2012 Pac-12 Football Schedule: 5 Must-See Matchups

With the Pac-12 releasing its 2012 football schedule today, it's never too early to start looking ahead at some of the top games.

Not all of these are Pac-12 games, but they will be a lot of fun to watch. They're not even necessarily rivalry games.

Actually, none of them are.

While those are fun games for people in the regions, they don't bring a lot of meaning outside of the region, or the conference.

These games will all be fun for fans of the Pac-12, as well as college football fans everywhere.

September 15: California at Ohio State

There's a lot around this game that's fun.

This will be Urban Meyer's third game as the head man for the Buckeyes, but the first that will even resemble a challenge. It will also be interesting to see how they respond to the sanctions that have been leveled against the program. 

From Cal's perspective, they get a chance to rebuild, and try to get back to national prominence.

Rivals ranks their recruiting class as the 24th best in the country. On paper, this seems to favor Ohio State, but there's always more than meets the eye. Even if the Buckeyes do win, the way that they play will be important. 

September 15: USC at Stanford

This is the first conference game of the Pac-12 season, and what a start it is. Stanford will be playing in its first game without Andrew Luck.

How will they respond without the two-time Heisman runner-up?

We're going to find out quickly, as USC is easily one of the top teams in the country. They have Matt Barkley returning, and talented play makers around him to put up a lot of points. 

Jim Harbaugh's first year at Stanford was 2007. He was 3-1 against USC, and Luck won this year without him. You had better believe that without Luck and Harbaugh, USC will be out to establish dominance in a big way.

It will be fun to see if that happens.

September 29: Oregon at Washington State

Do you like offense?

Well, this is the game for you to watch.

We know what Oregon can do. They're the best, most consistent offense in the country year in and year out. Whether ESPN's report of LaMichael James leaving Oregon ends up being true or not, the Ducks will put up points.

But what about Washington State, who will be under the tutelage of Mike Leach?

If Leach did nothing else at Texas Tech, he got his team to put up points at an alarming rate. He may not have all of his guys in place by this year, but the offense will improve. Lovers of offense will enjoy this game.

Nov. 3: Oregon at USC

You'll want to watch this one, as there's a very good chance that it will be a preview of the Pac-12 Championship Game at the end of November. The winner of this will likely be the host team, and eventual conference champions. 

Although USC beat Oregon a season ago, the Ducks have established themselves as the top team in the Pac-12.

Now that USC is back to being eligible for the postseason, they'll be quick to regain that status, and they have the talent to do it. 

We'll get a lot of points in this one, as is the case in every Oregon game. Don't be surprised if the winner of this game ends up in the BCS Championship Game in Miami. 

Nov. 24: Notre Dame at USC

While not a conference game, this is always a fun clash.

USC will certainly be the more talented team, but Brian Kelly's style of play can bring an upset if Notre Dame gets to dictate the pace. 

Both of these teams will be highly ranked heading into next season. They have returning talent, and will produce a fun, telling game at the end of the year.

There is a very good chance that this game will have BCS implications for both schools, and possibly National Championship hopes as well.

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