A lot of hype and expectations surround a plethora of teams entering this college football season. What teams can catch a break and which ones can't? Which games mean the most? Which will be the most entertaining or interesting? Luckily, I'm here to help decide that. Below I've selected my picks for the "best" games of each week! Enjoy!
WEEK 1: Oregon vs Auburn (August 31 - Arlington, TX)
Both teams should be ranked. Last time they met was the thriller that was the 2010 BCS National Championship. GameDay will be there. PAC 12/SEC showdown in Big D. I couldn't NOT pick this one.
WEEK 2: LSU at Texas (September 7)
Likely decides the playoff hopes for the loser, already. I personally think both will lose at least one more excluding this game, but the winner gains a big boost. Both should be ranked top 10-15 entering this one.
WEEK 3: Clemson at Syracuse (September 14)
This will be the Game of the Year for the ACC. No team has played the defending champs closer than Cuse has over the past two seasons. Cuse playing with a home crowd behind them could sway things.
WEEK 4: Notre Dame at Georgia (September 21)
Wouldn't be surprised if GameDay is here. Both will be undefeated and ranked in the top 10. If ND wants any shot at getting back to the playoff, this is a must win.
WEEK 5: Texas Tech at Oklahoma (September 28)
I know you're probably wondering why I picked this game. Well, I'm not the biggest believer in Jalen Hurts and Tech nearly won last year. This could be a five hour game. First one to 50 wins?
WEEK 6: Michigan State at Ohio State (October 5)
Both should have a zero in the loss column. Sparty very well could enter this one with a top three defense. Big 10 newcomer (Georgia trasnfer) OSU QB Justin Fields, faces his first big test. The outcome of this game rests on his shoulders.
WEEK 7: Texas vs Oklahoma (October 12 - Arlington, TX)
It's the Red River Rivalry. Come on. This match-up will hold a lot of weight. Winner stays safe, while the loser is likely out of the running for a playoff spot.
WEEK 8: Oregon at Washington (October 19)
This one will determine who wins the PAC-12 North. Oregon QB Justin Herbert leads an offense with 10 returning starters. Washington has a lot to replace on D. Will they be ready? Both teams could find themselves hitting 10+ wins and a potential playoff appearance with a win.
WEEK 9: Notre Dame at Michigan (October 26)
Last year's game was a fun one. Regardless of what happens in their earlier game against Georgia, the Irish could once again help squander Michigan's playoff hopes.
WEEK 10: Florida vs Georgia (November 2 - Jacksonville, FL)
Who will come out of the SEC East? This game should decide that. These two should be running away with the division up to this point. Winner is almost a lock to make the SEC Championship.
WEEK 11: LSU at Alabama (November 9)
LSU held Alabama's best offense in school history to less than 30. Problem is they couldn't muster up a single point. I'm not saying things will be different, but I do think this one will be closer.
WEEK 12: Texas at Iowa State (November 16)
This one will likely determine just how good Iowa State is, as well as the team that (probably) matches up with Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game.
WEEK 13: UCLA at USC (November 23)
Depending on how the season goes for both teams, USC HC Clay Helton could be fired. On the other side, UCLA HC Chip Kelly could find himself near the top of the PAC-12 South in just his second year.
WEEK 14: Texas A&M at LSU (November 30)
"The Game? The Iron Bowl? Why this game?" Thanks to last year's 7-OT instant classic, I'm hopeful that we'll get something similar in the final week of the 2019 regular season. This game might be the one that decides who finishes second in the SEC West.
And with that, we have my picks for what I think will be the best games of the 2019 regular season. If you liked or hated them, let me know. Feel free to tell me what your picks would be on weeks you disagree with.
(I do not own any of the photos used in this article. They belong to their respected owners.)
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