We know – it’s still pretty early to be thinking about college football. But, what can we say – we love football. Seriously, high school, JUCO, FBS, you name it – if it’s football, you have our interest. Here’s our list of the FBS games we are most looking forward to for the 2018 season. You should probably plan on watching all of these college football games:
AUBURN VS. WASHINGTON | SEPTEMBER 1ST (AT MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM)
This will be a good matchup between to very good teams and it takes place in the very first week. It should also have pretty big implications for the winner. You get a big confidence boost by beating a ranked opponent early season, plus you have a non-conference win under your belt for when it’s time to decide the playoffs. The neutral playing site also adds to the intrigue of this one.
USC AT TEXAS | SEPTEMBER 15TH
Two things make this matchup interesting. First off, it’s a rematch of what’s considered the best national championship game of all time in 2006. Reggie Bush vs. Vince Young. As I’m sure you recall, Texas won an epic 41-38 game at the Rose Bowl. Vince Young’s last-minute game winning touchdown on 4th and 2 will likely never be forgotten. And, USC vs Texas will forever be a classic. What gives this game relevance in the here-and-now is the fact that last year when these two teams met, the game went to double OT. USC eventually won 27-24. What does 2018 have in store?
FAU VS. UCF | SEPTEMBER 21ST
Ohio St. vs. Penn St. | September 29th The last time these two teams met, it was a wild 39-38 final scoreline. Ohio St. was down 35–20 at one point in that game and came all the way back to win. In doing so, they absolutely crushed Penn St.’s playoff hopes. Not only did Penn St. lose this game, but they also fell to Michigan St. the very next week (call it a domino effect). This meeting had major implications on both of these teams’ seasons in 2017. Expect much the same in 2018.>
UCF VS. MEMPHIS | OCTOBER 13TH
Last year’s two highest scoring offenses face off in Tennessee in mid-October. UCF lead the FBS with 48.2 points per game while Memphis averaged 45.5 points per game. They met twice last year, with UCF winning both encounters. The first game was a 40-13 regular season win, the second was a 62-55 thrilling OT final in the American Athletic Conference championship game. Get yo’ popcorn ready. PS, yes UCF made this list twice – deal with it.
GEORGIA VS. LSU | OCTOBER 13TH
If we asked you to name an SEC team you would likely say Alabama or Auburn. But don’t sleep on these two SEC beasts. Georgia went to the national championship game last year after all, and while LSU went 9-4 last year they beat the likes of Auburn and are known for their tough defense. These two teams haven’t met since 2013. Should be a good one.
WISCONSIN VS. MICHIGAN | OCTOBER 13TH
This is a battle of 3rd downs. 2017’s best 3rd down defense versus one of 2017’s best 3rd down offenses. Both teams have a fairly tough schedule this year, making their mid-October clash even more important. Plus, who doesn’t love a good Big 10 matchup?
USC VS. UCLA | NOVEMBER 18TH
Chip Kelly’s first Battle of LA. Last year UCLA kept this game close (a 28-23 loss) despite having a rough season. Enter Chip Kelly (USC), exit Sam Darnold (UCLA). This one looks like it’s swinging in USC’s favor after they lost 15 of the last 19 meetings between the two LA schools.
OHIO ST. VS MICHIGAN | NOVEMBER 24TH
This matchup is always a classic. What makes this particular meeting so intriguing is the fact that Jim Harbaugh is 0-3 against Ohio State. This could be the year that changes and Michigan breaks its 6 game losing streak against the Buckeyes. If so, it’ll be fun to watch. If not, it’ll be equally fun but for different reasons. Could a loss in what people are calling The Game for Michigan finally spell the end of Harbaugh’s time at Michigan and his return to the NFL? We will likely have an answer (or so many more questions) on November 25th.
AUBURN VS. ALABAMA | NOVEMBER 24TH
The Iron Bowl. Really we could have chosen a number of games during rivalry week (we chose our two favourites). It’s a fun week of football. There are classic rivalries all over the country to watch – pick a region and you’ll be entertained. But the Iron Bowl holds one special fact that no other rivalry game has going for it: the winner of the Iron Bowl has gone on to play in the national championship in 7 of the last 9 years. Yes, you read that right.
ARMY VS. NAVY | DECEMBER 8TH (AT LINCOLN FINANCIAL FIELD)
This game doesn’t have the star-power as all the other games on this list, but it’s always a classic. There is not too much more American than this game. Last year’s snow storm in Philly provided for an epic 14-13 Army win. Let’s see what Mother Nature brings this time around.
