College Football 2011: Power Ranking the Top 50 Games To Watch

It’s always fun to take a look at the upcoming football season and try and imagine what the hottest games of the year will be. Sure Oregon-LSU and Oklahoma-Florida State look like they will shake up the Top 10 pretty quickly, but what about the down-and-dirty, nasty, long-term rivalries like the Holy War, the Backyard Brawl, the Civil War and, of course, Michigan-Ohio State? 

The results of some of these games will have conference title implications. Others will impact the race for the MNC. The games that are for bragging rights, however, are always the games where anything can happen. Tensions and passions run high in these games—USC and UCLA’s crosstown battle and the annual game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, for instance. The better team isn’t always the victor in rivalry games and anything can and usually does happen.

This year, with a number of major programs undergoing NCAA investigations, offseason players departing, starters under investigation—the whole gauntlet of NCAA issues—it is hard to prognosticate for Ohio State and Miami.

Ohio State, with the departures of Terrelle Pryor and Jim Tressel, is a program in transition. To what—that is not clear. Sure they have a boatload of talent. However, the chaos surrounding the program can't be good for morale. I have a feeling Ohio State is not going to be the Buckeye team their fans are used to this season.

Miami, on the other hand, might as well just wait for the bomb to detonate. Sure, the NCAA will take their sweet time investigating and ruling on the Nevin Shapiro scandal, but as of today, a significant amount of starters for the Hurricanes are under active investigation, including QB Jacory Harris. Whether or not these players will be eligible for this season is unknown. Whether or not these players are eligible means everything to the 'Canes' 2011 season. Without them, it is going to be a bumpy ride.

That said, let’s take a look at the hottest college football games of 2011.

1. LSU vs. Oregon: September 3rd

Holy moly, the football gods are not messing around with this one. It’s the first weekend of the 2011 season and the fast and flashy boys from Nike—er, I mean Oregon—square off against the down-and-dirty SEC defense of LSU. 

Welcome to football season, indeed!

I have to say I am pleasantly surprised to see LSU play Oregon to open the season. Usually they like to play East Cupcake State, a division LXXXXII school to ensure some easy wins before they head into the bulk of their crazy competitive SEC schedule.

Huge kudos to Les Miles and the LSU athletic department for scheduling this game. It is by no means a gimme for the Tigers and it will be fantastic to see these two great teams duel it out on the opening weekend of the 2011 college football season.

My bet, however, is on LSU. I think a stout defense will beat a flashy offense nine times out of 10.

2. Oklahoma at Florida State: September 17th

There will be a shake up in the polls when the top-ranked Sooners head into Tallahassee to take on the No. 6 Seminoles. 

Lots of buzz surrounds the Seminoles heading into the season; there is even talk of them making a run for the MNC this year. However, there’s no denying Oklahoma is the team to beat this year.

Can Florida State pull off the upset? Sure they can.

Let’s just hope they don’t have to rely on their kicking game.

3. Oregon at Stanford: November 12th

Unlike most of the college sports beat, I don't think Andrew Luck and the Cardinal are going to have quite the season they expect. Departed head coach Jim Harbaugh and the chemistry he had with QB Luck was a big part of the success the team from Palo Alto had.

Oregon and Stanford both play in the new Pac-12's North Division and the winner of this game will win their division and play in the inaugural Pac-12 Championship Game.

My bet is on Oregon.

4. Boise State at Georgia: September 3rd

I love it when games like Georgia vs. Boise State happen. The SEC has really stepped up their game with their out-of-conference schedule this season. (See also, LSU.)

However, that is assuming the Bulldogs aren't assuming this game is a gimme, because it by no means is. The Broncos have been one of the toughest programs in the country for a number of years now. Georgia should not look past them.

Too many losses this year and Mark Richt will be shown the door.

A win by Boise State is huge for them.

A win by Georgia is huge for Mark Richt's temporary job security.

My money is on Boise State in this one, folks.

5. LSU at Alabama: November 5th

This later-in-the-season, SEC West matchup will likely be the determiner of the division's champ.

It might even determine who plays for the MNC.

These end-of-season SEC games are always loaded with consequences, which is what make them to fun to watch.

