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

South Alabama at #24 Tulane

7:00 PM CT on ESPNU

Yes, I chose three games that will all be taking place at the same time. Ideally, I’d like to have matchups from each of the main viewing windows for future installments of this piece, but there weren’t many great options outside of the night slate. So instead let’s think of this like me giving you options.

And South Alabama versus Tulane is fantastic option for your night time viewing.

Tulane was the darling of the CFB universe in 2022. After winning just two games in 2021, Willie Fritz’s squad turned things around in the biggest way possible. The Green Wave put together a 12-win, AAC championship season that featured a road win over Big 12 champion Kansas State and a thrilling 46-45 victory over USC in the Cotton Bowl.

South Alabama had quite the season last year, as well. The Jaguars put together the best season in school history, winning 10-games. And the Jags have nearly every major contributor from that team back, ranking 8th nationally in returning production per SP+. If they can build off that season, they could find themselves firmly in the mix for a New Year’s Six bowl berth.

But for that to happen, they’ll need to take down Tulane in New Orleans, who does bring back star QB Michael Pratt and veteran groups along both the offensive and defensive lines. But Tulane does have plenty to replace at the skill positions, most notably RB Tyjae Spears, and loses it’s top-5 tacklers on defense.

The Green Wave are an AAC contender once again, but they could be vulnerable early in the year. And with the bulk of South Alabama’s 2022 team back, this could be a battle. I listed the Jags as a team to watch in 2023, and this will be a great time to watch them.