There are just 37 days until college football is upon us, and Thursday, August 29 marks the first day of games for the 2013 season.
While the whole season is highly anticipated, here at FBSchedules.com we are going a little more in depth. In this seven-part series, you’ll get ten of the most anticipated games from each conference, plus the most anticipated out-of-conference games.
To kick things off, the SEC takes center stage. Here are ten of the most anticipated 2013 SEC football games, listed in date order.
Ole Miss Rebels at Vanderbilt Commodores
Thursday, Aug. 29, 9:15 p.m. ET, ESPN
These two on-the-rise programs square off in the first SEC contest of the year on the aforementioned opening day. The Commodores are replacing a starting backfield, and the Rebels are counting on the hype from some key recruits to anchor their team. A win under the lights in Nashville could kick-start a surprise season for one of these programs.
South Carolina Gamecocks at Georgia Bulldogs
Saturday, Sept. 7, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
If you think Alabama wants revenge over the Aggies, I’d say the revenge would be a little sweeter for the Bulldogs to avenge the beating they took in Columbia last year. The last time Georgia won this game it was a high scoring affair, and it will have to be again. Another game on the list will be played between the hedges. Can Mark Richt take control of the SEC East early instead of having to come from behind?
Alabama Crimson Tide at Texas A&M Aggies
Saturday, Sept. 14, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS
This had to make the list, right? Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel, A.J. McCarron, Nick Saban, defending national champions and revenge on the minds of all the Crimson Tide faithful. What’s not to look forward to?
LSU Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs
Saturday, Sept. 28, Time/TV TBA
This game is a sleeper to the media it seems. Two teams that could very well end up in Atlanta to end the season will square off. Georgia’s offense should be great this year and Les Miles will have his players ready to stop Heisman hopeful Aaron Murray and crew. Can the Bulldogs right their wrongs from last year and make it to the national title game? We’ll see.
Texas A&M Aggies at Arkansas Razorbacks
Saturday, Sept. 28, Time/TV TBA
New head coach Bret Bielema poked some fun at Alabama and Nick Saban this spring, and you can tell he’s itching to get started in the SEC. The Aggies visit to Fayetteville marks the start of the Bielema era in the SEC. What a better way for Bielema and crew to get started than to try to knock off Johnny Football and Kevin Sumlin? I’m sure the Razorback faithful will make this a tough environment.
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators
Saturday, Nov. 2, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS
Another game involving Georgia and more revenge on the line. Rivalry games always add to the hype and the Okefenokee Oar is up for grabs in Jacksonville. Both teams could be ranked in the Top 5 when they meet in the River City. Can Florida hold on to the ball this year, or will Todd Gurley take over again? The quarterbacks struggled last year; both teams lost some key players on defense. Don’t expect a combined five interceptions.
LSU Tigers at Alabama Crimson Tide
Saturday, Nov. 9, Time/TV TBA
This game has definitely not disappointed in the past few years and don’t expect it to this year either. It took late game heroics from A.J. McCarron and T.J. Yeldon last year to overcome the crowd in Baton Rouge. The Tide has the crowd on their side this year, but LSU has an improved and more experienced Zach Mettenberger. Can anyone figure out this defense?
Florida Gators at South Carolina Gamecocks
Saturday, Nov. 16, Time/TV TBA
Another game that can and will help decide its respected division. Florida pulled the “upset” in Gainesville last year, beating the Gamecocks pretty badly. The Ol’ Ball Coach vs. his old team is always a fun storyline and Driskel versus Shaw should be a fun match-up this year as they both mature throughout the season.
Vanderbilt Commodores at Tennessee Volunteers
Saturday, Nov. 23, Time/TV TBA
One of these coaches is already in the process of bringing his program up from the bottom. The Volunteers hope Butch Jones can start that process in Knoxville by beating their in-state rival who handled them last year. Both teams are replacing quarterbacks. This game could be a bowl game clincher for Tennessee, and it will probably come down to the last play as both teams will be evenly matched. It’s under the radar, but it will definitely be a tight game. Be sure to mark your calendars.
Alabama Crimson Tide at Auburn Tigers
Saturday, Nov. 30, Time/TV TBA
This wouldn’t be an SEC list without the Iron Bowl, right? Auburn was bad this year, and can’t have a good taste in their mouth after the schooling they got last year in Tuscaloosa. Auburn looks to score more than the zero points they did last year, and Alabama should come into this game with a return trip to the SEC title game in mind. Can Auburn and War Eagle ruin the Tide’s year?
Honorable mentions:
Florida Gators at LSU Tigers: Saturday, Oct. 12, Time/TV TBA
Ole Miss Rebels at Mississippi State Bulldogs: Thursday, Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Georgia Bulldogs at Auburn Tigers: Saturday, Nov. 16, Time/TV TBA
Tennessee Volunteers at Florida Gators: Saturday, Sept. 21, Time/TV TBA
Texas A&M Aggies at Arkansas Razorbacks: Saturday, Sept. 28, Time/TV TBA
Clayton Tinkle is a contributor to FBSchedules.com.