College Football’s Best Week 1 Games

Look forward to sitting most of the weekend, and then working hard to earn back the respect of your loved ones.

The beginning of the college football season usually includes your favorite team playing a cupcake. In years past a couple of big games were featured, but more often than not, most were snoozers. This year the NCAA scheduling gurus in power decided to grace the country with numerous fascinating games over the long weekend. Without further ado, here are the games you need to watch.

Friday September 2nd

At the very least the Friday games will be fun simply because college football is back.

Furman at Michigan State (7 p.m. ET, BTN)

If you’re home and bored by 7 on Friday, it’s worth a watch simply to see Michigan State.

Kansas State at Stanford (9 p.m. ET, FS1)

The non-conference fun starts Friday this week with Kansas State traveling to Stanford to take on returning Heisman Trophy runner-up Christian McCaffrey. Although Kansas State isn’t highly touted coming into the season, Bill Synder on the road isn’t anything to shake your head at.

Saturday September 3rd

There may not be a point in leaving the couch Saturday unless it’s to get more food.

Oklahoma vs. Houston (Noon ET, ABC)

An impressive game for the Sooners to schedule. Already playing a neutral-site game against Texas later this year, and yet they decided to play Houston with their first game of the season. Two in-state rivals on a neutral field will certainly provide tough tests for the Sooners this season.

LSU vs. Wisconsin (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)

Watching Leonard Fournette playing in Lambeau will be amazing. The Tigers traveling far north to play Wisconsin will be fascinating. The Tigers are highly touted as a potential playoff team and Wisconsin always manage to put together a solid team. Les Miles will certainly be in vintage Mad Hatter form since he is playing with house money.

UCLA at Texas A&M (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS)

The upset driven Aggies will attempt an early derailing of UCLA’s hopes of a Pac-Ten championship. They certainly aren’t favorites, but they return a really solid team and are certain to threaten should they beat the Aggies.

UGA vs. UNC (5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Is it possible to be on the hot seat before you’ve even played a game? Kirby Smart’s first chance to silence the critics comes against a fantastic North Carolina offense that returns most of its offensive starters. The task will be difficult but UGA are favorites heading into the game.

USC vs. Alabama (8 p.m. ET, ABC)

The best looking game all weekend, in my opinion, features two of the most storied programs in NCAA history. Alabama, per usual, reloads after a successful season with another team ready to compete for a championship. USC, on the other hand, looks to stay within 10 points.

Clemson at Auburn (9 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Somehow flying under my radar is Clemson traveling to take on Auburn. An immediate test for Dabo’s Clemson team looking at another title run as they return Deshaun Watson and a highly talented offensive powerhouse.

Sunday September 4th

Sit tight most of the day Sunday and recover. You have the majority of the day to make your significant other happy after proving to them throughout the day Saturday you’re a bum.

Notre Dame at Texas (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC)

Perhaps one of the most important games in terms of both structural and entertainment value. This is one of the biggest Sunday college football games ever. Although it’s hard to see a scenario where college football ever has a viable presence on Sundays, this remains a fascinating game to watch.

Monday September 5th

Another good opportunity to do whatever your family wants for most of the day. Earn back the trust and respect you burned with every second spent eating all three Saturday meals on the couch.

Florida State vs. Ole Miss (8 p.m. ET, ESPN)

To finish off the wonderful long weekend of college football we’re taken to another incredible out of conference matchup. Playoff hopeful Florida State look to start off their season with a much-needed win over Ole Miss.

No more weekends without college football, the summer is over. Let’s sit back, eat excessive amounts of food, and enjoy the football.