Story by Sam Kaser, Saint Reporter

Image courtesy of pexels.com

In the wise words of Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach of the University of Michigan, “I’ve been known to come through on occasion.” These words will be battle tested unlike ever before for all teams competing for the ring at the end of the college football season. Whether it’s opening week matchups like Alabama vs. Florida State, or the always awaited rivalry of Ohio State vs. Michigan, the lineup in 2017 is as good as ever.

The Buckeyes took the first big-game loss of the year, suffering a 31-16 setback at home to the Sooners of Oklahoma. Baker Mayfield stole the spotlight in Columbus, as he, Lamar Jackson of Louisville and Sam Darnold from USC arguably lead the Heisman race at the QB position. Others within reaching distance of the coveted award include running back Saquon Barkley of Penn State and defensive tackle Ed Oliver from Houston.

As the season rolls on, Nov. will mark once again who are the true Heisman hopefuls are, as well as the champion-caliber teams. Some marquee matchups to pay attention to as the lake effect weather blows fans in West Michigan inside for Saturdays spent in front of the television include the usual suspects.

Nov. 4 will give Oklahoma a big test in their in-state rival Oklahoma State. Nov. 11 brings Florida State to Clemson for a battle that promises to be as good as it always has been. Nov. 25 will mark the final Saturday in regular season play. It will surely not disappoint, bringing Ohio State to face the Wolverines in Ann Arbor, and Alabama to Auburn for arguably the two most rivaled matchups in college football.

So whether you have your team through thick and thin, enjoy watching the players of any school toss the pigskin on a chilly Nov. afternoon or maybe you don’t know the difference between a goal line and clothes line, there is more to be excited about this year in college football than ever before. The Heisman race will be heated and the playoff will be an ever-changing dynamic. However, in between all the essays to write and tests to study for, there will always be a Saturday matchup that will grant us a break, if only for a few hours.