6. Wisconsin at Michigan State: October 22nd

With Ohio State likely to be in chaos this year, look for Wisconsin and Michigan State to step in and fill that void.

Last season, Wisconsin's only regular-season loss came at the hands of the Spartans. Look for them to exact revenge this season.

This could be one of the season's great matchups.

7. Utah at USC: September 10th

This will be the very first game of the all new Pac-12 conference with the venerable Trojans of USC taking on the new kid on the block—the Utah Utes—in Los Angeles. 

Interested fans will be watching to see how Utah adapts to the increased competition in their new BCS AQ conference. USC will be looking to give the Utes an unpleasant welcome to the wild wild west.

8. Michigan State at Ohio State: October 1st

Michigan State was part of a three-way tie for the Big Ten (11) last year. And yet it was Ohio State who went to the Sugar Bowl only to have to vacate that win just a few months later when NCAA violations surfaced against the Buckeyes.

So you'll have to excuse the Spartans if they feel like it should have been them who played in the big fancy BCS bowl last year.

And look for them to take their frustrations out on the Terrelle Pryor-less Buckeyes. It might be a hollow consolation, but it is a consolation.

9. Oklahoma at Oklahoma State: December 3rd

This in-state rivalry closes out the season for both the Sooners and the Cowboys. The Sooners could be BCS championship bound, but don't overlook the Cowboys, who look to be a strong contender in the role of spoiler.

Surely this game will come down to defense—as in which defense can stop the high-powered offense of the opposing team.

Oklahoma QB Landry Jones and Oklahoma State QB Brandon Wheeden had nearly identical stats in 2010.

If you like offensive shootouts (and I DO), this is the game for you.

10. Georgia at Florida: October 29th

The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, 2011 version, sees embattled head coach Mark Richt of Georgia face off against brand-new Florida head coach Will Muschamp and his Tim Tebow-less Gators.

Nevertheless, this game is always a good time. Especially if, in the spirit of the cocktail theme, you plan a party to watch involving lots and lots of cocktails.

Always happy to have an excuse for a party, people...

11. Michigan at Michigan State: October 15th

Michigan may be on the comeback under Brady Hoke (or so the Wolverine faithful hope), but it is not yet up to the task of taking down Michigan State, who won this rivalry for the state in 2010.

Still, the game should be entertaining.

12. LSU at WVU: September 24th

LSU and West Virginia both enter the season with MNC buzz surrounding them. This fairly early test of these two teams could set the ball in motion to either go all the way to a BCS bowl (maybe even the championship) or limp along to a two- or three-loss season.

West Virginia, playing in the Big East (really, who cares about the Big East outside of its own students and alumni?), will be facing a much stronger opponent in LSU than they will face at any point the rest of the season.

LSU, on the other hand, might be looking ahead to their brutal SEC conference schedule, setting them up for defeat.

This trip to Morgantown could be the make-or-break game for LSU's BCS championship hopes.

13. Nebraska at Wisconsin: October 1st

Nebraska faces off against the Wisconsin Badgers for their first Big Ten (12) game. This would be a good time for the Cornhuskers to take advantage of the Ohio State situation and assert a new conference order.

That said, Wisconsin—having finally committed to QB Russell Wilson, the NC State transfer—looks fairly unbeatable in the Big Ten (12).

14. Texas A&M at Oklahoma: November 5th

Oklahoma's title run in 2010 was partly marred by their loss to Texas A&M. In fact, they were the last team to beat the Sooners.

That won't happen again this year, sorry Aggies.

15. Alabama at Auburn: November 26th

The Iron Bowl is one of those rivalries where anything can, and usually does happen. Auburn won the annual showdown last year en route to their BCS title. This year, Alabama looks to be a contender to win the SEC, if not the whole BCS shebang.

Can Auburn upset the Crimson Tide? Sure, that's what makes rivalries like this so fun. The relative strength of one team vs. the other is only part of the equation.

16. Ohio State at Nebraska: October 8th

The outlook for this game has changed drastically over the summer. First Terrelle Pryor was to sit out the first five games for Tattoo-gate, making this the first game he would have been eligible to play in 2011. Then Pryor and Tressel got the heck out of Dodge, leaving the landscape of the Buckeyes very changed.

