College football fans are counting down the days until the start of the season, eagerly anticipating some thrilling matchups. With a plethora of games to choose from, we have compiled a list of the top five must-watch college football games for the upcoming season. These games have been selected based on their potential impact on the division title races and the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture.
Coming in at number five is the Week 8 matchup between Wisconsin and Illinois. Illinois has seen a rapid rebuild under the guidance of head coach Bret Bielema, boasting an impressive scoring defense in 2022. Led by running back Chase Brown, Illinois had their best season in years, with an 8-5 record. Although Brown and quarterback Tommy DeVito have departed, Illinois returns with a run-heavy offense and a new quarterback in Luke Altmyer. The addition of Jim Leonard, Wisconsin’s former defensive coordinator, as a Senior Analyst for the Illini adds intrigue to this matchup.
In the fourth spot is the Week 4 clash between traditional powerhouses Ohio State and Notre Dame. Both teams have the potential to contend for a spot in the College Football Playoff, making this game crucial for their respective seasons. This matchup could define the second year of Marcus Freeman’s tenure as Notre Dame’s head coach, while Ohio State’s quarterback Kyle McCord will need to avoid any costly mistakes to give his team the edge.
The third must-watch game is the Week 12 showdown between Georgia and Tennessee. Georgia has a relatively easy schedule this season, with this game against Tennessee posing a significant challenge. If Tennessee can enter this game with at most one SEC loss, they will have a chance to upset Georgia and make a statement in Neyland Stadium.
Next up, we have the highly anticipated Week 10 matchup between LSU and Alabama. These SEC powerhouses are seeking redemption after an intense overtime battle last season, in which LSU emerged victorious. This game could once again determine the outcome of the SEC West and answer questions about LSU’s new head coach, Brian Kelly, and Alabama’s ability to bounce back from a disappointing 10-2 season.
And finally, the number one must-watch game on our list is the Week 13 clash between Ohio State and Michigan. This intense rivalry, known as The Game, will be played in Ann Arbor this year, adding fuel to the long-standing animosity between the two teams. Jim Harbaugh will aim for his third consecutive win against Ryan Day’s Buckeyes, and the outcome of this game will likely have playoff implications for both teams.
As the new college football season kicks off at the end of August, fans can’t wait to witness these thrilling matchups unfold. Mark your calendars and get ready for some high-stakes football action that will shape the landscape of the sport. Which games will live up to the hype? Stay tuned to find out.
