Title: Exciting Matchups Await as College Football Season Kicks Off with a Bang
The long wait is finally over as college football fans eagerly gear up for the first full Saturday of the 2023 season. With a lineup of high-profile games from noon to midnight, the stage is set for a day filled with excitement and chaos.
The action kicks off at noon ET with five ranked teams taking the field, including No. 17 TCU. However, all eyes will be on TCU’s opponent, Colorado, led by first-year coach Deion Sanders. Sanders, who has attracted national attention with his outspoken nature, will be looking to make a mark and lead the Buffaloes back into contention in their final season in the Pac-12.
At 3:30 p.m. ET, the highly anticipated matchup between No. 3 Ohio State and Indiana will take place on CBS. Ohio State, coming off a near miss to the national title game last season, will debut their new-look roster under the leadership of quarterback Kyle McCord. Indiana, playing in front of a pumped-up home crowd, will aim to play spoiler in this early-season Big Ten clash.
Meanwhile, No. 1 Georgia begins its quest for a historic “three-peat” as national champions against UT-Martin at 6 p.m. ET. The Bulldogs will look to establish their dominance early and set the tone for their pursuit of a third consecutive title.
As fans prepare for a jam-packed Saturday of college football action, here’s a viewer’s guide to help navigate through the best games of the day.
Colorado at No. 17 TCU (noon on Fox, fuboTV): The spotlight will be on Deion Sanders as he leads his Colorado team against TCU. Sanders’ vocal presence off the field has garnered attention, and now fans will see if his team can be competitive on the field. TCU’s Chandler Morris will also look to continue the success of last season’s CFP run.
Virginia vs. No. 12 Tennessee (noon on ABC, fuboTV): Tennessee made waves last season with an impressive early-season run, earning them the No. 1 ranking in the initial College Football Playoff rankings. Quarterback Joe Milton III steps in for star Hendon Hooker, carrying the weight of high expectations. Virginia, playing their first game since a tragic shooting, aims to honor their fallen players.
No. 3 Ohio State at Indiana (3:30 p.m. on CBS, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App): Ohio State, loaded on both sides of the ball, will look to showcase their new roster on the national stage. Indiana aims to play spoiler in this Big Ten clash.
Boise State at No. 10 Washington (3:30 p.m. on ABC, fuboTV): Washington boasts CFP hopes with the return of standout quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The Huskies’ potent offense and sturdy defense make them a force to be reckoned with. However, the Broncos have had success against Power Five opponents in Week 1 and hope to upset Washington.
Middle Tennessee at No. 4 Alabama (7:30 p.m. on SEC Network, fuboTV): Though this may not be a highly competitive game on paper, all eyes will be on Alabama’s quarterback situation. With the transfer of Tyler Buchner, Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson are vying for the starting role. Coach Nick Saban’s decision on who takes the field will leave fans intrigued.
West Virginia at No. 7 Penn State (7:30 p.m. on NBC, fuboTV): Both teams will be looking to make a statement in this matchup. With Michigan and Ohio State grabbing the headlines in the Big Ten East, Penn State aims to prove they’re a force to be reckoned with. A win here could significantly impact how each conference is perceived by the CFP Selection Committee.
As fans eagerly anticipate the start of the 2023 college football season, a day filled with thrilling matchups, intense competition, and captivating storylines awaits. So grab your refreshments, settle in, and enjoy the chaos that is about to unfold on this action-packed Saturday.