College football schedule 2023: Predicting the 10 most impactful games this season

Mark your calendars: these are the most important games on the 2023 college football schedule you need to watch

One of the best parts about college football is how the regular season still means so much, with each week in the fall being important for playoff and national title contenders. This season will be the last of its kind as the College Football Playoff will see its final four-team semifinal before expanding to 12 teams next year.

Playing a quality schedule is more important now than ever before as the selection committee places a heavy emphasis on winning against high-profile teams by impressive margins. The selectors have shown they are willing to forgive a loss here or there provided a team has enough big wins on its record.

These are the games the selection committee will be keeping a close eye on this season, and the ones you should be watching, too.

LSU vs. Florida State

When: Sept. 3

Where: Orlando

What to know: In last year's opener, both teams were still finding their identities, but 12 months later both LSU and Florida State are top 10 ranked teams with their eyes on the playoff. Sure, it's usually the later season games that carry the most weight with the selectors, but there's no denying that the winner of this one is in a much better position to start out with what would be a very quality win. LSU brings back most of last year's SEC West title team while the Noles have playmakers all over the field.

Texas at Alabama

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When: Sept. 9

Where: Alabama

What to know: All of the Longhorns' five losses last season were by seven or fewer points and Alabama's two defeats were by a combined four points. Texas played the Tide to a 1-point loss down to the wire in Austin last fall and returns quarterback Quinn Ewers, who was working Bama's secondary before leaving that game with an injury. Nick Saban's team has lost important pieces, brings on two new coordinators, and has to install a new quarterback who will be very low on experience.

Ohio State at Notre Dame

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When: Sept. 23

Where: Notre Dame

What to know: Even with last year's late loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes were still able to make the College Football Playoff in part because of their early win over a ranked Irish team a year ago, and this tilt carries equal weight as The Game isn't a sure thing by any stretch. This rematch comes in South Bend, an important edge for ND, itself a playoff hopeful with transfer Sam Hartman in at quarterback working behind a very good line. Ohio State brings in college football's top wide receiver corps, and it's not close.

Florida State at Clemson

When: Sept. 23

Where: Clemson

What to know: The first major conference game on the schedule this season is also the most important in the ACC between the league's two best teams, at least on paper. With the ACC getting rid of divisions, that means we could see this game again in the league title match, making the first meeting of crucial importance when it comes to playoff sorting down the line. FSU is loaded with experienced difference makers while Clemson has to replenish its front seven and beef up its receiver play.

Oregon at Washington

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When: Oct. 14

Where: Washington

What to know: Bo Nix steps back under center for the Ducks, aided by two skilled running backs, and with a sturdy front seven unit playing at the line, one that got better by adding five-star transfer edge rusher Jordan Burch. Washington has its trio of playmakers back, led by quarterback Michael Penix, one of college football's most productive passers, and the Huskies should rush the passer better this time around. The Pac-12 could gain, and lose, a College Football Playoff contender in this game.

Penn State at Ohio State

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When: Oct. 21

Where: Ohio State

What to know: If the Nittany Lions can take the next step, from Rose Bowl champs to College Football Playoff team, then they'll have to beat either Ohio State or Michigan, or preferably both. Oddsmakers don't see both happening, but winning this game might be slightly more impressive to selectors as it comes on the road. This is also one of the high quality games on the Buckeyes' schedule, and it was very close last year at Happy Valley before OSU's late comeback.

LSU at Alabama

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When: Nov. 4

Where: Alabama

What to know: LSU used a 1-point win over Alabama in overtime to earn the SEC West title and help keep the Tide out of the playoff and it could be in the same position again this time around. It's harder to win in Tuscaloosa, but Bama looks more beatable, especially in its protection and the quarterback that line is keeping up right, going against a physical, determined LSU front seven. 

USC at Oregon

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When: Nov. 11

Where: Oregon

What to know: USC gets the Huskies and Ducks in consecutive weeks, a crucial stretch to prove its defense can stop quality opponents and show it belongs in the playoff conversation. And that's after going to Notre Dame and hosting Utah. Caleb Williams has a showcase to show Heisman voters he's worthy of a second trophy and CFP selectors that the Trojans are a more complete team this time.

Georgia at Tennessee

When: Nov. 18

Where: Tennessee

What to know: The only game on Georgia's schedule that really has the potential to spoil its perfect season and path to a three-peat. By this time in the season, the Bulldogs should have their answer at quarterback, and so should the Vols, who have the unenviable position of having to replace the playmakers on its top-ranked offense from a year ago. All while hoping their 122nd ranked pass defense can hold up against Georgia's deep threats with a possible SEC East title on the line. 

Ohio State at Michigan

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When: Nov. 25

Where: Michigan

What to know: The Game once again is loaded with national championship implications with Michigan riding a two-game win streak in this rivalry to go with a pair of Big Ten titles and CFP appearances. Ohio State needs to make a statement in order to get back in front of this series or else Ryan Day will start getting looks from the people who count. Losing this one doesn't mean you can't make the College Football Playoff as last year's game showed, but there's more than that on the line here.

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