Want to watch some quality college football games that are flying under the radar? This list should help you do just that this weekend.
At first glance this week’s slate of college football games looks pretty dull. I get it. But, that’s the whole reason Patrick Schmidt came up with the concept of this column last season and this is the reason I love writing it.
We get to highlight odd, weird, and enjoyable college football games that most people aren’t going to think of immediately when they look at ESPN’s schedule online (no offense, ESPN or the people that check ESPN’s schedule).
And this week, there are plenty of games ripe with intriguing storylines and plenty of games that could actually yield really, really intriguing results.
Honorable mentions:
- Kansas State vs. Mississippi State — The Big 12 and the SEC are colliding, kind of. Last season, Mississippi State demolished Kansas State in Manhattan. This year, the Wildcats have a new head coach, a productive offense, and are looking for a chance at revenge in Starkville. Joe Moorhead and Tommy Stevens have combined to create a more efficient MSU offense, but there are still some kinks to be worked out and that could create opportunities for K-State to make this game intriguing.
- Washington State vs. Houston — You like points? Everyone likes points. This game should provide you with points. Mike Leach and the Washington State Cougars will bring out their version of the air raid as Dana Holgorsen and the Houston Cougars try to outscore them using their version of the scheme. Points, points, and more points and the Cougars and the, uh, Cougars face off Friday night.
No. 5: Southern Miss vs. Troy
Can I interest you in a matchup between two smaller, Southern teams that are always looking to gain respect by taking on the more prominent schools in their respective states and the region? Southern Miss, fresh off of a loss to Mississippi State, is headed across state lines to face Troy, who recently taunted Nick Saban and Alabama on Twitter. The Golden Eagles and the Trojans typically play with a chip on their shoulders, as all traditional underdogs rightfully should, which could make this game intriguing.
No. 4: Air Force vs. Colorado
Everyone loves a good rivalry, which is why Colorado’s comeback over the Nebraska Cornhuskers was so remarkable. It was full of storylines and fun and excitement for Colorado. It was great. And it was also last week. The Buffaloes need to get over that win and make sure that they’re not looking past an Air Force team that is clearly looking for a landmark win of its own.
No. 3: Texas Tech vs. Arizona
Remember that statement about points and how people love points and high flying offenses? Texas Tech and Arizona are set to meet in Tucson and can provide plenty of excitement, assuming that Kevin Sumlin’s Wildcats can actually play a full game. Arizona hasn’t looked so sharp to start the season, falling to Hawai’i in Hawai’i and then allowing Northern Arizona to score 41 points last week. But, that simply means that Arizona’s offense will have more opportunities to be on the field. And that might mean more points.
No. 2: Iowa vs. Iowa State
If you don’t like points, points, and more points, this game is for you. Iowa and Iowa State meet up for their annual rivalry game in a contest that is one of the weirder ones in college football, a sport known for producing weird rivalries. Anything can happen in any given rivalry, but that feels like an understatement with this match up. The Hawkeyes and the Cyclones probably aren’t going to score a ton of points, but this game should be closely contested.
No. 1: Wake Forest vs. North Carolina
Mack Brown is back. North Carolina is unbeaten. The Tar Heels have some reasons to be excited. Starting the season 2-0 is an accomplishment for a program that has seen some rough years recently. Similarly, Wake Forest has started 2019 with a 2-0 record and is experiencing a period of steady success under Dave Clawson, who has been trying to build the Demon Deacons into a more respectable program. Knocking off a North Carolina football legend in his second stint with the Tar Heels could help Clawson with that process. For North Carolina, overcoming Wake Forest and advancing to 3-0 could help the Tar Heels reclaim some respect in the ACC.