16 games you need to watch this year

While there may have been a game Wednesday night, the college football season gets underway in earnest with the matchup between Texas A&M and South Carolina headlining the 15 games in the FBS on Thursday night.

The meeting of the Aggies and the Gamecocks is one of 16 games we are spotlighting as a must watch for this season. Whether it's a battle between two highly ranked teams, an intense, long-standing rivalry or a contest that comes with huge implications towards a conference championship, these are the games you can't miss in 2014.

Texas A&M at South Carolina
Thursday, Aug. 28 at 6PM EDT

The college football season truly begins with the Aggies getting their first taste of life after Johnny Manziel. Of course, the Gamecocks are without a headline-grabbing talent of their own after Jadeveon Clowney was the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. This should be a great way to kick off the season and will give us an idea of where both teams stand in the SEC.  

USC at Stanford
Saturday, Sept. 6 at 3:30PM EDT

The Trojans pulled off the 20-17 upset over the Cardinal last year, as Ed Orgeron fever was in full effect. Now Steve Sarkisian leads USC into its first challenge of the season, a tough road matchup between teams that are both ranked in the preseason Top 15.

Michigan State at Oregon
Saturday, Sept. 6 at 6:30PM EDT

The Big Ten isn't getting a lot of respect entering the season, especially after the injury to Ohio State's Braxton Miller. A win over the Ducks would be huge not only for Michigan State, but for the conference as a whole. In what could be the best non-conference game of the year, we'll get to watch one of the nation's best offenses go up against one of the stingiest defenses. 

UCLA vs. Texas
Saturday, Sept. 13 at 8PM EDT

The meeting at AT&T Stadium will mark the first real test of the Charlie Strong era with the Longhorns. A win over the Bruins would be huge for Texas, but it won't come easy. UCLA's Brett Hundley is a legitimate contender for the Heisman Trophy and he'll be looking to impress on the big stage.

Florida State vs. Clemson
Saturday, Sept. 20 TBD

The Seminoles were viewed as a threat last year, but it wasn't until their 51-14 thrashing of the Tigers at Clemson that they were considered favorites to win the national title. The Tigers will be looking for revenge, but with a new cast of characters on offense, it will be hard for Clemson to keep pace with Florida State.

Mississippi State at LSU
Saturday, Sept. 20 TBD

We highlighted the Bulldogs as a potential breakout team this season, and their trip to Death Valley will give a good indication of if they can compete with the elite teams in the SEC. After three relatively easy games to start the year, Mississippi State will have its hands full with LSU, so it will be up to quarterback Dak Prescott to prove his value.

LSU at Auburn
Saturday, Oct. 4 TBD

Auburn's only regular-season defeat last year came at the hands of the SEC's other Tigers. LSU earned the 35-21 victory at home, but will be on the road for the 2014 edition and without Jeremy Hill, who rushed for 184 yards and three touchdowns in that meeting and is now in the NFL. It's the start of a very difficult stretch for Auburn and very important that it doesn't stumble out of the gate. 

Oregon at UCLA
Saturday, Oct. 11 TBD

With UCLA's Hundley and Oregon's Marcus Mariota, this game could feature the best meeting of quarterbacks all season. It could also be a preview of the Pac-12 championship game and could even have an impact on whether or not either team gets an invite to the College Football Playoff.

Florida State at Louisville
Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7:30PM EDT

Other than taking on Clemson, the matchup in Louisville is likely Florida State's most difficult game of the season, as the Seminoles have a fairly easy road to earn a spot in the inaugural playoff. As for the Cardinals, this is there chance to leave a lasting mark during their first season in the ACC.

Stanford at Oregon
Saturday, Nov. 1 TBD

The Ducks and Cardinal have claimed the last five conference championships, with Stanford entering the year as back-to-back champs after three years of Oregon dominance. This should be one of the most exciting games of the year, as the winner will likely represent the North in the Pac-12 championship game.

Alabama at LSU
Saturday, Nov. 8 TBD

Despite playing in the SEC, the Crimson Tide actually have a relatively easy schedule in 2014. They play only four games against ranked teams and their trip to LSU may prove to be their toughest test all season. 

Baylor at Oklahoma
Saturday, Nov. 8 TBD

The Big 12's two top teams meet in what could be considered a de facto conference championship game. The Bears showed they were for real last season with a 41-12 win over the Sooners, but now must travel to Norman where they've never won in 11 previous tries.

Ohio State at Michigan State
Saturday, Nov. 8 at 8PM EDT

Even though Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller is out for the season, this is still the marquee contest in the Big Ten. By November, freshman J.T. Barrett will feel more comfortable under center and Ohio State will be out for revenge after missing out on a spot in the national championship game last season because of the loss to the Spartans in the conference championship.

USC at UCLA
Saturday, Nov. 22 TBD

The battle of Los Angeles enters the 2014 season with more significance than it's had in years. Both teams are ranked in the preseason Top 15 and this game could determine who represents the Pac-12 South in the conference championship. USC lost by 21 at home last season, so it will have to be prepared for a hostile crowd in Pasadena.

South Carolina at Clemson
Saturday, Nov. 29 TBD

The Tigers desperately want to be recognized as the best team in the state of South Carolina. While Dabo Swinney has done a great job of improving Clemson's national profile, he hasn't beaten the Gamecocks since he was interim coach during the 2008 season. A victory over South Carolina would make it a successful season for Clemson regardless of other results.

Auburn at Alabama
Saturday, Nov. 29 TBD

If the Crimson Tide can knock off LSU, than the only thing standing between them and the SEC championship game will be the Iron Bowl. Last season's game was an instant classic with Auburn winning 34-28 on Chris Davis' 109-yard missed field goal return with no time left. While the 2014 Iron Bowl is unlikely to have as incredible a finish, it's probably the most anticipated game of the season.