Best Games of the 2020 College Football Season (1-25)
Last week, we kicked off the college football season with an exciting FCS game between Central Arkansas and Austin Peay. And, starting tonight and through the weekend we’ll get a taste for the full season. After months of debate, the season is officially upon us. Last week, we took a look at games 25-50 of the best games of the college football season. But, now we’ll get to the cream of the crop as define the best games of the 2020 College Football season with our final part of the two-part series.
These two teams haven’t faced off since 2014. That game was a classic as the Tigers won a high scoring affair by a 42-35 count. This year seems like it might be a little different. Auburn is trending up while South Carolina looks to be rebuilding. However, getting a road victory at Williams-Bryce stadium can be tough.
The Vols were a trendy pick to make some noise in the SEC this year. And, they will have every opportunity with some big games at Neyland stadium. But, does Tennessee have what it takes to win at Jordan-Hare. The Tigers will be ready after the Vols came in and stole won two years ago.
Iowa State and Oklahoma State may collectively have their best teams in program history. At least on the offensive side of the ball. Brock Purdy and Breece Hall have the ability to match Spencer Sandersand Chuba Hubbard play for play. The Cyclones upset the Cowboys in Stillwater two years ago.
The Aggies are once again receiving a lot of respect from the media with their number 13 ranking. The problem with Texas A&M is that they have not been able to win the big game outside of the big win against LSU. However, a win in Rocky Top could help change that perception.
The Bulldogs received some damaging news that could impact them with Jamie Newman opting out of the 2020 season. It appears to be JT Daniels team at this point. However, the Bulldogs should be on upset here in an off the radar game against Kentucky. If the Wildcats find a passing game, watch out.
The quarterback matchup of Bo Nix against Kellen Mond is worth the price of admission here. However, the game will really important for both teams in the competitive SEC. There will be a certain survival and advance mentality in the conference only schedule this season.
The spot for the Cowboys might be just as tough as the game against the Wildcats. Oklahoma State travels to Manhattan between hosting Texas and traveling to Norman. Skylar Thompson can be a tricky quarterback to prepare for. But, just ask Oklahoma how difficult a trip to Manhattan could be.
Could this rivalry start brewing again? Even with the Vols improving, the Gators dominated this game a year ago in winning 34-3. But, the Gators have to travel to Knoxville this year. Kyle Trask is a darkhorse Heisman contender and the Gators have a good chance at a division championship. However, the Volunteers would love nothing better than to spring the upset against the hate Gators.
After the Cyclones upset the Sooners a few years ago, these two have had fantastic games against one another. And, Oklahoma was fortunate to win this game in Norman last year. The Cyclones get blown out less than any team in the country. But, if Iowa State still does not allow fans in Ames then that could be a big break for the Sooners.
This will be the biggest opportunity for Tennessee this season. Being back and improved is one thing. But, being able to be competitive with Alabama is another. The Tide may have somewhat of an inexperienced quarterback. However, Najee Harris and a host of receivers are still in Tuscaloosa.
A rematch here of the very best game of the 2018 season. Both defenses seem to be tough enough to not let the other get into the ’70s no matter how many overtimes. However, this is a game that Texas A&M needs to be able to win at home.
Clemson has dominated the ACC more than any other team has owned another conference over the last few years. There are few games that you can actually visualize the Tigers losing. This could be one. Tech is always tough at home and Lane stadium is certainly a tough venue.
The battle of the Tigers. Auburn played LSU just as tough as anyone did in 2019. But, the makeup of LSU is much different between graduation, early entry into the draft, and 2020 opt-outs. Auburn should be a fairly clear favorite heading into this matchup.
Georgia is a clear College Football Playoff contender this season. And, Auburn could be just on the outside with a chance to get there. But, with games against Alabama and Florida away from Athens, this is an absolute must-win.
The newest members of the ACC up against the most improved team in the ACC. This will be an exciting matchup between the veteran Ian Book at Notre Dame and true Sophomore Sam Howell of the Tar Heels.
Another tough matchup here for the Tigers as we reach the top 10 of our best games of the 2020 college football season. Florida and LSU went toe to toe a year ago for a half before the Tigers took over. The roles may be reversed a little this season as the Gators host this game in the Swamp as the favorite here.
The winner here could be the favorite to make it to the Big 12 Championship Game. The Cowboys figure to have the advantage of this being at home. But, in the COVID-19 era of college football who knows what a home-field advantage will look like. However, the Longhorns have struggled in Stillwater.
Auburn has actually beaten Alabama the last two times at home. But, fortunately for Alabama fans that this game is at Bryant-Denny Stadium where the Tide has rolled against the Tigers. As usual, this game will likely be for a berth in the SEC championship game.
If ever there was a year that the Cowboys would unseat the Sooners, this could be the year. On paper, Oklahoma State may have the best offense in the Big 12. Oklahoma is extremely talented but young on the offensive side of the ball. But, it will take a herculean effort to unseat the Big 12 champions.
You can see a trend here with Texas A&M. The Aggies have a prime opportunity at home to make a big statement in the SEC and shock the country. Mond is a darkhorse Heisman contender. If he can finally put it all together it could put A&M on the map.
The Tigers have been on the road in much of our best games of the 2020 college football season. But, now they get a marquee matchup at home against the Tide. If the Tigers are relegated to a spoiler role, can they ruin the Tide’s season for two consecutive years?
The Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party is still on, for now. Yes, the game will still be played in Jacksonville. But, the specifics around it will likely be different. Having said that, this could very well determine who makes it to the SEC Championship Game. Georgia has dominated this rivalry as of late. Could this be the year that Florida gets over the hump?
There’s little doubt this will be the strangest Red River Showdown in recent memory. The game will still be at the Cotton Bowl. But, the pageantry of the Texas State Fair will not be in the background. However, you can bet the game itself will be as important as ever. Both teams figure to be unbeaten, this could be a game for the ages.
This will be the toughest conference game for the Tigers in the last six years. The Golden Domers will be amped for this one in South Bend. Under the lights at Notre Dame Stadium will be a special atmosphere no matter what the circumstances. It would be shocking if this is not the first of two meetings between the teams this year.
Finally, we made it to number one of the best games of the 2020 college football season. Is this the year? Can the Bulldogs finally get the monkey off their back? Georgia has had multiple opportunities against the Tide but seems to come up short each time. Although this could be the first of two meetings, the Bulldogs are itching to get a victory over Alabama.
Jason is a senior writer at Last Word on College Football. He has been with the network for five years now. He covers the Big XII, Oklahoma, and heads our Heisman Trophy weekly column.
