The college football weekend is upon us, and while this one is light on true titanic clashes, with no top 10 matchups, it does deliver a few interesting games as conference play begins in earnest around the country. There are also a host of games in which teams with early undefeated records are likely to get their first real test. Week 3 will be when some of the pretenders in the college football landscape get shuffled out.
Thursday: Eh.
But things don’t actually get off to a compelling start. Your choices are Northwestern State traveling to Mobile to take on South Alabama (7:30, ESPN) or Arizona State traveling to Texas State (7:30, ESPN+). Might not be a bad night to finish up that show on Netflix you’ve been meaning to close out. Or just turn in early.
Friday: Okay, now we’re talking.
How about an actual top 20 matchup in prime time on a Friday night?
#20 Arizona travels to Manhattan to take on #14 Kansas State at 8:00 on FOX. K State is fresh off a solid road win against Tulane, while Arizona remains largely untested after wins over Northern Arizona and New Mexico. While both schools are members of the Big XII, this is technically a non-conference game that was scheduled before Arizona executed its cowardly exit from the PAC-12 (yes, we have feelings about this). This one shapes up as a national spotlight game for teams hoping to be in the playoff discussion (before ultimately being passed over for a two loss Clemson or Tennessee).
There’s also UNLV at Kansas (7:00 ESPN), with the Jayhawks looking to bounce back from a loss to Illinois against a feisty and entertaining UNLV squad.
Saturday Early: Here we are again…
The featured matchup in the noon slot is #4 Alabama heading to Wisconsin to take on the Badgers (Noon, FOX). Once again the Tide had more trouble than they should with South Florida and will have a chance to convince us that we didn’t actually see that thing that we’re pretty sure we saw. Good luck, Coach DeBoer!
Also in this slot LSU draws the short straw and travels to the bad Columbia to face the South Carolina Gamecocks (Noon, ABC). The Fightin’ Shane Beamers are full of steam and vinegar after a 31-6 thrashing of Kentucky, while Brian Kelly is still on thin ice with the Bayou faithful. Either LSU fans melt down (again) and turn their head coach into boudin or South Carolina fans get smacked in the face with the 2×4 of college football reality (again). Either way, you and I win!
Also in the early spot #24 Boston College travels to the good Columbia to take on (double checks notes….this doesn’t seem right….) #6 Missouri? (12:45, SEC Network). The Tigers were a trendy early season pick to slide into the College Football Playoff. Winning this one will be a must given the remainder of their schedule, which may be the most pillowy soft in the SEC).
Saturday Afternoon: Calamity Awaits.
#18 Notre Dame goes on the road to Purdue looking to avenge their tough loss to Northern Illinois against a team that perennially jumps up and bites the Irish in the tukus. This one has high comic potential. (3:00, CBS/Paramount+)
#9 Oregon goes to Corvallis to take on Oregon State in what used to be known as the Civil War. The Ducks have perhaps looked shakier than any top ten team so far this season, surviving a pair of close calls against Idaho and Boise State. Frankly, watching them get exposed at last by the Beavers would make my afternoon. (3:30, FOX).
#10 Miami hosts Ball State in what should be a fantastic advertisement for Cam Ward’s Heisman campaign. (3:30, ACC Network)
And at 3:30 Florida hosts Texas A&M in the Swamp in what can only be described as a must-win game for Billy Madison. Sorry, Billy Napier. I get those guys confused a lot. (3:30, ABC, ESPN+). Honestly if the Gators lose this one a 3-9 season for Florida isn’t out of the question. Hehehehehehe.
The Main Event
Georgia travels to Kentucky to take on the Wildcats (7:30, ABC). I’d like to be able to say this one’s for all the bourbon, but sadly that isn’t the case. I’m lobbying the governors.
Elsewhere in Primetime
During commercial breaks in the UGA/UK matchup you may want to check in on, well, the peanuts you’re boiling on the stove top. Because there’s not a whole lot else going on.
UTSA travels to #2 Texas (7:00, ESPN) in what sets up as a potential letdown game for the Longhorns. But that’s a bit of a long shot.
For some reason Ole Miss is going to Wake Forest to take on the Demon Deacons (6:30, The CW, right after the Dawson’s Creek reruns).
Mostly this time slot is top 25 teams playing games they’ll have a hard time losing and early season conference matchups that are not germane to the interests of SEC partisans. Again, just cheer on the ‘Dawgs and keep an eye on the peanuts.
Saturday Late Night: Pat! Chou! Li! Pat! Chou! Li!
If you’re up after 11:00 pm looking for a college football game I think we can agree you’re either a true degenerate or a pigskin purist. So you’re going to watch whatever pops up on the screen.
But I would recommend tuning to ESPN at 10:30 for San Diego State at Cal. Fresh off a mauling of Hugh Freeze’s Plainsmen, the Bears are looking to establish their bona fides as an ACC contender. Which is a weird, weird thing to say, but hey here we are.
