1. Florida State vs. LSU
The obvious choice as both of these squads have legitimate CFP aspirations in 2023. The Seminoles are one of the hottest teams in the nation heading into the fall, as Mike Norvell has dominated the portal and managed to keep stud DL Jared Verse in Tallahassee instead of heading to the draft. On the other side of the field, Brian Kelly had a miraculous run in his first season at the helm of the Bayou Bengals to get the to the SEC title game. This isn’t just the best game of opening weekend. It’s one of the best non-conference matchups of the season.
2. UNC vs. South Carolina
The Gamecocks have as much momentum as any program at the end of 2022, with big wins against Tennessee and Clemson to close out the regular season. Both teams come in with great offenses and questionable defenses, so it should be a barnburner. Don’t be surprised when Drake Maye and Spencer Rattler throw for a combined 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns.
3. Florida vs. Utah
Billy Napier might already be on the hot seat in Gainesville, so replicating last year’s opening win against the Utes could take some of that pressure off of him at the start of the season. But it will be a lot harder to do so in Rice-Eccles stadium, one of the loudest stadiums in the country. Returning for his final season, Cam Rising will be hoping to redeem himself for some late mistakes in last year’s contest.
4. TCU vs. Colorado
All eyes will be on Deion Sanders‘ debut as an FBS coach, and the Buffs drew a fascinating matchup in their opener. Coming off of their national title game appearance, the Horned Frogs will be breaking in a new quarterback and a lot of new skill players. Anything could happen in this one.
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5. Nebraska at Minnesota
I know, I know, Big Ten West football is rarely watchable. But Matt Rhule has already sparked a new wave of interest in the Cornhuskers, and his debut will be interesting to watch. Across from him, PJ Fleck needs to reload an offense that lost a few key pieces, including All-American John Michael Schmitz and record-setting running back Mohamed Ibrahim.
