College Football 2011: The One Key Game from Every Week of the Season

It is inevitable that if you look at each week of the upcoming college football season you are going to find some weeks that are loaded with great games.

Then there will be those weeks that you may actually be able to take a nap after watching ESPN's Game Day.

But look closer at each week and you are bound to find at least one critical game that could have huge ramifications on the season.

Well, let's take a look at all 15 weeks of the regular season and pick that key game.

Week 1: Oregon vs. LSU (Sept. 3)

Both Oregon and LSU believe they have what it takes to play for a championship.

The loser of this Top 10 showdown will have some serious work to do to regain any traction in the BCS discussion.

While this game is being played at a neutral site (Cowboys Stadium in Dallas), it's still a chance for the Ducks to prove it can play with the big boys.

Oregon's last two opportunities to make a statement resulted in a loss to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl and to Auburn in the BCS Championship.

Actually, LSU could probably afford a loss more. If the Tigers turn things around and win the SEC, they will still receive a lot of support.

Next best game: Boise State vs. Georgia

Week 2: Notre Dame at Michigan (Sept. 10)

It's early, but Michigan is looking for a sign it is improving under first-year coach Brady Hoke.

OK, even Rich Rodriguez beat Notre Dame while he was coaching the Wolverines.

So maybe it's Brian Kelly who really needs this victory more, as there are those who actually believe the Irish are a dark-horse BCS contender.

This early-season win could propel Notre Dame to a magical season.

Next best game: Alabama at Penn State

Week 3: Oklahoma at Florida State (Sept. 17)

Oklahoma beat up and embarrassed Florida State, 47-17, last year.

Now the Seminoles believe they are a legitimate BCS contender. Oklahoma knows it's a front-runner for a spot in the championship game.

So this September game could have huge national ramifications, especially if FSU pulls out a win in Tallahassee.

A big win like this could be exactly what propels FSU to an ACC title and a spot in a BCS bowl.

Next best game: Michigan State at Notre Dame

Week 4: Arkansas at Alabama (Sept. 24)

Arkansas was so close last year.

Playing in Fayetteville, the Razorbacks were outscored 10-0 in the fourth quarter as Alabama eked out a 24-20 win.

Now Bobby Petrino's team believes it can beat anyone in the SEC, even a powerhouse like Alabama.

If the Razorbacks want to be considered a serious contender, then they'll need to win a huge road game like this one.

Anyone think Nick Saban will have trouble getting his team ready for this game?

Next best game: LSU at West Virginia

Week 5: Nebraska at Wisconsin (Oct. 1)

It takes awhile for Nebraska to kick off its inaugural Big Ten season, but the Cornhuskers get underway on the first day of October.

Where do they start?

How about hostile Camp Randall Stadium against Wisconsin?

Welcome to the Big Ten.

Bo Pelini could go ballistic and no one would actually hear him.

Next best game: Alabama at Florida

Week 6: Arizona State at Utah (Oct. 8)

While Utah will be in the midst of its first season in the newly formed Pac-12, this battle with Arizona State just may decide the Pac-12 South.

Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn may be the difference maker in this game, as long as Vontaze Burfict doesn't rough him up too much.

The Sun Devils have struggled the past two seasons, but Dennis Erickson has one of the conference's best defenses and expectations are sky high.

As for Utah, it could be a watershed moment. The Utes will either be eyeing a 3-0 start or trying to avoid an 0-3 start after playing USC and Washington.

Next best game: Oklahoma vs. Texas

Week 7: South Carolina at Mississippi State (Oct. 15)

Mississippi State is still facing an uphill battle in the SEC West, but Dan Mullen's squad can make a statement by knocking off the defending SEC East champ.

South Carolina struggled in games like this last year, but these two didn't play in 2010.

Steve Spurrier has to believe he's close to being a title contender again, so the Gamecocks can't slip up in this one.

As long as Stephen Garcia is playing quarterback at South Carolina, every game could be interesting...and not always for the right reason.

