The 2024 college football season kicks off with four “Week 0” games on Aug. 24, including No. 10 Florida State and Georgia Tech facing off in Dublin, Ireland.
But when Weeks 1 and 2 finally roll around, these are five under-the-radar matchups that could offer key insights into some contenders and potential dark horses.
Aug. 31: No. 7 Notre Dame at No. 20 Texas A&M
Believe it or not, the common denominator in this matchup is Duke University. Former Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard will lead The Fighting Irish against his former head coach Mike Elko, both entering their first year at new programs. The Week 1 game will be a critical early test for two College Football Playoff hopefuls.
Aug. 31: Fresno State at No. 9 Michigan
This won’t be the same Michigan team that just won a national championship. The Wolverines will have to re-prove themselves on the national stage and a primetime Week 1 matchup against a threatening Fresno State team will be the perfect test. Can Michigan’s defense prove it’s still the best against a solid Bulldogs offense returning eight starters?
Sept. 7: Colorado at Nebraska
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders will have his first opportunity to prove the hype. A Week 2 showdown against another power conference foe with a chip on its own shoulder should serve as a perfect test.
A healthy Travis Hunter and a better-protected Shadeur Sanders for the Buffs should make for a riveting shootout against Nebraska’s freshman quarterback phenom, Dylan Raiola. The winner will get to take the first step back toward relevancy.
Sept. 7: Boise State at No. 3 Oregon
The Ducks enter a new-look Big Ten with their sights set on toppling perennial juggernaut Ohio State. Hosting the Mountain West Conference favorites in Week 2 will be Oregon’s first real test of the season. Boise State has an opportunity to solidify its spot in the early College Football Playoff conversation with a signature upset.
Sept. 7: No. 15 Tennessee at No. 24 North Carolina State
Their rankings could change by Week 2, but both teams will be looking to make an early case for College Football Playoff consideration. The Volunteers could have the most to lose from a preliminary test against a fringe-ranked opponent, sitting just outside the preseason top 12. Nevertheless, a win would boost either team’s resume in the eyes of the committee.