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3 Under the Radar College Football Games to Watch for Week 1

By Andrew Miller

Sep 17, 2022; Pullman, Washington, USA; Colorado State Rams quarterback Clay Millen (11) throws a pass against Washington State Cougars linebacker Daiyan Henley (1) in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Pullman, Washington, USA; Colorado State Rams quarterback Clay Millen (11) throws a pass against Washington State Cougars linebacker Daiyan Henley (1) in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – SEPTEMBER 3: Wide receiver Matthew Golden #10 of the Houston Cougars tries to outrace Line backer Dadrian Taylor #7 of the UTSA Roadrunners after a reception at the Alamodome on September 3, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – SEPTEMBER 3: Wide receiver Matthew Golden #10 of the Houston Cougars tries to outrace Line backer Dadrian Taylor #7 of the UTSA Roadrunners after a reception at the Alamodome on September 3, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

UTSA at Houston

6:00 PM CT on FS1

Another game in the night slate to follow, this Lonestar State showdown features a pair of teams entering new conferences this season. Houston left the AAC to reunite with old Southwest Conference rivals in the Big 12, and UTSA left Conference USA to act as a replacement for Houston in the AAC.

And if this game is anything like last year’s, you’re not going to want to miss it.

Last season these two opened up 2022 with one of the most exciting games of the year. Houston trailed 21-7 entering the 4th quarter but scored 17-straight points to take a 24-21 lead with just 23 seconds left. UTSA then went on an improbable 55-yard drive in those final seconds, kicking a game-tying field goal as the clock expired.

A pair of field goals and touchdowns sent the game to triple overtime, where Houston QB Clayton Tune scrambled and front-flipped his way into the endzone for what would be the game-winning two point conversion. Houston won 37-35.

This will be a different look Houston team, however. Tune and electrifying WR Tank Dell are now in the NFL, leaving some massive voids for Dana Holgorsen’s offense. Holgorsen will turn to Texas Tech transfer QB Donovan Smith to lead the way.

UTSA, on the other hand, still has an experienced signal caller, and he happens to be one of the nation’s best. Frank Harris returns for one final run in San Antonio, having passed for over 12000 yards and 74 TDs in his career. He had 400 yards of offense against the Coogs last season, and could be in for another big day with Houston facing major questions on defense.

The Roadrunners have an argument for being the nation’s best Group of 5 team in 2023, and despite lots of question marks, you can typically count on a Dana Holgorsen team to score points. This should be an exciting game once again.

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