Here’s a look at five college football games to watch this season.
Clemson vs. Georgia (in Charlotte, N.C.), Sept. 4
This is how you open the season, with two title contenders facing each other in a showdown that will hold significant weight through the College Football Playoff process. The game means more for Clemson; Georgia can make up for a loss in the always-treacherous SEC.
Oregon at Ohio State, Sept. 11
Want to snap that five-year playoff drought, Pac-12? Win this game. Get your top program to send a message that your conference belongs among the final four. This is the league’s best shot at being in the mix come December.
Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin (in Chicago), Sept. 25
The Badgers don’t play Ohio State or Indiana during the regular season, creating a need for a marquee win. Notre Dame would fit into that category, and the Irish would give their résumé a major boost with a victory over one of the Big Ten’s best projected teams.
Alabama at Texas A&M, Oct. 9
There are four ranked teams on Alabama’s schedule, but, on paper at least, the Crimson Tide’s stiffest test will be in College Station. Texas A&M’s lone loss a year came to Alabama. This is its chance for revenge.
JT Daniels and D.J. Uiagalelei Getty ImagesIowa State at Oklahoma, Nov. 20
This meeting could determine the Big 12 regular-season crown. Last year, the two schools split two games, with Iowa State winning during the regular season and Oklahoma prevailing in the title game for its sixth straight Big 12 crown. In all likelihood, the winner of this meeting will need to win the conference title game as well to reach the playoff.
