When does college football season start? Week Zero schedule, dates, games, TV channels
The roar of the crowd, the smell of hot dogs and popcorn, the thrill of the game – college football is back! And for the eager fans, the question on everyone’s mind is: When does the college football season start? The answer, my friends, is sooner than you think. The 2024 season kicks off with a bang, with a special “Week Zero” featuring exciting matchups that will set the stage for the season ahead.
This year, Week Zero takes place on Saturday, August 24th, giving fans a taste of the gridiron action before the majority of teams begin their regular seasons the following week. It’s a chance to witness some thrilling early-season clashes and get a glimpse of the potential contenders vying for a spot in the playoffs.
The most intriguing game of Week Zero is undoubtedly the clash between Florida State and Georgia Tech, a matchup with historical significance and international appeal. This exciting encounter will be staged in Dublin, Ireland, making it a truly unique and unforgettable spectacle. The game promises to be a captivating affair, drawing fans from both sides of the Atlantic who will be eager to witness this historic event.
But Dublin is not the only place where football fever will be brewing on August 24th. Other captivating matchups across the country will offer a glimpse into the season’s potential storylines and introduce fans to the next generation of college football stars.
So, grab your favorite jersey, stock up on snacks, and get ready for a thrilling start to the 2024 season. Here’s a complete breakdown of the Week Zero schedule, giving you all the details you need to plan your viewing experience.
Saturday, August 24 college football schedule
Here’s the complete schedule for Week Zero, including game times, TV channels, and streaming options. All times are listed in Mountain Standard Time (MST):
- Florida State vs. Georgia Tech (Dublin, Ireland), 9 a.m., ESPN (stream with free trial from FUBO): This game is a must-watch for any college football fan. It’s a chance to see two of the best teams in the country go head-to-head in a historic venue. The game will be televised on ESPN and can be streamed with a free trial from FUBO.
- McNeese at Tarleton, 12:30 p.m., ESPN2 (stream with free trial from FUBO): This matchup between two up-and-coming programs will be a great way to start your Week Zero viewing experience. The game will be televised on ESPN2 and can be streamed with a free trial from FUBO.
- Montana State at New Mexico, 1 p.m., FS1 (stream with free trial from FUBO): This game pits two of the top teams in the Big Sky Conference against each other. The game will be televised on FS1 and can be streamed with a free trial from FUBO.
- North Alabama vs. SEMO, 4 p.m., ESPN (stream with free trial from FUBO): This game is a great opportunity to see some of the best talent in the FCS. The game will be televised on ESPN and can be streamed with a free trial from FUBO.
- Florida A&M vs. Norfolk State, 4:30 p.m., ABC (stream with free trial from FUBO): This matchup between two of the top HBCU programs in the country will be a must-watch for anyone interested in seeing some of the most exciting and competitive football in the nation. The game will be televised on ABC and can be streamed with a free trial from FUBO.
- SMU at Nevada, 5 p.m., CBSSN (stream with free trial from FUBO): This game pits two of the top teams in the Mountain West Conference against each other. The game will be televised on CBSSN and can be streamed with a free trial from FUBO.
- Delaware State at Hawaii, TBD, CBS (stream with free trial from FUBO): This game is a great opportunity to see some of the best talent in the MEAC. The game will be televised on CBS and can be streamed with a free trial from FUBO.
What is Week Zero?
Week Zero is a special event in the college football calendar, a chance for a select few teams to get a head start on the season and showcase their talent before the rest of the nation joins the action. It’s a great way to introduce fans to the upcoming season, and often features some exciting matchups that set the tone for the rest of the year.
To understand why Week Zero exists, we need to delve into the world of college football scheduling. The NCAA allows a limited number of games each season, and most teams try to schedule their games within the traditional “Week 1” timeframe. However, a few teams, usually those with a strong history or those seeking to gain an early advantage, opt for a Week Zero game. This allows them to compete earlier, gain valuable experience, and potentially gain a psychological edge over their rivals.
Week Zero is not just about the games themselves; it’s about the anticipation and excitement that builds up leading into the season. Fans start to analyze the schedules, predict the outcomes, and engage in friendly rivalries. It’s a time when college football takes center stage, and the anticipation for the long season ahead is palpable.
Week Zero: A Look at the History
The concept of Week Zero has been around for some time, but it wasn’t until recent years that it gained widespread recognition and popularity. In the past, Week Zero games were often played between teams from smaller conferences or those seeking to fill out their schedule. However, as college football has evolved and the demand for early season action has increased, Week Zero has become more prominent, featuring more high-profile matchups and attracting a wider audience.
The inclusion of games like Florida State vs. Georgia Tech in Dublin has further elevated the importance of Week Zero, demonstrating its ability to draw international attention and create a truly global experience for fans. As college football continues to expand its reach, Week Zero is likely to play an even greater role in the sport’s future, offering a unique opportunity for teams to showcase their talent and for fans to experience the thrill of the game before the season officially begins.
Enjoy the Games!
So, there you have it! Week Zero will be an exciting prelude to the upcoming college football season, offering fans a taste of the gridiron action before the full slate of games kicks off. Make sure you don’t miss the first wave of games on August 24th. As you watch these Week Zero matchups unfold, remember that this is just the beginning of a long and exciting season. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to enjoy the thrill of college football!
- College football season kicks off with a special “Week Zero” on Saturday, August 24th.
- Week Zero features exciting matchups setting the stage for the upcoming season.
- Florida State vs. Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland is the highlight game of Week Zero with historical significance and international appeal.
- Week Zero games offer a glimpse into potential storylines and introduce fans to the next generation of college football stars.
- Complete schedule for Week Zero includes game times, TV channels, and streaming options for fans to plan their viewing experience.
