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5 games with playoff implications in College Football Week 1

By Harris Jacobs

MORGANTOWN, WV - NOVEMBER 25: Geno Smith #12 of the West Virginia Mountaineers evades a tackle from Brandon Lindsey #7 of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers during the 2011 Backyard Brawl on November 25, 2011 at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
MORGANTOWN, WV - NOVEMBER 25: Geno Smith #12 of the West Virginia Mountaineers evades a tackle from Brandon Lindsey #7 of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers during the 2011 Backyard Brawl on November 25, 2011 at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /
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With a full slate of college football coming up this weekend, here are our five biggest matchups that have major college football playoff implications.

We made it, folks. The offseason wait is over and the 2022 season officially kicks off this weekend.

For many fanbases, Week 1 of the college football season is one of the best times of the season. Almost everyone is 0-0 and any hopes for a dream season are still alive (sorry, Nebraska fans). Many fanbases of major programs will most likely still be riding high into week 2, as their team will get an opportunity to cruise to an easy victory against a mid-major.

In spite of Week 1’s usual heavy dose of cupcake games, there are still a plethora of high-profile matchups.

On Thursday night, I’ll be looking forward to seeing how Penn State fares against a Purdue team that has garnered lots of preseason hype. On Monday, it will be interesting to see how LSU looks against Florida State in Brian Kelly’s first game with the Tigers.

Let’s all hope for another crazy, unforgettable college football season.

5. West Virginia at No.17 Pittsburgh

In what is known as the “Backyard Brawl,” Pitt and West Virginia will renew their rivalry on Thursday night for the first time in eleven years.

Coming off their first-ever ACC championship victory,  the Pitt Panthers are looking to take the next step in 2022. However, the Panthers have to replace their two offensive stars from last season- QB Kenny Pickett (NFL Draft) and WR Jordan Addison (transferred to USC).

This season, head Coach Pat Narduzzi will lean on USC transfer quarterback Kedon Slovis and Akron transfer wide receiver Konata Mumpfield. While it will be hard to replicate Pickett and Addison’s production, Slovis and Mumpfield will be a formidable duo in the ACC.

With new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti, the Pitt offense will look different from a year ago- but the Panthers should still be in the thick of things for another ACC crown.

For West Virginia, head coach Neal Brown is hoping for a better season after finishing 6-7 a year ago. To command the offense, the Mountaineers brought in ex-USC and Georgia quarterback JT Daniels, who has been plagued by injuries over his college career.

While this game might not appear to be a marquee matchup, the Pitt Panthers are a program on the rise that could cause serious damage in 2022. In a relatively weak ACC, it is absolutely vital for the Panthers to pick up this non-conference win to bolster their resume.

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