The 2024 school soccer season kicks off with 4 “Week 0” video games on Aug. 24, together with No. 10 Florida State and Georgia Tech going through off in Dublin, Eire.
However when Weeks 1 and a pair of lastly roll round, these are 5 under-the-radar matchups that might supply key insights into some contenders and potential darkish horses.
Aug. 31: No. 7 Notre Dame at No. 20 Texas A&M
Consider it or not, the frequent denominator on this matchup is Duke College. Former Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard will lead The Preventing Irish towards his former head coach Mike Elko, each coming into their first yr at new packages. The Week 1 recreation will probably be a important early check for 2 Faculty Soccer Playoff hopefuls.
Aug. 31: Fresno State at No. 9 Michigan
This may not be the identical Michigan staff that simply received a nationwide championship. The Wolverines must re-prove themselves on the nationwide stage and a primetime Week 1 matchup towards a threatening Fresno State staff would be the good check. Can Michigan’s protection show it is nonetheless the perfect towards a stable Bulldogs offense returning eight starters?
Sept. 7: Colorado at Nebraska
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders may have his first alternative to show the hype. A Week 2 showdown towards one other energy convention foe with a chip by itself shoulder ought to function an ideal check.
A wholesome Travis Hunter and a better-protected Shadeur Sanders for the Buffs ought to make for a riveting shootout towards Nebraska’s freshman quarterback phenom, Dylan Raiola. The winner will get to take step one again towards relevancy.
Sept. 7: Boise State at No. 3 Oregon
The Geese enter a new-look Large Ten with their sights set on toppling perennial juggernaut Ohio State. Internet hosting the Mountain West Convention favorites in Week 2 will probably be Oregon’s first actual check of the season. Boise State has a chance to solidify its spot within the early Faculty Soccer Playoff dialog with a signature upset.
Sept. 7: No. 15 Tennessee at No. 24 North Carolina State
Their rankings may change by Week 2, however each groups will probably be seeking to make an early case for Faculty Soccer Playoff consideration. The Volunteers may have essentially the most to lose from a preliminary check towards a fringe-ranked opponent, sitting simply outdoors the preseason prime 12. Nonetheless, a win would increase both staff’s resume within the eyes of the committee.
