Let’s be real. The game at Autzen this week may not be the most thrilling. Although many Duck fans will be excited to take the long awaited walk over the Willamette and cheer Oregon on, there are already many enticing games slated for the opening week of college football. To make the most of this first weekend, make sure to catch these games.
Thursday, August 28
3 p.m. SEC Network
No. 21 Texas A&M at No. 9 South Carolina
While the Aggies will be without Johnny Manziel and South Carolina will not have the NFL’s first round draft pick Jadeveon Clowney, it should be interesting who will step up and be the next big stars for these two top 25 teams. This matchup will also be a game of debuts as the SEC network will broadcast its first football broadcast and we will see sophomore Kenny Hill’s first start behind center for Texas A&M.
Friday, August 29
4:30 p.m. BNT
Jacksonville State at No. 8 Michigan State
Yes, this game will most likely be a rout, and as much as teams say the focus is one game at a time, it’s hard to not think about how the next opponent is looking during week one. Certainly, don’t spend too much of your Friday night watching this game, however, it could be interesting to get a sneak peek of what type of team Oregon will face at Autzen the next week. Coming off their Rose Bowl victory, the Spartans will be lead by many talented players on defense such as Shilique Calhoun.
Saturday, August 30
2:30 p.m. ESPN
No. 16 Clemson at No. 12 Georgia
This game should be a great head-to-head matchup against two top 25 teams and a great opportunity for both teams to make a statement in week one. Georgia could certainly use an early season win due to its schedule in the dominant SEC conference.
No. 1 Florida State vs. Oklahoma State
5 p.m. ABC
Oklahoma State is an inexperienced team this season, but it should be interesting to see how the reigning national championship team Florida State, led by Heisman winner Jameis Winston, reacts in week one.
No. 14 Wisconsin vs. No. 13 LSU
6 p.m. ESPN
This should be another exciting top 25 matchup against two fairly even teams. The game will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, and both teams will have the chance to prove themselves early on in the season. One interesting aspect of the game will be at the quarterback position, where the Badgers’ Tanner McEvoy will make his first start. Les Miles has not been totally clear about who will play behind center for the Tigers.
No. 25 Washington at Hawaii
7:30 p.m. CBS Sports Network
Although this is the same time as the Oregon game, it would be interesting to see how Oregon’s border rival, Washington, looks in the first week. Although Hawaii is not that strong of a team, this game will mark Huskies’ coach Chris Petersen’s debut. In addition, Budda Baker may see his first collegiate action as a freshman. Baker, a top prospect in the class of 2014, made headlines when he decommitted to Oregon in January.
Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethmaiman