The Biggest Games That Open the College Football Season
Pro football won’t be here until September, but college football starts earlier, and it’s drawing closer. There are a lot of soft match-ups in that first week, but there are also some huge games. Below are some of the best match-ups: You may want to be in the stands for them!
Hawaii vs. Cal
This is the first game of the season, kicking off on Friday, Aug. 26. Hawaii is not traditionally a powerhouse, but a tough little team that can sometimes put up a surprising fight. The real intrigue is on the other side. Cal lost starting QB Jared Goff to the NFL Draft. Not only did he go first overall, but the new LA Rams traded up in the draft to get him. He was the best QB in college football last year, and Cal will have to see if they can still win without him. That transition of leadership and power should be fascinating to watch.
Colorado vs. Colorado State
Why wait any longer in the season to play your biggest rival? Colorado and Colorado State are going to get it out of the way in the first contest of the season. Games like this breed bitter rivalries and are played with passion and fire, regardless of the talent on either side. It can be seen all over the country in rivalry games like the Michigan/Ohio State match up (The Game) or the contest between Texas and Oklahoma (The Red River Rivalry). Even if you’re not pulling for either side, they’re playing for bragging rights, so you know it’s going to be good.
USC vs. Alabama
The clash of the titans. This game is played on the first full Saturday of games, when it feels like college football season, and it’s hard to find two more storied programs. USC’s day in the sun may be slightly behind them, but they were known as a QB factory in their prime, winning national titles and dominating the scene. Alabama has risen to take their place under head coach Nick Saban, becoming the model team and winning titles repeatedly — including a blowout win over Norte Dame. This is one of the few games of the first week that pits two heavyweights against each other.
Clemson vs. Auburn
This is another match up of teams that have, in recent years, been at the top of college football. Auburn won a National Title with QB Cam Newton, and Clemson played for one last year — falling to Alabama. However, Clemson brings back Heisman hopeful QB Deshaun Watson and is looking to get back to the big game.
Pick Up Your Tickets Now
Whether you want to watch one of these blockbuster match-ups or cheer on the local team, make sure you get your tickets in advance. There are few things as iconic of fall in America as college football, and you need to be in the stands!
