5 games with the biggest College Football Playoff implications in Week 1

5. UCLA vs LSU

The national champions from two years ago are hoping to make a statement Saturday night against UCLA and if LSU can do that, it could put itself back in the College Football Playoff conversation early in the season.

The Tigers are going to be in the mix as long as they win games. Last season was a struggle and already, quarterback Myles Brennan broke his arm, which leaves sophomore, Max Johnson, as the starter.

Johnson is a former four-star recruit and threw eight touchdowns compared to one interception last season, so he’s not green. UCLA will have the advantage of a game under its belt after dominating Hawaii last week.

And as far as the College Football Playoff, UCLA is a team that’s viewed as a dark-horse contender in the PAC-12. Dorian Thompson-Robinson can be special and the Bruins might have found something in former Michigan transfer Zach Charbonnet at running back.

Both teams have big question marks though and this is a fascinating matchup. If the Tigers win, it could be a sign that they are going to be a playoff contender. Saying that about UCLA is going a bit far, but an early-season win over a big-time SEC program always helps the playoff resume.