Football that counts is so close that I can taste it. How close is it? It is closer than you think if you read the Slate.

Thursday, Aug 21

NFL (6:30-10 p.m., NFL Network): It's the battle for Pennsylvania as the Pittsburgh Steelers clash with the Philadelphia Eagles for state bragging rights.

Friday, Aug 22

NFL (7-10 p.m., CBS): The rebuilding Oakland Raiders travel east to face Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers ... NFL (9 p.m.-12 a.m., NFL Network): Defending Super Bowl champions the Seattle Seahawks host the Chicago Bears.

Saturday, Aug 23

NFL (3:30-7 p.m., NFL Network): Two teams hopeful to make the playoffs this season collide when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the Buffalo Bills ... NFL (7-10 p.m. CBS): Drew Brees returns for the New Orleans Saints as they take on Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts.

Sunday, Aug 24

NFL (3-6 p.m., Fox): See the San Diego Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers in a battle of playoff teams from last season ... NFL (7-10p.m. NBC) Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals host Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Monday, Aug 25

Tennis (6-10 p.m., ESPN2): Watch night coverage of the opening day of the 2014 US Open as the top stars of the tennis world descend on New York for the right to win this major.

Tuesday, Aug 26

Football (9-10 p.m., ESPNU): Get ready for the college football season with this special as ESPNU presents this 2014 SEC Football Preview.

Wednesday, Aug 27

College football (6-9 p.m., ESPNU): The first college football game of the season kicks off with FCS team Abilene Christian against FBS team Georgia State.

In next week's Slate, expect plenty of college football for your viewing pleasure.