College football’s 5 most interesting games: Week 1

Published August 27, 2012 - 10:50am

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Take your SEC-colored glasses off, and let’s take a look around the country at college football’s five most interesting games of week one.

1. No. 8 Michigan vs. No. 2 Alabama
This is the biggest game of week one, no doubt. Two top 10 teams clashing for conference pride with national championship implications on the line. It doesn’t get any bigger for any other teams in the country to start off. Heisman favorite Denard Robinson against the stout Bama defense will be must-see TV.

2. No. 24 Boise State at No. 13 Michigan State
Even if you hate Boise, you have to respect them. And if you don’t respect them, then you at least hope they beat the damn Big Ten. They are willing to take on anyone at anytime. Big Ten power Michigan State is next on Boise’s list. Last year it was Georgia that they smashed in Atlanta. This year they’ll be taking on another SEC-like defense in Sparty.

3. Georgia Tech at No. 16 Virginia Tech
The ACC is weak. We all know that. But we have a conference showdown, starting week one when the Yellow Jackets travel to Blacksburg to take on the Hokies. This is the only game Monday night, and I know you will be watching…even if it is the ACC.

4. No. 14 Clemson vs. Auburn
Let’s venture back into the SEC with the back end of the double header in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Clemson is without their best player in receiver Sammy Watkins, and Auburn returns a boatload of starters from 2011. This game will be fascinating to watch – the flashy Clemson against a middle-of-the-pack SEC West power. For the love of football, can the SEC please just trash Clemson?

5. No. 9 South Carolina at Vanderbilt
This is a big game in week one. South Carolina is a dark horse to win the SEC Championship, but if they lose this football game, it won’t happen. I’m not ready to put South Carolina on upset watch just yet, but this one has to worry you a little bit if you’re a Gamecock fan and Steve Spurrier. Vanderbilt will be leaving it all on the field.