Spotlighting the Best College Football Showdowns of 2024

By: Brooks Latta | 08/16/2024

As the 2024 college football season unfolds, several high-profile games are set to shape the landscape of the sport. From out-of-conference clashes to pivotal conference showdowns, this season's marquee matchups promise excitement and drama. We start with the October 19th clash between Georgia and Texas at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, which is expected to be a marquee game with major playoff implications. Also on the radar is the September 7th battle between Texas and Michigan in Ann Arbor, followed by Ohio State’s October 12th visit to Oregon for a key Big Ten showdown. Other highlights include Utah’s debut Big 12 game against Oklahoma State on September 21st, and the September 28th SEC clash between Georgia and Alabama, a crucial test for both teams. Lastly, Clemson’s October 5th visit to Florida State will be a pivotal ACC duel. Buckle up for a season filled with unforgettable moments and high-stakes action!

Let’s explore each of these top matchups in detail:

Georgia at Texas - October 19th 2024, Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX

On October 19th, all eyes will be on Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium as the Georgia Bulldogs visit the Texas Longhorns in what is being touted as the marquee matchup of the 2024 college football season. This showdown comes with high stakes, as both teams are expected to enter the game undefeated, making it a pivotal clash in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and a potential preview of the College Football Playoff (CFP). Georgia, under the leadership of head coach Kirby Smart, is on the hunt for its third national championship in four years. The Bulldogs are known for their formidable presence in the trenches and a defense that consistently ranks among the best in the nation. Their physical style of play will test the Longhorns' resilience and adaptability, especially considering Texas is still finding its footing in the SEC during their first year of conference play.

Texas, buoyed by the home-field advantage and a fervent fan base, is eager to make a statement against a Georgia team that has become the benchmark for excellence in college football. The Longhorns' journey through the season thus far has been marked by impressive performances from their key players, including junior quarterback Quinn Ewers and a robust defensive line. However, facing Georgia will be their toughest challenge yet, requiring them to bring their best game to compete against the Bulldogs' depth and experience. While many experts give the edge to Georgia due to their superiority in the trenches and overall team cohesion, the Longhorns have shown they can rise to the occasion in critical moments. This game is expected to be a defensive battle, with both teams leaving everything on the field in pursuit of a critical SEC victory that could shape the rest of their season.

Texas at Michigan - September 7th 2024 - Michigan Stadium "The Big House", Ann Arbor, Michigan

On September 7th, the Texas Longhorns will face off against the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor, marking one of the most anticipated out-of-conference clashes of the 2024 college football season. The Longhorns, fresh off their best performance in the College Football Playoff (CFP) era, are eager to prove themselves after falling just short of a national championship berth last year. Texas's path to victory in "The Big House" will rely heavily on the leadership of junior quarterback Quinn Ewers. Despite the loss of key offensive and defensive players to the NFL Draft, Texas has managed to rebuild its roster around emerging talents like junior running back Jaydon Blue. Their ability to adapt quickly to a revamped lineup and a challenging environment will be crucial as they take on the reigning national champions.

Michigan, on the other hand, enters the game amid significant transitions of their own. The Wolverines, who lost the most players to the NFL Draft this year, are dealing with a series of changes both on the field and within their coaching staff. With former head coach Jim Harbaugh moving to the LA Chargers, newly appointed head coach Sherrone Moore faces the task of maintaining the team's high performance standards. The quarterback situation remains uncertain, with sophomore Alex Orji leading the competition to replace J.J. McCarthy. Orji's athleticism is promising, but his lack of experience could be a vulnerability the Longhorns seek to exploit. Michigan's 22-game home winning streak at "The Big House" and its fervent fan base will provide a formidable backdrop for this early-season showdown. As both teams navigate their respective transitions, this game promises to be a defining moment for both programs in the 2024 season.

Ohio State at Oregon - October 12, 2024 - Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR

The Ohio State Buckeyes’ trip to Eugene on October 12th promises to be one of the marquee matchups of the 2024 college football season, as two top-ranked teams—No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Oregon—square off in a pivotal Big Ten clash. This game, the first meeting of the teams as conference rivals, has generated considerable excitement among fans and analysts alike, potentially setting the stage for a budding rivalry in the Big Ten. Autzen Stadium, known for its intense atmosphere, will be electric as Oregon aims to leverage its home-field advantage against a historically dominant Ohio State program. The Buckeyes, coming off a strong season, are looking to solidify their position as a national title contender, while the Ducks seek to make a statement in their inaugural season in the Big Ten, disrupting the conference's traditional power hierarchy.

Adding to the intrigue of this matchup is the return of Chip Kelly, now serving as Ohio State's offensive coordinator, to Eugene. Kelly, who previously transformed the Ducks into a national powerhouse during his tenure as head coach, will undoubtedly bring innovative strategies and a deep understanding of Autzen’s environment to the Buckeyes’ game plan. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, acknowledging the significance of facing such a formidable opponent, remarked, “Unbelievable team. We’re certainly not looking ahead, but you can’t look at your schedule and not recognize who there’s opportunities to play, and Ohio State has done an unbelievable job year in and year out.” This showdown is more than just a game; it represents a clash of football philosophies and coaching legacies. With College Gameday likely to make an appearance, this matchup is poised to be a highlight of the college football season, showcasing the best of what the Big Ten has to offer in 2024.

