College Football Week 2 Watchability Tiers: Colorado, Alabama Host High-Profile Matchups

Here’s what to look out for as several ranked teams take center stage Saturday.

College football’s Week 2 has some more heft to it than you may expect after a Week 1 with similarly big matchups. All eyes will be on Colorado in its home opener, but this slate has plenty to enjoy beyond that game.

All times Eastern.

Definitely good

• Nebraska vs. No. 22 Colorado (noon/Fox)

You’d be hard-pressed to find a bigger swing in excitement level than what happened immediately after Colorado beat TCU. This game immediately became must-see TV, and it doesn’t really matter what happens during it. You’ll want to watch this one for sure.

• No. 23 Texas A&M vs. Miami (3:30 p.m./ABC)

Two big brands played a matchup that left a lot to be desired in the fun department last year. Both should be better this season and are dealing with fan bases that expect nothing less. It has somehow flown under the radar because of the big games before and after, but it should still be a good one.

• No. 11 Texas vs. No. 3 Alabama (7 p.m./ESPN)

Quarterback Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns will get another chance against Alabama this season, this time in Tuscaloosa :: Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Longhorns had Bama right where they wanted them last year in this game, right until they didn’t. With a different Bama team in front of them, can Texas get it done this time?

Sneaky good (or at least with something of notable intrigue)

• No. 10 Notre Dame vs. NC State (noon/ABC)

ND QB Sam Hartman has had two nightmare starts against NC State in the last two years. But that was at Wake Forest. Will new scenery give him a better chance to play a clean game without any hint of the six interceptions he’s thrown in his last two outings against the Wolfpack?

• No. 20 Ole Miss vs. No. 24 Tulane (3:30 p.m./ESPN2)

The Portal King Lane Kiffin leads his Rebels into New Orleans to face a Tulane team that is not to be taken lightly. USC found out in the Cotton Bowl that this wave will roll over you when you least expect it.

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• Holy Cross vs. Boston College (Noon/ESPN+)

There haven’t been any FCS upsets of FBS teams yet, but a place to look for one could be in this game. The Eagles are reeling from a loss to Northern Illinois in Week 1, and the Crusaders are primed to play spoiler. It’s an oft-played rivalry of yesteryear that’s back with an interesting subplot in the northeast.

• Appalachian State vs. No. 17 UNC (5:15 p.m./ACC Network)

The Tar Heels gave up 40 (yes, 40) points in the fourth quarter to App State last season in a 63–61 barn burner that looks more like a basketball score. Their defense looks much improved, and they’ll be looking to make this a much more low-scoring affair this go-around with the same result.

• UCF vs. Boise State (7 p.m./FS1)

When this was scheduled it certainly looked like a Group of 5 Super Bowl. Well, one team’s in the Big 12, but it still is tantalizing to think these two can finally get it on. Is Boise State as bad as it put on display against Washington last week, or are the Huskies just that good?

• Auburn vs. Cal (10:30 p.m./ESPN)

Cal proved it might just have a little offense in the tank this year with offensive coordinator Jake Spavital. You know Auburn will bring that to the table. So stay up late to see how this game plays out.

Well, it’s certainly better than watching not football

• Troy vs. No. 15 Kansas State (noon/FS1)
• Iowa vs. Iowa State (3:30 p.m./Fox)
• Stanford vs. No. 6 USC (10:30 p.m./Fox)
• Cincinnati vs. Pitt (6:30 p.m./CW)
• UCLA VS. San Diego State (7:30 p.m./CBS)
• Oklahoma State vs. Arizona State (10:30 p.m./FS1)