In accordance with our new old tradition the full schedule (and I mean the fuulllll schedule) is below, in chronological order with SEC games in bold. Until later…
Go ‘Dawgs!!!
Thursday, Sept. 12
7:30 p.m. | Northwestern State at South Alabama | ESPN
7:30 p.m | Arizona State at Texas State | ESPN+
Friday, Sept. 13
6 p.m. | Rensselaer at Wilkes University | FloSports
7 p.m. | UNLV at Kansas | ESPN
7 p.m. | St. Lawrence at Norwich | FloSports
7 p.m. | New Haven at Pace | FloSports
7 p.m. | American International at Southern Connecticut State | FloSports
8 p.m. | No. 20 Arizona at No. 14 Kansas State | FOX
Saturday, Sept. 14
12 p.m. | No. 4 Alabama at Wisconsin | FOX
12 p.m. | Arkansas State at No. 17 Michigan | Big Ten Network
12 p.m. | No. 13 Oklahoma State at Tulsa | ESPN2
12 p.m. | No. 16 LSU at South Carolina | ABC/ESPN+
12 p.m. | Louisiana Tech at NC State | ACC Network
12 p.m. | Central Michigan at Illinois | Peacock
12 p.m. | Memphis at Florida State | ESPN
12 p.m. | Cincinnati at Miami (Ohio) | ESPNU
12 p.m. | North Texas at Texas Tech | FS1
12 p.m. | Central Connecticut at Saint Francis (PA) | NEC Front Row
12 p.m. | Lehigh at LIU | NEC Front Row
12 p.m. | North Greenville at The Citadel | ESPN+
12 p.m. | Mercyhurst at Robert Morris | ESPN+
12 p.m. | Hillsdale at Michigan Tech | FloSports
12:30 p.m. | Marist at Lafayette | ESPN+
12:45 p.m. | No. 24 Boston College at No. 6 Missouri | SEC Network
1 p.m. | Massachusetts at Buffalo | CBSSN
1 p.m. | Delaware at North Carolina A&T | FloSports
1 p.m. | Stony Brook at Fordham | ESPN+
1 p.m. | Western Illinois at Illinois State | ESPN+
1 p.m. | Georgetown at Sacred Heart | ESPN+
1 p.m. | Virginia Lynchburg at Presbyterian | ESPN+
1 p.m. | Elizabeth City State at Erskine | FloSports
1 p.m. | Bluefield State University at Emory & Henry College | FloSports
1 p.m. | Findlay at Wayne State (Mich.) | FloSports
1 p.m. | Brockport at Susquehanna | FloSports
1 p.m. | Capitol at Catholic | FloSports
1 p.m. | Hartwick at Keystone | FloSports
1 p.m. | Assumption at Franklin Pierce | FloSports
1 p.m. | Bentley at St. Anselm | FloSports
2 p.m. | Coastal Carolina at Temple | ESPN+
2 p.m. | Charleston Southern at Richmond | FloSports
2 p.m. | Holy Cross at Bryant | FloSports
2 p.m. | Idaho State at North Dakota | ESPN+
2 p.m. | Duquesne at Youngstown State | ESPN+
2 p.m. | Stetson at Furman | ESPN+
2 p.m. | Wisconsin-Whitewater at Roosevelt | FloSports
3 p.m. | Wagner at Delaware State | ESPN+
3 p.m. | Morehead State at Montana | ESPN+
3 p.m. | Morehouse at Howard | CNBC
3:30 p.m. | No. 18 Notre Dame at Purdue | CBS/Paramount+
3:30 p.m. | No. 9 Oregon at Oregon State | FOX
3:30 p.m. | Ball State at No. 10 Miami (Fla.) | ACC Network
3:30 p.m. | Tulane at No. 15 Oklahoma | ESPN
3:30 p.m. | VMI at Georgia Tech | ESPN+/ACC Extra
3:30 p.m. | Texas A&M at Florida | ABC/ESPN+
3:30 p.m. | Prairie View A&M at Michigan State | Big Ten Network
3:30 p.m. | Nevada at Minnesota | Big Ten Network
3:30 p.m. | Washington State at Washington | Peacock
3:30 p.m. | West Virginia at Pitt | ESPN2
3:30 p.m. | Morgan State at Ohio | ESPN+
3:30 p.m. | Monmouth at Maine | FloSports
3:30 p.m. | Towson at Villanova | FloSports
4 p.m. | Troy at Iowa | FS1
4 p.m. | Appalachian State at East Carolina | ESPNU
4 p.m. | Hampton at Norfolk State | ESPN+
4 p.m. | UAlbany at Idaho | ESPN+
4 p.m. | South Dakota at Portland State | ESPN+
4 p.m. | Abilene Christian at Northern Colorado | ESPN+
4:15 p.m. | UAB at Arkansas | SEC Network
4:30 p.m. | No. 12 Utah at Utah State | CBSSN
5:30 p.m. | North Dakota State at ETSU | ESPN+
6 p.m. | UConn at Duke | ESPN+/ACC Extra
6 p.m. | Virginia Tech at Old Dominion | ESPN+
6 p.m. | Florida International at Florida Atlantic | ESPN+
6 p.m. | UTEP at Liberty | ESPN+
6 p.m. | South Carolina State at Georgia Southern | ESPN+
