As we did a few weeks ago, we’ll once again dive right into the meat of this column: helping you figure out what college football games to watch this weekend by breaking down the schedule and spotlighting the best games.
If you enjoy this, please follow me on Twitter by clicking here! I post college football news throughout the week, along with betting picks, rankings of every Power 5 conference, and a bottom-line view of which teams can still make the College Football Playoff.
As always, if your team’s playing, they go on your Big Screen. And all times below are in God’s Time Zone (CST). Let’s go!
FRIDAY
This is another one of those slates that just can’t wait to get started. Louisiana vs. App State (6:30p, ESPN) is an intriguing matchup between two highly talented, fun-to-watch Group of 5 teams that should make an excellent appetizer before the main course to come.
SATURDAY
MORNING
Big Screen: Texas A&M vs. Auburn (11a, ESPN) leads off the day as the Aggies try to stay in the College Football Playoff hunt. The only blemish on their otherwise stellar record is a tough loss to Alabama, which is also one of many black marks on Auburn’s resume. Bo Nix has shown flashes of greatness, but mostly bare competence. Can he lead the Tigers over the favored folks in maroon?
Small Screen: Originally this slot was going to Liberty/Coastal Carolina. Then Liberty came down with The Virus (yes, that virus.) So fine, Buckeye fans, I guess you win again. Ohio State vs. Michigan State (11a, ABC) should be an entertaining round of “watch Justin Fields pass all over a defense that isn’t on his level.” Happy, you teeming mass of Buckeye fans? Good.
Watch the Score: Oklahoma State vs. TCU (11a, ESPN2)
AFTERNOON
Big Screen: Indiana vs. Wisconsin (2:30p, ABC) marks the Badgers’ return to play after a few weeks off due to The Virus (yes, that virus) likely ruined any chance they have of making the Big Ten championship game. They will be angry and well-rested. The Hoosiers, meanwhile, have ridden a wave of self-belief and disciplined play to a great record. Two top-tier teams clashing. These are the sort of games I love to watch.
Small Screen: Flying in outta nowhere due to Liberty’s issues with The Virus (yes, that virus), it’s BYU vs. Coastal Carolina (4:30p, ESPNU). The Stormin’ Mormons have smashed the life out of every team they’ve played, even if most of those teams were hot garbage. The Chants aren’t. Both teams are undefeated. This should be fun.
Watch the Score: West Virginia vs. Iowa State (2:30p, ESPN)
NIGHT
Big Screen: Alabama vs. LSU (7p, CBS) might be over before half. Dead serious. Usually these two teams produce a classic, but this year the Crimson Tide are eating nearly everyone who crosses them alive. And the Tigahs have taken a massive step back since they won the Natty last year. Do the Bayou Bengals have even the slightest bit of fire left? We shall see.
LATE NIGHT
Big Screen: UCLA vs. Arizona State (9:30p, FS1) is going to get WEIRD. It’s PAC-12 After Dark time, baby, and that often means astonishing, crazy, unexpected things happen. The Sun Devils are looking for their first win after taking USC to the wire earlier this season. And UCLA has a spark of hope this season. Keep this on as long as your eyes can stay open.
SUNDAY
The fun doesn’t stop! Washington State vs. USC (6:30, FS1) rounds out the weekend, as the PAC-12’s scheduling hilarity continues and the now-conference-leading Trojans seek to get one over on the Cougars, an always-dangerous group.
That’s all! Feel free to follow me on Twitter here, and happy watching!