College football’s 158th season opens in less than two weeks after a chaotic offseason filled with congressional minutiae, playoff proposals and a high‑profile gambling scandal. Writer Bill Connelly notes that despite occasional missteps by decision‑makers, Saturdays remain almost perfect, and a solid battle plan can make them even better.

Each week I recommend three games with the highest combined SP+ ratings and a projected scoring margin under 10 points. The list repeatedly features Oklahoma (seven games), Texas A&M (six), LSU (five), Ole Miss (five) and Tennessee (five), underscoring the SEC’s depth and its tendency for one‑score finishes.

Notable storylines include Lane Kiffin’s move from Ole Miss to LSU, a rematch that will dominate Week 3, and the annual Marty & Mc Gee Talkin’ Season special on the SEC Network, airing Monday and Tuesday at 7 PM ET with Kiffin as guest.

The schedule is expanding: Week 0 begins a week before Labor Day with a Dublin kickoff (TCU vs. North Carolina), plus games in Charlottesville, Memphis, Hawai’i and a first FBS appearance for North Dakota State. The slate also includes dozens of FCS, Division II, and NAIA matchups, while new quarterbacks are expected to drive the season.