THE SEASON’S BEST GAMES

Sept. 2

Alabama vs.

Florida State

A national championship preview could be held at the start of the season, between the SEC and ACC favorites. The Crimson Tide fell seconds short of claiming a secondstraight national title, and could be even better this season.

Sept. 9

Oklahoma at

Ohio State

The Buckeyes reached the College Football Playoff for the second time last season, thanks to a 45-24 win at Oklahoma, and the winner again will hold a marquee non-conference victory few teams can match.

Nov. 11

Florida State

at Clemson

The annual de facto ACC title game takes place at Death Valley this year. Even with Deshaun Watson’s departure, the defending national champion Tigers could be back in the playoff, behind another stout

defense, which will face its toughest challenge in Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois. These rivals have combined to win the past six ACC championships.

Nov. 25

Ohio State

at Michigan

Arguably the best rivalry in college football produced the best regular-season game last year, with Ohio State pulling out a 30-27 overtime win. With the Big Ten even better this year, a playoff spot may not come down to these two teams, but the East division could be on the line.

Nov. 25

Alabama

at Auburn

The Crimson Tide have dominated the Iron Bowl recently, winning the past three meetings, but Auburn could turn the rivalry upside down again. QB Jarrett Stidham, a transfer from Baylor, could put Auburn back in national-championship contention for the first time since 2013, when Jordan-Hare Stadium witnessed the “Kick Six.”