Ten Games That Will Shape The 2024 College Football Season
The college football season will be here before you know it. It will look slightly different this season than in years past since 12 teams will make the playoffs instead of four, so there will be more significant games to decide playoff spots. Joel Klatt from Fox Sports had his ten games that will shape the season. Here are the games.
These games are listed by the date they are being played and not the order of how big they are.
10. LSU Vs. USC September 1st
LSU and USC will kick off the season in Las Vegas on Labor Day weekend, and this game could be one looking back that decides the last spot of the playoffs. LSU and USC are both expected to be Top Five teams in their conference but more the fourth or fifth team, meaning they will need some help to make the playoffs, and winning this game will go a long way.
9. Colorado At Nebraska September 7th
Colorado will travel to Nebraska to try to win two straight against the Cornhuskers. Still, this game will most likely have zero impact on the College Football Playoff since both teams will probably be average. It will be fun, but I don't expect it to be as important as many other games this year.
8. Texas At Michigan September 7th
Two teams from last year's playoff meet in Ann Arbor, and both will look very different this season. Michigan lost almost every important player on their team, and Texas brought back quarterback Quinn Ewers, who could have been a first-round pick in this year's NFL Draft. Texas is looking to make a name for themselves in their new conference, the SEC, and winning at Michigan would be major.
7. Georgia At Alabama September 28th
No Nick Saban, no problem for Alabama. New head coach Kalen DeBoer has what it takes to beat Georgia, and being at home for this game will give the Crimson Tide a chance. Georgia is the best team in the country, but Alabama isn't going away. They still have a great roster and will give the Bulldogs a tough game.
6. Clemson At Florida State October 5th
Clemson and Florida State are expected to be the best teams in the ACC this season, and this contest could decide who comes out of the conference on top. Florida State is still angry they didn't make the playoff last year after going undefeated in the regular season, and they get to host the Tigers, so the Seminoles should come out on top in this game.
5. Ohio State At Oregon October 12th
Ohio State is heading to play new conference rival Oregon in October, and there is a chance these two will meet twice this season, once in the regular season and once in the Big Ten title game. Both teams are supposed to be the best in the conference, and Oregon might have the best head coach in Dan Lanning and quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the Big Ten. They are out to prove something against the Buckeyes in their Week Seven game.
4. Georgia At Texas October 19th
Georgia and Texas are both heavy favorites to win the National Championship this season. This game could decide who gets a bye in the playoffs and who might have to go on the road and play a postseason game. Texas will want to make a major statement by beating Georgia at home, and this might be the best game of the entire season.
3. Missouri At Alabama October 25th
Missouri came on the scene last year out of nowhere, making the New Year's Six Bowl and beating Ohio State, and now they are ready to do it all again this season. The Tigers have one of the best quarterbacks in Brady Cook and wide receiver Luther Burden III, who could be the first receiver picked in next year's draft.
2. Ohio State At Penn State November 2nd
Penn State has what it takes to knock off the Buckeyes. They get to host them, which is major, and they have the best quarterback in the game, Drew Allar. They might also have the best defensive player in pass rusher Abdul Carter. It's now time for the Nittany Lions to make a move, and this could be the year they do it.
Simply, Ohio State hasn't beaten Michigan in three years, and if they don't this season, head coach Ryan Day will probably be finding a new home. The Buckeyes have to find a way to win; if they don't, many changes could be coming.
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS:
Order your favorite whiskey or spirit for the big game right to your doorstep and use code STADIUMRANT10 for a 10% discount at Caskers
Use code STADIUMRANT20 for a 20% discount at Bulletproof Coffee, SwingJuice and Performix.
If you love to shotgun beers, use code STADIUMRANT10 at Wild Man Drinking Company.
MORE FROM STADIUM RANT:
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!