College Football Week 1: Full Schedule, Key Matchups, and Live Scores
College football is back, and Week 1 is packed with exciting matchups that fans have been eagerly awaiting. As the 2024 season kicks off, teams across the nation are looking to set the tone for what promises to be an action-packed year. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting into the sport, here’s everything you need to know about today’s games, key matchups, and the latest scores.
Saturday, August 31: College Football’s Opening Day Extravaganza
The first Saturday of the college football season is always special, and this year is no exception. With top-ranked teams, historic rivalries, and up-and-coming programs all in action, there’s something for everyone. From early morning kickoffs to late-night showdowns, here’s your complete guide to today’s games.
Early Afternoon Action: Powerhouses and Potential Upsets
The day starts strong with several intriguing matchups kicking off in the early afternoon. These games set the stage for a thrilling day of football, with powerhouses looking to dominate and underdogs hoping to make a statement.
- Michigan vs. East Carolina (12:00 PM ET, ABC): The Wolverines are coming off a stellar 2023 season and are looking to assert their dominance early. Expect Michigan to rely on their strong defense and explosive offense, led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, as they take on a scrappy East Carolina team.
- Ohio State vs. Indiana (12:00 PM ET, FOX): The Buckeyes are on a mission to reclaim their spot atop the Big Ten. Indiana, meanwhile, is hoping to pull off a major upset in their home opener. Watch for Ohio State’s high-powered offense to test Indiana’s defense from the get-go.
- Notre Dame vs. Navy (12:30 PM ET, NBC): In a game steeped in tradition, the Fighting Irish face off against the Midshipmen in Dublin, Ireland. Notre Dame’s new starting quarterback, Sam Hartman, will look to make an impact early in the season.
Mid-Afternoon Showdowns: Top 25 Teams in Action
As the day progresses, several Top 25 teams hit the field, each looking to start their season with a statement win. These games feature some of the most exciting talent in college football.
- Penn State vs. West Virginia (3:30 PM ET, CBS): Penn State’s defense will be on full display as they host West Virginia. The Nittany Lions are expected to be contenders in the Big Ten this season, and this game will be a key test for their championship aspirations.
- 13 Texas vs. Rice (3:30 PM ET, FOX): The Longhorns enter the season with high expectations and a lot to prove. Facing Rice in their opener, Texas will aim to dominate on both sides of the ball. Watch for quarterback Quinn Ewers to showcase his arm strength and leadership.
- Oregon vs. Portland State (4:00 PM ET, PAC-12 Network): The Ducks are eyeing a strong start against in-state opponent Portland State. Oregon’s high-octane offense, led by Bo Nix, is expected to put on a show.
Evening Matchups: Prime-Time Thrillers
As the sun sets, the intensity ramps up with several prime-time games that could have major implications for the rest of the season.
- Georgia vs. UT Martin (7:30 PM ET, ESPN): The defending national champions start their campaign against UT Martin. Georgia is favored to win big, but all eyes will be on how their new starting quarterback performs under the spotlight.
- Alabama vs. Middle Tennessee (7:30 PM ET, SEC Network): The Crimson Tide are once again among the favorites to win it all. Facing Middle Tennessee, Alabama will look to showcase their depth and talent on both offense and defense.
- Washington vs. Boise State (7:30 PM ET, ABC): In what could be one of the most competitive games of the day, Washington hosts Boise State. The Huskies are aiming for a Pac-12 title, and a strong performance here could set the tone for their season.
Late-Night Cappers: West Coast Showdowns
For those who can’t get enough college football, the action continues late into the night with some exciting West Coast matchups.
- Utah vs. Florida (10:00 PM ET, ESPN): The Utes host the Gators in a game that features two programs with a lot to prove. Utah’s defense will be tested against Florida’s speed and athleticism.
- USC vs. San Jose State (10:30 PM ET, FOX): Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams leads USC into their opener against San Jose State. The Trojans are expected to be contenders for the College Football Playoff, and this game will give fans an early look at their potential.
- UCLA vs. Coastal Carolina (10:30 PM ET, ESPN2): The Bruins are looking to build on last season’s success and open their campaign with a win against Coastal Carolina. Watch for UCLA’s dynamic offense to make a big impact.
Storylines to Watch in Week 1
As Week 1 unfolds, several storylines are worth keeping an eye on. These narratives will shape the college football landscape and could have long-term implications as the season progresses.
- The Heisman Race Begins: With so many elite quarterbacks in action, the Heisman Trophy race kicks off in earnest. Caleb Williams, J.J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix are just a few of the names to watch as they look to make their case early.
- New Coaches, New Beginnings: Several programs are starting the season with new head coaches. How these teams perform in Week 1 will be a major talking point. Keep an eye on Colorado under Deion Sanders and Texas A&M under Jimbo Fisher as they try to make strong first impressions.
- Playoff Contenders on Display: The College Football Playoff is the ultimate goal for many of the top teams in action. Week 1 performances will set the tone for the season and could give early indications of which teams are legitimate contenders.
Week 1 Scores: Tracking the Action
Stay updated with the latest scores from today’s games. As the action unfolds, we’ll be tracking all the key results from across the country. Here are some of the latest updates:
- Michigan 49, East Carolina 10: The Wolverines cruised to victory, showcasing their dominance on both sides of the ball.
- Ohio State 38, Indiana 20: Ohio State’s offense proved too much for Indiana, with Marvin Harrison Jr. and TreVeyon Henderson leading the charge.
- Notre Dame 42, Navy 14: The Fighting Irish had little trouble in Dublin, with Sam Hartman making a strong debut as Notre Dame’s quarterback.
- Penn State 31, West Virginia 13: Penn State’s defense held firm, while the offense delivered a balanced attack to secure the win.
- Georgia 55, UT Martin 3: The Bulldogs dominated from start to finish, reminding everyone why they’re the top-ranked team in the nation.
How to Watch: TV Schedule and Streaming Info
Whether you’re watching from home or on the go, here’s how you can catch all the Week 1 action.
- ABC: Catch games like Michigan vs. East Carolina and Washington vs. Boise State on ABC throughout the day.
- FOX: Tune in for Texas vs. Rice and Ohio State vs. Indiana, among other key matchups.
- ESPN: ESPN will be broadcasting games such as Georgia vs. UT Martin and Utah vs. Florida.
- Streaming: Many of these games can also be streamed on services like ESPN+, Fox Sports Go, and the ABC app.
What’s Next: Looking Ahead to Week 2
As Week 1 wraps up, the excitement only builds for Week 2. With even more high-profile matchups on the horizon, including several early-season conference games, the 2024 college football season is just getting started. Make sure to check back for more previews, analysis, and predictions as we continue to follow all the action.
Whether your team is chasing a national championship or just looking to make some noise this season, college football’s return is always a reason to celebrate. Here’s to a thrilling season full of unforgettable moments, stunning upsets, and everything that makes college football so special.
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