From Death Valley to Lambeau: 7 Can’t-Miss Games of College Football Week 1

The wait is finally over. College football is back, and Week 1 is rolling out a red carpet of blockbuster games — from Clemson playing against LSU or Notre Dame going head-to-head with Wisconsin — that will test playoff contenders.

While a few games begin tonight, the real action spans over the four-day holiday weekend. If you’re clearing your schedule to catch the best ones, here is the ultimate viewing guide to the weekend’s most anticipated matchups.

Miami at Stanford (Friday, Sept. 4)

When: 9:00 PM ET
Where: ESPN

Kick off the holiday weekend with this late-night, cross-country ACC clash on the Farm. The No. 7 Miami Hurricanes are bringing the storm and its talent out west to face the Stanford Cardinal anchored by running back Micah Ford looking to spring an early-season upset under the Friday night lights. Three Miami players will be missing the opener including junior safety Dylan Day, sophomore cornerback Ja’Boree Antoine, and sophomore tight end Luka Gilbert.

Clemson at LSU (Saturday, Sept. 5)

When: 7:30 PM ET
Where: ABC

Who has the loudest roar? Tiger Stadium will host the premier matchup of the weekend as Clemson travels to Baton Rouge. Under the lights of Death Valley, the game features Clemson Tigers quarterback Christopher Vizzina stepping into a massive spotlight for the team, while the No. 11-ranked LSU Tigers unleashes players like quarterback Sam Leavitt, linebacker Whit Weeks, and running back Caden Durham.

Boise State at Oregon (Saturday, Sept. 5)

When: 3:30 PM ET
Where: CBS

Expect Autzen Stadium to be quacking with excitement this Saturday. Star quarterback Dante Moore leads a powerhouse offense for the No. 2 Oregon Ducks against the Boise State Broncos, which is led by seasoned veteran and fifth-year senior quarterback Maddux Madsen.

Baylor vs. Auburn (Saturday, Sept. 5)

When: 3:30 PM ET
Where: ABC

This opener, which takes place in a neutral-site battle at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, will bring together high-profile transfers like Baylor Bears quarterback DJ Lagway and Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown, both of who will be making their debuts.

Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin (Sunday, Sept. 6)

When: 7:30 PM ET
Where: NBC

Sunday night features a clash on a legendary NFL gridiron as the No. 4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on the Wisconsin Badgers at the historic Lambeau Field. This neutral-site matchup will showcase Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr and cornerback Leonard Moore against Wisconsin linebacker Mason Posa and running back Abu Sama III.

Louisville vs. Ole Miss (Sunday, Sept. 6)

When: 7:30 PM ET
Where: ABC

Music City hosts this Sunday night duel between two high-octane offensive contenders. Keep a close eye on the scoreboard as the Louisville Cardinals running back Isaac Brown and the rest of the No. 24-ranked Cardinals go head-to-head with the No. 9 Rebels’ high-powered team led by quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy.

SMU at Florida State (Monday, Sept. 7)

When: 7:30 PM ET
Where: ESPN

End your Labor Day with a face-off in Tallahassee. The No. 19 SMU Mustangs look to prove its staying power on the conference stage behind young athletes like 22-year-old quarterback Kevin Jennings, while the Florida State Seminoles try to defend the home turf and close out the long weekend with a victory.