Next best game: Oklahoma State at Texas

Week 8: Wisconsin at Michigan State (Oct. 22)

Wisconsin has been thinking about this rematch since losing to Michigan State 34-24 in Madison last season.

Today, Wisconsin is a good pick to win the Leaders division of the Big Ten. Michigan State is in the running in the Leaders. So these two could very easily meet again in the conference championship game.

This will be your typical, bruising Big Ten game. But that makes for a great game and one worth watching.

It should be fun watching running backs Edwin Baker, James White and Montee Ball.

Next best game: USC at Notre Dame

Week 9: Stanford at USC (Oct. 29)

USC has the talent, but since Lane Kiffin's team is still on probation this season, this game with Stanford is the Trojans' chance to ruin the Cardinal's year.

It's also a golden opportunity to watch two of the nation's best quarterbacks—Stanford's Andrew Luck and USC's Matt Barkley.

Stanford may have the right mix of talent to come out on top in the Pac-12, but USC has what it takes to derail that plan.

There's also the possibility Stanford is more focused on its rematch with Oregon in two weeks.

Next big game: Michigan State at Nebraska

Week 10: LSU at Alabama (Nov. 5)

Without trying to sound disrespectful to any other game this season, but this one might just be the Game of the Year.

LSU and Alabama are both legitimate Top 3 programs. This game will probably decide one-half of the BCS Championship Game.

The atmosphere in Tuscaloosa will be better than what you've ever heard before.

The odds of both teams being undefeated here are strong and this is what makes Saturdays in the fall great.

Next best game: Texas A&M at Oklahoma

Week 11: Oregon at Stanford (Nov. 12)

It's getting late in the season and each week there are probably five to eight games that could be on top.

But when these two unleashed their potent offenses on each other, but it was Oregon who had too much in the second half for Stanford.

Now the Cardinal will try to return the favor in Palo Alto, and the Ducks have a history of keeping road games much closer.

It's also likely this is Andrew Luck's final shot at Oregon.

Next best game: Alabama at Mississippi State

Week 12: Penn State at Ohio State (Nov. 19)

By this point in the season, Ohio State may be ineligible for postseason play and this game may actually be meaningless.

But right now it is still a match up of traditional powerhouse teams at one of the best stadiums in the nation.

If Penn State exceeds expectations and Ohio State avoids bowl sanctions, this game could actually have some serious ramifications.

Of course, it may not mean much at all.

Next best game: Nebraska at Michigan

Week 13: Alabama at Auburn (Nov. 26)

Raise your hand if you think there's a better game this week?

Whatever.

The Iron Bowl is a great game even when both teams are 6-5.

Alabama could be playing for a spot in the SEC Championship Game, and there's nothing more Auburn would love to do than spoil the Tide's season.

With everything that has happened at Toomer's Corner, the Auburn fans would love nothing more than celebrating a win over their arch rival.

OK, they'd actually like for the trees at Toomer's to survive.

Next best game: Florida State at Florida

Week 14: Oklahoma at Oklahoma State (Dec. 3)

Ah, Bedlam. You won't want to miss it this year.

With the lack of a Big 12 Championship Game this year, the Oklahoma-Oklahoma State game could be the de facto championship.

There's a good chance this could be another offensive shootout, and since the game will be in Stillwater is the time right for the Cowboys to finally come out on top?

It's way too early to make that call, but Bob Stoops seems to have State's number.

Next best game: West Virginia at South Florida

Week 15: Army vs. Navy (Dec. 10)

Army hasn't defeated Navy since 2001 and this game has not had an impact on the national scene for something like 70 years.

But old-school college fans never miss this game.

Last year, Army actually showed the Navy streak may come to an end soon.

With Trent Steelman at quarterback and Rich Ellerson at coach, the Black Knights have made this rivalry a "must-watch" game again.

Next best game: This game gets a weekend to itself. So don't go looking for anything else.