College football Week 1: Kiffin makes LSU debut, No. 24 Louisville-No. 9 Ole Miss only Top 25 game

After a subdued opening last week, college football kicks off on Labor Day weekend, although it is far from the grand spectacle of the previous year, which saw three top 25 matchups. Fans eager for football can look forward to a few games Thursday before the action ramps up with No. 7 Miami facing Stanford on Friday. The highly anticipated matchup between No. 24 Louisville and No. 9 Mississippi, two Associated Press Top 25 teams, takes place on Sunday in Nashville.

Following Sunday's games on Thursday, No. 7 Miami visits Stanford, already victorious after a win against Hawaii last week. On Saturday, No. 2 Oregon opens against Boise State at home, with a significant point spread – Oregon is 24.5-point favorites – despite the Broncos' history and the presence of star players. The flagship game of the week is undoubtedly Clemson against No. 11 LSU on Saturday night, where drama seems to follow Lane Kiffin wherever he goes, most recently in the courtroom.

Another significant matchup is the Apple Cup, featuring Washington State against No. 17 Washington in Seattle on Sunday. Fans will have to decide whether to watch the Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay or the Louisville-Mississippi game in the evening. The weekend concludes with No. 19 SMU taking on Florida State on Monday night.

The game featuring Clemson at No. 11 LSU on Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC) is considered the best game, highlighting the rivalry between the ACC and SEC. The discussion around players returning from the NFL to play for LSU has overshadowed the actual matchup, which features two teams striving to reclaim their former glory. The LSU team features a high-profile roster, including quarterback Sam Leavitt from Arizona State, offensive lineman Jordan Seaton from Colorado, edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen from Mississippi, and safety Ty Benefield from Boise State. Coach Lane Kiffin will unveil the team's roster, reportedly the highest-paid in college football.