Five Intriguing Games This Weekend – From the Bird’s Nest

Finally, it's college football season.

And, thanks to the magic of television, there are now some awfully good matchups in week one.  That wasn't always the case.  Here are five games I've got an eye on this weekend.

FAU at #7 OKLAHOMA (-21) Saturday, 11am FOX--Is the Lane Kiffin hype for real?  There's no question FAU took huge strides a year ago and have shown itself to be the premier football team in Conference USA.  But are they ready to take on a program like the Sooners?  This one will be worth watching, at least for a half.

#23 TEXAS (-13') at MARYLAND  Saturday, 11 am  FS1--The two biggest off field stories in college football are both in the Big Ten.  Maryland has lost a football player and has a coach on administrative leave while investigations continue.  How will former LSU offensive coordinator Matt Canada do as the interim against Texas, coached by Tom Herman, who was identified as the coach in the strip club with former Ohio State and Florida assistant Zach Smith.

#6 WASHINGTON vs. #9 AUBURN (-2) (Atlanta, GA)  Saturday. 2:30  ABC--On paper this is the best game of the weekend.  Washington is primed to have their best team since Chris Petersen arrived as head coach.  And, Auburn is coming off an SEC West title.  Washington has to travel three time zones.  Will that be the difference?

#14 MICHIGAN at #12 NOTRE DAME (-1)  Saturday, 6:30 NBC--Traditionally, this game is played early in the season and someone is going to take an early loss and be a forgotten team, at least for the time being.  The other gets hyped as a contender.

#25 LSU vs. #6 MIAMI (-3') (Arlington, TX) Sunday 6:30 ABC---This is one of the more important games LSU has played in some time; certainly in non conference play.  With home games against Southeastern LA and Louisiana Tech and a road trip to Auburn, it's likely LSU fans will be furious throughout the month of September if the Tigers lose.  They won't get excited about wins over in-state schools and probably won't win at Auburn.  Things could get toxic early in Baton Rouge.