Five critical matchups that will decide the biggest games in Week 1

The opening Saturday of the college football season bring some significant matchups that could have an impact on the College Football Playoff.

Here's a look at five of them and what will be the decisive factor in determining a winner (all times Eastern):

THE MATCHUP: Wisconsin offensive line vs. Alabama defensive line

TIME/TV: 8 p.m. Saturday, ABC

Wisconsin runs the football. Alabama stops the run. These two forces will collide when the Badgers and Crimson Tide meet up in Arlington, Texas. For Wisconsin to win Paul Chryst's debut as coach, its offensive line must win the battle against one of the nation's best front sevens. The Crimson Tide were fourth in the nation in rushing and return standout defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and A'Shawn Robinson and linebacker Reggie Ragland.

Melvin Gordon's departure after running for 2,587 yards and finishing second in the Heisman voting might be a cause for concern for most teams. But before Gordon, there was James White, Montee Ball, James White, John Clay and P.J. Hill. Corey Clement, who had 949 yards last season, is the next in the line. The bigger question is if his line, which returns two starters, can create running room for Clement. That will take the pressure off quarterback Joel Stave and create passing opportunities. With the Alabama offense inexperienced at key positions, the Badgers have an opportunity for an upset if they can get move the chains and reach 20 points. Otherwise, Stave and rest of the Badgers are in for a long night.

THE MATCHUP: Malik Zaire vs. Texas defense

TIME/TV: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, NBC

The way Texas ended last season getting routed in the Texas Bowl, it would seem the Longhorns would be an easy opener for Malik Zaire and Notre Dame. But that won't be the case for the junior quarterback making his second career start. Texas may have been inept on offense last season, but its defense was quietly very impressive, especially given its lack of support by the other side of the ball. Consider, the Longhorns held Baylor and TCU to 34 points combined through the first three quarters of those games. There is plenty of speed and athleticism to slow down Zaire, whose primary weapon has been his running ability. Look for Texas to stack the box and put pressure on the Irish quarterback to make throws. Zaire has numerous receiving options, with junior Will Fuller being the top target. If he doesn't find them consistently, it could be tough sledding for the Irish offense and a closer-than-expected opener.

THE MATCHUP: John Chavis vs. Arizona State offense

TIME/TV: 7 p.m. Saturday, ESPN

Before Kevin Sumlin and Johnny Manziel arrived, the foundation of Texas A&M's success dating back to the tenure of Jackie Sherill was on defense. That foundation needed some serious shoring up after giving up more than 30 points per game in consecutive seasons. So Sumlin went out and hired John Chavis from LSU to change the culture. Chavis brings an aggressive, attacking style developed in his 20 years as an SEC defensive coordinator with the Tigers and Tennessee.

We don't have to wait long to see his influence with the Aggies facing Arizona State in the opener. The defensive line will be a strength led by Myles Garrett, a sophomore defensive end who is ready to be one of the top players in the country. The challenge is if there will be enough pass rush to help out the secondary against the pass-happy Sun Devils. Mike Bercovici only started three games last season, but threw for 1,276 yards and 10 touchdowns in those games. With time, he will pick apart the Aggies. Chavis needs to find a way to pressure him or else.

THE MATCHUP: Virginia Tech secondary vs. Ohio State wide receivers

TIME/TV: 8 p.m. Monday, ESPN

Everybody remembers Virginia Tech upset Ohio State in Week 2 last season. The win was keyed by the strategy of Hokies defensive coordinator Bud Foster leaving his defensive backs on an island and forcing J.T. Barrett to make throws against blitzes. Foster returns junior standout Kendall Fuller at one cornerback and the duo of Brandon Facyson and Chuck Clark on the other side, so expect him to employ the same strategy.

If the secondary can win the battle against the Buckeyes wide receivers, that will free up the front seven to deal with Ezekiel Elliott and the Buckeyes running game. The added emotion of the home crowd will also be a big factor in making this a defensive struggle and give Tech a chance to stay close and add to the legacy of big home wins at night in Lane Stadium.

THE MATCHUP: Louisville offense vs. Will Muschamp

TIME/TV: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, CBS

Auburn is going to score points. That's a certainty for a Gus Malzahn offense. For Louisville to hang with the Tigers, it needs to be able to hold serve with its own offense. The Cardinals return three quarterbacks who made starts last season — Will Gardner, Reggie Bonnafon and Kyle Bolin. There will, however, be a lot of inexperience around whoever is the signal caller. The top two receivers are gone, and just two starters return on the offensive line.

An added challenge will be the Tigers defense having a very new look with the arrival of Will Muschamp. Though his tenure as head coach at Florida wasn't a success, Muschamp is an outstanding defensive coordinator who will bring a new attitude to Auburn. They won't be a pushover like last season. Louisville must find a way to control the clock to keep its defense fresh against the Tigers onslaught. One of the quarterbacks also must have a hot hand to make some big plays if Bobby Petrino is going to pull off his first signature win during his second coaching tenure at Louisville.

Follow Erick Smith on Twitter at @erick_smith.