College football is back! Week 0 gave fans a taste of the new season, but most of the country kicks off their 2022 campaigns this week.
The party starts Thursday night when No. 17 Pitt and West Virginia meet for the first time since 2011. The former Big East rivals have high hopes of trading starting quarterbacks.
Saturday’s slate is packed with exciting non-conference matchups, highlighted by No. 5 Notre Dame taking on No. 2 Ohio State. Both teams have their sights set on the College Football Playoff and are ready to battle it out on a national stage.
Defending national champion No. 3 Georgia begins its season against No. 11 Oregon in Atlanta. Duck first-year coach Dan Lanning takes on his old team in the opening game.
No. 7 Utah travels to SEC territory for a rare game against Florida. The Utes are a popular pick to win the Pac-12 and potentially blow up the college football playoff this season. Florida for a top-10 win in Billy Napier’s first game as head coach.
Here’s a look at the best college football games from week 1.
West Virginia vs. No. 17 Pitt
Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel
No. 17 Pitt looks to build on an 11-win 2021 season. They are forced to replace quarterback Kenny Pickett and wide receiver Jordan Addison, but they still have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.
West Virginia has a new look at the quarterback and offensive coordinator. Expect the Mountaineers to air the ball under Graham Harrell’s play.
No. 11 Oregon vs. No. 3 Georgia (Atlanta)
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This “neutral site game” is likely to attract a large following from Georgia. Kirby Smart is replacing much of the championship team’s defense, but he has some exciting firepower on the returning offense. New Oregon quarterback Bo Nix is a familiar opponent for Georgia after spending his first three seasons at Auburn.
No. 22 Cincinatti vs. No. 19 Arkansas
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No. 22 Cincinnati enjoyed a birth in the College Football Playoffs in 2021. The Bearcats have a chance to prove it was no fluke against a tough SEC opponent in Arkansas. Expect a defensive battle between the top two 25 teams.
No. 7 Utah vs. Florida
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No. 7 Utah is a popular pick to compete for the college football playoff. An early trip to “The Swamp” proves to be an early test for the Utes. An SEC win would look good in the eyes of the playoff committee later in the season.
No. 5 Notre Dame vs. No. 2 Ohio State
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All eyes will be on Columbus this Saturday for the heavyweight showdown between No. 5 Notre Dame and No. 2 Ohio State. Each team is packed with NFL talent and looking to make a statement in week one.
