Here is a look at the top 10 most anticipated games of college football for week 1 play.
No. 10: Cincinnati Bearcats vs Nebraska Cornhuskers on a neutral field at
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Date: Thursday, August 28th
Time: 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT
Location of game: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
TV/Streaming Broadcast: ESPN
Nebraska's looking to build on last season's momentum: The Cornhuskers are expected to build on their 7-6 record from last season, which saw them get their first winning season in eight years and a bowl win over Boston College. Optimism is high due to the return of quarterback Dylan Raiola, who showed flashes of brilliance during his freshman season and is expected to lead Nebraska to the top tier of the Big Ten this year.
Cincinnati is looking to rebound from last season: The Bearcats are aiming to bounce back from a 5-7 season, as they lost their last five games in Big 12 play last year. They return starting quarterback Brendan Sorsby, a dual-threat player who will be key to their offensive success this season. The Bearcats' defense needs to show growth from last season and will face a tough test against Nebraska's passing game.
What makes this game interesting: Both coaches are entering year three leading their respective programs. This game is significant for both head coaches, as Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has a history of making a major jump in his third year at his previous college stops (Temple and Baylor), with many Cornhusker fans having high expectations for Nebraska this season. For Scott Satterfield, a seven-plus win season in his third year at Cincinnati could be very important for his job security.
The History Between Nebraska and Cincinnati in football: This game is a rare matchup between these two football programs.
All-Time Series Football Record between these two teams: Nebraska leads the all-time series 1-0.
Historic Meeting between these two football programs: The only time these two teams have faced off against one another was over a century ago. On November 29, 1906, Nebraska defeated Cincinnati 41-0 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
First game between the Cornhuskers and Bearcats in 119 Years: This will be the first time these two football programs have played each other since the 1906 game, making it one of the longest gaps between two in college football history.
Game Prediction
No. 9: Cal at Oregon State
Date: Saturday, August 30th
Time: 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT
Location of game: Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon
TV/Streaming Broadcast: ESPN
Different Conference, Same Rivalry: Cal, as well as Stanford, are in their second year as members of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Oregon State, as well as Washington State, remained in the Pac-12 conference. This game between these former Pac-12 rivals deserves the attention of college football fans and especially of those who miss games between former Pac-12 teams.
Quarterback Play will be key in this game: Oregon State is looking to quarterback Maalik Murphy from Duke, who had a strong season in 2024, to lead the Beavers to a bowl game after only winning five games last season. Oregon State returns its leading rusher and key receivers, in hopes of this offense taking it to the next level this year. Cal's offense, however, is more of a question mark with a Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele starting at quarterback as a true freshman and the loss of key offensive players from last season.
Home Field Advantage should be key in this game: Oregon State has played well at home, with a 20-5 record since 2021. The Beavers have also won their last three season openers and four consecutive home openers.
History Between Oregon State and Cal in football: The series between Cal and Oregon State dates back to 1905.
All-Time Series football record between Cal and Oregon State: Cal holds a slight advantage in the all-time series, leading 40-37, as this rivalry overall has been fairly even.
Recent Games between these two teams: The series has been back and forth the past 20 years. Cal won the last meeting, 44-7, at home last season. However, Oregon State had won the previous two matchups on the home field in 2022 and 2020.
Home vs. Away in the history of this football rivalry: The Beavers have a winning record against Cal in games played at home, with a 17-13 record.