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 dealing with off in Dublin, Eire.
However when Weeks 1 and a couple of lastly roll round, these are 5 under-the-radar matchups that would supply key insights into some contenders and potential darkish horses.
Aug. 31: No. 7 Notre Dame at No. 20 Texas A&M
Imagine it or not, the frequent denominator on this matchup is Duke College. Former Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard will lead The Preventing Irish in opposition to his former head coach Mike Elko, each getting into their first yr at new packages. The Week 1 sport shall be a essential early take a look at for 2 Faculty Soccer Playoff hopefuls.
Aug. 31: Fresno State at No. 9 Michigan
This would possibly not be the identical Michigan workforce that simply received a nationwide championship. The Wolverines should re-prove themselves on the nationwide stage and a primetime Week 1 matchup in opposition to a threatening Fresno State workforce would be the excellent take a look at. Can Michigan’s protection show it is nonetheless the very best in opposition to a strong Bulldogs offense returning eight starters?
Sept. 7: Colorado at Nebraska
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders could have his first alternative to show the hype. A Week 2 showdown in opposition to one other energy convention foe with a chip by itself shoulder ought to function an ideal take a look at.
A wholesome Travis Hunter and a better-protected Shadeur Sanders for the Buffs ought to make for a riveting shootout in opposition to 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 Massive Ten with their sights set on toppling perennial juggernaut Ohio State. Internet hosting the Mountain West Convention favorites in Week 2 shall be Oregon’s first actual take a look at of the season. Boise State has a possibility 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 shall be trying to make an early case for Faculty Soccer Playoff consideration. The Volunteers may have probably the most to lose from a preliminary take a look at in opposition to a fringe-ranked opponent, sitting simply outdoors the preseason high 12. However, a win would increase both workforce’s resume within the eyes of the committee.