Utah at Oklahoma State - September 21, 2024 - Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, OK

As the Utah Utes travel to Stillwater on September 21st to face the Oklahoma State Cowboys, anticipation is building for what promises to be a thrilling matchup at Boone Pickens Stadium. This game marks the first Big 12 contest for Utah since joining the conference, and it comes against a formidable Oklahoma State team with a storied history and a home-field advantage known for its raucous atmosphere. The Utes are eager to prove themselves as serious contenders in their new conference, with many players expressing excitement about the opportunity. Utah linebacker Josh Calvert, for instance, shared his optimism, saying, “Oklahoma State, I think it's going to be a good game. I think they're pretty good, and I think we're set up to have a good season. I think that should be a fun game to play.” This matchup is more than just a conference game; it’s a statement game for both programs, each vying for a spot in the Big 12 Championship and the College Football Playoff.

On the other side of the field, the Oklahoma State Cowboys are ready to defend their turf and showcase their offensive prowess, led by star running back Ollie Gordon II, who won the Doak Walker Award in 2023. Gordon, supported by a veteran offensive line returning all five starters, poses a significant challenge to Utah’s defense. Utes defensive tackle Tevita Fotu has expressed readiness to confront this challenge, confidently stating, “(Looking forward to) Oklahoma State. I heard they have the number one running back or whatever, but we will see about that.” This high-stakes matchup is expected to be a battle in the trenches, with Utah’s defensive front aiming to contain Gordon and disrupt the Cowboys' offensive rhythm. The game is set to be one of the most exciting on the Cowboys' schedule, promising a competitive and intense atmosphere as both teams look to make a mark early in the season. With the stakes so high, this clash between the Utes and the Cowboys could be a defining moment in the 2024 college football season.

Georgia at Alabama - September 28, 2024 - Bryant-Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL

All eyes will be on Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28th, as the Alabama Crimson Tide hosts the Georgia Bulldogs in a primetime SEC showdown. This clash between the two dominant forces in college football, now without the familiar division alignment, promises to be a high-stakes battle with significant implications for the SEC Championship race and College Football Playoff. With Kalen DeBoer at the helm, making his SEC debut as Alabama’s head coach, the Crimson Tide will look to prove that they remain a powerhouse even in the absence of Nick Saban. DeBoer's first major test couldn’t be more daunting: facing a Georgia team eager to avenge their previous season’s loss in the SEC Championship game. The matchup is already being billed as the "game of the year," and for good reason. As Alabama's quarterback Jalen Milroe, who was pivotal in their last victory against Georgia, looks to replicate his MVP-worthy performance, the Crimson Tide will be operating under a new era yet retaining their well-known grit and determination.

On the other side, Georgia enters the 2024 season with a formidable lineup, including seven returning starters on offense, led by quarterback Carson Beck. Beck's decision to return instead of entering the NFL draft brings stability and experience to an offense that was ranked 5th in total offense last season. Although the Bulldogs lost top-tier talent like Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers to the NFL, they boast a robust lineup with Dominic Lovett and RaRa Thomas stepping up as key targets. Georgia's defense, a hallmark of Kirby Smart's tenure, remains a powerhouse with Mykel Williams, Smael Mondon, and Nazir Stackhouse leading the charge. Smart has built a defensive unit reminiscent of Saban’s legendary Alabama defenses, focusing on developing homegrown talent into elite players. With both teams enjoying a bye week leading up to the game, this matchup in Tuscaloosa is set to be a spectacle, with a roaring crowd and intense on-field action that will leave a lasting impression on the college football landscape.

Clemson at Florida State - October 5, 2024 - Doak Campbell Stadium Tallahassee, FL

On October 5th, Doak Campbell Stadium will host a high-stakes ACC clash between the Clemson Tigers and the Florida State Seminoles. This game is set to be a critical test for both teams as they navigate their seasons. Florida State's success will hinge largely on the performance of DJ Uiagalelei, who returns to face his former team in what could be a poetic redemption arc. Having been benched by Clemson in the 2022 ACC Championship game, Uiagalelei’s potential to lead the Seminoles to victory would be a story of immense personal and team triumph. Despite the talent on Florida State’s defense, including several standout players, the effectiveness of Uiagalelei in leading the offense will be crucial to their chances of toppling Clemson.

On the other side, Clemson, coming off a strong finish to the previous season, has built momentum with a five-game winning streak and the emergence of running back Phil Mafah as a dynamic offensive threat. The Tigers' defense remains a formidable force, poised to challenge any opponent. However, despite their solid finish, Clemson’s roster still has unaddressed gaps that could be exposed by a well-prepared Florida State squad. With both teams bringing significant firepower and a strong desire to assert dominance in the ACC, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest with potential playoff implications.

Wrap-up

As we dive into the 2024 college football season, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. With a lineup of electrifying matchups, this year promises to test the mettle of top teams and redefine the playoff race. Every game holds its own narrative and potential for drama, ensuring that every touchdown, tackle, and turnover could be a game-changer. From thrilling cross-conference clashes to pivotal conference showdowns, the season is set to deliver a captivating mix of talent, strategy, and high-stakes competition. As the action unfolds, prepare for a gridiron spectacle that’s nothing short of extraordinary.

We’ve highlighted some of the most anticipated games of the season, but what about the matchups that might not be on everyone’s radar? Are there any games or teams you’re particularly excited about? Let us know what we might have missed and join the conversation as we gear up for an unforgettable college football season!