Ten 2015 College Football Games Perfect for Prime-Time TV
We're at the halfway point of the college football offseason. Don't worry: It only gets better from here.
Still, with nearly four months before the first game, we're left thinking about what we miss most: night games. Perusing through next season's schedule, several games have the look of being prime-time matchups.
Some games are no-brainers for prime time, like Oregon vs. Michigan State (scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Sept. 19). Others, like Thursday night games, are already prime-time events. To make things more interesting, here are 10 games that may end up being broadcast in prime time—or not but should.
With official times yet to be established, here are the games we're most looking forward to in 2015—and hoping that they're played under the lights.
Ohio State at Virginia Tech
1 of 10
Monday, Sept. 7
There was a time, not all that long ago, when the Big Ten was the worst conference to ever field football teams and Ohio State's national title hopes were laughable at best. At least, that was the national narrative in Week 2 of the 2014 college football season when the Buckeyes lost at home to Virginia Tech 35-21.
Suffice to say, things changed a bit since then.
Ohio State will get its chance at revenge in the season opener of the '15 season in Blacksburg. Even though the Buckeyes are already huge favorites, the Hokies defensive line could be a difference. Dadi Nicolas and Ken Ekanem are arguably the best pass-rushing duo in college football.
With Lane Stadium rocking at night? We'll take this game under the lights in a heartbeat.
Oklahoma at Tennessee
2 of 10
Saturday, Sept. 12
Come to think of it, there are a few nonconference rematches from last year in which the tables have turned dramatically on the two teams that played. Another good example is Oklahoma-Tennessee.
Last season, the Sooners, still a legit playoff contender, cruised to a 34-10 victory. Vols quarterback Justin Worley was sacked roughly 608 times (give or a take). A few weeks later, the wheels began to fall off for the Sooners, and Tennessee found its mojo with Joshua Dobbs at quarterback.
This time around, it's Tennessee that's embracing high expectations while Oklahoma is flying a bit under the radar. Beating the Sooners could be a huge home win for the Vols, and it would launch a million "Tennessee's back" takes.
Notre Dame at Clemson
3 of 10
Saturday, Oct. 3
Similar to Notre Dame's game against Florida State last season, the Irish's ACC "don't call it a conference game" nonconference game against Clemson has intrigue written all over it.
Both teams could be undefeated heading into the early October matchup with playoff implications very much on the line. Although not officially announced, it's assumed now that Malik Zaire will be the Irish's starting quarterback thanks to the departure of Everett Golson. Assuming he's healthy, sophomore quarterback Deshaun Watson could be on his way to a breakout season for Clemson.
The possibility of two top-10 teams? In Death Valley? Running down The Hill? At night? Sign us up.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Alabama at Texas A&M
4 of 10
Saturday, Oct. 17
Two of the first three SEC meetings between Texas A&M and Alabama have been thrillers. Perhaps by no coincidence, those same two games involved a certain Jonathan "Football" Manziel. However, last year's game between the Aggies and the Tide was miserable—for one side, at least. Alabama won 59-0, and it wasn't even that close.
But, 2015 is a new year, and A&M has settled in since that loss. Kyle Allen looks ready to take over the offense full-time , and John Chavis is an upgrade at defensive coordinator. Alabama, meanwhile, must replace several key starters on offense.
The Tide are always a big draw for road games like this. This may not be a matchup between top-10 teams (although you never know), but there should be plenty of points and lots of excitement.
Ole Miss at Auburn
5 of 10
Saturday, Oct. 31
Alabama could be the early SEC West favorite, but there are cases to be made for Auburn and Ole Miss as well. A separating factor for the Tigers and Rebels could be a Halloween night game in Auburn.
So, if things get a little weird, that would be OK—weird in a good way, that is. We don't want a repeat of last year's game when Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell suffered one of the worst-looking leg injuries in a while.
Auburn's reloaded offense versus Ole Miss' stout defense will be the matchup to watch. The number of future pros on that field—Treadwell, Duke Williams, Carl Lawson, Laremy Tunsil, Robert Nkemdiche—will be fascinating to watch.
