Not all college football games are kicking off on the Saturdays anymore. Thanks to TV broadcasts, big games are being moved to prime time Thursdays or even Sundays so that they aren't overshadowed by bigger games during Saturday prime time. But last night when Colorado defeated West Virginia in overtime, it proved that whether they play in the middle of the week or on the weekend, college games will always be exciting.
So as fall rolls in on Sunday, we've rounded up a few of the games that you must catch this weekend and any accompanying revelry occurring around the stadium, if you're so inclined.
Georgia's ranked #3 at the moment and, with the reputation that school has for both sports and partying, you can be sure this team and their fans will roll into town prepared. And Arizona State's no slouch in the party department either so expect some awesome tailgating.
Kick off is at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. For those not planning on tailgating around the edges of the stadium (word is, the Sun Devils can throw an impressive tail gate), the nearby Vine Tavern & Eatery hosts students and anyone else ready for a football game. It's also a good place to grab a seat if you didn't get tickets to the game in time.
Florida at Tennessee
The #4 Gators will be making some noise in Tennessee. The rivalry between in Florida and Tennessee is on display again. These teams are pretty evenly matched and have traded victories back and forth over the years (although Florida's been on the winning end more often than not lately).
More than likely, Florida fans and Tennessee fans will be tailgating around Neyland Stadium. But if you need a spot outside the stadium, head over to New Amsterdam Bar & Grill for some food and drink before kickoff. Or find another nearby bar.
Rice at Texas at 7:00 p.m.
After Hurricane Ike bullied both Rice and #6 Texas around last weekend, you can be sure both of these teams are revved up for some football. Texas has the upper hand in this match up but Rice will be fighting them tooth and nail. The two teams will be exciting to watch.
And Austin, Texas is an awesome place to tailgate or to watch a football game from a bar stool. The game is set to take place Saturday night at Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns are certain to host quite a party but the local area also boasts some excellent nightlife. Head to Scholz Garden for a pre-game beer and some Bavarian flavor. It's best to head to The Tavern to catch the game if you're ticket-less.
LSU at Auburn
Both of these teams are ranked in the top 10. LSU needs this game but Auburn is at home and they are a force to be reckoned with in their own stadium. This is sure to be a good game for both teams -- of course only one will come out victorious and be inclined to party the night away around Auburn.
The Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama is the 8th largest on-campus stadium. There's sure to be plenty of room for all the Auburn and LSU fans to cheer. But for those who find themselves without tickets, check out the Olde Auburn Ale House which serves it's own microbrews and is owned by alumni or head to Touch Down's Pub N Eatery for the game.
UCF at Boston College
UCF and Boston College have the same record but Boston College has one loss in their conference while UCF doesn't. And UCF has really shown they are a force to be reckoned with especially after the fight they put up against #12 USF two weeks ago (they lost but only after they forced the game into overtime and made USF feel bad for even entering .
UCF's team also travels with quite a posse. Boston should look out for the UCF kids who can certainly down a few pints. I'm sure UCF fans will bring their tailgate to Alumni Stadium as will Boston College. Those without tickets will do well to visit Roggie's Brew & Grill for one of 26 beers on tap.
Iowa at Pittsburgh at 12:00 p.m.
Iowa is currently 3-0 and if they can beat Pittsburgh this weekend, they may have a chance for a ranking. But Pittsburgh will be a formidable opponent. More than likely this will be an exciting game. And those Iowa kids really know how to party so they may show the Pittsburgh fans a few things.
The pair will be meeting at Heinz Field and both sets of fans are sure to make an appearance here. If you don't have tickets to this game, head to Johnny's Place. It's not terribly close to the stadium but they have great food and they'll pay lots of attention to you while you enjoy this dive bar.
