The sequel is almost never as good as the original. That is true in almost every situation. However, there are situations when we can expect big things if the sequel is even half as good as the original. We kept the focus on the potential for some epic rematches when looking back at some of the best games from last year. Here is a look at the most highly anticipated college football rematches for 2017.
Ohio State Buckeyes @ Michigan Wolverines – November 25th
The most highly anticipated regular season game of 2016 definitely lived up to the hype when Ohio State took down Michigan in overtime. Both of the Buckeyes touchdowns in regulation were the result of interceptions but the offense delivered with back-to-back scored in the extra period to secure the 30-27 win. A combined 18 players from that matchup were selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, but there will still be some substantial carryover with the same quarterbacks, same coaches and a lot on the line for the rematch. Ohio State has won 12 of the last 13 games in this rivalry. It will be very interesting to see if they can add another win in this series with this year’s showdown in Ann Arbor.
Florida State Seminoles @ Clemson Tigers – November 11th
Dalvin Cook absolutely torched the Clemson defense for 169 rushing yards and four touchdowns in last year’s meeting. However, Deshaun Watson and Wayne Gallman did just enough to help the Tigers survive Cook’s performance as they clinched 37-34 victory on their way to a second-consecutive ACC title. The road to the College Football Playoff will likely go through this matchup again in 2017 even with Watson, Cook and others having graduated to the NFL. There will be plenty of new faces but there should be a familiar tone for a rematch that could ultimately decide the fate of the ACC.
LSU Tigers @ Alabama Crimson Tide – November 4th
Alabama is looking to retake its throne at the top of the college football pyramid beginning with another SEC championship. The Tide has absolutely dominated the best conference in college football over the past few years but a rematch with LSU is always must-see television. Last year’s showdown as a defensive-minded fans dream come true as the Crimson Tide didn’t allow the Tigers within their own 30-yard lien even once en route to a 10-0 win. Defense will once again be the focus of their rematch in 2017 as the road to an SEC championship winds through Tuscaloosa.
Clemson Tigers @ Louisville Cardinals – September 16th
Even before the defending national champion Tigers play the Seminoles they will have to get through Louisville. Clemson jumped out to a 28-10 lead when they met in 2016, before the Cardinals rallied with 26 straight points to take the lead. The Tigers eventually managed to clinch a 42-36 win but it went down to the wire in one of the most exciting finishes of the year. Clemson will have a ton of new faces including most importantly at the quarterback position so this could be a tough early season test against the reigning Heisman trophy winner Lamar Jackson and company. Louisville has a chance to make an early season statement and it will be very interesting to see if they can upset Clemson at home to dramatically change the tone in the ACC.
Penn State Nittany Lions @ Ohio State Buckeyes – October 28th
The annual showdown between Michigan and Ohio State gets top billing in the Big Ten but the rematch between the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions also deserves a spot on this list. Penn State shocked Ohio State with a 24-21 win that ended the Buckeyes undefeated season a year ago en route to a Big Ten title win. However, Ohio State was still given a spot in the College Football Playoff while the Nittany Lions were left with a sour feeling. Penn State will get another shot at taking down the Buckeyes but it will be Ohio State looking to avenge last year’s road loss. Both teams are expected to contend for a Big Ten championship in 2017 so this rematch will likely have major title implications once again.
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