College football is ready to roll with Week 1 of the 2021 season finally here. Even this early in the year, there are several key games that will have serious implications for the College Football Playoff.

The Week 1 schedule includes five matchups between teams ranked in the AP Top 25 Poll. Alabama, the reigning national champions and the top-ranked team in the country, will face a top-15 opponent on a neutral field. So will No. 3 Clemson, which will be tested right away against a fellow national title contender.

No. 2 Oklahoma, No. 4 Ohio State and No. 6 Texas A&M are expected to cruise against unranked opponents.

Clemson and No. 5 Georgia will meet at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium in the biggest game on the early season schedule. The Tigers are favored by more than a field goal, despite losing first overall draft pick Trevor Lawrence to the NFL. Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is among the preseason favorites to win the Heisman Trophy.

Despite playing No. 14 Miami away from its home stadium, Alabama isn’t expected to have much trouble in its first game. The Crimson Tide are favored by nearly three touchdowns against Miami in Atlanta. Alabama hasn't been defeated in a neutral-site season opener since 1958.

There are a pair of key Big Ten matchups that feature top-10 teams. No. 12 Wisconsin is favored at home against No. 19 Penn State, and No. 17 Indiana is a short underdog against No. 18 Iowa on the road.

Below are the betting lines for Week 1 top-25 matchups, including the point spreads and totals, via FanDuel Sportsbook.

No. 19 Penn State (+5.5) at No. 12 Wisconsin, 49.5

No. 1 Alabama (-18.5) at No. 14 Miami, 61.5

No. 17 Indiana (+3.5) at No. 18 Iowa, 44.5

No. 23 Louisiana (+8.5) at No. 21 Texas, 58.5

No. 5 Georgia (+3.5) at No. 3 Clemson, 51.5

Nick Saban Alabama
Alabama is the No.1 team in college football to begin the season. Getty
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