looking to get back on track. Since the national title in 2019, LSU has fallen short of expectations. With a winning percentage under .500 in 2021 (6-7), there’s a desperation in Baton Rouge for a return to relevance. Brian Kelly makes his LSU debut in this one. Mike Norvell of Florida State is looking to right the ship in Tallahassee. Whoever comes out on top in this one will have the benefit of the doubt heading into the rest of the schedule.
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