National Champ On Display? Kickoff Classic Football Game Has Showcased Last Two Titlists I

The Kickoff Classic won’t kick off the college football season this year. Recent history indicates it could kick off a national championship season for the winner.

No. 12 Ohio State plays No. 22 Boston College at Giants Stadium on Sunday, after No. 14 Michigan and No. 17 Virginia open the season in the Pigskin Classic at Ann Arbor today.

While some schools have turned down invitations to the Kickoff Classic because it lengthens an already long season, the early start didn’t hurt Florida State in 1993 or Nebraska in 1994. Both used shutout wins in the game as a springboard to a national title. Florida State beat Kansas 42-0 and Nebraska defeated West Virginia 31-0.

“I sure hope we’re not lining up against the national champions,” Boston College coach Dan Henning said Friday.

Ohio State coach John Cooper likes to start the season early.

“It gives you extra practice time,” he said, “and I think it makes you a better team down the stretch. As far as I’m concerned, it’s nothing but a positive. The only negative would be if we got a major injury.”

Henning, a former NFL coach in his second season at Boston College, said it’s more difficult preparing for a season opener in college than in the pros.