CFN Question: Which Week 1 games look exciting?
by CollegeFootballNews.com
Q: Which Week 1 games are you most looking forward to?
Pete Fiutak
Obviously I'm jacked up for Clemson-Alabama, Tennessee-UCLA, Fresno State-Rutgers, Utah-Michigan, Illinois-Missouri and Michigan State-California, but here are three under-the-radar games that I'm most geeked up about.
Must-read:
Must-see:
Top headlines:
Worth a thousand words:
1. Colorado State vs. Colorado: It might not have much in the way of national significance, and Colorado is a heavy favorite, but this is always a down-to-the-wire game that's as nasty as any rivalry in the country.
2. Western Michigan at Nebraska: WMU might be the MAC's best team thanks to a loaded, aggressive defense that returns all 11 starters. How much has Nebraska changed right away under Bo Pelini? A 'Husker blowout might not make too many big headlines, but it would mean things have instantly improved; the Broncos are that good.
3. TCU at New Mexico BYU is everyone's Mountain West darling, and Utah isn't far behind. TCU and New Mexico might be battling it out for the No. 3 spot, with the winner still in the hunt for the title and the loser in big trouble. These two teams should be even better than last year.
Richard Cirminiello
1. Alabama vs. Clemson (at Atlanta): Two ranked programs with storied pasts and something to prove hook up in Atlanta. Clemson, in particular, has to leave the dome with a win to avoid being labeled a perennial underachiever. It's everyone's first chance to feast their eyes on two of the country's premier freshmen, Tide WR Julio Jones and Tiger DE DaQuan Bowers.
2. Illinois vs. Missouri: Not only is this one of just two games between ranked teams, but it's also a rivalry, an Opening Day rarity. Not unlike a year ago, there should be plenty of points and big plays as Chase Daniel and Juice Williams duke it out in St. Louis.
3. Utah at Michigan: The Wolverines are far from a finished product under Rich Rodriguez, but I still can't wait to see how far along they are with the spread-option offense. The backpage? If Michigan loses a home opener this year, no one is going to be shocked.
Matthew Zemek
1. Alabama at Clemson: The simple fact that these two programs are playing each other is delicious enough in its own right. That it's Nick Saban against Tommy Bowden only adds to the spice. Throw in the possibility of division (if not league) titles for both teams, and you have an explosive opener under the lights in Death Valley East.
2. Illinois vs. Missouri: Seeing the Illini without Mr. Mendenhall represents an important bit of field research in Week 1. Seeing Chase Daniel perform represents an early examination of one of the sport's superstars.
3. Fresno State at Rutgers: Two programs with big ambitions, but whose identities are in question at the start of the season. A fascinating look inside the world of two hungry teams. It's the perfect recipe for a hungry, high-voltage season opener.
Steve Silverman
1. Utah at Michigan: Several elements here: First game of the Rich Rodriguez era for the Wolverines and I want to see how well his spread offense plays in its Big House debut. Utah could be a team that sneaks up and makes everybody pay attention later this season. Winning their opener would really help their cause.
2. Alabama vs. Clemson (at Atlanta):- A huge test for 'Bama in the opener and Nick Saban's team could be in for a beatdown if it is not extremely prepared. Clemson has a great chance to win the ACC this season and should be able to stay involved in the national championship run throughout the season.
3. Illinois vs. Missouri (at St. Louis): The Border War gets taken to a new level since Tigers have Big 12 aspirations and Illini coming off Rose Bowl appearance. Illinois loses this game every year and even though Juice Williams should be at his best and Ron Zook has his team fired up, this one will be a very difficult assignment as well.
advertisement
