Best College Football Opening Weekend Games of 2017

Only a few weeks stand between us and the beginning of the college football season. This year, opening weekend features some of the best games in years.

Every year around this time, college football fans begin to get anxious for the start of the season. Day by day the hype intensifies for programs across the country. The 2017 season has been one of the more anticipated opening weekends and for good reason. The slate of games to kick off the season features prime time match ups across the board. So ranked top to bottom here are the college football games you won’t want to miss.

No. 1 – Alabama vs. Florida State, Sept. 2 (Atlanta, GA.)

This one is going to be a dandy. Recently referred to as the “GOAT” (Greatest Opener of All Time) game in the official hype video. The winner of this game will be in the drivers seat early for a CFB playoff spot.

No. 2 – Virginia Tech vs. West Virginia, Sept. 2 (Landover, MD.)

A rivalry renewed dating back to the days when both were Big East foes. Both are considered dark horses at best to win their conference this season but this is a very intriguing match up. Justin Fuente had a strong first season in Blacksburg and Dana Holgorsen led the Mountaineers to a 10-3 finish. Although it has been several years since the two met, I expect this one to get heated fast on and off the field.

No. 3 – Florida vs. Michigan, Sept. 2 (Arlington, TX.)

This may possibly be Jim McElwain’s best team in his tenure at Florida. However, until the Gators must prove they can cross into the end zone if they wish to defeat a Michigan team hungry to bounce back. After a disappointing finish to the Wolverine’s 2016 season, Harbaugh will have his team ready to come out of the gates swinging in Jerry’s world.

No. 4 – Texas A&M @ UCLA, Sept. 2

This game will be intriguing due to the simple fact that both teams desperately need to kick-start the 2017 season with a win. Kevin Sumlin is considered to be occupying a hot seat and some will say Jim Mora is in the same boat.

No. 5 – Ohio State @ Indiana, Aug. 31

The outcome of this game is fairly certain. The interesting storyline here is new Buckeye co-offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. Wilson spent 7 years of his career at Indiana until being fired for allegations of player mistreatment. How the Buckeyes rejuvenated offense will look will be what to watch for here.

Other notable matchups:

BYU vs. LSU (Houston, TX.), Troy @ Boise State, Appalachian State @ Georgia, Tulsa @ Oklahoma State, Temple @ Notre Dame.