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College Football 2023: Each Week’s Most Underrated Game

By Sonny Martinez

Dec 3, 2022; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos tight end Matt Lauter (85) leads the team onto the field prior to the first half of the Mountain West Championship game Fresno State Bulldogs versus the Boise State Broncos at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2022; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos tight end Matt Lauter (85) leads the team onto the field prior to the first half of the Mountain West Championship game Fresno State Bulldogs versus the Boise State Broncos at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 17, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Silas Bolden (7) celebrates with wide receiver Jesiah Irish (13) and running back Deshaun Fenwick (5) after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Florida Gators at the Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Silas Bolden (7) celebrates with wide receiver Jesiah Irish (13) and running back Deshaun Fenwick (5) after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Florida Gators at the Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 5: Utah @ Oregon State

This game should have a lot of eyes as this is a rare Friday game on this list. Much of what I said about Texas Tech is true about Oregon State. The Beavers were the other team I absolutely loved last year, but I can’t say I was a year early on them as Oregon State won ten games for the first time since 2006, including wins against Oregon and Florida. It was also their first bowl win since 2013.

We’ll get the chance to see just how much more the Beavers have improved when they host the defending Pac-12 champion Utes of Utah. Last year, Utah defeated Oregon State 42-16. How much has the gap closed? It should be at least a little closer.

Utah lost some significant talent, including Dalton Kincade and Clark Phillips III, while Oregon State brought in former all-world prospect DJ Uiagalelei from Clemson. Uiagalelei has yet to live up to his potential, but with a lot of pressure and expectation off, we could see him finally hit his stride. If that happens, this is a statement game for the Beavers. If not, this game is 2022 all over again.

Week 6: Syracuse @ North Carolina

In a conference that already has so much parody in the middle that just eliminated divisions, this game could be the difference between a third-place conference finish and an 11th-place conference finish. Seriously.

These college football teams haven’t met since 2020. Syracuse should be able to move the ball well on the Tar Heel defense, but stopping Drake Maye is key. Maye can throw all over anyone, but the Syracuse defense was actually pretty decent last year, especially early in the season before declining in late October. North Carolina has a considerably more difficult schedule as a whole prior to this, so the Heels could come in limping. Syracuse doesn’t have a picnic either, as they face Clemson the week before.

Week 7: Ohio State @ Purdue

I know I’m totally contradicting myself with this one since I said Ohio State games are rarely under the radar. But look at the opponent. It’s Purdue. They won the Big Ten West last year, but that division was a train wreck. They bring in former Texas starter Hudson Card who transferred after losing his job. They bring back four starters on defense and a brand new head coach.

So why is this game here? Because this is exactly the kind of game Ohio State loses. A Big Ten West opponent, who’s not on the level of Ohio State, on the road. And remember when I said timing is everything? Ohio State hosts Penn State the following week. All the ingredients are there.

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