Week one can be a sleeper at times, but here in recent years, that hasn’t been the case given teams trying to beef up their schedule. With the CFB Playoff here to stay, there are intriguing matchups all over nowadays. Here are my top five.
1. LSU vs. Florida State (Orlando, Fla.; Sunday, Sept. 3rd)
Last season’s down-to-the-wire matchup between these two in my opinion was the best game played in last year’s opening week, and I don’t expect any different this season. While it may not come down to a blocked field goal, both teams have reloaded looking to impress.
The Florida State vs LSU matchup from Labor Day weekend was easily one of the best games of the year.
Incredibly entertaining battle with an all-time ending ? pic.twitter.com/UlEUpbWcmJ
— Saturday Gameday (@SaturdayGameday) January 6, 2023
2. Florida at Utah (Saturday, Sept. 2nd)
This game last year also came down to the very end with an interception by Florida on Utah’s game-winning drive. I believe that left a sour taste in their mouth and look to make up for it by being at home with their raucous crowd. Florida won’t make it easy though.
3. Colorado at TCU (Saturday, Sept. 2nd)
While this may not be a matchup that usually gets views, if any at all, this year is a completely different situation. With TCU looking to piggyback off last season’s National Championship run losing to Georgia and Coach Prime taking the reigns in Boulder, this is must-see TV. We should get a great look at each team’s potential.
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4. North Carolina vs. South Carolina (Charlotte, N.C.; Saturday, Sept. 2nd)
An in-state top-25 matchup? What could be better? Not much, especially with these teams. Both are coming off promising ends to their season a year ago. UNC has Heisman candidate Drake Maye back for one more year while South Carolina has Spencer Rattler and Juice Wells (who is one the best WRs in the Nation) to throw to.
5. Tennessee vs. Virginia (Nashville, Tenn.; Saturday, Sept. 2nd)
While this is supposed to be a neutral site game, it might as well be a home game for the Volunteers. With it being played in the State Capitol (Nashville) I expect it to be orange throughout. Although Virginia is coming off a 3-7 season, I expect them to come out strong. By now everyone knows the tragedy that happened with their former players and this will be the first time they have touched a field since. Tennessee hopes to pick right back up from last season with new starting QB Joe Milton leading the way.
