As I sit here scrolling through the upcoming college football schedule, I can't help but feel that familiar thrill building up. Having followed college football for over fifteen years, I've developed a sixth sense for spotting those truly special matchups that become instant classics, and let me tell you, the 2019 season is absolutely packed with them. I remember watching last year's championship game with my college buddies, the tension so thick you could cut it with a knife, and thinking about how these moments become part of sports history. That's exactly what I want to share with you today - my personal picks for the ten most exciting games of the 2019 college football season that you simply cannot miss.
Now I know what you're thinking - with hundreds of games throughout the season, how do you choose which ones to watch? Well, that's where my experience comes in. I've learned to look beyond just the rankings and consider the rivalries, the coaching strategies, and those intangible elements that transform a regular game into something magical. Take that incredible match I watched recently between two tennis players - the Czech player, ranked 152nd in the world, claimed the first set 7-5 after a back-and-forth exchange that had me on the edge of my seat. What struck me was how the underdog fought hard, rallying from 0-2 down to lead 3-2, before eventually being edged out in the closing stretch. That's the kind of drama I live for in sports, and college football delivers it in spades. The 2019 season promises several such moments where rankings might not tell the whole story, where underdogs could rise, and where established powers might be tested in ways nobody anticipated.
Let me kick things off with what I believe will be an absolute barnburner - Alabama versus LSU on November 9th. Having attended three of their previous matchups, I can confidently say this rivalry produces some of the most physically demanding football you'll see all season. The last time these two met in Tiger Stadium, the energy was absolutely electric, with over 102,321 fans creating an atmosphere that literally made the stadium shake. I still get chills thinking about it. Then there's Ohio State facing Michigan on November 30th - this is personal for me since my grandfather played for Michigan back in the 60s. The bitterness of this rivalry transcends sports, and having witnessed 14 of these games in person, I can tell you that records truly don't matter when these two collide. Last year's game went down to the wire with Michigan winning by just 3 points in the final 90 seconds, and I'm expecting similar drama this year.
What makes college football so special, in my opinion, is how regional styles and coaching philosophies clash on the national stage. Take the September 21st matchup between Notre Dame and Georgia - this is a classic case of Northern physicality meeting Southern speed. I've had the privilege of watching both teams practice in the offseason, and the contrast in their approaches is fascinating. Notre Dame's focus on fundamental, hard-nosed football versus Georgia's explosive, athletic style creates a compelling dynamic that often produces unexpected heroes. I remember chatting with Georgia's running back coach last spring, and he mentioned they've been implementing new conditioning protocols that have increased their players' fourth-quarter endurance by approximately 17% - numbers that could prove decisive in close games.
The beauty of college football lies in those moments when everything you thought you knew gets turned upside down. I'm particularly excited about the October 12th game between Oklahoma and Texas - the Red River Showdown at the Cotton Bowl. Having attended this game eight times, I can attest there's nothing quite like the atmosphere when the stadium is split perfectly down the middle with burnt orange and crimson. Last year's matchup saw Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray throw for 348 yards despite playing with what we later learned was a hairline fracture in his throwing hand - the kind of gritty performance that defines legends. This year, with both teams likely ranked in the top 10, the stakes couldn't be higher, and I've already booked my flight to Dallas because this is one game I wouldn't miss for the world.
Speaking of can't-miss games, Florida versus Auburn on October 5th has all the makings of an instant classic. Having analyzed both teams' spring practices, I noticed Florida has been working on a new defensive scheme specifically designed to counter Auburn's rushing attack. The last time these programs met in 2011, the game produced seven lead changes and wasn't decided until the final possession. I have a feeling we might see similar drama this year, especially with Auburn's quarterback Bo Nix showing remarkable poise for a freshman. From what I've gathered talking to scouts, his decision-making under pressure has improved by about 23% since last season, which could be the difference in a tight contest.
What often separates good games from great ones are the personal rivalries and historical context. The November 16th matchup between Wisconsin and Nebraska might not jump off the page to casual fans, but having followed both programs closely, I can tell you this has developed into one of the most competitive series in the Big Ten. The last four meetings have been decided by an average of just 4.5 points, with two going to overtime. I'll never forget the 2012 game where Wisconsin mounted a 14-point fourth-quarter comeback despite their starting quarterback leaving with an injury. That kind of resilience is what college football is all about, and I expect nothing less this year.
As we look toward the season's climax, the conference championship games in early December deserve special attention. Based on my projections, the Pac-12 Championship on December 6th could feature Oregon against Utah, two teams with contrasting styles but similar aspirations. Having visited both campuses during recruitment season, I was struck by how differently these programs approach player development. Oregon's focus on speed and innovation versus Utah's emphasis on discipline and fundamentals creates a fascinating chess match. The last time these teams met in 2016, the game produced over 900 yards of total offense and wasn't decided until the final minute - exactly the kind of excitement that makes college football America's second-most popular sport after the NFL, drawing average viewership of around 7.5 million per regular-season game on network television.
Reflecting on these matchups, I'm reminded why I fell in love with college football in the first place. It's not just about the final score or the championship implications - it's about those unforgettable moments that stay with you forever. The last-second touchdowns, the unexpected heroes, the emotional rollercoaster that leaves you either celebrating or heartbroken. Having witnessed hundreds of games throughout my life, both as a fan and as someone who's worked in sports media, I can confidently say that the 2019 season has the potential to be one of the most memorable in recent history. So mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready for three months of incredible football. Trust me, you'll want to tell your grandchildren about some of these games.