College football is right around the corner. Let’s take a look at some exciting week one match-ups you’ll want to have your TV tuned in to.
Michigan vs. Florida
After starting off last season 9-0, Michigan faltered down the stretch, dropping three of their last four games. The Wolverines could have easily won those ball games, as the three losses came by a total of five points.
Quarterback Wilton Speight will lead the Wolverines after throwing 18 touchdowns last season. Speight completed over 60 percent of his passes last year but will have to adjust this season since he lost his top three receivers.
Last year, Florida capped off its 9-4 season with a win over Iowa in the Outback Bowl. Three of the Gators’ four losses came to top 15 opponents, and they went undefeated at home.
The Florida team on the field for this game will be a different one than what you’ll see for the rest of the season, as seven Gators are suspended from the game for “choices that are extremely disappointing,” according to a statement made by head coach Jim McElwain. The biggest blow to the team is the absence of wide receiver Antonio Callaway, who led the team with 54 catches and 721 yards.
Neither team will have a home field advantage to start the season, as the Wolverines and Gators will play at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Sept. 2. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
Florida State vs. Alabama
This game might not only be the best of the week, but potentially one of the season’s best games between two highly touted teams.
Head coach Jimbo Fisher led Florida State to a 10-3 record last year and ended the season with a one-point victory over Michigan in the Orange Bowl.
The Seminoles will have to replace Dalvin Cook, who was the team’s leading rusher and second leading receiver. Quarterback Deondre Francois is ready for his sophomore campaign after throwing for 3,350 yards in his freshman season.
Alabama has some unfinished business to take care of. Last year, after a 14-0 start to the season, the Crimson Tide fell to Clemson in the National Championship. Regardless, the Tide showed dominance, defeating nine ranked teams.
Florida State isn’t the only team with a dangerous sophomore quarterback, as Alabama is ready to roll with Jalen Hurts. Hurts accounted for over 2,700 yards last season and 36 touchdowns through the air and on the ground.
The Seminoles and the Tide will kick off at 7 p.m. from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Altanta, Georgia, on Sept. 2. The game can be seen on ABC.
Texas A&M vs. UCLA
You’ll have to wait an extra day for this matchup, but it should be well worth the wait.
Texas A&M beat UCLA last year to start the season 31-24 in overtime, en route to a 6-0 start. The end of the season was rough for Aggie fans, as Texas A&M finished the season 8-5 with a loss to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl.
The Aggies will have a big hole to fill after losing quarterback Trevor Knight, but running back Trayveon Williams has returned. Williams rushed for over 1,000 yards as a freshman.
Last season was a tough one for the Bruin Nation, as UCLA had a 4-8 record, including a 2-7 record in conference play.
There is hope though, as quarterback Josh Rosen is back for his junior year after his sophomore campaign was cut short to just six games due to an injury. Rosen, potentially a number one pick in next year’s NFL draft, threw for 1,915 yards for 10 touchdowns in his shortened season.
The Aggies and Bruins will kickoff on Sunday, Sept. 3, from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, at 6:30 p.m. on FOX.
