Fansided

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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Orange Bowl
Nov 21, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands off to running back Samaje Perine (32) during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 – Oklahoma vs. Houston at NRG Stadium (Saturday, September 3rd at Noon on ABC)

Last season, the Sooners were one of the final four teams left standing before losing to Clemson in the national semifinal played at the Orange Bowl. On the same day, the Cougars made their case for being a surprise team in 2016 with a upset win over Florida State in the Peach Bowl.

For Oklahoma, the man under center is the key to the season. Baker Mayfield is now comfortable in the Sooners’ offense after taking over the reins last season. He will have plenty of depth at the running back position to help ease the pressure on him, but as Mayfield goes so will the Sooners in 2016.

Last season, Houston was the team that was looking to crash the CFB playoff party when they won the AAC and went to a New Years Six bowl game. In 2016, the Cougars aren’t going to sneak up on anyone but will still be a team that is overlooked in a game like this, but can still come out with a win. If that happens, don’t be shocked if the Cougars go unbeaten.

Next: Ole Miss vs. Florida State

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