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Ranking the 10 best ESPN college football games on 2016 opening weekend

By Jason Parker

Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) looks to throw a pass against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) looks to throw a pass against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Sanford Stadium. Alabama defeated Georgia 38-10. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Sanford Stadium. Alabama defeated Georgia 38-10. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 7 – Georgia vs. North Carolina in Atlanta, GA (Saturday, September 3rd at 5:30 PM on ESPN)

It’s the first of three big games during the opening weekend between the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Southeastern Conference. It will also be the debut for the Bulldogs’ new head coach, Kirby Smart, in the friendly location of the Peach State.

The last time the Bulldogs were in Atlanta, they barely got by rival Georgia Tech to end the 2015 season (which led to the “mutual decision” to let go former long time head coach Mark Richt). At the same time, North Carolina was busy winning the ACC’s Coastal Division last season and giving Clemson all they could handle in the conference championship game.

For the Bulldogs, the key to their entire season will be how running back Nick Chubb plays. One of the best backs in college football, Chubb has been sidelined since tearing multiple ligaments in his knee last year against Tennessee. Smart kept him out of spring practice to give Chubb extra time to heal the knee and get ready for a 2016 season where Georgia will be battling the Vols for the SEC’s East Division crown.

Next: Clemson at Auburn

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