These 10 teams have the toughest starts to the 2021 season
Generally, coaches (and players, for that matter) like to ease into a season. You play a couple of overmatched foes in the opener and in Game 2, get the kinks out, then get ready to play better teams as the season progresses.
But that’s not doable for everyone. These 10 teams, in particular, have some hard work to do right out of the gate with back-to-back (and, in one case, back-to-back-to-back) tough games to open the 2021 season.
10. Stanford
The particulars: vs. Kansas State in Arlington, Texas, on September 4, then at USC on September 11
The buzz: Stanford played well in a shortened season last fall, going 4-2. But the Cardinal lost the first two games in 2020 and it’s not a stretch to think that could happen again. Then again, K-State is flawed and USC has some questions.
9. California
The particulars: at home vs. Nevada on September 4, then at TCU on September 11
The buzz: QB Carson Strong is a stud and the main reason Nevada, which was 7-2 last season, is seen as a legit Mountain West title contender. TCU, meanwhile, is a fringe top-25 team. This will be the first time Cal has played a Big 12 team since 2016, when it stunned Texas 50-43 in the final season of Charlie Strong’s coaching tenure with the Longhorns.
8. Texas
The particulars: at home vs. Louisiana on September 4, then at Arkansas on September 11
The buzz: The opener is tougher than the trip to Arkansas. Regardless, this isn’t an easy start for new coach Steve Sarkisian. Louisiana is one of the best Group of 5 teams nationally (remember that the Ragin’ Cajuns blew out Iowa State in Ames last season), and Arkansas is sure to be ready when the Longhorns play in Fayetteville for the first time since 2004 and just the fifth time in 40 years.
7. USF
The particulars: at NC State on September 2, then home vs. Florida on September 11
The buzz: The Bulls were bad last season — mighty bad — and are going to have trouble getting off to a good start this season with games against two Power 5 teams right off the bat. NC State should be a contender for second place in the ACC Atlantic Division, behind Clemson, and Florida looks to be the second-best team in the SEC East. The game against the Gators will mark just the second time the programs have met.
6. Miami
The particulars: vs. Alabama in Atlanta on September 4, then home vs. Appalachian State on September 11
The buzz: Opening with Alabama — heck, playing Alabama — never is ideal. But the game with App State, which returns 17 starters, is dangerous, too. The health of UM quarterback D’Eriq King adds an air of mystery to all this, as well.
5. Oregon
The particulars: at home vs. Fresno State on September 4, then at Ohio State on September 11
The buzz: This doesn’t appear to be an elite Fresno team, but the Bulldogs have some explosive offensive talent. Plus, the Bulldogs’ quarterback is Jake Haener, and as a Washington transfer, you have to figure he has a special animosity for the Ducks. Then comes the trip to the Horseshoe. Can the Ducks do themselves — and the entire Pac-12 — proud?
4. Georgia
The particulars: vs. Clemson in Charlotte on September 4, then home vs. UAB on September 11
The buzz: Clemson-Georgia is the best non-conference game of the season and should match two teams in the preseason top five (or maybe even preseason top four). The visit from UAB the next week can’t be overlooked, either; the defense-minded Blazers are the class of Conference USA and a solid Group of 5 program nationally.
3. Ohio State
The particulars: at Minnesota on September 2, then home vs. Oregon on September 11
The buzz: It’s sort of surprising to see the Buckeyes open on the road. A neutral-site opener is one thing — but to open on the road, against a tough league opponent? Thanks, Big Ten office. The visit from the Ducks is one of the most eagerly anticipated non-conference games of the season. It’s a big game for Oregon and the national perception of the Pac-12.
2. Iowa
The particulars: at home vs. Indiana on September 4, then at Iowa State on September 11
The buzz: Nothing like a conference opponent ranked in the top 20 to open the season. Then comes a road trip to the Hawkeyes’ archrival; that archrival will be ranked in the top 10 and might have the best team in program history.
1. Penn State
The particulars: at Wisconsin on September 4, then home vs. Ball State on September 11, then home vs. Auburn on September 18
The buzz: Penn State is coming off a disappointing 2020 season, but there is no easing into the 2021 campaign. The opener is a huge conference game, one that should be a measuring-stick contest for both programs. Offense-minded Ball State is the defending MAC champ, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Cardinals win the league again this fall. Then comes a visit from Auburn, which is somewhat of a mystery team under new coach Bryan Harsin; still, the Tigers have some talented defenders and figure to be extremely physical.
(Top photo of Penn State coach James Franklin: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)