Week 1 Games to Watch

Sat., Aug. 30
USC at Virginia
3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT - ABC

This one will show us if Virginia has anything, and gives a preview as to how great USC will be this year.

Sat., Aug. 30
Alabama vs. Clemson
8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT - ABC

Best game of the first week. Saban has Alabama rolling in the right direction. Might this be the year they take the next step? Clemson is expected to be the class of the ACC, and Bowden is under some heat there for not winning the big one. Beating a big name from the SEC would go a ways to get the season off on the right foot.

Sat., Aug. 30
Illinois vs. Missouri
8:30 p.m. ET/ 5:30 p.m. PT - ESPN

A close second to the 'Bama-Clemson matchup for week one. Can Zook translate a Rose Bowl season into a successful program? Will Illinois be able to perform offensively without Mendenhall? Can Juice Williams develop into a complete quarterback? Will Mizzou continue its dominance from last year? Chase Daniel is a legit early-season Heisman contender. This game will give him the opportunity to get his candidacy off to a good start.

Sat., Aug. 30
Washington vs. Oregon
10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT - Regional TV only

Being from Washington, and being a Washington fan, this one is a BIG opener. The rivalry is one of the strongest in the Pac-10, Willingham's job is riding on a winning record this year, Oregon has no experience at QB whatsoever, but has possibly the best, most experienced defense in the conference. Then there's Jake Locker, who makes every single game exciting (and terrifying, it always looks like the big hit is going to take him out for the year...)

Overall, a pretty great slate of games scheduled for Week 1. Hard to ask for more since most bigtime programs like to schedule at least one cupcake before playing their real games.....