College Football Rivalries Rekindled – As the summer season continues, football fans eagerly anticipate the arrival of the 2023 NCAAF football season. While September typically showcases lighter schedules with power-conference teams facing lower-division opponents, several exciting matchups promise to captivate fans. These games promise an exhilarating season, from exciting rematches and compelling narratives to intriguing matchups between longtime rivals. In this article, we showcase some of the most anticipated matches scheduled during the first three full weekends of the 2023 season.
College Football Rivalries Rekindled: Clash of Titans
Last season, LSU and Florida State provided an epic match that left everyone breathless with its dramatic ending – LSU mounting an astonishing late-game comeback. At the same time, Florida State managed a narrow win by blocking an extra point attempt by blocking one of a different point kicker’s attempts at extra points. Both are championship contenders in 2023, making this highly-anticipated showdown even more highly-anticipated; can both teams live up to expectations from last season’s match-up?
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, who suffered a shoulder injury during their 2022 meeting, has a chance to prove himself on the road. However, Alabama will showcase its new quarterback, adding to the excitement surrounding this clash of football powerhouses.
Battle of the Carolinas
North Carolina vs. South Carolina (Sep. 2 in Charlotte): In this highly anticipated clash, two neighboring states collide as North Carolina takes on South Carolina. With top NFL draft prospect Drake Maye leading North Carolina’s offense and Spencer Rattler commanding South Carolina’s attack, this matchup promises high-level competition. Though neither team is considered a conference title favorite, their potential to finish as top-15 teams adds an intriguing element to this early-season clash.
Ole Miss at Tulane (Sep. 9)
Ole Miss faces an intriguing road test against Tulane, and the big question remains: Who will lead the Rebels from behind center? Whether it’s Jaxson Dart, Spencer Sanders, or Walker Howard, Ole Miss aims to assert dominance against the reigning AAC champions. Fueled by the desire to maintain national recognition, Tulane sees this matchup as an opportunity to make a statement and secure a notable upset.
Oregon at Texas Tech (Sep. 9)
This game captures the attention of fans and pundits alike, featuring a captivating storyline. Texas Tech quarterback Tyler Shough, who began college at Oregon, now faces his former team in a reunion. Adding to the intrigue, Oregon’s Bo Nix adjusts to a new offensive coordinator, creating an exciting narrative for this potential Top 25 matchup.
Washington at Michigan State (Sep. 16)
As the 2023 season progresses, this game offers a compelling storyline for both teams. While Washington’s status will be more precise by this point, Michigan State’s early schedule against Central Michigan and Richmond provides limited insights. Head coach Mel Tucker’s contract and the team’s performance since his arrival raises expectations for the Spartans, adding pressure to secure a victory against the Huskies.
Emerging Contenders: Colorado at TCU (Sep. 2)
The debut of Deion Sanders as head coach of Colorado brings significant attention to this matchup. However, TCU, the reigning national runner-up, aims to maintain its dominant form and spoil Sanders’ introduction. With quarterback Chandler Morris seeking redemption after a knee injury at CU in 2022, this game presents a fascinating full-circle moment.
Texas A&M at Miami (Sep. 9)
Both Texas A&M and Miami strive to bounce back from disappointing 2022 campaigns. Jimbo Fisher’s tenure at Texas A&M faces growing scrutiny, while Mario Cristobal aims to rejuvenate Miami’s program. As these teams clash, the desire to reverse their fortunes fuels an intense battle on the field.
West Virginia at Penn State (Sep. 9)
After a 31-year hiatus, West Virginia and Penn State renewed their rivalry in a highly anticipated showdown. West Virginia head coach Neal Brown enters the season under pressure to deliver, and a marquee win against Penn State could secure his job. Meanwhile, Penn State unveils quarterback Drew Allar, a highly touted recruit, in their quest for success.
Cincinnati at Pitt (Sep. 9)
College Football Rivalries – As Cincinnati transitions to the Big 12, this matchup against Pitt marks their first significant test as a power conference program. Having both started their seasons against lower-division opponents, Week 2 is the first legitimate challenge for these former conference rivals. Aiming for a third straight nine-win season, Pitt sets the stage for an intense battle against Cincinnati’s emerging program.
Utah at Baylor (Sep. 9)
This clash carries significant implications for both Utah and Baylor’s conference aspirations. Utah’s quarterback Cam Rising, recovering from ACL surgery, adds an element of uncertainty to their season. After a revenge opportunity against Florida in Week 1, the Utes face a challenging road game against Baylor, determining each team’s credentials as conference title contenders.
As the 2023 college football season approaches, fans can anticipate an array of exciting matchups. From high-profile rematches to intriguing storylines and clashes between emerging contenders, these early-season games set the stage for an unforgettable season. As the countdown to kickoff continues, football enthusiasts eagerly await the return of their beloved sport, bracing themselves for the excitement and drama that awaits on the gridiron.
