We’re two months into the 2013 offseason, but if you’re already itching for some college football, allow us to whet your appetite. Before promptly reminding you that we’re still a good 176 days away -- assuming my remedial math is correct -- from kicking off, that is.
Anyway, ESPN announced the kickoff times for five opening weekend games this season, including the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game between Alabama and Virginia Tech, and the Cowboys Classic between LSU and TCU.
Thursday, Aug. 29 will feature two games: North Carolina at South Carolina at 6 p.m. ET, followed by Ole Miss at Vanderbilt at 9:15 p.m. ET. North Carolina did not go bowling this past season because of sanctions while South Carolina went 11-2 with an Outback Bowl win over Michigan. Ole Miss and Vanderbilt are two of the SEC’s up-and-coming programs.
Two days later on Saturday, Aug. 31, Virginia Tech and Alabama will play in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta. The Tide, obviously, is coming off a BCS national championship and Tech a Russell Athletic Bowl win over Rutgers. Georgia will head to Clemson to renew an old rivalry, and TCU will face LSU in the Cowboys Classic at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas.
So set yer DVRs. Or something.
Thursday, Aug. 29
6 p.m. -- North Carolina at South Carolina
9:15 p.m. -- Ole Miss at Vanderbilt
Saturday, Aug. 31
5:30 p.m. -- Virginia Tech vs. Alabama (Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, Atlanta)
8 p.m. -- Georgia at Clemson
9 p.m. -- TCU vs. LSU (Cowboys Classic, Dallas)