It has been quite a while since college football fans have had the pleasure of watching their beloved sport, and the anticipation for actual games has reached an unbearable level as August drags on. But there is good news! College football is finally back this Saturday with seven games, two of which will feature top-25 teams. However, it’s important to note that these games will only be a teaser and won’t fully satisfy the hunger for more.
Week Zero of the college football season is like an appetizer before the main course, providing a taste of what’s to come after months of anticipation. It’s a chance for fans to indulge in some football goodness after surviving on a diet of baseball and basketball since Georgia’s back-to-back national championships in January. And while the true feast won’t be served until Week 1, which kicks off on Thursday with the Florida Gators facing off against the Utah Utes, there are still some exciting matchups to look forward to in Week Zero.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of these games and compare them to delectable snacks on a charcuterie board because, let’s face it, college football should always be fun.
Assorted cured meats: No. 13 Notre Dame vs Navy – 2:30 p.m. ET
When you lay eyes on a charcuterie board, what’s the first thing that catches your attention? If you answered anything other than the assortment of cured meats, you’re lying. Just like the cured meats on a charcuterie board, Notre Dame vs Navy is the first game that grabs everyone’s interest.
This rivalry game traces its roots back to 1927, and this year, the teams will face off in Ireland, adding an extra layer of excitement. Notre Dame enters the game with a five-game winning streak against Navy. The Fighting Irish, under head coach Marcus Freeman, had a solid 9-4 season in 2022, and they will showcase a new quarterback, Sam Hartman, who transferred from Wake Forest. Hartman brings a wealth of experience and success, having averaged 308 yards passing per game in his senior season.
Notre Dame’s passing attack struggled last season, ranking 98th in the country, but Hartman’s arrival brings hope for improvement. With a strong defense that finished 22nd in the nation last year, Notre Dame is poised for a successful season. On the other side, Navy is under new leadership with head coach Brian Newberry taking over.
Variety of fruits: Vanderbilt vs Hawaii – 7:30 p.m. ET
In a truly unique matchup, Vanderbilt will face Hawaii at a stadium that is currently under construction. Much like seeing grapes and dates on a charcuterie board, this game stands out as a bit unconventional. Despite the temporary inconvenience of a construction site, Vanderbilt is riding the momentum of a five-win season under head coach Clark Lea. They return six starters on offense, including promising sophomore quarterback AJ Swann and talented wide receiver Will Sheppard, who had nine touchdown catches last season.
Hawaii, in its second season under head coach Timmy Chang, will look to improve on a disappointing 3-10 record from the previous year. The teams met last year in Week Zero, with Vanderbilt claiming a dominant 63-10 victory.
Crackers, Cheese and Drizzled Jams: No. 6 USC vs San Jose State – 8 p.m. ET
After devouring the cured meats and fruits on the charcuterie board, you’ll often find a few stray crackers, assorted cheeses, and some drizzled jams left behind. These may not be the main course, but they offer a tasty complement as the main dish is being prepared. In the same way, the USC vs San Jose State game serves as a nice appetizer before the big weekend of college football in Week 1.
USC had a strong season in 2022, narrowly missing out on a College Football Playoff spot, and they look to continue their success under head coach Lincoln Riley. With Heisman trophy winner Caleb Williams leading the way at quarterback, the Trojans are aiming for nothing less than a championship. San Jose State will be a tough opponent, and USC will need to bring their A-game to secure a win.
In conclusion, while Week Zero may not fully satisfy the hunger for college football, it certainly offers a tantalizing taste of what’s to come. So sit back, relax, and enjoy these exciting matchups, all while keeping in mind that the best is yet to come in Week 1.
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