Week 1 of the college football season always brings some interesting matchups, and 2023 is no exception. With the playoff set to expand next year, teams have started beefing up their schedules, giving us some fun encounters. Here are five matchups you’ll want to see when September rolls around.
- Colorado at TCU
Colorado was horrid last year, and Deion Sanders has aggressively remade his roster. This test at TCU will show if the Buffaloes have a chance to compete in his first year in Boulder.
- Nebraska at Minnesota
Matt Rhule can endear himself to Nebraska fans by beating P.J. Fleck and Minnesota. The Cornhuskers weren’t as bad as their record, and the Golden Gophers haven’t lived up to their expectations recently. This game will tell a lot about both.
- West Virginia at Penn State
Expectations are high in Happy Valley. James Franklin believes his team can challenge Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten, and beating West Virginia would establish the Nittany Lions as a threat.
- Florida at Utah
It’s Florida’s first true road non-conference game since 1991. Utah threw away the game in Gainesville last year, and Cameron Rising should be ready to make amends in Salt Lake City.
- LSU at Florida State
Last year, this game showed Florida State was for real. Both teams won 10 games last season, and both could use a signature win. The Seminoles should have much of the crowd in Orlando, providing an early challenge for LSU.