It is too early to tell what kind of a team Ohio State will be.

17. BYU at Texas: September 10th

Longhorn fans will be able to see what kind of team they are fielding in 2011 for the first time when they face off against BYU. Will this be another sub-six-win season or will a win over BYU propel the momentum of this Longhorn team forward into a bowl-eligible season?

18. Notre Dame at Stanford: November 26th

This should be a fantastic game between Stanford and the Irish over Thanksgiving weekend, and will cap off Notre Dame's season. Neither team can afford a loss here—Stanford will have its eyes on the Pac-12 Championship and the Irish on a BCS bowl berth.

19. Stanford at USC: October 29th

It is not an understatement to say the Trojans will be out for Cardinal blood when they roll into the Coliseum on Halloween weekend. The effect of the loss of Jim Harbaugh looks to be especially evident when they face the USC defense.

20. Ohio State at Michigan: November 26th

This is one of those rivalries where anything can happen. It will be important for Michigan coach Brady Hoke to get a win against the Wolverines most hated rivals.

21. Utah at BYU: September 17th

The Holy War has been moved up in the season due to Utah's inclusion in the Pac-12. This should favor the Utes this year, as they get their annual rivalry game before the bulk of their Pac-12 schedule.

Utah will be coming off facing USC in Los Angeles, when they head back to Provo, Utah to take on the Cougars. 

Both programs have seen big changes in the offseason. When the 2010 season ended, both were members of the Mountain West Conference. Utah defected to the Pac-12, while BYU became an independent.

22. TCU at Boise State: November 12th

This game is likely to have BCS bowl implications, with the winner going to the BCS bowl. Interestingly, this is also the only time that TCU and Boise State will face each other as Mountain West foes, as the Horned Frogs are slated to leave the MWC for the Big East in 2012.

23. ASU at Utah: October 8th

ASU has been projected to be the team to beat if you want to win the Pac-12 South. And Utah would very much like to accomplish that in its first season in the Pac-12.

Facing Utah will be a test for ASU. Are they as strong as their hype implies? Or will they fall apart like they have in seasons past? That is the question the Sun Devils must answer before they can be taken seriously.

24. USC at Notre Dame: October 22nd

Last year's contest at the Coliseum was miserable. Not just in the outcome, with the Irish besting the Trojans on their home turf, but in the weather too. It was cold and rainy and in my seats last year up in Row 91, hailing. It seemed unjust that we endured those conditions only to watch our team lose.

(Irish fans gloating has to be at least as insufferable as USC fans gloating.)

This annual battle has been taking place since 1926 and is often called the greatest intersectional rivalry in college football. Last year's loss by the Trojans was their first versus the Fighting Irish since 2001, Pete Carroll's first year in Troy.

This is a different era and Brian Kelly's team has no intention of surrendering the Jeweled Shillelagh to Lane Kiffin's boys.

It's August and this Trojan alumna is already nervous.

25. Arizona at Oklahoma State: September 8th

Arizona has been improving in recent seasons under Mike Stoops. So has Oklahoma State. I happen to think Oklahoma State is the team to watch this year—they could go far.

This is a rematch of the Alamo Bowl last year. Oklahoma State routed Arizona 36-10.

26. Arkansas at Alabama: September 24th

The Razorbacks and Crimson Tide open their SEC schedules against each other this season. The SEC West is always a rough road for the eventual champion and it starts here. The Crimson Tide come into the season as one of the favorites, ranked No. 2 in the AP poll.

Arkansas is replacing standout QB Ryan Mallet.

It is sure to be a great SEC matchup with the victor in the drivers seat for the SEC Championship.

27. Oklahoma at Texas (Dallas): October 8th

The Red River Rivalry is always one of the best rivalries of the season. This year won't be any different. Texas will come out fighting. Oklahoma, on a quest to be wire-to-wire AP No. 1, will come out stronger.

This is Oklahoma's game to lose.

28. UCLA at USC: November 26th

The crosstown rivalry is always a good time in Los Angeles, but especially when my Trojans win. One of the greatest things to happen to this rivalry in recent years is the reinstatement of the home uniforms for both teams. That is a classic look and makes for a visually stunning tableau upon which to watch these rivals take on their nemesis.

