It's almost here. NCAA football is almost back. The season starts Thursday and college football fans everywhere can't wait. There are plenty of games this week, but here are the six best college football games of Week 1.
6. North Carolina vs. South Carolina (Played in Charlotte)
Why is a matchup between unranked Power 5 Conference teams on this list? Because it's the first FBS game of the year. Tar Heels against Gamecocks kicks off the college football season at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN. For those of us that have been dying for college football to return, we won't miss this one.
5. Washington at No. 23 Boise State
It's the best game on Friday night, kicking off at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN. Chris Petersen is returning to Boise for the first time since leaving to become the Huskies' head coach. Boise State is the top non-power 5 school and a trendy sleeper pick to make it to the College Football Playoff.
4. Louisville vs. No. 7 Auburn (Played in Atlanta)
Auburn has dreams of an SEC Championship and a College Football Playoff berth. Louisville's aspirations aren't as lofty, but it is no pushover. The Cardinals won nine games last year, although they are still searching for a QB. Set for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on CBS, this is the best Saturday afternoon game in Week 1.
3. Texas at No. 11 Notre Dame
When this game was first scheduled in 2010, many thought it could be an early-season Top 10 matchup. Instead, we get a Notre Dame squad just outside the Top 10 and a Texas team that has fallen apart in recent years. Still, a matchup of storied programs is tough to ignore. The game is set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on NBC.
2. Virginia Tech at No. 1 Ohio State
The Hokies were the only team to beat Ohio State last season, but the Buckeyes are favored to extract their revenge in Columbus. It's a rare Monday Night game, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. With no NFL games, this contest should have good ratings.
1. No. 18 Wisconsin vs. No. 3 Alabama (Played in Arlington)
It's the only game between ranked teams in Week 1 and is the best matchup by far. Alabama is the favorite in the SEC West and Wisconsin is the favorite in the Big Ten West. It should be a great contest and is must-watch college football. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. on ABC.
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