Top 10 most-heated games heading into 2024 College Football Season ft. Texas vs. Oklahoma
College football is best when heated rivals with decades of history play each other. Rivalry games are more exciting than most, but unfortunately, a previous conference realignment ended a few. That said, some rivalries have new life as the most recent offseason realignment has brought these teams back together after spending years apart.
10 Heated Rivalry Games in the 2024 College Football Season
Many heated rivalry games will take place this year, but these 10 stand out. These rivalries are listed in the order they will take place.
#1 Colorado vs. Nebraska (September 7th)
Colorado and Nebraska are two intense rivals that spent seven years without a game when both teams left the Big 12. Fortunately, recent realignments and changes to the schedule led to three games played over the past six years.
With another game early this season, Colorado will enter on a three-game winning streak, and while Nebraska has a big lead in the all-time matchup, the Cornhuskers will be the underdog in 2024.
#2 Georgia vs. Alabama (September 28th)
Alabama and Georgia have been two of the winningest programs in recent years. Unfortunately, we don't usually get to see this matchup in the regular season. Those games are typically reserved for the playoffs, but this year is an exception as the teams meet in September.
#3 Texas vs. Oklahoma (October 12th)
Texas had one of its most successful seasons in program history last year when it went nearly undefeated en route to its first playoff appearance. The one flaw in an otherwise perfect season was a loss to Oklahoma. The Longhorns will be looking to flip things this season.
#4 Florida State vs. Miami (October 26th)
Florida State went undefeated last season, but came close to defeat by its number-one conference rival, the Miami Hurricanes. The game ended in one play with an interception. This season Miami will be better prepared with a stronger quarterback in Cameron Ward.
#5 Ohio State vs Penn State (November 2nd)
The game between Ohio State and Penn State has often determined which team makes the playoffs. In the expanded playoff format, that is no longer always the case. That said, this game still could play a big role in determining which team makes it to the Big 10 championship game. Ohio State is heavily favored, having won the last seven games.
#6 Oklahoma vs. Missouri (November 9th)
Conference realignment ended this heated rivalry back in 2011. Fortunately, after 13 years fans will once again be hyped for this matchup. Based on pre-season projections, this game could determine which team earns an at-large playoff spot.
#7 Texas vs. Texas A&M (November 30th)
The battle of Texas is always exciting, but this game has been missing since 2011 because of conference realignment. Fortunately, conference changes have brought these two fierce rivals back together. Texas is a clear favorite, but fans will still get excited to see the two teams clash.
#8 Michigan vs. Ohio State (November 30th)
This game could be more than season-defining for these two programs. It could be program defining as Ohio State needs to snap a three-game losing skid to Michigan. The Buckeyes made major additions in the off-season, with top players like Quinshon Judkins and Caleb Downs. Expectations are always high for OSU, but it's national championship or bust for the Buckeyes this year.
#9 Alabama vs Auburn (November 30th)
Alabama narrowly beat Auburn last season with a miraculous 4th and 31 touchdown play with 32 seconds remaining in the game. The Crimson Tide needed four overtimes to beat Auburn in 2021. These bitter rivals always make for a chaotic game, and fans should be excited for another dramatic Iron Bowl.
#10 Notre Dame vs. USC (November 30th)
The 2024 NFL first overall pick Caleb Williams won't play for USC this season, but this should still be a fun matchup. Both programs are ranked high, and the game could have playoff implications at the end of the year.