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While many are ready and focused on USC and Western Michigan (If you have Pac-12 Network), there are other games that will have the nations eyes glued. If you don’t have the pleasure of attending the USC/Western Michigan game and looking to channel surf, here are some games you want to pay attention to this Labor Day weekend.
Saturday- Michigan vs Florida (AT&T Stadium, Arlington TX)- 12:30 PM PDT; TV: ABC- An interesting game for both programs. Michigan comes into this season with high expectations while the Gators look to win the SEC East and play in a New Years Six Bowl game. Florida will have a handful of players out due to suspension for this game while Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has yet to name the starting quarterback for the Wolverines. Both can start the 2017 season off with a huge win in this game.
Saturday- Alabama vs Florida State (Mercedes Benz Dome, Atlanta GA)- 5:00 PM PDT; TV: ABC- Two teams in the Top 5 facing off. Florida State and Alabama are both pre-season favorites to make the College Football Playoffs, so while a loss may not mean as much now, a win could set the tone for either team. For Florida State it could be a huge morale boost which could vault the Noles. As for Alabama, a win just continues to show that the Tide hasn’t lost a step, despite losing some starters to the NFL.
Sunday- West Virginia vs Virginia Tech (FedEx Field, Landover MD) 4:30 PM PDT; TV: ABC- Two former Big East foes and rivals meet for the first time since 2005. The Black Diamond Trophy is up for grabs between the two teams. Can’t get any better than this.
Sunday- Texas A&M @ UCLA 4:30 PM PDT; TV: Fox- Last year’s meeting at College Station saw the Aggies win an overtime thriller over the Bruins. This year UCLA looks to come out on the winning end. Coming off a 4-8 season, UCLA will look to get off on the right foot, a loss will only make the seat hotter for head coach Jim Mora. Star quarterback Josh Rosen returns to the Bruins after being sidelined with a shoulder injury that required surgery.