6 p.m. | North Carolina Central at North Carolina | ESPN+/ACC Extra
6 p.m. | Colgate at Akron | ESPN+
6 p.m. | Gardner-Webb at Charlotte | ESPN+
6 p.m. | Campbell at Rhode Island | FloSports
6 p.m. | William & Mary at Wofford | ESPN+
6 p.m. | Western Carolina at Elon | FloSports
6 p.m. | Stonehill at New Hampshire | FloSports
6 p.m. | West Georgia at Eastern Kentucky | ESPN+
6 p.m. | Mercer at Chattanooga | ESPN+
6 p.m. | Dayton at Indiana State | ESPN+
6 p.m. | Merrimack at Bucknell | ESPN+
6 p.m. | Tiffin at Lenoir-Rhyne | FloSports
6 p.m. | Barton College at Chowan | FloSports
6 p.m. | Lane at Benedict | ESPN+
6 p.m. | Central State (Ohio) at Savannah State | ESPN+
6 p.m. | LaGrange College at Anderson (SC) | FloSports
6 p.m. | Ferrum at North Carolina Wesleyan | FloSports
6:30 p.m. | No. 5 Ole Miss at Wake Forest | CW Network
6:30 p.m. | Bethune-Cookman at Western Michigan | ESPN+
7 p.m. | UTSA at No. 2 Texas | ESPN
7 p.m. | Vanderbilt at Georgia State | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Jacksonville State at Eastern Michigan | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Kennesaw State at San Jose State | truTV/Max
7 p.m. | Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Hawai’i at Sam Houston | ESPN+
7 p.m. | South Florida at Southern Miss | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Austin Peay at Central Arkansas | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Lindenwood at Missouri State | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Mississippi Valley State at Murray State | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Augustana (SD) at South Dakota State | ESPN+
7 p.m. | UIW at Southern Illinois | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Alabama State at Samford | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Tennessee State | HBCUGO
7 p.m. | Southern at Jackson State | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Edward Waters at Alcorn State | SWAC Digital Network
7 p.m. | North Alabama at UT Martin | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Grambling State at Texas A&M-Commerce | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Louisiana Christian at Houston Christian | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Weber State at Lamar | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Eastern Washington at SE Louisiana | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Georgetown (KY) at Alabama A&M | SWAC Digital Network
7 p.m. | Point University at Davidson | ESPN+
7 p.m. | Adams State at UT Permian Basin | LSC Digital Network/FloSports
7 p.m. | Fayetteville State at Valdosta State | FloSports
7 p.m. | Limestone at West Alabama | FloSports
7 p.m. | Eastern New Mexico at Angelo State | LSC Digital Network/FloSports
7:30 p.m. | No. 1 Georgia at Kentucky | ABC/ESPN+
7:30 p.m. | New Mexico at Auburn | ESPN2
7:30 p.m. | Toledo at Mississippi State | ESPNU
7:30 p.m. | Indiana at UCLA | NBC/Peacock
7:30 p.m. | UNI at No. 23 Nebraska | Big Ten Network
7:30 p.m. | Air Force at Baylor | FS1
7:30 p.m. | Colorado at Colorado State | CBS
7:30 p.m. | UCF at TCU | FOX
7:30 p.m. | Eastern Illinois at Northwestern | Big Ten Network
7:30 p.m. | Indiana Wesleyan at Valparaiso | ESPN+
7:45 p.m. | Kent State at No. 7 Tennessee | SEC Network
8 p.m. | Maryland at Virginia | ACC Network
8 p.m. | Rice at Houston | ESPN+
8 p.m. | UC Davis at Southern Utah | ESPN+
8 p.m. | Western Oregon at Cal Poly | ESPN+
8 p.m. | Stephen F. Austin at McNeese | ESPN+
8 p.m. | Western Colorado at West Texas A&M | FloSports
8 p.m. | New Mexico Highlands at Western New Mexico | LSC Digital Network
9 p.m. | BYU at Wyoming | CBSSN
9 p.m. | Northern Arizona at Utah Tech | ESPN+
9 p.m. | Nicholls at Sacramento State | ESPN+
10:30 p.m. | San Diego State at Cal | ESPN
10:30 p.m. | New Mexico State at Fresno State | truTV/Max