We’re just 20 days away from real football that counts being played in the state of Texas. In celebration, we’re counting down 20 college football games that we’re excited about in 2019.
Some of these games are nationally-relevant matchups, even ones with conference and national title implications. Others are just going to be incredibly fun and on-brand for us, like when two teams battle for the city of San Antonio.
No matter the criteria, all of these games are ones you’ll have to pay attention to when they come. Without further ado, here’s our list of the 20 high school football games that we’re amped about.
20. Houston vs. Memphis
Date: Nov. 16
Houston hosts the Tigers in a battle of teams that could compete for the conference championship. A win over Memphis could provide a signature win in year one for the new Cougars staff.
19. UMHB vs. Hardin-Simmons
Date: Oct. 26
This game is always a monster matchup in the Division-III ranks, and that shouldn’t change now. UMHB is the defending national champions and beat Hardin-Simmons twice on the way to the title. The Cowboys haven’t won this game in four years, but could have an opportunity against a young Crusaders offense.
18. Texas A&M at Georgia
Date: Nov. 23
Texas A&M travels to face off against one of the new superpowers of college football in Athens. The only thing holding this game back from being a big one on this list is that these teams have only played one regular season game in the last 60 years; there’s zero history.
17. Houston at Oklahoma
Date: Sept. 1
Two of the best minds in college football match up when Dana Holgorsen travels to coach against Lincoln Riley in Norman. Tom Herman’s Houston squad made a name for itself after beating OU – why not Holgorsen’s?
16. Tarleton State vs. Texas A&M-Commerce
Date: Oct. 19
The Texans shocked the world last season and beat the defending champion Lions twice en route to a 12-1 season and conference championship. With new coach David Bailiff, TAMUC will be hungry to take control of the conference back.
15. Sam Houston State vs. Stephen F. Austin
Date: Oct. 5 at NRG Stadium
The Battle of the Piney Woods gets a little extra juice with the arrival of new SFA head coach Colby Carthel and the top recruiting class in FCS. They’ll get a worthy challenger in a Sam Houston squad that’s hungry to prove last year’s average squad was an aberration. There are stakes all over this game, including a trophy with pistols on it.
14. SMU vs. North Texas
Date: Sept. 7
Last season, UNT’s dominant win over SMU in the opener set the tone and set up a massive win over Arkansas. Now, SMU will try to return the favor and take control back control of the Metroplex. Shane Buechele vs. Mason Fine should be an electric quarterback matchup.
13. Baylor vs. Texas
Date: Nov. 23
Matt Rhule has done a great job at Baylor, going from one to seven wins after just two seasons. However, Rhule has yet to pick up a signature win at Baylor. With the hated Longhorns coming to town the week before Thanksgiving, Baylor has that huge opportunity. It doesn’t hurt that this game also features a battle of star Austin-area quarterbacks.
12. Houston vs. Washington State
Date: Sept. 13 at NRG Stadium
The student faces off against the master. Mike Leach returns to the state with his Wazzu squad against his former offensive coordinator, Holgorsen. It’s a perfect opportunity for Holgorsen to assert himself as the face to watch in the Group of Five.
11. Houston vs. SMU
Date: Oct. 26
SMU’s most impressive performance of 2018 – by far – came on its home field against Houston. If the Cougars win the game instead of losing to an inferior opponent by multiple touchdowns, Major Applewhite might still be the head coach. The Coogs will come in much angrier.