Week 1 of the college football season has arrived. For Mississippi State Bulldogs fans, our primary focus will of course be on the beginning of a new season in Starkville. But as always, Week 1 brings us tons of incredible matchups across the country.
Here are three can't-miss games in Week 1...
North Carolina at Minnesota
Thursday 7:00 PM CT on FOX
We've got a power conference matchup Thursday night. This game will provide an outstanding duel of running backs between Minnesota's Darius Taylor (799 yards and five TDs in just six games in '23) and North Carolina's Omarion Hampton (1504 yards and 15 TDs in '23). We don't know much about what the offenses will provide beyond the tailbacks, and we don't know what to expect from the defenses. But Taylor and Hampton are enough of a reason to watch what should be a tight game.
8 Penn State at West Virginia
Saturday 11:00 AM CT on FOX
You can't ask for much more than rivalry action to start the year. Penn State handled West Virginia 38-15 in last year's season-opener. But now the Nittany Lions have to go to Morgantown, and the Mountaineer squad that takes the field should be better than last year's. Penn State QB Drew Allar and West Virginia QB Garrett Greene are both hoping to ascend into the upper-tier of passers in the sport. This should be a fun game to get things rolling on Saturday.
23 USC vs 13 LSU in Las Vegas
Sunday 6:30 PM CT on ABC
What's better than some Sunday night football between a pair of massive brands in Las Vegas? Both LSU and USC have to replace Heisman-winning QBs and talented WRs. Both teams are also praying that defensive staff changes will lead to massive improvements, as these were two of the worst defenses in the sport last season. I trust Lincoln Riley to field a strong offense, and the Tigers still have plenty of talent. If you like points, this game is for you, and it may be the most entertaining game of the weekend.