Sept. 20
Utah at USC
Every Saturday (actually this is a Friday game) is make or break for USC. The Trojans could earn a key win over a Utah team that is a threat to win the Pac 12.
Sept. 21
Michigan at Wisconsin
At Wisconsin, Paul Chryst has a lot of holes to fill. The Badgers never built any momentum in 2018 but did completely thrash Miami in the Pinstripe Bowl. The Wolverines may still be smarting from the 2018 bowl loss to South Carolina. A win will catapult one of the teams forward.
Harbaugh must find answers on defense. Chryst needs a winning QB or the offense can become overly dependent on Jonathan Taylor. A Wisconsin win would likely end any CFB Playoff chances for Michigan.
Notre Dame at Georgia
This game should resemble last season’s CFB Playoff butt-kicking by Clemson over the Fighting Irish. After that game. Brian Kelly should consider shortening his team’s nickname to the Irish. There was no fight in them against Clemson.
If Georgia does not win this game by two touchdowns, its rep as a CFB Playoff contender will be damaged.
Oregon at Stanford
If the Ducks are to leap-frog Washington in the Pac 12 North, this road game is key. This game and the mid-October trip to Seattle will determine if the Ducks are contenders or pretenders. Stanford, fighting to regain its stature in the down-trending conference cannot afford to lose at home.