That's my fancy way of saying my Trojans better kick some Bruin butt. This will be USC's final game of the 2011 season, seeing as how we are still ineligible for postseason play.

UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel may be treading on quicksand, having failed to make UCLA a contender in the City of Los Angeles. That said, UCLA is never quick to dismiss their head coaches. (See: Dorrell, Karl.)

No matter what is or isn't at stake for these two teams, this is always an important game for USC and UCLA. 

This is USC's bowl game, and depending on the season UCLA has, it may be theirs as well.

29. Arizona at ASU: November 9th

The 2010 battle for the state of Arizona was one of the most exciting games of the season. The Territorial Cup came down to the final seconds of  the second OT when a blocked PAT won the game for the Sun Devils. The final score of 30-29 in one of the hardest-fought battles of the season wasn't seen by as many people as it should have been, being a night game on the West Coast.

This year, do yourself a favor and tune in. Arizona will be looking for revenge and spoiling ASU's run at the Pac-12 South crown would be delicious justice for the Wildcats.

30. Pitt at West Virginia: November 5th

The Backyard Brawl is one of the longest rivalries in college football. Looking at this year's game, the Panthers and Mountaineers look to be the two top teams in the relatively weak Big East. WVU won last year's game 35-10 and I expect them to win this year's matchup as well.

But don't count Pitt out. Like I said, that is what is so great about these storied rivalries.

31. Notre Dame at Michigan: September 10th

This will be a big game for brand-new Michigan head coach Brady Hoke. It's his chance to prove he is that elusive thing the Wolverine's require—a "Michigan Man."

If his team can beat the Fighting Irish at home, it will go a long way towards endearing him with the Wolverine faithful.

Notre Dame looks to be improved from last year, and much improved from the handful of years when everyone beat Notre Dame gleefully.

32. Texas at Texas A&M: November 24th

This end-of-season matchup on Thanksgiving Day pits the Aggies against the Longhorns with a Big 12 (10) title on the line. For the Aggies, that is. Don't expect the Longhorns to magically bounce back from their 5-7 record in 2010.

However, this rivalry carries with it the right ingredients to play spoiler for A&M's BCS bowl hopes.

33. Arkansas at LSU: November 25th

Call this Tigers' Revenge 2011. Last year, the Razorbacks bested LSU and that win got Arkansas the Sugar Bowl berth over LSU.

LSU is not used to losing contests like that. LSU is not used to not being a part of the BCS bowl equation. They will make sure that doesn't happen again this year. Especially on their home turf.

34. Army at Navy: December 10th

The Army-Navy game is one of the most traditional and enduring rivalries in college football, having been played yearly since 1890 with the exception of 10 years (1894-98, 1909, 1917-18, 1928-29).

Navy has won the past six matchups and leads the all-time series 55-49-7.

35. Miami at FSU: November 12

This series used to be known for two things: deciding who won/who was going to the national championship and a series of wide right (and a left) missed field goals by Florida State.

It has been nearly a decade since either school dominated college football. This season, there is a bit of buzz surrounding the Seminoles and they are the favorite to win the ACC. Miami, on the other hand—well, everyone knows what's going on with Miami these days.

Let's hope it does not come down to a field goal for Florida State.

36. BYU at TCU (Dallas): October 28th

These two teams have a storied Mountain West history of great games between them. Heading into 2011, both the Cougars and the Horned Frogs look strong and this could be a game that determines which team remains undefeated.

I fully expect TCU to come out on top in this one.

37. Florida State at Florida: November 26th

Again, the Florida teams are not dominating college football like they once were. That said, a Florida- Florida State matchup is always entertaining. This year's game will be fun to watch to see if Florida State is going to take up the mantle as the best program in Florida or if the Gators will continue to reign supreme.

38. TCU at San Diego State: October 8th

Let's put it this way: SDSU has improved so much that their head coach, Brady Hoke, got hired to run the Michigan Wolverines. San Diego State, along with TCU and Boise State, is the only real competition in the Mountain West this year. 

The Aztecs have one of the most powerful QB/RB teams in the country in Ryan Lindley and Ronnie Hillman. Meanwhile, the Horned Frogs are breaking in a new QB.

