Week five is a good point for telling whether or not you’re in the hunt. This is when the Big Ten will start to get into the hairy part of its schedule. Week six will either tell us if THA U is back or if Willie Taggart is going to lead Florida State back to prominence. Between two huge matchups, we get to enjoy full slates of conference play.

Week 5

State College, Pennsylvania:

Penn state has arguably been Ohio State’s most competitive rival as of late. The Buckeyes had to rally to keep their Big Ten championship hopes alive last year after letting a game slip away in Happy Valley two years ago. Both of these teams enter the season loaded and with monstrous expectations. Ohio State’s strength will be its skill players as Penn State’s offense will live and die with Trace McSorely’s success. Happy Valley is arguable the best home-field advantage in college football and this game under the lights, in a whiteout, may end up being one of the best games all season.

Honorable Mentions

Tennessee @ Georgia

Georgia is the much better team, but expect Tennessee to fight all year to prove they can play with the big boys.

Stanford @ Notre Dame

Notre Dame always finds a way to lose this one. This game always has potential to turn into an instant classic every time these rivals meet.

Week 6

Miami, Florida: Florida State @ Miami

This is where Willie Taggart will earn his stripes. Mark Richt has all the experience and has set this Miami team up to be successful. FSU-Miami is a rivalry that features some of the most legendary games in college football history. There are other great games around the country, but all eyes will be on this game in week 6. The ACC is no longer just Clemson and friends.

Honorable Mentions

Notre Dame @ Virginia Tech

Enter Sandman. Here come the Irish. Any other week, Gameday would be in Blacksburg. Hokies all day.

Nebraska @ Wisconsin

This will be Scott Frost’s first trip to Camp Randall as the Huskers’ head coach. Jump Around, Wisonsin’s offense, and Nebraska being improve will all make for an interesting scene. Gimme all of that. 5th quarter is always worth the price of admission in October.

Navy @ Air Force

Navy is going to need a win to set up a showdown for the Commander in Chief’s Trophy.

LSU @ Florida

OHLETSGEAUXTIGERSOHYEAH vs Dan Mullen. This rivalry looks a lot different than it did a few (eight) years ago.

Texas vs Oklahoma

Always an awesome time. Gotta think that this is where Tom Herman gets his first big win. Lincoln Riley and Tom Herman are going to be a ton of fun for the foreseeable future. If Texas can pull this off, it’s a defining win for a coaching staff that needs momentum desperately.