5 Prime Time Craft Beers To Kickoff The Return Of Football

Whether you're watching from the couch, the man cave, or the tailgate... these craft beer/football pairings will make you say "God Bless America"!

1. Thursday, August 31 - #2 Ohio State vs. Indiana - Hoppin' Frog's B.O.R.I.S. the Crusher Oatmeal Stout

Hoppin' Frog Brewery / Via hoppinfrog.com

As the #2 Ohio State Buckeyes attempt to mount another championship run, fans across the nation can kick off the college football season with this local Ohio craft beer. B.O.R.I.S. the Crusher Oatmeal Stout features deep roasted, dark grains with an insanely smooth finish.

2. Friday, September 1 - Utah State vs. #9 Wisconsin - Ale Asylum's Ambergeddon

Ale Asylum Brewery / Via aleasylum.com

Similar to the Badger's elite rushing attack which brings both the lightning and the thunder... Ale Asylum's Ambergeddon brings both the Malt AND the Hops! Brewed locally in Madison, WI... this is not your mama's beer! Tailgaters be warned, this beer will make your party very very popular!

3. Saturday, September 2 - #11 Michigan vs. #17 Florida - Swamp Head Brewery's Wild Night Honey Cream Ale

Swamp Head Brewery / Via swamphead.com

In one of the few match-ups between ranked teams on opening weekend, Jim Harbaugh takes #11 Michigan into "The Swamp" to face #17 Florida. For folks watching this midday game, it is better to pace yourself and start off with a local swamp favorite. Wild Night Honey Cream Ale uses honey from local bees to ensure a smooth, clean buzz for football fans everywhere.

4. Sunday, September 3 - #22 West Virginia vs. #21 Virginia Tech - Mountain State Brewing's Ol' Red Irish Red Ale

Mountain State Brewing/Michael Doig / Via mountainstatebrewing.com

The "Black Diamond" rivalry between #22 West Virginia and #21 Virginia Tech kicks off for the first time in 12 years, and is expected to be an incredibly balanced match-up that will come down to the final minutes, if not overtime. There is no better beer to pair with this game than the Ol' Red Irish Red Ale from Mountain State Brewing Co. This beer artfully balances a subtle fruitiness with toasted malt flavors which you will enjoy down to the final drop.

5. Monday, September 4 - #25 Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech - Crafty Bastard Brewery's Hop Candy IPA

Craft Bastard Brewery / Via craftybastardbrewery.com

The last game of the football kickoff weekend features #25 Tennessee traveling to face the triple option offense of Georgia Tech. Tennessee coach Butch Jones will have to be a "Crafty Bastard" to stop the Yellow Jackets from running up the score. In that spirit there is no sweeter way to end the weekend than with the nice blend of watermelon, tangerine and white grape provided by the Hop Candy IPA.