Kickoff Early with SEC games Tonight as College Football Season Opens

Starla M. Brown

The long awaited college football season kickoff starts this weekend, but for die-hard fans this Thursday night has two SEC offerings on ESPN.

Starting at 6:00 p.m. ET North Carolina plays South Carolina with former UF coach Steve Spurrier leading the gamecocks in their season opener.  South Carolina moves into SEC play as they travel to Georgia on September 7th.  They host Vanderbilt on September 14th before traveling to UCF later in their schedule.

The SEC lineup continues on ESPN with game two slated for 9:00 p.m. ET with Ole Miss at Vanderbilt.  Earlier this month Vandy took a hit with the suspension of wide receiver Chris Boyd who was indicted on a felony count for the cover up of an alleged sexual assault investigation.  Boyd performed well for the Commodores last season catching 50 passes.

Outside the SEC Thursday night offers Southern Cal at Hawaii, but you'll need to stay up late if your an east coaster.  Friday night games include Texas Tech at SMU on ESPN, and if the weekend isn't satisfying enough there is even a Monday night game with Florida State at Pittsburgh also airing on ESPN.

Whatever your choice this weekend, college football season starts now, and unlike the pros these games go in the W-L columns.  Happy Labor Day Fans!