The Top 10 Games to Look Foward to in 2009

The 2008 college football season gave us a lot of thrills, chills, spills, and, as always, controversy. As the 2009 season approaches—only 262 days to go if you are counting—here are the Top 10 games you can look forward to making an impact in 2009.

And for those of you who have your hopes up ... I'm sorry, but the 2009 battle for the Apple Cup between Washington and Washington State didn't make the list.

Oklahoma at Miami, Sept. 12

Miami continues to scale the mountain back to the national spotlight, and what better test for the Hurricanes then one of the true forces in college football: the Sooners.

Florida State at BYU, Sept. 19

The Cougars try to prove, once and for all, that they deserve to play with the big boys when they host tradition-rich BCS power Florida State.

Utah at TCU

Game Day is TBD

Both of these schools will be coming into the season with BCS-busting on the line, and maybe even national title hopes for Utah. After this game, one of these schools can kiss that dream good-bye.

LSU at Alabama, Nov. 7

Saban Bowl III

Who needs a playoff in college football? This game should serve as the SEC West Title Game. Oh, and lets not forget how Bayou Bengal faithful feel about their old coach.

Georgia at Oklahoma State, Sept. 5

Both schools have the talent to make it to the BCS National Championship, but play in though conferences. This early-season match-up could determine a BCS at-large spot down the road.

Alabama vs Virginia Tech, Sept. 5

For the second year in a row, Chick-fil-A is sponsoring a huge match-up to the begin the season in the Georgia Dome. Last year's win for Alabama was a major factor leading to that No. 1 ranking the Crimson Tide enjoyed most of the season. If the Hokies win this game, they could be staring down the National Championship the rest of the season.

Utah at Oregon, Sept. 19

Utah will be gunning for national respect and a ranking high enough and early enough to get them to the BCS Championship Game. An early win over the always-crafty Ducks will help them do just that.

Florida at LSU, Oct. 10

With the expectation of the '08 game, the Tigers and the Gators battle is always a though one with conference and national implications. 2009 should be no different.

USC at Ohio State, Sept. 12

Don't expect this game to turn out like the '08 game did. With a more seasoned Terrelle Pryor and the crowd in the Horseshoe, Ohio State proved in the Fiesta Bowl they will not lay down.

The Red River Shootout, Oct. 17, Dallas, Tex.

This game once again will play into the divison, conference, and national title pictures. Only next year, I'm sure more people will pay more attention to the scoreboard.