By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Ranking the top ten ACC, SEC and Sun Belt games in week one.

1. Clemson vs Georgia (Charlotte)
This top five showdown is a big as it gets, with the winner setting the tone for the start of the college football season. Not many season openers have legitimate playoff implications; make no mistake about it, this one does. The triumphant quarterback, between D.J. Uiagalelei and J.T. Daniels, could even make an early Heisman Trophy statement. Saturday night in Charlotte should be special.

2. Alabama vs Miami (Atlanta)
Pre-season number one yet again, the new-look Crimson Tide have a major test in the Hurricanes, who were 8-1 at one point last year. This classic matchup of traditional superpowers will match pair two incredible, incomporable legacies. Consider this game a college football history lesson. The matchup of Miami quarterback D’Eriq King versus the Alabama defense will be one to watch.

3. North Carolina at Virginia Tech
A top ten team on the road in Lane Stadium on a Friday night? All for a high-profile conference opener? Get ready. All eyes will be on Sam Howell, who has the most touchdown passes through a sophomore season in ACC history. He will lead the Tar Heels against a good defense for the Hokies that features edge Amaro Barno, the ACC leader in tackles for loss in 2020 with 16.

4. Louisiana at Texas
Go back to the start of last season. The Ragin’ Cajuns promptly went to Ames, Iowa and beat Iowa State by 17 points, the same Cyclones team that went on to win the Fiesta Bowl and finish in the national top ten. There is great excitement surrounding the start of the Steve Sarkisian era in Austin, but the Longhorns better be ready for Louisiana. Billy Napier has a national player coming to town.

5. Florida State vs Notre Dame
Another classic pairing, Sunday night will come with a throwback feel. Though the Fighting Irish enter as a College Football Playoff contender and a considerable favorite in week one, this contest awaits as a major opportunity for Mike Norvell and the Seminoles. Florida State has clearly been rebuilding, though could take an important step forward with a strong showing on the national stage here.

6. LSU at UCLA
Are the Tigers ready for a return to form? A week one trip to the Rose Bowl will be a good barometer. While Chip Kelly’s Bruins did go just 3-4 a year ago, their four losses came by a combined total of merely 13 points. It’s an important game for LSU, which will turn to Max Johnson under center. After a .500 season from the Tigers, there is some pressure on LSU to get off to a good start.

7. Louisville vs Ole Miss (Atlanta)
A Labor Day stage will showcase two of the premier quarterbacks in all of college football in Matt Corral and Malik Cunningham. Corral just ranked 5th nationally with a 70.9% completion percentage and 7th at 10.2 yards per attempt. Cunningham already has 61 career total touchdowns. Lane Kiffin and the Rebels will debut as a trendy pick this summer and as a pre-season top 25 team.

8. Georgia State vs Army
These two teams played a close game back in 2019, with the Panthers winning by one score in the heavy rain. Georgia State won three straight contests to finish last season, including a victory in the LendingTree Bowl, while the Black Knights won nine games a year ago. Expect another competitive contest. Army opens a first-month schedule for the Panthers which also includes Auburn and North Carolina.

9. Florida vs Florida Atlantic
Though the Gators have a lot of talent to replace, there is a lot of talent returning as well. It’s Emory Jones time in Gainesville and Florida’s new starting quarterback has had a very good pre-season. It will be important for the Gators, with Alabama looming as the third game on the schedule, to establish some momentum early. Willie Taggart and the Owls opened last season at 5-1.

10. Appalachian State vs East Carolina (Charlotte)
A Thursday night matchup set for Bank of America Stadium, this in-state rivalry and Sun Belt-AAC challenge should be fun. Expectations are again very high for the Mountaineers, fresh off a nine-win season, who will showcase former Clemson and Duke quarterback Chase Brice under center. The Pirates won two straight to end last year. This will be the first-ever meeting for the two programs as FBS programs.