Florida State at Clemson
6 of 10
Saturday, Nov. 7
It's possible Clemson plays Everett Golson's old team (Notre Dame) and new team (Florida State) in the same season. Whether the Tigers actually face Golson remains to be seen, however. Even if he transfers to Florida State—there's at least some interest between the two sides, according to ESPN.com's Brett McMurphy—he would have to beat out Sean Maguire for the starting job.
Still, the ACC's best two programs always deserve prime-time recognition whenever they face off. Last year's edition was a classic and the first of many close calls for the Seminoles in 2014. The Tigers will be looking for revenge this season in what should be an intense home atmosphere.
Michigan State at Ohio State
7 of 10
Saturday, Nov. 21
Last month, the Big Ten released a prime-time schedule for games to be broadcast on the ABC/ESPN family of networks. While Ohio State and Michigan State are on that list, their Nov. 21 game in Columbus is not.
That could change, but more importantly, it should change. Until Michigan gets back on track under head coach Jim Harbaugh, Ohio State-Michigan State is easily the Big Ten's hottest ticket. The last four meetings between the Buckeyes and Spartans have been excellent too.
Without a doubt, Ohio State will be the favorite. It's a home game for the Bucks, who, again, are favorites to repeat as national champs. However, Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio is one of the best in the country at developing talent. There's a reason why the Spartans have been winning at least 10 games per season regularly.
To go on the road and get a win like that? That would make Michigan State's season.
USC at Oregon
8 of 10
Saturday, Nov. 21
Could this be a preview of the Pac-12 championship game? Is that a de facto playoff semifinal? We'll get those answers in time, but right now, the Nov. 21 game at Autzen Stadium between Oregon and USC sets up beautifully.
By that point, we should have some answers for the Ducks and Trojans. Did Eastern Washington transfer Vernon Adams Jr. win the starting quarterback job at Oregon? Is USC quarterback Cody Kessler a Heisman candidate, and are the Trojans for real? If the answer to all of those questions is "yes," then this could be one of the games of the year in college football.
This is probably bound for a prime-time slot anyway, but this is one West Coast game everyone shouldn't mind staying up to watch. Autzen should be rocking.
Baylor at TCU
9 of 10
Friday, Nov. 27
Unlike other power conferences, the Big 12 doesn't have its own title game. Thus, its champion—and, hey look, the Big 12 is actually crowning a champ based on head-to-head results now—could be decided over Thanksgiving weekend.
Last year, of course, was a memorable edition to what is, frankly, becoming the conference's best and most nationally relevant rivalry. Down 21 points in the fourth quarter, Baylor stormed back to a 61-58 win over TCU.
Offense should be in abundance again this year too. The fact that it's on the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend helps as well since there are no other marquee games that day. Put this game on at 8 p.m. ET and don't look back, television rights holders.
Now, whether this game would be enough to send a Big 12 team into the playoff is anyone's guess. But, as the format is currently set up, the Big 12 has been on the outside looking in.
“If you’re looking over a fence and the gate is locked, you’ve got to find some way to get in,” Baylor head coach Art Briles said last month, per Chuck Carlton of the Dallas Morning News. “That’s where we are.”
Alabama at Auburn
10 of 10
Saturday, Nov. 28
The Iron Bowl is probably bound for a prime-time slot, but just in case, let's explain why.
Once again, the SEC West title could be on the line. With defensive coordinator Will Muschamp joining the Tigers, the Iron Bowl has so much coaching star power. Nick Saban, Lane Kiffin, Gus Malzahn and Muschamp all on the same field, playing a chess match against one another. What's not to love?
Similar to its game against Ole Miss, the matchup for Auburn will be how its offense matches up against Alabama's defensive line, which could be the best in the country. If both teams live up to expectations, there's so much at stake with this game: bragging rights, a divisional title and perhaps a playoff spot.
Ben Kercheval is a lead writer for college football.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
