We’re nearly finished with the first month of college football season and we’re left with a surprising and unexpected group of undefeated teams, many of which will be facing off this weekend. There’s still plenty of story to tell, but already this is shaping up as a dramatic and unpredictable season with lots of parity at the top and few unbeatable titans.
With plenty of attractive matchups on the schedule, it can be tough to decide where to focus your attention. Thankfully, we’ve assembled this handy list of the five most watchable games of the weekend for your viewing pleasure.
5
Kentucky vs. No. 22 Florida (Saturday, Noon ET on ESPN)
Favorite: Kentucky (-1)
Florida has bounced back nicely from an opening week misfire on the road against Utah, picking up a huge rivalry win over Tennessee and generally looking surprisingly competent. Meanwhile, Kentucky has quietly taken care of business to start the season 4-0. A win over the Gators would bring the Wildcats decidedly above the radar.
4
No. 19 Oregon State vs. No. 10 Utah (Friday, 9 p.m. ET on FS1)
Favorite: Oregon State (-3.5)
After narrowly losing a barnburner with Washington State last week, Oregon State has no time to grieve as an incredibly tough Utah team comes to town. The Pac-12 has been nothing short of spectacular so far this season in terms of sheer entertainment value and this game Friday night will make a perfect appetizer for your college football Saturday.
3
No. 17 Duke vs. No. 11 Notre Dame (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC)
Favorite: Notre Dame (-5.5)
The magical season continues for the Duke Blue Devils who are looking more and more like the best team in the ACC every week. Notre Dame poses their biggest challenge yet. The Irish clearly have some kinks to work out but after taking Ohio State down to the wire, it’s clear they’re capable of playing with the best of the best. This is possibly the game of the year in the ACC.
2
Colorado vs. No. 8 USC (Saturday, Noon ET on FOX)
Favorite: USC (-21.5)
Countless barrels of digital ink have been spent on Colorado’s loss to Oregon and what it does or doesn’t mean and I think we’re all ready to move onto the next chapter in that story. What’s clear is that Colorado’s offense can be explosive when it’s not overmatched by a brutally physical defense. Enter the USC Trojans, currently allowing around 365 yards per game on defense and playing at a pace that promises both teams will have ample opportunities to score. Get ready for fireworks.
1
No. 3 Texas vs. No. 24 Kansas (Saturday, 3:30 pm ET on ABC)
Favorite: Texas (-16.5)
Buckle up for what I’m about to say: the Kansas Jayhawks are playing in a game with real College Football Playoff implications. Texas is arguably the hottest name in college football at the moment with the season’s most impressive win and this 4-0 Kansas team is coming in looking for its biggest regular season win of the century. An absolutely titanic regular season matchup involving Kansas…what a world!
