College Football: Let the BCS Chase Begin!

You know that sweet feeling you get when you leave the office on Friday? How about the neighbor who has all that Oklahoma Sooner stuff swarming over his front yard? What about the fact that your girlfriend is cheering for Florida State when you're cheering for Florida?

That must mean that college football has returned to save us from the monotony known as Post Traumatic Summer Disorder. And with it comes the chance for someone to become famous and move one step closer to becoming National Champions. I got a few games that will leave all of us in shock and awe. Here are my top five games of the week.

5) #9 Clemson vs. #24 Alabama

For one reason or another, Nick Saban decided to stay in the SEC after hauling @$$ for the first NFL team who thought that he could turn their franchise around. Now one year into his tenure with the Crimson Tide has proven that he may be a little rusty. But this weekend is a fresh start for everyone, including Coach Saban.

Many believe that this is the year that the ACC reclaims its glory back from the SEC and Big Ten. Clemson is the highest ranked team out of the ACC, but their first test is one of the biggest tests they got this season. This could be one of those games that could possibly resurrect some animosity between the two conferences as well as pave the way for the Tide to either fight for SEC dominance or a mediocre bowl game.

Final Score: Clemson 31, Alabama 27

4) #3 USC vs. Virginia

Now many are wondering why this game is so important. Virginia wasn't a completely dangerous team last season, but they are great at being obstacles for teams who want to make it to the BCS. This weekend, the Cavaliers could play spoiler for a team that has seen its dream of glory go up in smoke...on several occasions.

The Trojans are looking for a clean slate and a fresh start. Every season, they're picked to win the Pac 10. Every year, they're picked to play for the National Championship. And every year, they only accomplish half of their goal. They succeed enough to get the conference championship, but they can't do enough to get that push into the BCS.

USC will most likely win this game and go unmarked until their showdown with Ohio State. But keep a close eye on Virginia. If there is anything that can be said about the Cavaliers, it's that they are not just some rollover team. They will put up a fight. Though they will lose this game, they will put some pressure on USC.

Final Score: USC 27, Virginia 17

3) #7 LSU vs. Appalachian State

Hold on a second. Why would LSU be worried about Appalachian State? Why would the defending National Champions be sweating bullets over a Division II team? Why would the Tigers be worried about any of those teams that they already proved they can beat? Good question. Better answer.

Appalachian State upset Michigan...in the Big House last season. Secondly, LSU has lost Matt Flynn to the pros and Ryan Perilloux to the Chrontanamo Bay Potheads. Do they have a legitimate leader on offense left? I'm not saying that LSU should hit the panic button yet, but a loss to Appalachian State would not be in their best interest...especially if they're in the SEC.

Now there are many who don't see LSU losing this game, but for those people who feel that the Tigers will roll past the Mountaineers, you might want to talk to Michigan first.

Final Score: LSU 30, Appalachian State 27

2) #5 Florida vs. Hawaii

In Da Swamp, no one comes out alive. That's the motto that everyone who has been to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field has said upon departure. But last season was different. Last season, someone did something very stupid. Someone pushed the wrong button on the wrong team and the wrong individual.

That someone was June Jones. Last season, Jones bashed Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. This season, Jones has left Hawaii to deal with Tebow on their own. The catch: No Colt Brennan to save his mouth this time. Hawaii preached last season that they deserved to be in the BCS Championship. After that protest, they went out and got their bell rung and clock cleaned by SEC powerhouse Georgia.

Now the Warriors have lost their field general to the NFL, and they now need to find someone to lead them into The Swamp against the dynamic duo of Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin. Add in former USC standout Emmanuel Moody and you can count on the Florida Gators winning their home opener. Now Mr. Jones, how do you like them apples?

Final Score: Florida 52, Hawaii 27

1) #6 Missouri vs. #20 Illinois

Last season, Illinois kept pace with the rest of the Big Ten conference. They did enough to get a decent bowl game. Now they open the season against a team that has something to prove. But not to the Big Ten or the rest of the Big 12; they have something to prove to themselves.

The Missouri Tigers came up second in the Big 12 Title Game. Chase Daniel came up short in the Heisman Trophy Campaign. Then both parties got together and dismantled D-Mac and the Arkansas Razorbacks. Now with Oklahoma being the only other Big 12 team in the Top 10, Missouri is looking to prove that last season wasn't a fluke.

As for Illinois, nothing bad can be said about last season. Even losing to Mizzou won't be as bad as it looked. This will be a close game, and in the end, this should start a new rivalry in college football...or the return of an old one. That rivalry: Big 12 vs. Big Ten.

Final Score: Missouri 30, Illinois 20