I'd love to see SDSU knock off TCU in their final MWC matchup. It's about time San Diego State had a football program that wins.

39. South Carolina at Georgia: September 10th

Georgia has not made things easy on themselves to start off the season. First, they face Boise State. Then, the very next week, South Carolina. They could very easily end up starting the season 0-2.

Even if the Bulldogs beat the Broncos in Week 1, this is still a must-win for them. A 1-1 start is not going to allow Mark Richt any job security in Athens.

Meanwhile Spurrier, Garcia and the Gamecocks have developed a bit of swagger. (Well let's be honest, Spurrier has always had swagger.)

It will be fun to watch, that's for sure.

40. Florida at South Carolina: November 12th

Steve Spurrier will be attempting to knock off his former team and take the Gamecocks to the SEC title game.

Will Muschamp will be trying to show everyone that Florida is the same old winning, dominating force to be reckoned with under his watch.

This should be a fun one to watch.

41. Tennessee at Arkansas: November 12th

Tennessee has had a rough couple of years, but Derek Dooley seems to have the Vols back on top. This will be a big test, as even without QB Ryan Mallet, the Hogs are a tough team to beat.

42. Iowa at Nebraska: November 25th

The Hawkeyes face a rebuilding year losing their star QB Ricky Stanzi as well as six other offensive starters. Tailback Adam Robinson, tight end Allen Resiner, wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and fullback Brett Morse are all gone. The good news is most of the offensive line is back, giving their new QB a chance to find his footing but expect this offense to struggle in finding its identity this year.

After a few down years, the Cornhuskers are coming off their first back-to-back 10-win seasons in a decade (10-2 overall in 2010). And make no mistake, they will be looking to make a big impression in their new conference. 

Sophomore QB Taylor Martinez is the perfect Big Ten smash-mouth quarterback. Martinez passed for 1,631 yards, with 965 yards of rushing and 22 touchdowns last season. He is going to light the Big Ten defenses on fire. The offense is missing some key players from last year’s squad, but while the new O-line gets its footing, the scary Nebraska D will be holding its new conference foes to low scores.

This matchup in the Big Ten's (12) Legends division looks to favor the Cornhuskers.

43. TBD on 8/25/11

Fact is, my browser/Bleacher Report's CMS crashed on me TWICE while composing this piece and ALL DATA was lost TWICE.

I had South Carolina at GA in here twice. I will find a replacement game tomorrow (Thurs). I need to be DONE WITH THIS.

44. Arkansas at Texas A&M (Dallas): October 1st

This should be a good matchup. The Aggies are on the rise and would love to best an SEC competitor, especially after losing to LSU. Arkansas, especially this early in the season, will be trying to find their footing without Ryan Mallet.

The Aggies have a chance. A good chance. In fact, I'd even say they are favored.

45. Miami at Virginia Tech: September 8th

Prior to the Nevin Shapiro allegations at Miami, this would have been a great game. That said, Miami is in flux. Will Jacory Harris and Co. be eligible? Who will Al Golden replace him with if he isn't?

Virginia Tech doesn't look to be quite as dominating as in years past, but they should easily best Miami.

47. Ole Miss at Mississippi State: November 26th

Why is this game included? For the sheer fact that Mississippi State's head coach Dan Mullen boldly declared that the Bulldogs would never lose to Ole Miss again.

It will be fun to see if he is right.

48. Penn State at Wisconsin: November 26th

This could be Joe Paterno's final Big Ten game after a coaching career that has seen—well, when Paterno started there were no personal computers, or cell phones, or Internet, or fax machines, or cable television or Super Bowl. That is reason enough for it to be a must-see.

49. USC at Oregon: November 19th

USC faces the program that Nike built (Oregon) at Autzen Stadium in Eugene this year. However, the Trojans could play spoiler to the Ducks' MNC hopes if they can pull off an upset.

Which team's motivation will be higher?

50. Pittsburgh at Utah: October 15th

It was 2005 when Utah was the first BCS "Buster" and went into the Fiesta Bowl and beat Pitt. Last season, the Utes also emerged victorious, albeit in OT by a margin of three points, 27-24.

Since then Pitt has undergone a coaching change and Utah has moved to the Pac-12.

Will Pitt finally gain an advantage over the Utes?