College Football Week 1: Top Matchups and Where to Watch

sheduer sanders

The 2024 college football season kicks off with a bang in Week 1, offering a loaded slate of games from Thursday through Sunday. With powerhouse programs and intriguing matchups, this weekend is set to deliver a thrilling start to the season. Let’s dive into the top games to watch, highlighting key matchups across each day.

Thursday, August 29: Colorado vs. North Dakota State (8 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Kicking off the weekend, Deion Sanders’ second season as head coach of Colorado begins with high expectations. The Buffaloes face North Dakota State in a game that will set the tone for their season. Colorado’s quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, enters the season with Heisman hopes and will be a key player to watch. This matchup will give fans an early glimpse of how Sanders and his team will fare against a tough opponent.

Friday, August 30: Temple at No. 16 Oklahoma (7 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Friday night features Oklahoma, a team looking to make a statement in its first game. As the Sooners face Temple, the spotlight will be on how their defense handles the Owls’ offense. This game is crucial for Oklahoma to establish itself as a top contender early in the season.

Saturday, August 31: No. 14 Clemson vs. No. 1 Georgia (12 p.m. ET, ABC)

Saturday’s action is headlined by a blockbuster clash between No. 14 Clemson and No. 1 Georgia. This game in Atlanta pits two of the nation’s top programs against each other, offering a high-stakes battle right out of the gate. Georgia, the reigning national champion, will look to assert its dominance, while Clemson aims to prove it can compete with the best. Expect a fierce contest with playoff implications on the line.

Saturday’s Other Top Matchups:

  • No. 8 Penn State at West Virginia (12 p.m. ET, FOX): Penn State enters the season as a dark horse for the College Football Playoff. They face a West Virginia team that could pose a challenge, especially in an early-season road test.
  • No. 2 Ohio State vs. Akron (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS): Ohio State’s new-look roster, featuring star transfers like quarterback Will Howard, running back Quinshon Judkins, and defensive standout Caleb Downs, takes the field against Akron. This game will provide a first look at how these key players integrate into the Buckeyes’ system.
  • No. 7 Notre Dame at No. 20 Texas A&M (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC): Notre Dame travels to face Texas A&M in a matchup between two ranked teams. Both programs are eager to start the season strong, making this a must-watch game.

Sunday, September 1: No. 23 USC vs. No. 13 LSU (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC)

The weekend wraps up with a marquee showdown between No. 23 USC and No. 13 LSU in Las Vegas. Both teams are looking to bounce back and solidify their status as top contenders. This game under the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the opening weekend.

Sunday’s Other Game:

  • North Carolina Central vs. Alabama State (3 p.m. ET, ESPN): Before the main event, North Carolina Central faces Alabama State in Miami Gardens. This matchup is a great way to ease into the final day of Week 1.

Week 1 of the college football season is packed with exciting matchups that set the stage for the months to come. From Thursday’s opener featuring Colorado and Shedeur Sanders to Sunday’s primetime clash between USC and LSU, fans won’t want to miss a moment of the action. Whether you’re tuning in for a powerhouse showdown or catching a glimpse of emerging talent, this weekend offers something for everyone.